Sandstone and Peaks (Shayan Fenglin) Geological Park in Zhangjiajie

The Sandstone and Peaks (Shayan Fenglin) Geological Park in Zhangjiajie (张家界砂岩峰林地质公园) is located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, covering a total area of 3,600 square kilometers. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and is made up of four main scenic areas—Zhangjiajie (张家界), Suoxiyu (索溪峪), Tianzi Mountain (天子山), and Yangjiajie (杨家界)—as well as Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞), creating a complete ecosystem. The park features diverse landforms, including mountains, rivers, bridges, caves, and waterfalls, making it a rare natural museum and a unique tourist destination.

Geological Features

The park is centered around the world-renowned sandstone peak forest landform, with karst landscapes as a complement. It is rich in geological relics, including well-formed geological profiles and special fossil sites. The sandstone peak forest landscape is composed of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, towering and majestic. Among these, over 1,000 pillars exceed 200 meters in height, with the tallest being Jinbian Rock (金鞭岩) at 350 meters.

Another distinctive landform within the park is the karst cave landscape. Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞) is a typical example, and it is one of the places in the world where the densest and most realistic stalactites and stalagmites can be found.

Flora and Fauna

In addition to its remarkable geological features, Zhangjiajie Sandstone and Peaks Geological Park (张家界砂岩峰林地质公园) is home to dense forests containing rare plants such as Ginkgo (银杏), Dove Tree (珙桐), Red-Bean Tree (红豆杉), and Magnolia (鹅掌楸). These plants provide tangible evidence for the study of biological evolution.

Notable Attractions

Zhangjiajie Sandstone and Peaks Geological Park (张家界砂岩峰林地质公园) is known for having the highest concentration of sandstone pillars in the world. It is also home to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (张家界大峡谷玻璃天桥), the world’s highest pedestrian bridge, and the world’s highest outdoor elevator, which stands at 326 meters and holds a Guinness World Record.

Geography and History

The park is characterized by its towering peaks, lush forests, deep ravines, and beautiful mountain streams. This stunning natural landscape remained hidden in the lofty mountains of northwest Hunan, largely unknown to the world until 1979. That year, renowned artist Wu Guanzhong (吴冠中) and Hong Kong photographer Chen Fulai (陈复礼) visited Zhangjiajie (张家界).

Upon seeing such magnificent scenery, Wu Guanzhong was inspired and created his famous artwork Self-Wielding Axe—Zhangjiajie (自家斧劈——张家界). He also penned the essay A Pearl Hidden in the Deep Mountains (养在深闺人未识), describing Zhangjiajie as a “pearl lost in the deep mountains.” Since then, Zhangjiajie (张家界) has gained widespread fame both in China and internationally.

Geomorphological Features 

Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Sandstone Peak Forest Geomorphology represents a unique landform and natural geographic feature found on Earth. The development of this landscape is mainly attributed to the Devonian Yun Tai Guan Formation and the Huangjia Deng Formation. The peak forest area spans 86 square kilometers, where over 3,000 towering stone ridges can be found. Among these, over 1,000 stand taller than 200 meters, and the highest of them, Golden Whip Rock (金鞭岩), reaches a height of 350 meters. The landforms include isolated mountains, plateaus, peak walls, peak clusters, peak forests, stone gates, natural bridges, and valleys. The park’s uniqueness lies in its sandstone peak forest landscape, with complementary karst features, as well as geological profiles and fossils, creating a distinctive combination of landscapes.

Karst Cave Geomorphology

Another distinctive feature of the park is its karst cave formations. The landforms include funnels, depressions, solution hills, stone buds, stone forests, cave passages, and subterranean rivers. The Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞) is a representative of these karst caves, with its fascinating internal features, such as labyrinthine caves, curling stalactites, goose-pipe formations, slanted stalactites, and colorful, crystal-clear formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, stone columns, stone waterfalls, stone curtains, and stone flowers. This cave system is known for having the highest concentration of stalagmites, creating some of the most lifelike and remarkable formations in the world. Additionally, the park is rich in dense forests and rare plant species such as ginkgo trees (银杏), dove trees (珙桐), red-wood fir (红豆杉), and goosefoot trees (鹅掌楸), providing a valuable example for studying biological evolution.

