Huanglongquan in Zhangjiajie

Huanglongquan Scenic Area (黄龙泉风景区) serves as the northwest gateway to Tianzi Mountain (天子山) and is home to over 20 scenic spots. The towering rock peaks are awe-inspiring, and the walk through the fresh and serene orchid-lined paths is both calming and rejuvenating. The area is known for its unique natural beauty and is a prime destination for nature lovers.

Main Scenic Spots

Fengqi Mountain (凤栖山)

Fengqi Mountain, named after the shape of the mountain resembling a phoenix’s head, is covered with lush trees and bamboos. Locals describe it as resembling both a phoenix and a chicken. A famous local rhyme says:

“凤栖山，峰连天，峰似画”

(“Fengqi Mountain, the peaks stretch to the sky, the peaks resemble a painting.”)

Gumei Dusan (孤妹独伞)

The strange stone pillar, which has a unique pine tree shaped like a young girl holding a giant umbrella, is a legendary figure in local folklore. It is said that the leader of the Tujia (土家族) ethnic group, Xiang Wang, saw his sister holding the umbrella to collect spiritual herbs for her grandmother.

Tianzi Well (天子井)

Tianzi Well, a fist-sized spring that gushes water over a meter high, remains warm even in winter (around 20°C). The water is rich in minerals beneficial to health, making it a popular spot for therapeutic bathing and drinking for longevity.

Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞)

Huanglong Cave is distinguished from other renowned caves due to its unique features. The cave is massive, with stalactites and columns reaching up to 30 meters tall and 9 meters wide. The cave even houses a river. The underground waterfall, 60 meters high, and the river, extending over two kilometers, are the key highlights. Visitors can boat on the river, enjoying the shimmering light reflecting off the surface, with the surrounding stone formations enhancing the picturesque scene. This spectacle has earned it the title of “The World’s Greatest Wonder” from both domestic and international visitors.

Huanglong Spring (黄龙泉)

Located in the west of Sinalong Valley (泗南峪), Huanglong Spring sits amidst a 4000-acre stone forest. The spring produces water throughout the year, and its golden color resembles a giant dragon, giving it the name “Huanglong” (Golden Dragon). The water is referred to as “colored water” or “golden water,” as it contains sulfur minerals or antimony-based compounds.

General Rock (将军岩)

General Rock rises 90 meters high, and its towering figure resembles a general standing with arms behind, ready for battle. It is said that this general was a brave commander under the rule of the Emperor Xiang Wang, who achieved great victories in the defense of Sinalong Valley. The nearby rock peak, shaped like an arrow, is known as “Arrow Pole Rock” (箭杆岩).

Heavenly Pond (天池)

Located at an altitude of 1200 meters, Heavenly Pond covers over 200 acres. Its crystal-clear waters remain pristine year-round, never drying up in droughts or becoming murky in the rain. This tranquil and picturesque spot rivals the famous Tianchi Lake (天池) in Changbai Mountain (长白山), Northeast China.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: April and October are the best months to visit Huanglongquan, when Zhangjiajie’s natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

  • Transportation:

    • Air: Zhangjiajie has direct flights from 24 cities across China, though not all cities have daily flights. Major cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have regular flights.
    • Train: Zhangjiajie Railway Station connects with over 10 major cities in China. Direct trains to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are available.
    • Bus: Zhangjiajie Railway Station is 33 km away from the city center, and buses run frequently to scenic spots like “Shui Rao Si Men” (水绕四门). The cost is around 10 RMB per person, and the journey takes about an hour.
    • Public Transportation: There are 24-hour buses running between the railway station and the city center, with a fare of 1 RMB.