Zhangjiajie was established as a city primarily for tourism and is one of China’s key tourist destinations. The Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area boasts a rare landscape of quartz sandstone peak forests and canyons—truly a sight unparalleled in the world. Other scenic attractions, including Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, known as the “Soul of Wuling”; the Bajigongshan National Nature Reserve, dubbed the “world’s rarest gene bank of species”; the Taoist holy site of Wulei Mountain, also referred to as “Southern Wudang”; the “Hundred-Li Gallery” along the Maoyan River; and Wanfu Hot Springs, all feature stunning scenery and unique natural beauty. Zhangjiajie’s geological strata are complex and diverse, giving rise to the region’s distinctive landscapes.

Our first stop was the Mengdong River Rafting in Furong Town. The “Mengdong River—The World’s Number One Rafting Experience” project is located along a tributary of the Mengdong River, stretching a total length of 47 kilometers. The river derives its name from the characteristics of its surroundings: “the mountains are fierce like tigers, the waters rush swiftly like dragons, and there are countless mysterious caves.” The Mengdong River boasts abundant water volume, a steep gradient, numerous rapid stretches with uniquely spectacular waves, and towering cliffs that plunge straight into the water. On both banks, the cliffs converge closely, creating an enchanting canyon landscape. Furong Town, originally known as Wangcun, is an ancient town with a history spanning over two thousand years. Because of the magnificent waterfalls that flow through it, it is also called “the Millennium Ancient Town Hanging Over Waterfalls.”

“Enjoying the mountains in Zhangjiajie and playing in the Mengdong River”—this has become the essence of tourism in western Hunan’s Xiangxi region. After a relaxing stay at the serene Hetianju Resort Hotel, the next day we headed to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where the natural scenery is remarkable for its awe-inspiring peaks, tranquil valleys, and lush forests. Here, there are over 3,000 extraordinary peaks—some resembling human figures, others animal forms, still others objects or utensils—all strikingly lifelike and majestic. The park is famously known as “Three Thousand Strange Peaks and Eight Hundred Beautiful Streams.”

With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, on the third day we arrived at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge—the world’s tallest all-glass bridge. This glass bridge is also the world’s first cable-stayed glass bridge spanning a high-altitude canyon, and it has set numerous world records, including being the world’s highest and longest glass bridge and the first to be constructed using a new type of composite material.

Beautiful moments always seem to fly by so quickly—before we know it, we’ve reached the last day. First, we visited Bao Feng Lake, a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site renowned as a classic example of lakes around the world. The lake consists of two major sections: Bao Feng Lake itself and Yingwo Village. With a water depth of 72 meters, the lake boasts stunning scenery and once served as the filming location for the iconic Flower Fruit Mountain Water Curtain Cave in the classic version of "Journey to the West." Later, we took Asia’s No. 1 cable car up to Tianmen Mountain. Tianmen Mountain is home to a rare natural wonder—the Tianmen Cave. This cave pierces through the mountain from north to south, rising sheerly into the sky like a gateway to heaven, hence the mountain’s name, Tianmen Mountain. The mountain’s terrain is steep, rugged, and breathtakingly majestic, earning it the title of “natural painting screen” of Zhangjiajie. The Tianmen Cave is perpetually shrouded in mist and vapor, its appearance ever-changing and unpredictable. Sometimes, swirling clouds and mists seem to rise and tumble within the cave; at other times, rays of rosy sunlight stream through its opening, creating a spectacle of dazzling beauty and magical allure, as if the cave holds infinite mysteries of the universe. After thoroughly enjoying the breathtaking mountain views, on our way down, we walked down 99 steps and then took a bus that traversed 99 thrilling and hair-raising bends. Thus, our entire journey came to a perfect conclusion.

Our wonderful journey to Zhangjiajie has come to a perfect close—but we’re confident that this trip will leave cherished memories in each of our hearts. The true value of group travel lies in fostering deep bonds among colleagues and strengthening our sense of unity. Although the trip is over, EK’s journey forward has never stopped...