Zhangjiajie Was Once a Vast Ocean 

People often use the phrase “沧海桑田” (from “the vast sea to the mulberry field”) to describe the ever-changing nature of the world. Indeed, with the movement of the Earth’s crust, rock layers from the ocean floor rose to form land, and former landmasses sank into the sea. This transformation is one of the most natural phenomena on Earth. When we stand in awe of Zhangjiajie’s natural landscape, we realize that its current form has undergone a long process of evolution lasting 380 million years. Millions of years ago, Zhangjiajie was a vast, roaring ocean. As time passed, this region gradually transformed into the stunning sandstone peak forest and canyon landscape we see today. The Tianzi Mountain (天子山) produces a unique type of “turtle pattern stone” (龟纹石), one of Hunan’s two famous stones, which are actually coral fossils that document the history of Zhangjiajie’s transformation from ocean to mountain.

Geologic Structure Features 

Zhangjiajie and the entire Wulingyuan area are located within the third major uplift zone of the new Chinese-South Asian orogenic belt. Over long geological periods, the region has experienced the Wuling-Xuefeng, Indosinian, Yanshanian, Himalayan, and new tectonic movements. These processes shaped the region’s basic geological structure. The Wuling-Xuefeng movement laid the foundation, while the Indosinian movement formed the basic geomorphic framework. The Himalayan and newer tectonic movements are the fundamental internal forces responsible for the formation of Zhangjiajie’s unique quartz sandstone peak forest landscape.

The strata forming this sandstone peak forest are primarily composed of the Devonian Yun Tai Guan Group and the Huangjia Deng Group, with coastal sedimentary features. These rocks are pure and thick, and the strata exhibit a gentle slope with well-developed vertical joints. The geological structure here provides the special environment and fundamental conditions for the formation of sandstone peak forests. Erosion by water, gravity-induced landslides, and biological processes all contributed to shaping this landscape. This landform is extremely rare both domestically and internationally, making it significant for both scientific research and aesthetic enjoyment.

Water Erosion of Sandstone Peaks 

The sandstone peak forest landscape of Zhangjiajie is celebrated as an “invaluable geographical monument” by UNESCO and is a classic example of quartz sandstone peak forests. Its features include jagged peaks, high plateaus, steep cliffs, deep valleys, and crystal-clear waters. Quartz sandstone, with its uniform particle size, dense structure, and strong resistance to erosion, stands tall and upright, piercing the sky. The landscape evolved through stages, including platforms, square mountains (e.g., Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village, and Yaozi Village), peak walls (e.g., Baizhang Gorge), peak clusters, peak forests (e.g., Ten-Mile Gallery and Mine Cave Stream), and residual forests (e.g., the peripheral areas of the Devonian sandstone distribution zone in Wulingyuan).

There are over 3,000 sandstone pillars in the region, many over 200 meters tall, with the highest reaching 350 meters at Golden Whip Rock. These towering pillars are often covered in lush plants like pine and ginkgo trees, adding to the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. The cliffs and peaks, with their twisting branches and rich biodiversity, form an ever-changing panorama that shifts with the weather and seasons. The Tianzi Mountain and Zhangjiajie region feature more than 80 scenic viewpoints, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate the intricate beauty of the sandstone peak forests from various perspectives. The names of these peaks are as diverse as “Shentang Bay” (神堂湾), “West Sea Long Scroll” (西海长卷), “The Heavenly Maiden Offering Flowers” (天女献花), and “Quzi’s Singing” (屈子行吟), each evoking a different image and story. In addition to the towering sandstone formations, there are also karst cave landscapes, including natural bridges, valleys, and various cave systems.

Wulingyuan (武陵源)

When speaking of Wulingyuan, not everyone may know where it is, as the fame of “Zhangjiajie” has long overshadowed it. Changde, previously known as Wuling County, was part of the Wuling region before the Qin Dynasty. Since the Han Dynasty, it has been under the jurisdiction of Wuling County. In the works of famous poets, Wulingyuan has a deep connection: The famous Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei, when he was 19, wrote the seven-character yuefu poem “Peach Blossom Spring (桃源行)” inspired by Tao Yuanming’s “Peach Blossom Spring,” including lines like “The inhabitants live in Wulingyuan and cultivate their fields beyond the mundane world.” Li Bai also wrote, “When one’s achievements are complete, they leave and return to Wulingyuan.” Both poets compared Wulingyuan to an earthly paradise. Some even believe that Tao Yuanming’s “Peach Blossom Spring” is not located in Changde’s Taoyuan County but in Zhangjiajie.

