Hunan province is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, both among the Chinese themselves and among foreigners. For citizens of China, Hunan is, first of all, the birthplace of the great chairman of Mao. And the inhabitants of other countries are attracted by the opportunity to see the ancient cities of the small peoples of China and the natural beauties of Hunani. The most important attraction of this province is the cliffs in the Zhangjiazze Park, which served as a prototype for the landscapes of the planet Pandora from the film “Avatar”.
The views in the park are really fantastic: hundreds of thin peaks surrounded by thick vegetation rise into the sky by more than 1000 meters. In cloud weather, when the rocks are partially closed by clouds, it really seems as if they are soaring in the air.
The National Park of Zhangjiazze is a part of the environmental protection zone of UNIYYUAN, which occupies a huge area of almost 400 square kilometers. In addition to the Avatar Park itself, in the territory of Ulunyuan there are about 40 caves, several waterfalls and many lakes and rivers suitable for rafting. The park is equipped not only with numerous paths for high -ringing, but also by funicular, the highest open -air elevator elevator in the world and even its own railway, on which free tourist buses run.
To inspect the entire park, you will not have enough several weeks. The minimum program for those who arrived for 1-2 days usually includes: a natural bridge connecting two cliffs, a golden dragon cave and a glass elevator 350 meters high. If you are limited in time, then we recommend using the main tourist paths, for example, a picturesque, albeit very crowded route “Golden whip gorge”. If you have more than two days to inspect the park and you are in good physical shape, choose the paths more authentic on the map, they are less popular, so you can admire the landscapes in silence and tranquility.
Not far from the Zhangjianzze Park on the territory of another reserve, Tianmenshan, is the Holy Chinese Mount Tianman. She is famous, first of all, the highest cave in the world “heavenly gates”, formed as a result of the collapse of a part of the cliff. You can climb Mount Tianman in two ways – along the cable car or along the winding narrow “heavenly highway”, or “99 turns”. At the top of the mountain, you can walk along the paths laid along the steep cliffs. If you are not faint of heart, we strongly recommend walking along the “glass heavenly path.” It is a 60-meter section of the path made of hardened glass, and a walk along it over the abyss is an unforgettable, albeit frightening experience. It will be necessary to go down from the top of the mountain to the foot of the “Heavenly Gate” cave along a long staircase with the 999th steps, so calculate your strength.
To inspect both parks, you will need to stay in the area of the city of Zhangjiazze for at least one night. You have a choice of three different options – the guesthouses inside the Zhangjiazze Park (excellent species, but Spartan living conditions),
Hotels in the village of Zhanszzyatsze (good types and conditions, but prices are high) or in the city of Zhangjiazze (a large selection of hotels at different prices, but the city does not differ in beauty). No, we were not mistaken, there really is some confusion characteristic of Chinese geographical names. Zhangjiazze is both the park itself, and the village next to the park, and the city, and finally an administrative district. Remember this when choosing a hotel.
The province of Hunan is also known for the fact that several small peoples of China live here. A little west of Zhangjiazze is the autonomous district of the people of Miao and its famous tourist capital, the city of Fanghuan. The city was founded at the beginning of the 18th century and since that time has changed little, so it rightfully wears the title of one of the most ancient cities in China. Fanghuang (which means “the city of Phoenix”) was built on the banks of the Tentjiang River, and houses on high stumps stand at the very edge of the water, which is why it is called “Chinese Venice”. If you are an experienced independent traveler, it is not necessary to order a city tour, it is better to just wander along the narrow streets and ride a boat with one of the local fishermen for pleasure.
Unfortunately, the town very quickly turns into an attraction for Chinese tourists, and during the “restoration”, old architectural monuments are replaced by modern fakes. So in a hurry to visit this amazing place while his temples, towers, walls and pavements still keep the spirit of old China. You can get to the Fanghuan from Zhangjianzze by bus – the trip will take about four hours, or you can fly to the nearest Tongren airport from the capital of Hunani in the city of Changsha.
The city of Changha itself is remarkable for two things – a beautiful statue of the young comrade Mao in the Arange Garden memorial park and a lively nightlife. But the most valuable here is, of course, restaurants of the world famous fiery-Ostroy of Hunan cuisine. The inhabitants of all China come to Hunan to try their favorite dishes of the great helmsman, for example, “red pork by the chairman of the Mao”.
The best months to visit Hunani – June, September and October. If you are not afraid of heat and humidity, then July and August will also be quite suitable. In winter, the park is not very comfortable, and when a lot of snow falls out, it is closed for tourists for security reasons. Do not go here for May holidays; These days are a vacation in China, so the monstrous crowds are guaranteed.
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