Zhangjiajie - China's Real-Life Avatar Mountains (含中文字幕)

China's landscapes are some of the most incredible and otherworldly I have ever seen, Zhangjiajie - China's real-life Avatar Mountains is no exception. I had heard mixed reviews about this national park so I needed to see it and experience it for myself.
I hope you like our adventure in Zhangjiajie don't forget to like and subscribe!
▶ Get 3 months free on a 12-month subscription by using my VPN link: www.expressvpn.com/nico
▶ The music we use: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
FOLLOW ME:
▶ Instagram: / wearenico
▶ Website: www.wearenico.com/
▶ If you want an awesome website like mine then get one here: squarespace.syuh.net/PebjN
SUPPORT US:
▶ Patreon: / nicofilms
​
▶ PayPal: paypal.me/wearenico?locale.x=...
​
WHAT WE USE:
▶ Best vlogging camera: amzn.to/3l64CW4
▶ Best vlogging gimbal: amzn.to/3mlOFdO
▶ Our normal camera: amzn.to/3Abe1jv
▶ Best gimbal: amzn.to/3FgQVvx
▶ Our drone: amzn.to/3BaSYPt
▶ How we edit: bit.ly/3Adq0wN
▶ Our full kit: kit.co/Nicofilms​
▶ KZbin helper: www.tubebuddy.com/Nicofilms
▶ Start your China journey now with a TEFL: bit.ly/3ixZYOS
▶ Before you travel anywhere don’t forget this: bit.ly/3A7FnHo
​
*Contains affiliate links - please note by using one of these links I will get a small commission that will not affect your price.
Thank you for your support!

[@haodeplorable266]

To be honest, the most evil thing on the top of Zhangjiajie mountain is McDonald's

[@GLA41904]

🤣🤣🍟🍟

[@VashtheStampede007]

Yeah, junk foods don’t belong there. Get some high quality traditional foods, and some teahouses.

[@gillyguyshangguan4849]

Same feeling

[@kimchan382]

Haha, McDonald is a good reason to get my kids to the top!

[@naurasal9165]

LOL

[@Reporterfy]

Great production Nico

[@nileshbhattacharya2526]

Hello Alex uncle. Good to see you here ☺️

[@Nicofilms]

Glad you like it!

[@paulcaistudio]

Don't go to famous touristy places on public holidays :-)

[@seafood_hater]

Shouldn't this be a rule of thumb for traveling, especially in densely populated areas? Going to tourist spots on public hols is just asking for it. lol

[@petercua6158]

Working people only have holiday day to travel.

[@user-py3ol6on1h]

There are so many people that I kind of hate traveling during the holidays. I have 9 days annual leave every year. I spend half of my time in the Spring Festival and half of my time on free travel.

[@rickr9435]

i went there during Jan 1 and it was quite empty

[@Nicofilms]

Great advice! This was just your average weekday so I would hate to see it on a public holiday.

[@urbanpeasant1238]

It is so beautiful. We are so envious you are able to travel, we are sitting at home waiting for the 3rd wave to hit us like a freight train.

[@tilda6048]

What 3rd wave? covid?

[@iatemyfather30_121]

@@tilda6048 no it was tsunami 😒

[@tilda6048]

@@iatemyfather30_121 you ain't know

[@user-hr6tb9fh8k]

Foggy weather has its own unique tastes if you know enough of Chinese aesthetic

[@eddiegerahty3454]

The background music really matched the scenery.

[@JohnThomasAbroad]

Totally agree!!

[@JohnThomasAbroad]

This quite possibly could be my favorite video you two have done. I was immersed in the story. Also can’t go wrong with puppies and monkeys 🐒.

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot. Haha yeah they really made it!

[@jamesbenson2502]

BBC: those mountains don’t have freedom

[@PaddyMan1988]

I visited there in November 2010. It’s amazing. Weather is great with few travelers on the top of mountain.

[@davidstretch5614]

My wife and (step)son come from Zhangjiajie, and I have lived there, off and on, from 2005. I first went to the National Forest in 2005 when there weren't so many tourists. It was dry and clear and very beautiful. Although it can rain and be misty, one should not confuse the characteristics of the place with the effect the transient weather can create. Both have their charm. And if one takes one's time to be more immersed in Chinese culture abd the local culture, your experience can be enhanced.