Located in the Wuling Mountains, which are a continuation of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area comprises the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the two major natural reserves of Suoxiyu and Tianzishan. This area features the rare sandstone peak forest landscape, integrating peaks, bridges, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. When Zhangjiajie was initially developed, the core scenic area was managed by three counties: Dayong, Cili, and Sangzhi. In 1984, the famous Xiangxi painter Huang Yongyu proposed naming this paradise-like area “Wulingyuan,” and in October of the same year, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area was officially established. In 1992, Wulingyuan was included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list, joining other world-renowned sites like Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon as part of the “Earth’s Last Wonders.” In February 2004, Zhangjiajie became one of China’s first World Geoparks due to its unique geographical features—the quartz sandstone peak forest canyon landscape. The region preserves an almost undisturbed natural ecological environment and ecosystem.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Human activity in and around the park dates back thousands of years, with numerous ancient relics and sites spread throughout the area. At the “Yuntai Village Site,” many stone tools and cores from the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods have been discovered, reflecting the continuity of cultural development. A number of ancient temples, buildings, and artifacts from various periods, such as the “Zhu Family Ancient Shang Zhou Site,” “Baigong City,” “Western Han to Northern and Southern Dynasties Ruins,” “Warring States Period Stone Walls,” “Warring States Copper Swords,” “Tang Dynasty Copper Swords,” “Tang Dynasty Copper Sculptures,” and the “Yunchaoshan Golden Hall Buddha Temple” showcase the area’s rich ancient cultural history. Combined with the strong local ethnic customs of the Tujia, Bai, and Miao peoples, these relics create a lasting impression.

Majestic Scenery

The Zhangjiajie Scenic Area is the main part of Wulingyuan. It borders Suoxiyu in Cili County to the east and Tianzishan in Sangzhi County to the north. The scenery is beautiful, original, concentrated, unique, and refreshing. There are over a hundred scenic spots, with Huangshizhai being the highlight. The mountains are lush and densely forested, and these forests, which have grown for thousands of years without human interference, cover up to 97.9% of the area. Even solitary stone peaks stand tall with a few ancient pine trees. The dense, primordial secondary forests provide shade, and rare plant species like the “living fossils” of Metasequoia, Ginkgo, Davidia involucrata, and Orchidantha are abundant. Walking through the thick woods, you may unknowingly brush against the leaves of a rare plant. The area is also home to rare birds and animals such as the pheasant, pangolin, owl, red-billed laughingthrush, macaques, flying tiger, and giant salamander. In the early 1980s, experts described Wulingyuan as a “refuge for animals” and a “gene pool for plants,” calling it a “natural museum and botanical garden.” The region’s mild, rainy climate, with an average temperature of around 15°C, provides an ideal habitat for both plants and animals. Another unique feature of the Zhangjiajie scenery is the abundance of cloud and water landscapes, including floating clouds, mist, magnificent cloud lakes, cloud seas, and cloud waterfalls. Due to the abundant rainfall and numerous valleys, flowing springs, stone pools, green streams, and waterfalls are seen throughout the park. The natural landscape is beautifully complemented by simple pastoral scenery. The area is inhabited by various ethnic minorities, such as the Tujia, Bai, and Miao peoples, with terraced fields and scattered homes dotting the verdant hills. When local festivals occur, visitors can enjoy ethnic songs and dances, harmonizing with the surrounding mountains and forests to form a primordial, poetic painting.

Suoxiyu Natural Reserve (索溪峪自然保护区)

Located on the eastern side of Zhangjiajie, the Suoxiyu Natural Reserve covers 200 square kilometers. Named after the creek that flows like a rope, the reserve features odd peaks, clear waters, perilous bridges, and mysterious caves. The peaks rise and fall, forming a unique landscape; the waters are crystal clear with diverse waterfalls and cascades; the caves are deep and mysterious. Notable scenic spots include the Huanglong Cave, a fairy-tale underground palace, the Ten-Mile Gallery, a picturesque natural sculpture exhibition, Baofeng Lake with its clear waves, the legendary Baizhang Gorge, and the ethereal Xihai Cloud Mist.

A poem inscribed on the cliffs during the Ming Dynasty reads: “The high gorge and hundred-meter cave are clouded deep; to find the Peach Blossom Spring, seek here.”

Tianzishan Natural Reserve (天子山自然保护区)

Located within Sangzhi County and bordering Zhangjiajie to the south and Suoxiyu to the east, Tianzishan’s main peak rises 1256 meters above sea level. From here, visitors can view the entire Wuling Mountains. The area features towering quartz sandstone peaks and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. The abundant springs and waterfalls are a distinctive feature of Tianzishan’s landscape, with rainbow-colored waterfalls flowing from red sandstone. Tianzishan is renowned for its four main natural wonders: clouds, mist, sunsets, and snow. Among them, the cloud scenery is the most common, with five types of cloud formations: cloud mist, cloud sea, cloud waves, cloud waterfalls, and cloud colors. After a rain or on misty days, the valley fills with clouds, drifting through the peaks and valleys, changing from dense to light, with peaks emerging and disappearing. The best time to appreciate the mist is in summer, making Tianzishan the best place for cloud watching.

