Imagine yourself under a massive sandstone pillar reaching up into the clouds. Mist swirls among thousands of towering rock pillars as monkeys swing through ancient forests below. It really does feel like you’ve entered another world.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This stunning sandstone rock formation is the real-life version of the floating mountains seen in James Cameron’s Avatar .
Nestled within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain has become one of China’s premier tourist attractions. Millions of visitors flock to Zhangjiajie each year in hopes of catching a glimpse of this picturesque landscape that served as muse for the fantastical movie set.
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Planning a trip to Zhangjiajie? This complete Zhangjiajie Avatar Hallelujah Mountain guide has everything you need to know. We’ll cover Zhangjiajie’s history, the best viewpoints to visit, how to get there, ticket prices, tips on taking awesome photos, and more!
- What is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
- Did Avatar Really Film Here?
- Where is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
- Why is Zhangjiajie So Unique?
- Best Viewpoints of Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
- How to Get to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
- How Much Time Should You Spend Here?
- Best Time to Visit Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
- Photography Tips
- Is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Worth Visiting?
- Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is the name given to one of Zhangjiajie’s most famous sandstone pillars since the release of Avatar.
Previously called Southern Sky Column (南天一柱), it rises some 1,080 meters (3,540 feet) above sea level.
It was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (阿凡达·哈利路亚山) by local tourism officials in January 20th after the movie Avatar experienced astronomical success around the world.
The move instantly garnered international attention and made Zhangjiajie one of China’s leading natural attractions.
People now flock to Zhangjiajie to see the mountain likeness of Pandora’s floating mountains.
Did Avatar Really Film Here?
One common misconception is that Avatar was filmed there.
Wrong. Avatar was shot completely on CGI with most filming taking place inside studios.
That being said James Cameron and crew did use plenty of natural world locations for inspiration.
This included Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s massive quartz sandstone pillars.
Once Avatar became a global success stories about how Pandora’s floating mountains came to look just like Zhangjiajie went viral.
The park has never claimed to be the actual spot where say… Southern Sky Column was the reference photo for one of the floating mountains, but we may be looking at it.
Where is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is found within Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which is one of the main sections that make up Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is inside of Wulingyuan Scenic Area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Closest city:
- Zhangjiajie City
- Hunan Province
- China
Most tourists stay in either:
- Wulingyuan Town
- Downtown Zhangjiajie
- Close to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
Wulingyuan tends to be the easiest as it is only a couple minutes from the park entrance.
Why is Zhangjiajie So Unique?
Zhangjiajie is not home to normal mountains. They’re known for MASSIVE sandstone pillars.
Millions of years of erosion formed the sandstone into over 3,000 tall, thin stone pillars. Some towers reach heights of over 200 meters.
Fog and clouds in the area combine with the landscape to make the pillars look as though they’re hovering. This majestic sight is truly out of this world.
Best Viewpoints of Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Yuanjiajie is unique in that there are several different viewing areas around the mountain.
Each gives you a different perspective.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Viewing Platform
This is by far the most popular viewpoint.
Colossal signs point out Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, which has become one of the most photographed attractions in the park.
Expect crowds on holidays.
Try to visit in the morning if possible. Not only will the lighting be softer, but you’ll avoid most of the crowds.
Enchanting Platform
The enchanting platform offers views over hundreds of sandstone pillars spanning across the valley.
Many photographers rave about how incredible this view is. In my opinion, it’s the best vista in Yuanjiajie.
Visit on a cloudy morning for a truly magical experience.
First Bridge Under Heaven
As the name implies, this is one of Zhangjiajie’s most popular natural rock bridges.
The skinny stone bridge arches between two massive peaks high above the valley floor.
Lost Souls Platform
This lesser-known viewing area allows you to see another angle of the sandstone pillars.
Visit this spot if you want to avoid the crowds. Many tour groups won’t make it this far.
How to Get to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Travelers usually start their journey from one of these two points:
- Zhangjiajie City
- Wulingyuan Town
THE SIMPLEST ROUTE:
Step 1
Start at the Wulingyuan Entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Step 2
Ride The Amazing Bailong Elevator.
The world’s fastest glass elevator rises up about 326 meters along the side of a sheer cliff face in just under 2 minutes.
Currently holds the title of one of the tallest outdoor elevators on Earth.
Step 3
Take a hike around the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
Look for signs to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.
Expect about 2-3 hours hiking time between attractions.
How Much Time Should You Spend Here?
For the normal tourist:
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: 2–3 hours
- Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Half day
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: 2 full days
Attempting to see everything in one day will feel hectic.
Many visitors take 3-4 days to visit Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake.
Best Time to Visit Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Visiting in each season feels worlds apart.
Spring (March–May)
Spring weather is mild, flowers bloom and forests turn green.
Morning fog often envelops sandstone pillars creating Enchanted Rock’s trademark floating mountain phenomenon.
Summer (June–August)
Mountain turns VERY GREEN.
Summer also brings crowds and sporadic afternoon showers.
Autumn (September–November)
Photographers often say that autumn is the best time to visit.
Weather patterns are consistent, skies are clear and changing leaf colors provide additional scenic beauty.
Winter (December–February)
The sandstone pillars are sometimes snow-capped.
Winter is chilly but has fewer crowds and magical scenes that many international visitors never see.
Photography Tips
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is perhaps China’s most picturesque landscape.
Want epic shots? Go early (before 9AM), use a zoom lens to compress those sandstone pillars, bring a wide-angle lens to capture those epic viewpoints, head out after rainfall to capture the fog rolling through, and don’t forget your wide-angle lens to get people in frame and show scale!
Avatars everywhere… drones are not permitted within the national park.
Is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Worth Visiting?
Definitely. Even if you haven’t seen Avatar, you won’t find scenes like this anywhere else.
The massiveness of the pillars gives it a weirdness that cannot be photographed.
Top it off with China’s tallest elevator, lovely walkways and UNESCO natural sanctuary and you’ve got one of China’s best natural wonders.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
Some useful tips before your visit to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain:
- Buy your park tickets online if you are planning to visit during Chinese public holidays.
- Bring hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. There are several kilometers of walking inside the park.
- Bring your own water and some snacks. There are restaurants at each of the major scenic spots.
- Get an early start. You can avoid tour groups this way and the crowds that build up later in the day for the queues.
- Download an offline map of the park before you arrive. Cell reception can be spotty in some places.
- Allow more time to travel to and from the park during Golden Week or National Day holidays due to the higher volume of tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avatar Hallelujah Mountain exist?
Yes! Avatar Hallelujah Mountain exists. It’s a sandstone pillar found within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province China.
What is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain called originally?
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain was originally called Southern Sky Column but was renamed officially as Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in 20 after Avatar became a massive success around the world. Its name was officially changed due to its similarities to the floating mountains on the planet of Pandora.
Was Avatar filmed in Zhangjiajie? ?
Avatar wasn’t filmed in Zhangjiajie, but many believe Zhangjiajie’s sandstone pillars inspired the geography of Pandora that we see in the movie.
How high is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain reaches roughly 1,080 meters (3,540 ft) above sea level.
Is Avatar Hallelujah Mountain hikeable?
Yes! Once you take the Bailong Elevator or hike up from the valley you can hike along many boardwalks throughout Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: Complete Zhangjiajie Travel Guide