[@veiking]

This reminds me of my trip to Macchu Picchu. It rained so heavily halfway while I was climbing. I even fell down. Luckily the sun appeared before I reached the pinnacle.

[@HazzaChinaVlogs]

Wow. Just wow. I can't believe I've been here for ten years and I still haven't been there to see it for myself. Simply stunning. In your opening, the first thing I thought of was the movie Avatar! But yeah - whenever I do travel in China, I try to avoid public holidays and crowds. I'm just kind of impatient when it comes to waiting in lines, and I prefer taking photos of scenery that doesn't include other people (unless I can PS them out, haha!) Also... you know how when you live somewhere for a long time, you kinda don't have the drive to travel - like, back in Australia, I didn't really have the motivation to visit all of our domestic tourist attractions, because you kinda just feel like they'll be there forever and you'll eventually get around to getting there one day. I think I've kinda slipped into that mode here in China, too. But I really should plan some trips around China to see the places that I haven't seen yet - but the problem is, where to begin? There are just too many options, and I kinda have choice-phobia (I'm sure there's an actual word for that)... But yeah, stunning drone footage toward the end, and I reckon that the fog actually added in some way to the atmosphere. Plus, despite everything, finding that cute puppy made it all worthwhile... what a cutie!

[@dorisliu1506]

If you want to see the scenery, you can go to the northwest. Rent a car on Taobao, or drive by yourself, take the Qinghai-Tibet line, or go to Xinjiang. The scenery in April and May is beautiful. If you want to taste good food, you can go to Sichuan, Chongqing, and Changsha. The food is a bit spicy.

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot! It was certainly worth the trip even with the rain. I know what you mean and it is hard to find the time. We love to travel but prefer more remote places but we don't get much time off to explore these. I wish we could just travel around full time making videos haha

[@ymhktravel]

@@Nicofilms get a campervan. Campervan travel (safer in covid-19 era) across various provinces and attractions are starting to catch on in China. There's even a series on YT abt such travel by locals. However,compared to USA and Europe, campervan travel culture is still in its infancy stage in China and the infrastructure such as overnight parking,, unloading & toilet facilities at parks etc is not as widespread and developed as those in western countries.

[@Nicofilms]

@@ymhktravel We would love to do that. We are going to try and get our driving license this year so that we can travel more by car. My dad renovated a van for me to do Europe but we haven't made it back since Covid so who knows when that will be possible.

[@ReportsOnChina]

It is actually the inspiration for Avatar 😋

[@iamcanadianedmonton]

the heaven is sweeping for us canadians who want to travel but are being locked down by the third wave !!! zhangjiajie here we come in 2022/2023 !!!! love from canada.

[@KK-xi7vh]

A third wave??? God damn....

[@dorisye8580]

@@KK-xi7vh Welcome to China

[@wilsonchan1471]

Yes, Zhangjiajie is on my bucket list, just wish the pandemic will be over soon. Stay safe you two.

[@AlexKeith17]

I definately agree. Zhangjiajie was definatly my favorite nature location I have ever been too. fabulous job on this video Nico !

[@JamesandKeli]

Using your video for tips as we head there tomorrow! We can't wait!

[@maxyang7919]

So happy for you now that you are back on your feet exploring! Go Nico!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot!

[@dorisye8580]

Love your videos!

[@qshao5879]

The best part of Zhangjiajie is Tianmen mountain in my opinion, wulingyuan is like apetizer

[@kaitlinhill816]

All of your guys videos are amazing, but there was something special about this one. The way you tied the story telling along with amazing video shots was incredible.

[@Nicofilms]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dondiegol1433]

We have been waiting for this video since you guys came back from your holidays (you mentioned that it would be coming "soon"). Love it! Thanks.

[@Nicofilms]

haha coming soon always means in a few months when we can fit in the edit. We still have videos from Yunnan 2 years ago that haven't made it yet haha

[@debscatena]

lovely!! well done you two!!