Yangjiajie (杨家界)

Yangjiajie is located in the northwest corner of Zhangjiajie, bordering Tianzishan to the north. Covering an area of 34 square kilometers, it integrates the characteristics of “mysterious, wild, divine, unique, and beautiful” landscapes. Many of its scenic spots are related to the legendary Yang family, with numerous myths and relics, including Yangjiazhai, Zongbaowan, and Tiangmen阵 (Gate of Heaven).

Tujia Ethnic Customs 

Zhangjiajie (张家界) is home to a population of 1.4665 million, among which 936,400 are Tujia (土家族), 103,300 are Bai (白族), and 27,400 are Miao (苗族). There are also a few Manchu (满族), Dong (侗族), Yao (瑶族), and other ethnic minorities. The local minority groups have distinctive ethnic and regional characteristics, reflected in their food, clothing, housing, transportation, marriage customs, childbirth, entertainment, and other aspects of life.

The Tujia people (土家族) are the dominant ethnic group in Zhangjiajie. They are said to be descendants of the ancient Ba people (巴人) or the Yunguo people (庸国人). The Tujia people call themselves “Bizika” (毕兹卡), and throughout history, they were known as “Nanmian” (南蛮), “Wuling Man” (武陵蛮), “Turen” (土人), and “Tuding” (土丁). Historical records describe them as “sincere and simple, with strong character and pure customs.” One Han official once commented, “Despite being secluded in the deep mountains, their customs remain pure and tranquil, reflecting the ancient ways of life.” This is the historical perception of the Tujia people’s character.

The Tujia people of Zhangjiajie are known for their loyalty, strong sense of community, hospitality, hard work, and dislike for deceit. They are also known for their inclination toward justice, love of singing and dancing, belief in witchcraft and spirits, and martial spirit.

Historical Contributions of the Tujia People 

The Tujia people have a rich military history. In ancient times, they assisted King Wu of Zhou (周武王) during the Western Zhou Dynasty to overthrow the tyrant King Zhou of Shang (商纣王), famously using song and dance to help defeat the Shang army. During the Qin Dynasty, they fought alongside Liu Bang (刘邦) against the tyranny of Qin Er Shi (秦二世) and were praised for their bravery. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Tujia leader defeated the Han general Ma Yuan (马援) at Hutou Mountain (壶头山). During the Ming Dynasty, they led efforts against Japanese pirates, with their heroism immortalized by Emperor Ming Shizong (明世宗). During the Qing Dynasty, Tujia generals like Wang Zhengdao (王正道) and Luo Rongguang (罗荣光) defended China’s borders against foreign invasions. During the Chinese Revolution, the Tujia people fought alongside renowned generals like He Long (贺龙) and Ren Bishi (任弼时) in guerrilla warfare, contributing significantly to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

Tujia Stilt Houses (吊脚楼)

The Tujia people in Zhangjiajie are known for their traditional stilt houses (吊脚楼). These houses are built on steep cliffs due to the harsh environment of the mountains, with wooden structures and elevated platforms. The houses typically have four rooms with three pillars or six pillars, with the central room serving as the family’s ancestral worship space.

Tujia Love and Wood Leaf Song (木叶情歌)

The Tujia people express love in unique ways. Unlike the Miao (苗族) people, who engage in public courting events, the Tujia people use wood leaves to express their feelings. These wood leaf songs are often melancholic, with melodies that sound like birds chirping or streams flowing. They are practiced for years before being able to produce the right tone. Young lovers use the wood leaves to convey their affection without the involvement of matchmakers, writing their emotions on the leaves.

Here is an example of a wood leaf song:

“The mountain is full of wood leaves, ask the young man if he can blow them. Once you learn, no need for matchmakers, just wood leaves to express love. No amount of silver can buy a girl’s heart. Even though the matchmaker’s lips may bleed, a single wood leaf song speaks more than words.”

Zhangjiajie : A Late Discovery of Nature’s Beauty

Zhangjiajie (张家界) is one of the latest scenic spots discovered in China. Until a few decades ago, it was relatively isolated, but once the world saw its beauty, it became a magnet for travelers. It is a place without the burden of traditional culture, representing a fresh and modern landscape, yet still preserving the untouched, original beauty of nature.

World Records

Zhangjiajie Sandstone Peak Forest Geological Park (张家界砂岩峰林地质公园) is home to the largest concentration of sandstone peak pillars in the world. It also boasts the highest pedestrian bridge, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (张家界大峡谷玻璃天桥), and the world’s highest outdoor elevator, which stands at a staggering height of 326 meters (as per Guinness World Records).