Zhangjiajie’s Most Famous Movie Filming Locations

Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China’s Hunan Province, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. But beyond its towering sandstone pillars and misty valleys, this breathtaking landscape has also captured the imagination of filmmakers worldwide. From Hollywood blockbusters to Chinese cinematic masterpieces, Zhangjiajie’s surreal scenery has served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic movie scenes. If you’re a film buff or a traveler looking to walk in the footsteps of movie legends, here’s your ultimate guide to Zhangjiajie’s most famous filming locations.

The Avatar Connection: Zhangjiajie’s Floating Mountains

Hallelujah Mountain (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain)

One of Zhangjiajie’s most recognizable landmarks, the towering pillar now officially named "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain," gained global fame after inspiring the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar (2009). While the movie itself wasn’t filmed here, the otherworldly landscape of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park directly influenced the film’s visual design.

Visitors can take the Bailong Elevator—the world’s tallest outdoor lift—to get a panoramic view of these jagged peaks. The best time to visit is early morning when the mist wraps around the mountains, creating an ethereal atmosphere straight out of Pandora.

Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

This area within the national park is where you’ll find the famous "First Bridge Under Heaven," a natural stone bridge connecting two cliffs. The towering quartz-sandstone pillars here, like the "Southern Sky Column," became the blueprint for Avatar’s floating rocks. Walking through Yuanjiajie feels like stepping onto another planet, especially when the fog rolls in.

The Wulingyuan Grand Canyon & The Monkey King

Zhangjiajie’s dramatic landscapes have also been featured in Chinese fantasy films, most notably The Monkey King series. The Wulingyuan Grand Canyon, with its deep gorges and lush greenery, doubled as mythical realms where Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) battled demons and gods.

Tianzi Mountain

Known as the "Monarch of the Peak Forest," Tianzi Mountain offers sweeping views of endless karst formations. Its mist-covered peaks and winding paths were used in several scenes of The Monkey King 2 (2016). The mountain’s sea of clouds effect makes it a favorite spot for photographers and filmmakers alike.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Transformers: Age of Extinction

While not a natural formation, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge has become a star in its own right. This engineering marvel—the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge—was featured in Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014). In the film, the bridge becomes a battleground between Autobots and Decepticons.

Walking across the 430-meter-long bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor, is an adrenaline-pumping experience. The bridge’s transparent floor offers dizzying views of the forest below, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

The Hidden Gem: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s Bamboo Forest

Though not in Zhangjiajie proper, the nearby Tianmen Mountain and its surroundings have been used in martial arts films. While Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) famously filmed its bamboo forest scenes in Anhui, Zhangjiajie’s own lush forests and cliffs have a similar mystical quality.

Tianmen Mountain’s "Heaven’s Door"

The iconic Tianmen Cave, a natural arch carved into the mountain, has been featured in numerous Chinese films. The 999-step "Stairway to Heaven" leading to the cave adds a dramatic touch, often used in fantasy and adventure movies.

Lesser-Known but Cinematic: The Great Wall (2016)

Parts of Zhang Yimou’s The Great Wall, starring Matt Damon, were filmed in Zhangjiajie. The area’s rugged terrain stood in for the mystical landscapes surrounding the Great Wall in the film. While the movie received mixed reviews, the visuals were undeniably stunning—thanks in part to Zhangjiajie’s natural grandeur.

How to Visit These Filming Locations

Best Time to Go

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter brings quieter trails but colder temperatures.

Getting There

Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, which has connections to major Chinese cities. From there, buses and taxis can take you to the national park.

Tickets & Tours

A multi-day pass for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is recommended. Guided tours focusing on movie locations are available, offering behind-the-scenes insights.

Pro Tips

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes—many filming spots require walking.
• Bring a raincoat; the weather can change quickly.
• Visit popular spots early in the day to avoid crowds.

Zhangjiajie isn’t just a paradise for hikers and photographers—it’s a living movie set waiting to be explored. Whether you’re chasing Avatar’s floating mountains or walking the path of Transformers, this destination promises an unforgettable adventure.