[@Nicofilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hanw544]

your video is on a new higher level!

[@michael-k]

Oo.. one of the most beautiful travel videos from your channel. Love it.

[@Nicofilms]

Wow, thank you!

[@hangzeng1491]

I have to say the previous podcast about your bad experience in Zhangjiajie does help a lot to lower my expectation, but finally the video is faaaar beyond expected.

[@Nicofilms]

haha like we say, lower your expectations! Glad you liked it!

[@explorewithmo7850]

fantastic video- love this video. well done guys

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks so much!

[@terrafoodtravel6244]

OMG I had the same experience as you! As soon I arrived in China I went to Zhangjiajie, I was chocked with the amount of people ahah

[@Nicofilms]

haha I'm pleased to know we aren't the only ones!

[@johnsoncao3114]

I think you aware that Chinese ppl is 1/5 the world population and now nothing worry about the pandemic within China.

[@johnsoncao3114]

And I still remember that day when I checked in a hotel which is only have a room or two left the the man begging the receptionist that any room for this family no matter the price is huge. Lol

[@terrafoodtravel6244]

@@johnsoncao3114 ahah yes it takes time to get used to it specially when I grew up in a small city with around only 300k people

[@johnsoncao3114]

@@terrafoodtravel6244 yes, ppl engages different resources will have different access to resources.... thus have different values of life.

[@alexw3931]

Beautiful! words cannot describe.

[@jarseebamnow3537]

Love your work

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Way827]

Brilliant Thank you. I could be moving there when I can!

[@yangchen9556]

Hello nico, it’s good see you again

[@hxy265]

This channel deserves more subs!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot!

[@jhellier]

the park is so huge you need at least 3-4 days to see a good portion of it. hardcore photographers may like to stay 7 days to account for bad weather / haze days.

[@lalannieknoll4456]

This is still on my bucket list ❤️ Rainy weather whilst visiting any tourist spot is by far my worst. I hate being wet and cold so totally understand how you feel. I love the transport system in Chinese tourist parks. It really helps with the hordes of people.

[@Nicofilms]

It was really great despite the weather. Definitely take a rain coat haha

[@zeth479]

Zhangjiajie is very rainy (and foggy) unfortunately haha haha. You'll have to visit in winter if you'd like to avoid the rain. I think for most months they get two to three dry days a month lolol.

[@lazybones5390]

such a beautiful place.

[@cyrus-tang]

Breathtakingly stunning scenes!!

[@pengyuli9675]

As a Chinese I have to say. "First Bridge in the world" is actually typical Chinglish. What it really means is"The best bridge in China"

[@desertbedouin2081]

No better words than thumbs up!

[@supervince110]

I certainly wouldn't expect seeing so many people on a rainy day!

[@kongwong5255]

Nice video.

[@Poseidon99Jeus]

Absolutely Breathtaking, Nico!! Thank you, it's like I'm virtually traveling.

[@Nicofilms]

Happy to hear that! Thanks a lot!

[@Poseidon99Jeus]

@@Nicofilms 🥰🥰🥰😍🥰🥰🥰😍😘, omg, you responded to my comment!! I have no word for this act, you made my day. So delighted you did that❤️❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙💛💛💛💛♥️♥️💘💘❣️❣️❣️💓💓💞💕💕💓💞💕💕, looks creepy, I know you're married. it's just a fan love, not intimate things 😜

[@Nicofilms]

@@Poseidon99Jeus haha no worries! I try to reply to as many as I can but sometimes I don't have time. I'm pleased you appreciate it as I appreciate the comments too!

[@Poseidon99Jeus]

@@Nicofilms ♥♥❤☺️😊😉. I understand. I wish you keep doing KZbin videos and get more subscribers. Having a Logo of your youtube channel's name, such as T-shirts, stickers on your camera or backpack, might bump up your number of subscribers. Just my thoughts, don't pay attention if I sound dogmatic to you.

[@KristineRiv]

Authentic experience, loved it!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot Kristine!

[@Poe168]

Omg this place is overcrowded. And the view from the top of the mountains is beautiful.

[@Nicofilms]

Beautiful but busy, like a lot of places in China.

