June 2014 (by Pat) Itinerary Link
ZHANGJIAJIE [continued from Fenghuang]
We had an early morning train from Jishou to Zhangjiajie city. Much to our surprise, we were apparently at the beginning of the line. Not only did we not have to eject people from our seats, there was almost no one in the car. Sadly, this also meant no toy vendor and no fish. The fish had gotten away.
The bus terminal was right next to the train terminal and we caught a bus to a smaller town near one of the entrances(Wulingyuan Entrance) to Zhangjiajie National Park. A cab took us to our hotel where we encountered a very helpful clerk. She had some English and a translation program on her phone and was happy to tell us where to go in the park and to recommend a local restaurant.
We also found a foot massage place near the hotel and checked it out after our first afternoon in the park. That’s where we discovered the magic spray.
After working on my feet, the masseuse started working on my calf and I found it extremely painful. She then went to her purse and pulled out a small spray bottle holding a light brown liquid and sprayed some on my calf. The pain completely went away and she continued to work on the calf with no problem. Then began a conversation that I never quite understood. At first I thought she was offering to sell me the spray, but I wasn’t sure. I said no and she moved to the other calf, which again proved very painful. She then offered the spray, which I took, and, again, the pain went away. As it turned out, she was telling me there was an additional 30Y charge for the spray. But the stuff was magic. I have no idea how it could work.
The town was charming. I particularly enjoyed the group folk dancing that occurred every evening near our hotel.
ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL PARK
Zhangjiajie National Park was China’s first national park and is still most popular for both Chinese and international tourists. We saw many Chinese tour groups there. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as I mentioned, the site of much of the background scenery in the movie Avatar.
Admission is fairly pricey, about 250Y, but it includes three days of admission and bus transportation within the park.
The first day we went for an 8km walk along a stream, enjoying the scenery and the monkeys who would come down and pose. The next day we ventured to the higher reaches of the park. This involved a ride on the world’s highest outdoor elevator and a tram ride, each of which had its own fee. Beautiful scenery at every turn.
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