Qixing (Seven Star) Mountain in Zhangjiajie
Introduction
Seven Star Mountain, historically known as Gaoyang Mountain (高阳山) and Tianshi Mountain (天师山), is located in Daping Town, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. It lies at the intersection of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Dongting Lake subsidence area within the Wuling Mountains. The mountain serves as the watershed between the Lishui and Yuanjiang river basins. The terrain is complex, with diverse landforms, primarily dominated by mountain plateaus. The highest peak stands at 1528 meters above sea level.
The original Seven Star Mountain village, located at an average altitude of 1200 meters, was isolated without electricity, roads, or communication. Due to these challenges, most of the villagers relocated to the lower areas of Daping Town about 10 years ago. Today, only a few households remain, who still visit the mountain periodically for collecting herbs, wild vegetables, and hunting.
The mountain’s summit is a vast hilltop plateau with an average temperature of 9°C, and it has no summer. The area boasts an 87% forest coverage, with nearly 2000 acres of primeval forest. The biodiversity is rich, home to a variety of rare plants and animals.
Flora and Fauna
- Animals: Rhesus macaques, civet cats, muntjacs, hedgehogs, pangolins, bamboo rats, white-faced monkeys, wild rabbits, wild boars, wild dogs, wild cats, golden pheasants, rock eagles, colorful pheasants, weasels, and more. Among these, the red macaque is particularly rare.
- Plants: Species such as goosefoot, magnolia, Wuling pine, wild mountain pears, Chinese parasitic plants, ancient boxwood, dove tree, Gastrodia elata, hemp, lacquer tree, and yellow lotus can be found here.
Geography and Climate
- Location: Daping Town, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China.
- Climate: Subtropical, with an average annual temperature of around 9°C. The area experiences no summer.
- Altitude: 399m to 1528m.
Key Attractions
- Small Heaven’s Gate (小天门): A smaller version of the famous Tianmen Cave, located at the top of the mountain. It exudes natural beauty with rugged cliffs and mystical surroundings.
- Washing Horse Pool (洗马池): A scenic area where legend says that Li Zicheng’s defeated army let their horses drink from the pool.
- Cliff Group (绝壁群): Massive and imposing mountain peaks, including spires, cones, knives, swords, and forks, which shoot straight into the sky. The landscape is dramatic, with sharp cliffs and stunning views.
- Cliffside Plank Road (绝壁栈道): Located between 400m to 500m in elevation, this dangerous but thrilling plank road requires visitors to cross it with nerves of steel.
- Heaven’s Ladder (天梯): A vertical stairway leading up a rock wall, with each step being more challenging than the last.
- Reed Valley (芦苇凼): A serene area where the reed grass grows nearly 3 meters tall, creating a picturesque scene.
Development and Conservation
Infrastructure
- In 2018, the comprehensive development of Seven Star Mountain began.
- In 2020, the Seven Star Cable Car was under construction.
- In 2022, the Seven Star Mountain Resort officially opened to the public.
- In 2023, the Glass Plank Road began construction with a total investment of 17 million RMB.
Tourist Facilities
- Tianjie Town: The commercial center of the Seven Star Mountain Resort, which includes dining, shopping, bars, KTV, fitness, and other entertainment options.
- Villa Hotels: These resorts face the Lan Yue Lake and are divided into sections for guesthouses, wooden cabins, and tent hotels, offering picturesque views of the lake and mountains.
- Glass Plank Road: At an altitude of 1314m, this 199.99m long and 9.9m wide glass walkway offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Ski Resort: The Seven Star Mountain Ski Resort, covering more than 50,000 square meters, is the only high-altitude ski area in northwestern Hunan, featuring beginner and intermediate slopes.
Honorary Recognition
- In 2022, Seven Star Mountain was designated a provincial-level tourism resort by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
- In 2024, it was recognized as a “Civilized Scenic Area” by Zhangjiajie City’s Civilization Office.
Outdoor Adventure and Activities
Hiking and Mountaineering
Seven Star Mountain offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, camping, and exploration. The trails vary in difficulty, with some routes requiring serious endurance and mental strength to navigate dangerous cliffside paths and leech-infested zones.
Travel Tips
- Recommended Equipment: Camping gear, hiking backpacks, sturdy shoes, cooking equipment, trekking poles, cold-weather clothing, communication devices, and first-aid supplies.
- Surrounding Areas: Tianlan Pass, Pineapple Gorge, Xiami Creek (which leads to Seven Star Mountain), Xiongbi Rock, and Chong Mountain.
Access and Transportation
- By Foot: You can take bus No. 5 or No. 8 to Xingjia Alley from the city center, then hike to the Xiangxi Creek Dam and continue to Xiniutan Village.
- By Car: Hire a car from the city center to Ganzi Ping Village, then drive along Xiangxi Creek to Xiniutan Village (16km).
- Return: After descending, take a tricycle or van from Tangjia Village to Daping Town, then return to the city center by bus or private car.
Brand and Cultural Events
Ice and Snow Tourism Festival
The Ice and Snow Tourism Festival, held annually since 2023, combines skiing, outdoor sports, cultural entertainment, and adventure activities, drawing tourists for a unique winter experience in Zhangjiajie.
Seven Star Cable Car and Mountain Slide
The Seven Star Cable Car covers a distance of 2003 meters with a 42.79° slope and a vertical drop of 708 meters, offering spectacular views during the 6-minute ride. The mountain slide, a high-speed stainless steel track, provides a thrilling descent down the mountain, allowing tourists to enjoy the stunning natural scenery along the way.
Seven Star Mountain is a rising star in the world-famous Zhangjiajie region, offering a new destination for adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. With its rich biodiversity, unique landscape, and a variety of outdoor activities, it is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the clouds.