[@gillyguyshangguan4849]

Beautiful

[@zeezeewhy]

I went there before high school and this place is absolutely stunning! Good you have experience this.

[@Nicofilms]

It really is!

[@zx4337]

I always travel when it is not in busy holidays and before gaokao

[@Nicofilms]

Great advice we try to do the same!

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

Incredible vlog, I’m not sure why so little views well done amazing work 🎉👏🏼 you deserve much more than this Re watching some of the older vlogs and really enjoy them 2 nd time around … taking notes this time 😊 Thank you 🙏🏼 Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@openyreyes]

haha, great sense of humor, so true, You have to bear the crowd before you start enjoying the experience and scenery. But in the end it's all worth it.

[@litowsean9724]

It is very popular in China to shout out really loud when we climb to the top of the mountain, hear my roar!

[@zongchangsong5477]

beautiful

[@stevenjonas3421]

We spent 4 days there 2 years ago the same thing with the rain and clouds but still one of our best places in China and the village is great with many food choices and the limestone caves with the lake inside the caves Great place and a must-see when visiting China

[@Nicofilms]

Its really breathtaking!

[@xiangli2452]

always thumbs up!

[@Nicofilms]

You rock!

[@thinkcritically9745]

It really is beautiful and majestic

[@jayajanghel7391]

Really good 😊

[@luc3496]

Amazing

[@nileshbhattacharya2526]

Wow another interesting and lovely video. Thank you Nico sis. Today's video I ❤️ most. Your previous video makes my day 😸. Keep it up ... Chinese ancient I ❤️ most. If I am not wrong Avatar movie shooted here. Right 👍 .....

[@Nicofilms]

I'm so glad! Thanks a lot!

[@zigzigzag1981]

Breathtaking Nico !!! You know how lucky you were to be there when it was foggy to a point that the fog did not block out the entire view that really makes the view "enchanted" (instead of a clear day and clear view which is quite boring)

[@Nicofilms]

Oh yes I totally agree the fog makes it look amazing...as long as you can still see haha

[@sigyul2283]

Unexpected weathers always bring some unexpected experiences. When we visited Crater Lake in September, we were met with rain, snow, heavy fog and gusty wind. The scene of sun light breaking through layers of thick clouds is just so breathtaking and unforgettable.

[@Nicofilms]

This is true! If life was easy we wouldn't have such great stories!

[@fredm5245]

On my post Covid bucket list Nico

[@elizam2979]

I went there when I was young, there are not that much people around at that time. But I barely remember anything only know it’s beautiful. Definitely want to go there again in the future!

[@isaiahmcclure8894]

Heading there tomorrow! In Zhangjiajie city right now,

[@soul832006]

Many areas of Chinese mountains can end up like this. I toured China in the middle of winter. Such an interesting experience and I won't ever forget the frost on the trees and slippery conditions going up the walkway to my hotel (only accessible by foot) when I stayed on Wutaishan 五台山。

[@Nicofilms]

Wow! I bet it looked amazing in the snow!

[@gliu1431]

There are many beautiful scenery in China it is impossible to name which is most beautiful.

[@eduardochavacano]

the yellow mountain might be as pretty.

[@toriannalanam5341]

Even with the horrible weather, the views you were able to catch were beautiful and I'd be completely fine with it if I got to visit China.

[@Nicofilms]

Well we didn’t see any views the first day but the second was amazing! 🤣 I would recommend spending a couple of days there if you do incase it rains.

[@mytube30005]

This amazing place is in my bucket list. Hope to get go later this year. I saw a lot of trips here in the spring and it all rainy. I think it's better in the fall as it doesn't rain as much.

[@Nicofilms]

Hope you get a chance to go. We went in September I think if you go and it doesn't rain your are lucky haha

[@turtlepine6460]

You will hear oldies shout to the mountains for they think they are practicing Qigong( Tu Na in particular), a way they think to resonant their breathes with the nature.

[@kelvinyschun]

The rain and mist adds a different aspect! I visited 4 times in various seasons and only once had a really clear view! So much to see ... would you believe I thought I wouldn't survive when no buses ran on snowy roads ... I had to walk, walk and walk! I saw clouds on Tianmanshan!

