Weather in Wulingyuan

About Wulingyuan

These massive sandstone pillars soar from misty subtropical forest valleys in formations so dramatic they inspired Avatar's floating mountains—3,000 peaks create one of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes. Hiking trails wind between towering formations while cable cars offer easier access to panoramic viewpoints. UNESCO recognition celebrates this geological masterpiece.

Country

China

Best months to visit

September

Currency

CNY

Language

Mandarin

Things to do in Wulingyuan

Trek between dramatic sandstone formations Take cable car to panoramic summit viewpoints Hike to Tianzi Mountain viewpoint Visit Baofeng Lake cave area Explore glass walkway at mountain edge Photograph mystical mountain sunrise scenes

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

March

16C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

April

21C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

May

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

October

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

10C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Wulingyuan's forest of towering sandstone pillars, rising straight out of dense forest and often wreathed in mist, inspired the floating mountains of Avatar and remains one of China's most otherworldly landscapes. Glass walkways, the world's tallest outdoor elevator and cable cars make the dramatic peaks accessible, while quieter trails wind between the pillars at ground level for those who prefer to walk among them.

Best areas to stay in Wulingyuan

Yuanjiajie

Home to the pillar that inspired Avatar's floating mountains, reached by the Bailong outdoor elevator.

Tianzi Mountain

A scenic area with panoramic viewpoints over the sea of stone pillars, especially atmospheric in mist.

Golden Whip Stream

A gentle valley walk along a stream at the base of the pillars, offering a different perspective looking up.

Tianmen Mountain

Located near Zhangjiajie city (separate from the main park), known for its glass walkway and a road with 99 hairpin bends.

Getting to Wulingyuan

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Flights

Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport via a major Chinese hub.

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From London

~14-16 hours from London via a connection in China.

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Getting around

Shuttle buses operate within the scenic park between zones; cable cars and the Bailong Elevator provide access to upper viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions

What is Wulingyuan famous for?

Thousands of sandstone pillar formations covered in forest, including the peak that inspired the 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' in James Cameron's film.

How do I get up to the famous viewpoints?

The Bailong Elevator (the world's tallest outdoor lift) and several cable cars carry visitors up to viewpoints like Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie.

Is the glass walkway worth visiting?

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is a dramatic, if touristy, addition spanning a canyon with views down to the forest below - worth it if you don't mind heights and crowds.

How many days do I need at Wulingyuan?

Two to three days allows time to see the main viewpoints without rushing, as the park is large and spread across several scenic areas.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the best balance of mild weather and the misty atmosphere that makes the pillars look most dramatic; summer is busiest.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The pillars emerging from the mist at Yuanjiajie were genuinely one of the most surreal landscapes I've ever seen. The outdoor elevator up the cliff face was an experience in itself.

Tom S. · October 2023

★★★★★

Spent three days exploring different zones of the park and each one felt different - Golden Whip Stream at the bottom was a peaceful contrast to the dramatic viewpoints higher up.

Yan F. · April 2024

★★★★☆

Crowded in places but the scenery more than makes up for it. The glass bridge near Zhangjiajie city was a thrilling add-on if you're not afraid of heights.

Becky N. · May 2024