Wonder of Peak Walls

Yangjiajie Scenic Area lies in the northwest of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, bordering Yuanjiajie to the east and Tianzi Mountain to the north, covering a total area of around 34 square kilometers. It consists of three sub-scenic zones: Xiangzhi Stream, Longquan Gorge and Hundred Monkeys Valley.

Boasting quartz sandstone peak forest and gorge landforms, the scenic area presents imposing, precipitous, serene and primeval landscapes with thousands of stone peaks of varying sizes, more than 100 well-known classic spots, and its highest peak One Step to Heaven standing at an altitude of 1,130 meters. The area is crisscrossed by gullies, dotted with clear brooks and blanketed in dense vegetation, achieving a forest coverage rate of 95%.

The scenic area gets its name from Yangjiatai Village within its territory. Legend holds that descendants of the Yang Generals of the Northern Song Dynasty once settled here, with preserved Yang Clan Genealogy and numerous ancestral tombs dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Hence, many local attractions are named after tales of the Yang Generals. Apart from the stunning wonder of peak walls, the area features natural beauties such as stone pillars, ancient vines, cascading waterfalls and multicolored flowers, as well as cultural landmarks including Black Dragon Stockade.

After visiting Yangjiajie, Professor Yang Chunqiu from Xiangtan University spoke highly of it: "Its elegance, grandeur, perilous uniqueness and magnificent marvels utterly captivate visitors and leave them amazed beyond words." Associate Professor Zhou Zhengsong from Shanxi University commented: "This is another magical natural wonder newly discovered in Zhangjiajie, featuring spectacular mountain terrain and countless exquisite jagged peaks."

In March 1991, both the domestic and overseas editions of People’s Daily published news of the newly discovered Yangjiajie tourist zone. Over 100 newspapers, radio stations and TV outlets followed suit with coverage, sparking a nationwide "Yangjiajie craze" in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, drawing hordes of sightseers traveling here out of admiration for its fame.

For many years, Yangjiajie remained renowned only among independent travelers, largely hidden from mass tourist groups, due to its precipitous mountain terrain and inconvenient access. The Sky Corridor Yangjiajie Ropeway, put into operation in 2014, unveiled Yangjiajie’s charm to the world, showcasing the rare, primeval, sculptural and cultural beauty of its peak wall formations.

A. Entry via the Forest Park Ticket Gate: Take the scenic eco-shuttle from the Great Oxygen Bar Square (Laomowan) in the forest park to the lower station of Yangjiajie Ropeway, then ride the cable car uphill. Ropeway fare: 76 RMB per adult one way. Alternative: Hike uphill via Balipo Trail, which takes roughly 2.5 hours.

B. Entry via Yangjiajie Ticket Gate in Zhonghu Township, Wulingyuan: Take the scenic eco-shuttle to the lower station of Yangjiajie Ropeway and ascend by cable car. Alternative: Hike uphill via Balipo Trail, around 2.5 hours.

C. Entry via Wujiayu Ticket Gate (Symbol Gate), Wulingyuan: Take the scenic eco-shuttle to the lower station of Tianzi Mountain Ropeway or Bailong Elevator, ride the cable car or elevator to the mountain top, then transfer to another eco-shuttle bound for Yangjiajie.

The regular sightseeing route covers Black Dragon Stockade and Heavenly Wave Mansion, requiring about 2 hours for a full tour. Visitors with sufficient physical strength may opt for trails leading to One Step to Heaven and Sky Corridor, which also take approximately 2 hours.

Admission to Yangjiajie is already included in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area ticket (248 RMB, valid for 4 consecutive days).