Wulingyuan

First Bridge of the World (天下第一乔 - Tian Xia Di Yi Qiao)

This is a natural rock bridge similar to xianren qiao, but with guard rails that make it much safer to walk across. the bridge itself is really just a minor part of the incredible panoramic views to be seen along this short and easy trail. not to be missed.

Hiking

The main highlight is following the many paths through the stunning sandstone landscape. it can be quite daunting at times, so the above mentioned cable cars help. the park is enormous and there is no way you can see it all, even in two days, so it's important to plan ahead and know which areas you want to visit. the signage in the park is not always adequate, so buy a map from a vendor in the village before you go in some maps are in both chinese and english. it's a good idea to use the free bus network within the park to get from one hiking area to another. some highlights of hiking include the following natural landmarks:

Xianren Qiao

bridge of the immortals this spectacular, narrow rock bridge is over a deep chasm, with no railings. access to the bridge is blocked by barbed wire, but some daredevils choose to walk over it anyway. there are several amazing look-out points you can walk to nearby, including "great viewing platform," "emperor's throne" and "cock-pecking."

This famous stream begins near the Zhangjiajie village park entrance and continues for several kilometres through the park. There is a walking path along the length of the stream, from where you can look up at the karsts all around you.

At around the halfway point 200 meters before Zicao Pool you will come to a restaurant/souvenir shop. At this point there is a bridge across the stream, which leads to a different trail about 4.5km through the Shadao Gully. The second half of the Shadao Gully trail is a steep flight of steps, but it leads to one of the most beautiful areas of the park. At the top of the staircase is a road with frequent buses that can take you to the First Bridge of the World to the right or to Xianren Qiao to the left and many other places. There is also Zhongtian International Youth Hostel Yuanjiajie just 50 meters to the right along the road see Lodging below.

If you continue along the Golden Whip Stream around 200 meters after Zicao Pool you will come to "Meeting of Thousands of Ways" attraction point. Here you can turn to another trail which eventually leads you to the following attraction points with great view: Back Garden, Enchanting Terrace, First Bridge of the World see below.

After another 2 km of walking the Goldern Whip Stream path ends by a bus station with souvenir shops and food outlets. From here you can take a bus to the lower stations of Bailong elevator 56 RMB adult one-way, sightseeing mini-train, Tianzi Mountain cable car and also to the Wulingyuan park entrance.

Huang Shi Zhai

The highest area in the park at 3,450 feet, which can be climbed up a 3,878 step stairway, but you can take a cable car instead

Yupi Feng

These thin, spiky columns hundreds of feet high are featured on stamps and resemble calligraphy letters

Yaozizai

Unlike the other attraction points with nice scenery this area is much less crowded. you may hardly encounter a few people here for hours of hiking. this area can be reached from either ends of the golden whip stream path. there is a also a turn to the yaozizai area near zicao pool at the golden whip stream path.

Other attractions in the area, about a 10 yuan taxi-ride away Negotiate with the driver include:

Baofeng Hu

This pristine artificial lake has boat trips, additional hiking trails, and occasionally traditional performances of the tujia minority which is native to the area.