Wulingyuan Scenic Area
2022-06-10
Its unique quartz and sandstone mountains are rare both at home and abroad. In consequence, it is acclaimed as a place with three thousand majestic mountains. In the core scenic area of 217.2 square kilometers, there are 3,103 quartz and sandstone mountains at an altitude of 500 to 1,100 meters and with a height of dozens of meters to 400 meters. Resembling human beings, gods, animals and artifacts, these mountains stand next to each other and stretch out as far as we could see.
Wulingyuan boasts hundreds of waterfalls, springs, rivers, streams and lakes. The Golden Whip Stream stretches more than ten kilometers. Along the stream tourists can travel from Zhangjiajie to Suoxi Valley. There are mountains on both sides of the stream. It is pleasant to eyes that the mountains are reflected in the stream.
The caves in Wulingyuan are large in number as well as in scale and are of unique features. There are more than 40 known caves, among which the most famous one is Huanglong Cave with a total length of 7.5 kilometers. The four-floor cave is a microcosm of the cave landform in Southeast Asia.
Wulingyuan boasts rare heritage of landform, including quartz and sandstone mountains, flat mountains, caves as well as canyons. In addition, there is well-preserved ecological environment and system. Therefore, the unique and precious landform in Zhangjiajie is even better than that in the US from the scientific and aesthetic perspectives.
Wulingyuan is rich in vegetation. The forest coverage rate reaches 74.75% and there are two primeval secondary forests, functioning as home to China’s important ancient wiggler hereditary organisms. There are more than 3,000 species of vegetation on the spot, among them there are 35 national endangered species of Spermatophyta. In this area, Wuling pines are the most widespread trees in the largest number and in the most unique shape.
There are also endangered animals in Wulingyuan. According to surveys, there are 116 kinds of land-dwelling vertebrates falling into 50 families, among which there are 3 first-class protected species and 10 second-class protected species. There are more than 300 macaques in Wulingyuan and many Andrias davidianus in the streams, springs and deep pools.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
With a total area of 130 square kilometers, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park stands as China’s first national forest park. The mountains in the spot are in the youth stage of evolution of kegel andturm karst. The landforms are unique with stone hills of various forms standing. And the trees are luxuriant. The mountains and valleys surround the spot, creating a warm and moist climate. There are many attractions in the spot. Two mountains with flat peaks on the spot reach an altitude of over 1,000 meters. One of them is Huangshi Stockaded Village and the other is Yaozi Stockaded Village.
Suoxi Valley Scenic Spot
Adjacent to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the west and Mount Tianzi in the north, Suoxi Valley Scenic Spot covers a total area of 160 square kilometers. It is in the late stage of evolution of kegel andturm karst. There are beautiful mountains and waters in the spot.
Mount Tianzi Scenic Spot
Close to Zhangjiajie and Suoxi Valley, Mount Tianzi Scenic Spot is located in the north of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. With an area totaling 67 square kilometers and its peak reaching 1,262.5 meters, it is so named because an ancient leader called himself Tianzi. Acclaimed as the king of kegel andturm karst, the mountains in the spot are in their prime. There are valleys and stone mountains in the east, west and south of the spot.
Yangjiajie Scenic Spot
Located in the east of Zhangjiajie and the north of Mount Tianzi, Yangjiajie covers an area of 34 square kilometers. The peak of the scenic spot reaches an altitude of 1,130 meters. The mountains are in the early stage of evolution of kegel andturm karst. There are valleys and rivers in the mountains. And the vegetation in the scenic spot is luxuriant. As the last one developed among the four scenic spots, its forest coverage rate amounts to 95%.
