Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie: Location, Itinerary & Visiting Tips
You must have either looked at photos of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or watched the sensational Hollywood movie “Avatar.” Whether in photographs or on the big screen, the towering mountains depicted are not just fantasy — they truly exist on our earth, awaiting your personal visit. The awe-inspiring peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with their unique and majestic formations, provide a surreal experience that transports you into another world. Seeing them in person is an unforgettable adventure that goes beyond any cinematic portrayal.
Unveiling the Avatar Mountains
Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains, located in the Hunan Province of China, gained international fame for their striking resemblance to the floating Mountains in the 2009 film “Avatar.” These towering sandstone pillars, formed over millions of years through erosion and weathering, have long been a source of local legend and inspiration. The area’s unique geological features and lush greenery create an otherworldly landscape, which director James Cameron cited as a major influence for the film’s alien world of Pandora. The renaming of these mountains in honor of “Avatar” has since attracted countless visitors, eager to witness the breathtaking scenery that inspired such a fantastical cinematic vision.
Hallelujah Mountain – Pandora’s Inspiration
The Hallelujah Mountain (哈利路亚山), originally known as Qiankun Pillar (乾坤柱) or the South Sky Pillar (南天一柱), is a renowned peak within Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains. This iconic pillar stands out due to its striking vertical formation and dramatic height, reaching over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Its original name reflects its majestic and towering presence. Besides, the lower part of the mountain is quite narrower than the upper major part, which is rare to see in the world. The mountain gained global recognition after inspiring the floating Hallelujah Mountain in James Cameron’s film “Avatar.” The unique geological features and breathtaking views have made it a symbol of natural wonder and a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience its awe-inspiring beauty.