[@Nicofilms]

Wow 4 times! Yeah I feel we only saw a small part. Good to know we aren't the only ones. I bet it was amazing in the snow though!

[@user-pz4vb9cu8u]

That's why I always look at the weather forecast before going on nature related excursions.

[@Nicofilms]

Same! but you can't change your whole holiday if the weather looks bad.

[@dyhu6367]

Crowds, noises, awful weather and perhaps fatigue during mountain climbing.... I can feel how horrible it was UNTIL you finally saw the splendid landscape. In fact I shared a similar experience with you when I visited there. But the gorgeous scenery just wiped out every negativity of mine when it appeared in sight. Thanks for presenting such a beautiful place to us. I WILL DEFINITELY GO THERE AGAIN!!!

[@Nicofilms]

Haha thanks a lot yes you have to make the best with what you have got!

[@justveninchina2180]

Wow!! Amazing place.absolutely breathtaking. I think this must be one in my list to travel.there are so many wonderful nature & places to visit in China. Like here in Shanghai,i stayed more than a year and a lot of beautiful place here to look for. new subscriber here. Keep Exploring & have a safe travel.😊

[@Jesseishere]

hey! thats so cool you can go there right now, i went to travel a month ago and that time they didnt allow foreigners inside 😓 i also went to Hua mountain in Xina, but after we arrived that place they didnt let me in.... that was soooo disappointing. so happy you made it ! amazing video

[@Nicofilms]

Oh really?? That is such a shame we actually went there in September so I'm surprised they stopped allowing foreigners in.

[@play362]

Thank you and your husband for promoting the exchange of Eastern and Western cultures.

[@kkw6320]

I think you should come back maybe summer or autumn , good weather and hopefully not that crowded and with luck, Jack wouldn't have to buy rice again haha. Thanks to you two, I can sit comfortably at home, in front of the screen enjoy the view and appreciate how beautiful and stunning even it just so little due to weather. Good editing, kudos to Jack!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks! I'm not sure we will get another chance but if we do we will try a different time of the year instead of Sep. Fingers crossed it would be better.

[@zeth479]

@@Nicofilms I've heard experienced traveler say that winter is the best time to visit zhangjiajie (if you can handle the cold.) The only months with not much rain and fewer tourists. (Outside of public holidays of course.)

[@CNHUNK]

Wow, I really need to see the weather forecast to go there.

[@springyean7302]

oh, you come to my home town, warmly welcome

[@nicolal7865]

Nice video. I went there 4 times but only once was Avatar scene. Because it need heave rain first so that later misty clouds can really scatter, hang and float between mountains. It was much more beautiful than Avatar movie scene. On your first day, I guess people rush there wishing rain to stop to form clear Avatar scene.

[@Nicofilms]

Wow 4 times! We need to go back I think so we can see more.

[@nicolal7865]

@@Nicofilms The link below is the scene recorded this year. A hour later would even be better if blue sky start to appear. Heavenly scenes after rainfall in China’s Zhangjiajie kzbin.info/www/bejne/omPCanafmL-Vb68

[@chidungle5206]

Nico 🙌🙆🙌👍👍👍👍👍

[@MILITAWATCH]

wow too many people there thanks for bring us a wonderful journey, so i can sit in my sofa and enjoy it.;)

[@Nicofilms]

It is certainly a popular place!

[@shiwang8989]

We were there in 2017 and the park was so crowded. I knew most Westerners were not getting used to such a crowd park. We spent four days in Wulingyuan area but didn't getting a chance of hiking the other side of the park. Really want going back but like to be there in January. My friends were so lucky they were there 2015 during January and had snow, it was so beautiful.

[@Nicofilms]

Yes it can get super busy. I bet it is amazing in the snow!

[@fnatics8049]

incredible insane!

[@kelvinyschun]

Zhangjiajie, in south central China, sits within the continental tropical monsoon climate zone, known for its humidity. This zone experiences clear distinctions between the four seasons. It is foggy/rainy for over 200 days per year in Zhangjiajie, and the mists make Zhangjiajie mysterious. It might rain or be foggy (obscuring some of the view), but even then the scenery is beautiful.

