China ’ s hidden paradise :
Discover it 138 years sooner
BY HAYBINA HAO
AS PART OF THE CELEBRATION for the U . S . -China Tourism Year and the U . S . National Park Service centennial , a group of 14 NTA tour operators visited Zhangjiajie in central China ’ s Hunan province this March . Zhangjiajie , literally “ Family Zhang ’ s Boundary ,” was the first national forest park in China , and it also is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and Global Geopark .
It unveiled its true image as the planet Pandora and its Hallelujah Mountains in the movie “ Avatar .” NTA operators got the sneak preview 138 years earlier than the movie — which is set in 2154 — and instead of unobtanium they discovered a range of exciting new travel products .
The itinerary took us to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , with 3,000 peaks in rugged mountain terrain ; Baofeng Lake ; Yellow Dragon Cave , a Miao minority village ; China ’ s Grand Canyon ; and the nearby Xiangxi Region . Our hosts wowed us with glimpses of the astonishing cultural variety — aboriginal minority performances , organic farm-to-table dishes and rice wines made of the purest spring water .
Within a few days tourists can explore the steep mountain peaks , go boating in the peaceful lakes and head deep into underground mazes including the Yellow Dragon Cave , which has four layers of long pathways and waterways .
Fans of the movie “ Avatar ” will recognize Huangshizhai in Zhangjiajie Scenic Area , which features more than 3,000 quartzite-sandstone pillars that rise over 600 feet from the forest floor .
I came away thinking that Zhangjiajie ’ s unique characteristics offer a wide range of possible specialty tours featuring these themes .
Active / adventure tours The area mountains and deep canyons inspire thrill-seekers to try things I didn ’ t know were humanly possible .
The truly brave Frenchman Jean-Yves Blondeau hit over 50 mph racing down Tianmen Mountain ’ s 99 Curve Road ( a world extreme ) in a 34-wheel rolling suit he designed . Two other extreme adventurers who made their mark at area attractions are Jean-Michel Casanova , who climbed the world ’ s highest outdoor elevator , the 1,083-foot Bailong Elevator , and Jeb Corliss , a stunt flyer who soared 6,000 feet above Tianmen Mountain then navigated through the Tianmen Hole . These are very high-adrenaline adventures , but tour operators would have no difficulties packaging lesschallenging options on active tours . The mountains are ideal for many levels of hikes , zip lining , mountain biking , river
rafting and more . Plus , the world ’ s longest ( 1,410 feet ) and highest ( 984-foot vertical drop ) glass bridge will open later in 2016 . An adventure tour also could be blended with eco touring or geology-themed programs .
Photography / arts tours Described as “ a living Chinese landscape painting ” and “ the most fantastic mountain under Heaven ,” Zhangjiajie offers world-class natural beauty . Within one 24-hour stretch , we spent time in the wintery snow at the mountaintop and stepped into a vast field covered by pink cherry blossoms , green willow branches and yellow canola flowers , all waving with the gentle breeze .
With hundreds of species of birds chirping , graceful swan couples swimming in the lake and the playful monkeys interacting with humans , this land of harmony inspires painters and photographers who
JIAN-HUA SUN 孙建华
A group of 14 NTA tour operators visited the massive Ai Zhan Bridge during a March trip to Zhangjiajie , China .
The culture of the Miao ethnic group is showcased during musical and dance performances .
LEFT : HAYBINA HAO , RIGHT : JIAN-CHU MAO 毛建初
22 July 2016