A day in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China

Dawn - Verdant valley floor

Dawn light falls on the stone pillars above the green valley floor. I follow the trail through dense subtropical forest beneath the cliffs. This core of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China's first national park, where weathered quartz-sandstone pillars rise over the trees.

Morning - Quartz-sandstone pillar forest

Water sounds in the ravine as the trail runs under the pillars. I keep to the forest path among thousands of quartz-sandstone pillars. These trails wind beneath towering vertical cliffs and offer close views of native flora and cascading streams.

Midday - Southern Sky Column

Mist cools the path and the light sits on the Southern Sky Column. I stop on the viewpoint before that towering pillar. It gained global renown following its association with a blockbuster science-fiction film, and the platforms show its shape against the deep valley.

Afternoon - Bailong Elevator cliff

The glass wall is cold against the sheer cliff as the lift climbs. I ride the outdoor glass lift up the vertical rock. This lift, built into a quartz-sandstone pillar, gives fast transit to the upper plateau trails and views across the ravines.

Golden Hour - Pinewood farmhouse terrace

Pine smoke hangs over the terrace and the bacon tastes salty and chewy. I eat Tujia smoked bacon at the farmhouse table. Pork belly is cured with salt and spices, then smoked over pinewood fires until it is deeply flavoured.

Night - Tianzi Shan pavilions

Cold air moves across the ridge and cloud fills the valleys below. I look out from a high viewing pavilion on Tianzi Shan. The section is named after a historical local rebellion leader and features cloud seas and jagged stone peaks.