[@Nicofilms]

Yeah the fog is beautiful, as long as you can see something haha

[@doriancauchi9231]

Hi Nico ... thanks a lot for giving us tips. Im a student with an ambition of coming there in beijing, at the moment Im still studying Hospitality at school and soon I be ready. Hope I will find a job in Beijing .

[@hellenistic]

This reminds me so much of my trip to the Great Wall 😅 So busy, terrible weather, like my mum and I maybe spent 20 mins before we left. Same thing too when I went to Kiyomizu-dera, like could not even make it into the temple. Weather and crowds affect a place lots. My rule of thumb has become go somewhere at the crack of dawn lol.

[@Nicofilms]

Great advice we always try to get there as early as possible! I totally agree these things can certainly make or break your experience!

[@zanazoro]

i was there in 2018 i didnt take cable car i just climbed mountain 4 hrs unforgettable memory for me

[@TheLilleyPad]

It rained when was there but no loud tour groups. I think it was a Wednesday and the slow season. It was like floating in a dream. ☁️

[@Nicofilms]

Oh nice!!! You were very lucky then.

[@SA-cg3pg]

Definitely one of the most beautiful places in China. You chose the wrong season and was not lucky with the weather:( I went there in July 2021, it was stunning.

[@shineluvslambiel]

huang shan next! :D I went in late fall and there were not that many tourists. Also there's less foliage so you can see a lot more of the mountains, and also the colors are beautiful then.

[@Nicofilms]

Actually we might be going there in May, fingers crossed!

[@banson1272]

you visit this season is definitely much more rainy weather.

[@Nicofilms]

We visited in September I was told it was quite a good time.

[@jacintochua6885]

There are often thousands of tourists, local and foreign. It's not easy to find oneself all alone often, 😊

[@jasonrunsabout77777]

Unfortunately，in some places you have to wear a mask in this special period，But the air from zhangjiajie is so fresh you have never found out in beijing or shanghai！By the way，The “GLASS BRIDGE”is a most resort you go through if you are fearless about“HIGH” enjoy it！

[@TheAaronwai]

Spring is raining time in the South ! Summer is hot. May be Autumn is good for the tour.

[@johnkiel1000]

Those mountains,they look like in some movies...🤗

[@Nicofilms]

Yes, they say Avatar was based on these!

[@KatiePrescott]

To avoid the crowds, just avoid the cable car and bus routes - you'll also save a lot of money :) There are really beautiful walking paths you can take instead, with the best views and when I visited in peak season a few summers ago there was almost no one there on the side paths!

[@Nicofilms]

Yes we really enjoyed walking down although my legs didn't the next day hahaha

[@preciousjewels5921]

i feel bad for you haha but love your persistency and determination to complete the trip

[@Nicofilms]

haha thanks a lot!

[@qinliu6631]

Zhangjiajie is always busy everyday, there is no off season, nor peak season. You only have busy, or busier. Me, my husband and my mother in law wen there 2 years ago. The view is fabulous. There are a lot of tracks, you dont need to take the most crowded one, you can see more nicer view.

[@Nicofilms]

haha busy or busier sounds like a few places in China

[@bruceliao9546]

‘The first bridge in the world’, that's mistranslation.

[@getachewdemisie4893]

A place that is difficult to describe its beauty

[@scbluechuan3748]

I travelled to Zhangjiajie more than 20 years ago, just after graduation. I was unlucky it kept on raining for the 3 days, anyway I enjoyed the minority culture and food there. Will visit it in the near future with my family members.

[@Nicofilms]

Oh no 3 days it rained that is even more unlucky than us!

[@MegaMotoch]

That "the first bridge in the world" is a mistranslation. it actually means the best bridge in the world or the No.1 bridge in the world.

[@Diesel735]

Interesting place ! Looks like my back yard without the primates.

[@oceanz8892]

This reminds me one of my best friends went to the Great Barrier Reef and had been trapped in hotel for 5 days without visiting any islands due to heavy rain and storm. Typical hotel tour. 😂