Wulongzhai in Zhangjiajie

Wulongzhai Village (乌龙寨), originally known as Heilonzhai (黑龙寨), is a newly developed attraction in the Yangjiajie (杨家界) area of Zhangjiajie (张家界), Hunan Province. Only 20% of the Yangjiajie area has been developed for tourism, and Wulongzhai was once home to bandits due to its remote location and dangerous terrain, surrounded by cliffs with only one narrow path in and out. This place is historically significant and offers a combination of natural wonders, historical legends, and cultural stories, making it a thrilling destination for adventure-seeking tourists.

Original Name: Heilonzhai (黑龙寨)

Location: Wulingyuan (武陵源), Hunan Province

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate

Open Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 07:00–18:00

Development Level: Only 20% developed

Historical Significance: Former bandit stronghold

Historical and Cultural Background

The name “Wulongzhai” was changed to attract visitors, inspired by the movie “Wulong Mountain Anti-Bandit Campaign” (乌龙山剿匪记), which features a bandit hideout. The area of Xiangxi (湘西) has a long history of banditry, dating back to the late Ming Dynasty when Wu Sangui (吴三桂) invited the Qing army to conquer the Ming forces. The local bandits, initially soldiers guarding treasure, eventually turned into mountain bandits. During the Republic of China period, the Nationalist forces fought a fierce battle with the local bandits in Wulongzhai, resulting in many casualties.

The village was strategically built on a mountain, making it easy to defend but hard to attack. Though many have visited Wulingyuan (武陵源), few know about Wulongzhai (乌龙寨).

The Village Environment and Pathways

To reach Wulongzhai, one must travel several dozen kilometers west from the West Sea (西海) along a narrow mountain path surrounded by dense forests, where human presence is rare. After walking for a few hundred meters, you will find a small, quiet path winding through dense shrubs and strange rocks. The air here feels cold and eerie, and after several turns, you will reach a two-story wooden house that once housed bandits. Though the environment is beautiful, it is located in a valley, making it naturally safe from external threats. However, the true bandit stronghold is located on the opposite mountain.

To the right of the wooden house is a cliff and a narrow stone path that winds along the edge of the mountain, leading to the entrance gate with the characters “Wulongzhai” (乌龙寨) inscribed on it. This path is the first of three challenging gates known as the “Three Ghost Gates” (三道鬼门关).

The Three Ghost Gates

First Ghost Gate: “One Step Impossible” (一步难行)

Beyond the gate, there is a steep slope, and just a few dozen meters ahead is a cliffside platform. From this platform, two or three gun positions are visible, making it a strategic defensive point. A few meters further is the first “Ghost Gate,” known as “One Step Impossible” (一步难行). Here, the path turns sharply to the right around a protruding rock, and visitors must cling to the rock face to pass. A small misstep could lead to a deadly fall into the valley below.

Second Ghost Gate: “Who Can Not Lower Their Head?” (谁能不低头)

As visitors continue, the path becomes unclear, winding through tunnels and around stones. The next obstacle is a nearly vertical slope of about a hundred meters, where visitors must navigate between two massive rocks. It’s so narrow that one must turn sideways to pass. This is the second “Ghost Gate,” called “Who Can Not Lower Their Head?” (谁能不低头).

Third Ghost Gate: “One Man Guards the Gate, Ten Thousand Men Cannot Pass” (一夫当关，万夫莫开)

After another few dozen meters of relatively flat stone path, the final steep slope appears. This slope leads to the third “Ghost Gate” — “One Man Guards the Gate, Ten Thousand Men Cannot Pass” (一夫当关，万夫莫开). This gate is the most difficult and strategic, showing the defensive strength of Wulongzhai.

Heavenly Wave Manor (天波府)

Continuing on the path, visitors will reach Tianbo Mansion (天波府), a beautiful and hidden landscape situated at the top of a cliff. The mansion is surrounded by sheer cliffs, with a solitary stone crane standing tall in the distance, symbolizing the mysterious beauty of this place. The area is linked to the descendants of the Yang Family (杨家将), and many of the landmarks are named after figures from the Yang family’s legendary history.

