Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Village) sits in the western part of Zhangjiajie Forest Park. It is a huge mesa with an altitude of 1,092 meters. It gets its name from Huangshi Gong, the mentor of Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu of the Han Dynasty, who was said to cultivate immortality here.

The summit plateau of Huangshizhai covers 16.5 hectares, slightly higher in the southwest and lower in the northeast. Surrounded by sheer precipices overgrown with dense green trees, numerous observation platforms jut out into mid-air.

Walking along the circular trail around the mesa, visitors stand above countless fantastic peaks and enjoy a panoramic view of all nearby landscapes. On rainy and misty days, thousands of peaks and gullies are shrouded in swirling fog that shifts and transforms magically. At sunrise on clear days, thin mist rises all around the plateau, creating a profound, ethereal atmosphere. Hence the famous saying: "He who fails to climb Huangshizhai has wasted his trip to Zhangjiajie."

The hiking trail up Huangshizhai stretches 4.8 kilometers with a total of 3,878 stone steps. Attractions along the uphill route include Secluded Mountain Path, Overseas Visitors’ Lookout, General Review Platform, Heavenly Book Treasure Box, Divine Stabilizing Needle, Southern Sky Pillar and Natural Mural. A circular sightseeing track encircles the summit, featuring the Six Wonders Pavilion, Beacon Tower, Star-Picking Platform, Twin Gates Welcoming Guests, Five-Finger Peaks, Front Garden, Black Fir Mound, Remnants of Heavenly Bridge Piers, and Golden Tortoise amid Sea of Mist.

A. From the Great Oxygen Bar Square (Laomowan) of the forest park to the summit: the trail is about 4.8 kilometers long with 3,878 steps, taking roughly 2.5 hours to hike uphill on foot. B. Take the scenic eco-shuttle from the Great Oxygen Bar Square (Laomowan) to the lower station of Huangshizhai Ropeway, then ride the cable car to the mountaintop. Ropeway fares: 65 RMB per adult one-way; 118 RMB per adult round trip.

Two circular trails loop around the Huangshizhai summit:

Admission to Huangshizhai Scenic Area is included in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area ticket (248 RMB, valid for four consecutive days).