Surrounded by high mountains to the east, south and west, and by the Yangtze River on the north, it is largely low lying and wily in its central part, with the Dongting Lake plain in its north. Hunan has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with humid summers, cold winters and abundant rainfall.
Blessed with the humid climate, Hunan province is boundless with sights. Established in 1982 as the first national forest park of China, Zhangiiajie National Forest Park is known for its unique landscape with lush forests dominated by quartzite sandstone pillars. Bubbling brooks and charming lakes wind around the area and connect giant caves. It was included on the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1992 for its unique "peak forests of quartz sandstone". And in 2004, it was recognized as one of the world's geological parks.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to 23 species of rare animals and over 3, 000 species of plants. 97% of the park is covered with plants thus, it is widely accepted as a giant botanic showcase and an oxygen bar. Quartz Sandstone Peak Forest and Karst Caves 40 constitute the outstanding landscape features of Zhangjiajie, queer peaks, deep valleys, peculiar rocks, tranquil water and beautiful forests. More than 3, 000 sandstone hills with various shapes are erecting on the wonderful land. In spring it is drowned by fragrance of brilliant flowers. In summer with cool wind, it is the great resort for leisure and relaxation. Mountains are decorated by red leaves and wild fruits in autumn whereas by glittering snow in winter. Different seasons show different sceneries in the park which also make it an ideal destination for tour and holiday.
Besides abundant natural resources, the park is also famous for its beautiful and unique scenery. There are many famous scenic spots in Hangjiajie, including the Baofeng Lake, the Huanglong Cave, known as Asia's largest cave, and many beautiful waterfalls and brooks.
72% of Zhangjiajie's 1. 62 million total population belong to ethnic minority groups, including Tujia, Bai and Miao nationalities.
Honored as "the most fantastic mountains under heaven" and "a living Chinese landscape painting", Zhangjiajie is a perfect combination of the beauty of Guilin, the grotesqueness of Mount Huang, Me peril of Mount Hua and the magnificence of Mount Tai. It is also widely acclaimed as "an enlarged potted landscaping", "a miniature fairyland" and "a maze of nature", attracting a growing number of tourists from home and abroad.