[Photo from english.zhangjiajie.gov.cn]

Tianzi Mountain, in the Tianzishan natural reserve, is situated between Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the Suoxi Valley natural reserve and covers an area of 93 square kilometers. The highest peak is 1,260 meters (4,130 feet) above sea level and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Waterfalls, bridges, stone forests and caves are found throughout the mountains. Tianzishan is known for four natural spectacles: the clouds of mist that circle the peaks of the mountain, the amazing views of the rising sun, the moonlit nights and snowcapped winter peaks. There are more than 80 natural ways for tourists to enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Highlights in Tianzi Mountain (Tianzishan)

West Sea Stone Forests

Situated in the west of Suoxiyu Valley, it is a basin-like landform with a collection of peaks and woods. In this sea, numerous peaks stand with different shapes, covered with lush vegetation. Therefore, it is called sea of trees and sea of peaks. In spring or summer or a clear day immediately after rain in autumn, the clouds are surging and rolling like waves, covering the whole sky and earth. The view is so magnificent that it is called sea of clouds. The combination of the “three seas” is the characteristic of West Sea. Among all of its tourist attractions, Gate to Heaven and Sky Terrace are the most well-known.

Shentang bay (divine shrine)

Shentang Valley is also named Shentang Fort. It is a gorge shaped like a huge basin walled by lofty precipices. The bottom of the gorge is veiled in mist and clouds all day, adding to its mystique. As the saying goes, the most beautiful scene is seen from the most perilous peak. There are almost no roads to Shentang Valley, only a dangerous flight of stairs that is as wide as one single foot. Local people say every step kills one soul. In the center of the base lies a fathomless green pond. Looking down at the pond from the mouth of the gorge, one can’t help shivering. The most peculiar thing is that visitors can hear sounds of gongs and drums, neighs of battle steeds and shouts of men echoing from the bottom. There is no explanation for this chilling mystery. Shentang Valley was a forbidden place in Wulingyuan and has remained a puzzle for hundreds of years.