The “Our World A to Z” series kicked off with Angkor Wat. Since then, we’ve been on a journey through the alphabet. We’ve stopped on all of Earth’s continents. Still, even the best of trips must come to an end. It’s time to wrap up the series with the letter Z. Last — but not least — is China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park!
The site is full of breathtaking views. There are mountains, caves, and waterfalls. However, most people go to see the more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars that rise up. These natural columns were formed by erosion. Many of them stand 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. One example involves director James Cameron and the 2009 film Avatar. That was the highest-grossing movie in the world until last year. Avatar features floating lands based on the pillars in China. In 2010, officials in China even renamed the park’s Southern Sky Column. They started calling it Avatar Hallelujah Mountain!
Visitors to the park can also 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) above the ground. This may be the highest natural bridge in the world. The park is also home to the highest and longest glass bridge!
The park has plenty of hikes. Or visitors can get some help from technology. A cable car takes people on a ride past the pillar peaks. And the glass Bailong Elevator carries groups up, up, and up the side of a mountain cliff. At 1,070 feet (326 m) tall, this is often called the highest outdoor elevator.
So, it’s probably no surprise that people want to protect this spot. In 1982, Zhangjiajie became China’s first national forest park. And 10 years after that, UNESCO added the area to its list of Earth’s most treasured locations.
People will keep working to protect the places in China and around the globe. That way, travelers will always be able to explore our world — from A to Z.
Updated April 21, 2020, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
