The “Our World A to Z” series started with Angkor Wat. Since then, we’ve gone through the alphabet. We’ve stopped on every continent. But all trips must end. It’s time to wrap up with the letter Z. It’s China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park!
The site has beautiful views. There are mountains, caves, and waterfalls. People go to see more than 3,000 stone pillars. These were formed by erosion. Many are more than 656 feet (200 m) high. Sometimes, mist moves through the valley. This makes the pillars look like they are floating!
This view has inspired artists. They include director James Cameron. He made the 2009 film Avatar. The movie has floating lands based on the pillars. Officials in China even renamed a column in the park. They now call it Avatar Hallelujah Mountain!
Visitors can see bridges made by the rocks. One is often called the Bridge Across the Sky. It connects stone structures about 1,171 feet (357 m) up. This may be the highest natural bridge in the world. The park also has the highest and longest glass bridge!
The park has hikes too. Or visitors can get help from technology. A cable car takes people past the pillars. And the glass Bailong Elevator carries groups up a cliff. It’s 1,070 feet (326 m) tall. It is often called the highest outdoor elevator.
People want to protect this spot. In 1982, Zhangjiajie became China’s first national forest park. And 10 years later, UNESCO added the area to its list of treasured locations.
People will keep working to protect places around the globe. That way, travelers can always explore our world — from A to Z.
Updated April 21, 2020, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
