Zhangjiajie is located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, about 265 kilometers to the northwest of Changsha, the provincial capital. Most scenic spots in the area are situated in the northern part of Zhangjiajie city. Spots such as Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, which includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzishan mountain range, Baofeng Lake, Suoxi Valley, and the newly opened Yangjiajie Scenic Area. The Tianmen Mountain range, which is just to the south of the city, is also a must-see.

Zhangjiajie is known for its beautiful forests, odd-shaped rock formations, exquisite canyons, limestone caves, and jaw-dropping panoramic views. The entire area is covered with towering cliffs of sandstone and quartz with dense unspoiled forests over limestone caves lying underneath. The hills present different views to visitors with the changes of seasons and the weather.

Tour guide Xiang Zhijun explains.

"Now follow my finger. There are two high Cliffs with a low one in between. It looks like a mother holding her child before her chest. This is the Mother and Child Cliff."

Mother and Child Cliff is a scenic spot in the Golden Wipe Stream area. Stretching some 8 kilometers, the Golden Wipe stream is surrounded by abrupt rare peaks and odd rocks on both sides. Views change as you go along the stream. One of the typical sandstone landscapes is the Golden Wipe Rock by the stream.

(CRI April 21, 2009)