Golden Whip Stream - the Most Stunning Hiking Trail in Wulingyuan

Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi in Chinese), or Golden Whip Brook, is the golden scenic area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one part of the World Heritage - Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Golden Whip Stream Scenic Area is named after one of the 10 wonders of Zhangjiajie - Golden Whip Rock (金鞭岩) with about 400 meters' high.

Golden Whip Stream meanders 7.5 km, flowing between steep grotesque peaks and luxuriant trees. Here, the meandering streams, the crystal-clear water, exotic plants and rare animals co-exist and constitute the extraordinarily beautiful, tranquil and natural ecological environment. No wonder it is called "the most beautiful valley in the world", "the most poetic stream" and "the most stunning hiking trail in Wulingyuan". Hiking along the stream, you will find the major scenic spots, such as Golden Whip Rock (金鞭岩), Rock of Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother (劈山救母), Zicao Pool (紫草潭), Stream Winding Around Four Gates (水绕四门), etc.

A multitude of visitors hold the view that this particular waterway is the epitome of beauty and leaves a lasting impression. It is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque spots on the globe and constitutes an indelible part of the Zhangjiajie experience for tourists.

Golden Whip Stream zigzags 7.5 kilometers, flowing from Laomo Wan first to Stream Winding Around Four Gates then to Suoxi Stream. It finally joins Li river, one of the four rivers in Hunan Province.

The water of the stream itself forms some magical scenic spots, and the Zicao Pool and Jumping Fish Pool are highlights among them. They are called "the eyes of Golden Whip Brook".

Zicao Pool (紫草潭) is so called because a kind of purple grass was said to always grow on the wall of the pond. Here, the river course abruptly widens. There is no longer so many ripples and waves. The bridge above the pool is a large natural rock.

Jumping Fish Pool (跳鱼潭) is a pool made by the power of water flowing from the higher place to the lower reach. During the spawning time, fish will swim to this pool and jump joyfully. Thus it has the name of Jumping Fish Pool.

Exotic Plants and Rare Animals Along the Stream

This cute stream is famous for its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs, its serene valley and special animals. As a veritable "paradise" for plants, its pathways are adorned by an abundance of flowers, trees, and grasses. You could see a strange flower named lobster Flower (龙虾花), which looked like lobster in the river and the ripe seeds of it could even jump like a lobster. There are different kinds of fruits in each month, which feed local animals in the valley. Therefore, Golden Whip Stream is also a kingdom of animals. Wild monkeys and other small animals live happily here. You may not know that there is also a rare kind of animal - giant salamander. Golden Whip Stream presents a picturesque wonderland for both human and animals.

In Zhangjiajie, rocks and peaks with different shapes can be the biggest highlight. As a part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Golden Whip Stream scenic area also features with such special characteristics. Most of the major scenic spots are of such type, such as Golden Whip Rock (金鞭岩), Rock of Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother (劈山救母), Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip (神鹰护鞭), Chupajie Carries His Wife (猪八戒背媳妇), Getting Together from Far Away (千里相会), etc. These rocks or peaks just like what they are named after. For example, Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip (神鹰护鞭) looks like a hawk beside the Golden Whip Rock (金鞭岩). Then the locals give such a name to the rock. Just use your imagination while visiting here!

Golden Whip Stream Light Hiking (1 hour around trip)

From the Oxygen Bar Square to the Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip
- for those entering from the National Forest Park Gate | South Gate

This path is known for its abundant fresh air and pictographic landscape, providing a revitalizing experience.

From the Four Gates around the Brooks to the Leaping Fish Pond
- for those entering from the Wulingyuan Sigh Gate | East Gate

This section is peaceful, with tranquil waters and a nearby pond famous for fish that seem to leap out of the water.

Golden Whip Stream Full-trail Hiking (2-3 hours)

The Four Gates around the Brooks - Geological Museum (reservation required one hour in advance, free of charge) - Camel Peak - Leaping Fish Pond - Two Couple Meeting from Afar - Filming Location of Journey to the West - Eagle Protecting the Whip - Golden Whip Crag - Big Oxygen Bar Square

Route 1 (Huangshizhai - Golden Whip Stream): Forest Park Ticket Station - Huangshizhai (1-2 hours) - Big Oxygen Bar Square - 【Golden Whip Stream - Big Oxygen Bar Square】/【Golden Whip Stream - The Four Gates around the Brooks - Wulingyuan Sigh Gate | East Gate】

• Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 Day
• Recommendation Level: ★★★★★
• Physical Demands: ★+

