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Description
The trail closely following the clear Golden Whip Stream passes through some spectacular scenery of tall columns of rock and mountains. Many specialist water loving birds can be seen in and around the stream such as Little Forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail, Plumbeous Redstart and Brown Dipper. The surrounding forested area can contain many different species throughout the year, on my visit I saw Blue Rock Thrush, Rosy Minivet, White-crowned Forktail, Vinous-throated Parrotbill and Collared Finchbill.
The trail is 7.5 km of fairly level path, starting from the Zhangjiajie National Park tickets station (south gate) and ending at Zi Mu Gang ticket station (Southeast gate). If you wish to return to the starting point, transport is probably available otherwise it is a 7.5 km return hike!
It is worth noting that within a few hundred meters of the starting points, the crowds start to thin and the number of tourist making the full journey is relatively small, so some quiet places can easily be found a couple of km into the walk.
Details
Access
The nearest city is Zhiangjiaje and from here regular buses depart from Zhangjiajie City Bus Station (next to the train station) to the national park ticket station. Journey time: approximately 40 minutes. Distance: 30 kilometers. Frequency: every 10 minutes.
Several hours should be allowed for the visit but if time is short then limit the distance to the time available. It is worth noting that there is an entry fee to the park so it is best to dedicate a whole day to maximise value for money.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Canyon/cliff , RiverConditions
Flat , Slippery , RockyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , AutumnRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park eBird hotspot
- Chinagotrip.com/destinations/hunan/zhangjiajie/attractions/golden-whip-stream