Huangshizhai (Huangshi Village) - The Largest Viewing Deck of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Why Should I Visit Huangshizhai?

The adage states, “A trip to Zhangjiajie is not complete without a visit to Huangshizhai.” Also known as Huangshi Village, Huangshizhai is not actually a village but the largest natural observatory deck in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Despite its name, it is a mountain encircled by cliffs. Upon reaching the summit, visitors can stroll along the circular path to take in the panoramic views of the park. The uniquely shaped stone peaks, such as the Five Finger Peak and Lovers’ Peaks, are the stars of the show, resembling the forms they're named after, including Natural Murals. Perched at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, Huangshi Village offers the finest vantage point for experiencing the enchanting clouds and mists that make the park feel like a fairyland. Additionally, you may encounter many wild monkeys during your visit!

Huangshizhai Related Reading:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | Yuanjiajie | Tianzi Mountain | Ten Miles Gallery | Golden Whip Stream

Known for its distinctive quartz sandstone formations, Huangshi Village offers a dramatic landscape with a variety of peak shapes, creating an extraordinary natural scene. The popular saying, "A visit to Zhangjiajie is incomplete without Huangshi Village," highlights its significance and visual appeal among Zhangjiajie's attractions.

II. Shaped Stone Hills

Perched atop a plateau with steep cliffs around, Huangshi Village provides numerous ideal spots to take in the vistas, such as the Pavilion of Six Wonders, Star Picking Stand, Five Finger Peak, Echo Wall, Relic Piers of the Heaven Bridge, Ancient Pine Terrace, Golden Turtle in Fog Sea, Monkey Marshal Assembling Solders, offering a multifaceted view of Zhangjiajie’s splendor.

III. Cliff Edge Walk

Strolling along the edge of the cliffs provides a thrilling experience with breathtaking drops and unparalleled views.

IV. Elevated Cloud and Mist Experience

At over 1,200 meters, Huangshi Village is the perfect spot to immerse in the ethereal clouds and mists, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

V. Wild Monkey Encounters

The park is home to wild monkeys, making for exciting wildlife encounters as they roam freely and sometimes interact with visitors.
(Notice: it's important to avoid provoking them, as doing so could lead to difficulties. They might also approach you for a small snack.)

VI. Convenient Tour Ways

Visitors can choose to take the cableway to reach the top quickly or choose to climb the mountain on foot to experience the natural beauty along the way. This variety of tour methods meets the needs of different visitors.

VII. Legends and History

The village’s name is linked to Huang Shi Gong, the mentor of Han dynasty noble Zhang Liang, who was said to have practiced alchemy here, lending a layer of historical mystery and storytelling to the site.

Length: About 3 km (1 km's walking and 2 km's cable car)
Visiting Time: About 50 mins (30 mins walking and 20 mins cable car)
Route: Cable Car Station - Pavilion of Six Wonders - Star Picking Stand - Five Finger Peak - Fairy Presenting Flowers - Golden Turtle in Fog Sea - Monkey Marshal Assembling Soldiers - Cable Car Station

You can take a cableway up and down the Huangshizhai, and then walk along the small circle to enjoy the scenery. Alternatively, you could choose to hike up and/or down the mountain. The suggested length of the visit and the estimated time include the duration of returning by cableway.

Length: About 5.8km (3.8 km's walking and 2 km's cable car)
Visiting Time: About 2 h 10 min (1.5 hrs walking and 20 mins cable car)
Route: Start from cable car station to all spots, including iconic Relic Piers of the Heaven Bridge (天桥遗墩)

In this way, you will take cable car up and down the Huangshi Village, and walk along the large circle for enjoying scenery. Otherwise, you could also choose to hike up or/and down the mountain. The length and visiting time suggested above include the length and time you may need to return by cable car.

Notice:
1. The length of the cable car for single way is about 1 km, and the time needed for it is about 10 mins.
2. There are two ways for hiking up/down mountain. One is from Big Oxygen Square(大氧吧广场) to Star Picking Stand, the other is from Dragon and Phoenix An (龙凤庵) to Golden Turtle in Fog Sea. Walking time for the former one is about 1h 20mins, and the later one is about 1h 10mins.

Huangshizhai is located at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park of Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, and it is about 30 km from Zhangjjiajie City. You could take direct bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Forest Park Ticket Station (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park South Gate). Then walk for about 10 mins, and you will arrive at the Big Oxygen Bar Square where you could take free battery car to the cableway station or hike up Huangshizhai (40mins-1h).

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 the most spectacular viewpoints at Huangshizhai and relish a trouble-free travel experience. 

Recommended Zhangjiajie Tour with Huangshizhai:

4 Days Leisure Zhangjiajie Nature Discovery

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Huangshi Village, Golden Whip Stream, Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Gallery, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave

Many visitors choose to kick off their Zhangjiajie adventure at Huangshi Village, marking it as their initial destination within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The breathtaking scenic area typically takes between 2 to 4 days to fully explore.

Usually, travelers reach Zhangjiajie on the first day and stay close to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. On the following day, they head to Huangshizhai to take in the breathtaking views of the national park. Afterwards, they venture to the Golden Whip Brook, which stretches for 7.5 kilometers, meandering through the hills and dales. On the third day, they delve into the Ten Miles Gallery, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain. The peaks of Yuanjiajie were the inspiration for the floating mountains in the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar. At Tianzi Mountain, one can marvel at the spectacular sight of slender peaks rising in succession.

☛ 4 Days Leisure Zhangjiajie Nature Discovery

Should you have an additional day at your disposal, you could explore Tianmen Mountain located in the urban area of Zhangjiajie, or visit the Yellow Dragon Cave and Baofeng Lake in the vicinity of Suoxiyu, and even take a trip to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. If your schedule allows for two extra days, you have the flexibility to see all of these attractions.

☛ 5 Days Zhangjiajie Ultimate Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain
☛ 5 Days Fantastic Zhangjiajie Tour with Side trip to Furong Ancient Town

You could also have a Zhangjiajie photography tour to shoot these Avatar mountains. Furthermore, you could contact us to customize your own Zhangjiajie tour.

☛ 5 Days Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains Photography Tour

You may be confused about how to plan a Zhangjiajie tour, as the transportation there is not so convenient. Meanwhile, you could find that you couldn't know well about so many scenic spots. Then you could think about us - 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.