Zhangjiajie in Hunan is known for its quartz-sandstone pillar peaks and inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
Must-sees: Yuanjiajie (the Hallelujah Mountain model), Tianzi Mountain (sea-of-clouds views), Golden Whip Stream (hiking), and Tianmen Mountain (99-bend road + Heaven Gate).
Glass bridge: in the Grand Canyon area, 430m long and 300m high - one of China famous glass bridges; not for the faint-hearted, separate ticket.
Getting around: the national forest park ticket is RMB 228 (valid 4 days); stay in Wulingyuan and allow 2-3 days: D1 Yuanjiajie/Tianzi, D2 Golden Whip Stream + Huangshi Village, D3 Tianmen.
Best time: April-June and September-November, when mist makes it magical; cooler in summer on top; cold in winter.
Reminder: monkeys roam the peaks - keep food hidden; queues at cableways and the elevator are long - plan ahead.
