1/8/2025
One of my Korean students once shared with me the excitement her parents had after visiting Zhangjiajie (张家界, Zhāng Jiā Jiè) in China. Their enthusiasm piqued my curiosity, and I made a note to learn more about this fascinating destination. That was last summer.
Key Facts About Zhangjiajie:
Location and Area: Situated in northwestern Hunan Province, China, Zhangjiajie spans approximately 9,563 square kilometers (3,692 square miles). It encompasses both urban areas and vast natural reserves.
Major Attractions:
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Renowned for its more than 3,000 sandstone pillars, some towering over 200 meters (656 feet). These formations are iconic symbols of the park’s ethereal beauty.
2. Tianmen Mountain: - Height: 1,518 meters (4,980 feet). Famous attractions include the 99-Bend Road, the Glass Skywalk, and the stunning Tianmen Cave.
3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: - Length: 430 meters (1,410 feet). - Height: Suspended 300 meters (984 feet) above the canyon floor, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
4. Baofeng Lake: - A tranquil lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dense forests, ideal for peaceful boat rides amidst natural beauty.
5. Sky Ladder Via Ferrata (天梯攀岩道, Tiān Tī Pān Yán Dào): - Located on Seven Star Mountain, part of the greater Zhangjiajie area. Features a 168-meter-long steel pathway suspended 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) above the ground, bridging two cliffs. Provides panoramic 360-degree views of Zhangjiajie’s sandstone pillars. This exhilarating and physically demanding climbing route requires safety harnesses and fitness, making it a dream for adventure seekers.
The landscapes of Zhangjiajie are often likened to classical Chinese paintings, offering a romantic and otherworldly atmosphere that captivates travelers.
Last summer, the headline "South Korean Tourists Traveling to China Increased by 900%" went viral on Chinese social media. According to data released by South Korea at the time, over 140,000 South Korean tourists visited China in January 2024 alone. Even more remarkable is their preferred destination: Zhangjiajie.
Statistics from China Tourism News reveal that Zhangjiajie welcomed 687,400 international visitors in 2023. Among them, over 280,000 were South Korean tourists, making up an impressive 41% of the total. In other words, nearly 4 out of every 10 foreign visitors to Zhangjiajie were from South Korea.
Zhangjiajie is considered a “must-visit destination for taking your parents on a trip” in South Korea. It is even mentioned in the South Korean drama My Uncle. In one scene, young people discuss potential vacation spots for their parents, and they unanimously recommend “Zhangjiajie.”
Another example is a well-known saying in South Korea: "人生不到张家界，百岁岂能称老翁?" (Rén shēng bú dào Zhāng jiā jiè, bǎi suì qǐ néng chēng lǎo wēng), which means, “If you haven’t been to Zhangjiajie in your lifetime, how can you call yourself an old man at age 100?”
Why Korean Tourists Love Zhangjiajie:
What makes Zhangjiajie so appealing to Korean travelers? The answer is multifaceted, but three key reasons stand out. First, the natural beauty of Zhangjiajie—with its breathtaking sandstone pillars, serene lakes, and lush greenery—resonates deeply with Koreans' love for hiking and outdoor adventures. Second, the region’s frequent appearances in popular Asian dramas and films have created a sense of familiarity and allure, amplified by a shared cultural appreciation for majestic landscapes. Finally, the local government has made significant efforts to accommodate Korean tourists, including providing Korean-speaking guides and hotel staff, offering direct flights and affordable travel packages, and ensuring the availability of Korean restaurants.
Zhangjiajie’s success highlights an important lesson: it’s not enough for a place to possess natural beauty alone. The local government and community must actively create an inviting environment, offering high-quality accommodations, cultural connections, and logistical ease.
To be continued tomorrow.