The view from the top of Tianbo Mansion is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The landscape here is unlike other places in Zhangjiajie (张家界), with neatly arranged stone formations that resemble rows of soldiers or a military formation. The unique scenery adds to the grandeur and majestic feeling of the place.

Best Time to Visit

Wulongzhai Village (乌龙寨), located in the Zhangjiajie (张家界) area, enjoys a moderate subtropical monsoon climate. The region benefits from abundant sunlight, plentiful rainfall, and a long frost-free period, which lasts between 216 to 269 days annually. The average temperature is around 16.6°C, and the region experiences mild winters and summers, with the annual average temperature around 16.8°C. This makes Zhangjiajie a pleasant destination throughout the year. The best time to visit is from April to October, particularly in April and October when the weather is most favorable for exploration.

Scenery

Wulongzhai (乌龙寨) is lesser-known compared to other scenic spots in Wulingyuan (武陵源). To reach it, one must travel several dozen kilometers west of Xihai, where a secluded mountain trail surrounded by lush forest creates an atmosphere of tranquility and remoteness. After walking a few hundred meters, you enter a quiet path, where dense shrubs and strange rock formations evoke an eerie and mysterious feeling.

After turning a few corners, a two-story wooden house emerges, appearing quite charming. The locals share that this house once served as a bandit’s lair. Despite the peaceful environment, being located in a valley raises concerns about safety. The villagers humorously remark, “This is where we stay when we are relaxed; the real stronghold is on the mountain across from us!”

To the right of the wooden house is a cliff and deep ravine, with a narrow stone path winding along the edge. A gate blocks the path, marked by the three characters “Wulongzhai” (乌龙寨). Beyond the gate, a steep slope leads to a cliffside platform, where several guns are positioned to defend the area. A few meters further lies Wulongzhai’s first “Ghost Gate” (鬼门关), known as “Difficult to Walk” (一步难行). The path curves sharply to the right, around a protruding rock. To pass, one must press closely against the cliff and move cautiously. A single misstep could send someone tumbling down the mountainside. With one person guarding with a knife, it would be impossible for anyone to break through.

As you continue, the path becomes more indistinct, winding through tunnels and around rocks. It becomes difficult to see anyone just a few meters away. The road narrows so much that you must crouch to proceed. The second “Ghost Gate” (鬼门关), known as “Who Can Avoid Lowering Their Head” (谁能不低头), stands in this section.

A nearly vertical slope brings you to the third “Ghost Gate” (鬼门关), called “A Single Person Guards, Ten Thousand Cannot Pass” (一夫关). This passage, between two massive stones, forces visitors to turn sideways to pass through, presenting a formidable challenge.

After traversing a few dozen meters of relatively flat stone paths, another slope leads up to the stronghold. The village sits at a high elevation, surrounded by cliffs. Not far away, a solitary stone crane stands proudly among the mountains, known as “Tianbo Mansion” (天波府). Crossing a shaky suspension bridge and climbing to the top of Tianbo Mansion provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is said that a branch of the Yang family (杨家将), known for their military prowess, settled here, and as a result, many scenic spots in the area are named after them.

The distant mountains and valleys present a breathtaking, expansive landscape, with unusual peaks and strange rocks creating a striking and awe-inspiring scene. Unlike other scenic areas in Zhangjiajie (张家界), the stone forest here is neatly arranged in rows, resembling an army in formation, exuding a sense of grandeur and power.

Visiting Wulongzhai (乌龙寨) offers a unique opportunity to appreciate both nature and culture. The experience allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the bandit history of Xiangxi (湘西) and the efforts to suppress them. With its captivating scenery, rich history, and fascinating culture, Wulongzhai is a place that lingers in the memory long after you leave.