Wulingyuan Scenic Site

Listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1992 Location： Zhangjiajie City， Hunan Province， central China Best Time to Visit： Between April and October

DubbeD as “Yellowstone Park in China” by foreigners， Wulingyuan is a natural wonderland boasting a large variety of quartz sandstone pillars， ravines， gorges， natural bridges and an ancient ecosystem. It is noted for its five unique landscapes： towering peaks， unique stones， secluded valleys， beautiful waters and karst caves. The site is located in a heavily populated agricultural region and stretches 264 square km. The topography is dominated by more than 3，000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks， many over 200 meters high.

Nestled among the towering peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams， pools and waterfalls， two large natural bridges and some 40 caves. Impressive calcite deposits are a major feature of these caves. A number of brooks and streams flow underground for long distances.

Spectacular sandstone columns and peaks， coupled with these waters and caves as well as dense broadleaf forests， present an aesthetically beautiful landscape. The majesty is further enhanced by the mists and clouds frequently blanketing the site. With the change of seasons and the weather， the region constantly presents different magnificent views for spectators.

In addition to the striking beauty of the landscape， including spectacular jagged stone peaks， luxuriant vegetation and clear lakes and streams， the region is also noted for being home to a number of endangered plants and animal species such as dholes， Asiatic black bears and Chinese water deer. In ancient times， the area was regarded as remote and inaccessible. Liu Zongyuan， a famous Chinese writer during the Tang Dynasty（618-907）， once portrayed its beauty and seclusion in his works. Major inhabitants of Wulingyuan are ethnic minorities， including the Tujia， Miao and Bai peoples. Nowadays， they still keep their traditional culture， customs and habits.