hunan

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China Underground >

15 beautiful images of Zhangjiajie National Park in Hunan, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most peculiar national forest parks in China.

[湖南张家界国家森林公园; Húnán Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán]

Situated in the northern region of Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China, this national park forms a part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and is positioned within the boundaries of Zhangjiajie City. It stands as one among the multiple national parks encompassed by the scenic area.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

History & Culture

Zhangjiajie, an area steeped in history and legend, traces its origins back to the Neolithic Age when it was known as “Dayong”. This region, once considered remote and inaccessible, has human traces dating back approximately 100,000 years. Ancient local narratives tell of Zhang Liang, a renowned strategist from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD), who sought refuge in the area, then known as Qingyan Mountain, now Zhangjiajie. Fearing execution by Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, Zhang Liang chose this location for its serene beauty and seclusion, becoming a hermit and allegedly planting seven ginkgo trees. He was eventually buried beneath the same mountain. The name ‘Zhangjiajie’ is believed to derive from his lineage, with “Zhang” referring to his surname, “Jia” meaning family, and “Jie” signifying homeland or border.

Geographical and Natural Features

The park’s most distinguished geographic feature is its array of towering pillar-like formations. Contrary to appearances, these structures are not a result of limestone karst processes but are formed through extensive physical erosion over many years. The weathering of these pillars largely owes to winter ice expansion and the growth of plant life on them. The region experiences moist weather throughout the year, leading to dense vegetation. Streams primarily carry away the weathered material from these formations, which have become iconic in the Chinese landscape, often depicted in ancient paintings.

Park officials note that the stunning visuals of Zhangjiajie, particularly these unique formations, served as inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film “Avatar.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park map

Images of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Source:

Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhangjiajie_National_Forest_Park
Source: Zhangjiajie Tourism

Images of famine during the Chinese Civil War
China Underground >

Images of famine during the Chinese Civil War (Graphic content)

During 1946-47 the Great Famine hit Southern China, in particular Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces, affecting tens of millions of people. At least 1,7 million were starved to death.

Only in Hunan, died 900.000 people. These images were taken in 1946.

During this period, the civil war between Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) and the Communist Party, was in full swing.

Sources 1 , 2 , 3

Related articles: The Henan famine of 1942, An episode of cannibalism in China

Images of the Chinese Civil War Famine

Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine
Chinese Civil War Famine

 Topic: Chinese famine, famines in China, Hunan famine, Guangdong famine, Guangxi famine