Route 2 (Huangshizhai - Golden Whip Stream - Ten Miles Gallery): Forest Park Ticket Station - Huangshizhai (1-2 hours) - Big Oxygen Bar Square - Golden Whip Stream (2.5-3 hours) - Ten Miles Gallery (around 1 hour)

• Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 Day
• Recommendation Level: ★★★
• Physical Demands: ★★★+

Route 3 (Huangshizhai - Golden Whip Stream - Yuanjiajie): Forest Park Ticket Station | South Gate - Huangshizhai (1-2 hours) - Big Oxygen Bar Square - Golden Whip Stream (2.5-3 hours) - The Four Gates around the Brooks - Bailong Elevator - Yuanjiajie (1-1.5 hours) - Bailong Elevator - Wulingyuan Sigh Gate | East Gate

• Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 Day
• Recommendation Level: ★
• Physical Demands: ★★★★+

Other Golden Whip Stream Useful Link: Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie

4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yellow Dragon Cave

Golden Whip Stream is located in the south-middle part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, stretching from the north of Huangshizhai to the north of Yuanjiajie. It is near the Forest Park Ticket Station. You could take a direct bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Forest Park Ticket Station. Then walk for about 300-500 meters, you will arrive at one of the entrances of Golden Whip Brook, the Big Oxygen Bar Square.

We provide all-inclusive travel packages that encompass visits to key attractions, dining experiences, transportation arrangements, and expert guiding. With China Discovery, you’ll be accompanied by our seasoned guide to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park flexibly and relish a trouble-free travel experience.

Golden Whip Stream Transportation | Other Useful Links: Zhangjiajie Train Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | Zhangjiajie Airport to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Recommended Zhangjiajie Tour with Golden Whip Stream:

5 Days Zhangjiajie Ultimate Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave

● About Entrance Ticket
The entrance ticket of Golden Whip Stream is included in the ticket package of Wulingyuan. So you don't need to pay extra fees for this scenic area.
● Personal Safety
1. Please remember not to take any food in your hands in case you get hurt by the wild monkeys on the path. If they are interested in your foods, they will catch it from your hands.
2. Be sure not to explore the areas marked with "No Passing" or "Dangerous".
3. The mountain road is wet and slippery in rainy days. In addition, rain and mist can lead to unclear sight. Thus, it is not suggested that you risk climbing the mountain in the rain.
● Weather & Clothing
This area is cooler than other parts of Zhangjiajie, because the rich source of forest helps to cool down the heat. It even makes you feel cold sometimes, so you'd better wear some long sleeves shirts even in Summer time.

Golden Whip Stream Weather & Best Time to Visit | Useful Links: What to Pack for a Zhangjiajie Tour | Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie & Zhangjiajie Weather and Seasons | Zhangjiajie in Spring

Most travellers would visit Golden Whip Stream and Huangshizhai together on the first day of their tours to explore Zhangjiajie. Generally, they would spend 3~5 days to visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area and nearby attractions.

The first 3 days will be used to explore the core attractions of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Tourists arrive at Zhangjiajie on the first day, and then they will live in Wulingyuan District. Then at the second day, they will go to Huangshizhai to overlook the spectacular scenery in the national park. After that, they will go to Golden Whip Stream which covers a distance of 7.5 km, winding across mountains and valleys. Then on the third day, explore Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. The mountains of Yuanjiajie inspired the floating mountains in the Hollywood movie Avatar. You can have a stunning view of the peaks rising one after another at Tianzi Mountain.

In the following days, they will go to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yellow Dragon Cave or Baofeng Lake in/near Wulingyuan District, Tianmen Mountain in the downtown area. Moreover, nearby famous Fenghuang Ancient Town (1-2 Days) and Furong Ancient Town (1 Day) are also recommended.

Recommended Tours
☛ 4 Days Leisure Zhangjiajie Nature Discovery
☛ 5 Days Zhangjiajie Ultimate Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain
☛ 5 Days Fantastic Zhangjiajie Tour with Side trip to Furong Ancient Town

You may be confused about so many questions as how to plan a Zhangjiajie tour, how to travel between attractions, etc. Meanwhile, you may not know well about so many attractions. Now you can make your tour more relaxing by traveling with China Discovery. We could help you to resolve all problems you worried in your trip. You could take the licensed private car of us, and the driver will escort you between your last destination and the next destination. Our local private tour guide will explain you each scenic spot you will meet. The most important thing is that you will have your own professional private consultant to help you plan your trip according to your own interest and budgets. Along your trip, all you need to do is just playing well. Don't hesitate, just feel free to contact us for more details.