Zhangjiajie is a prefecture-level city in the northwestern part of Hunan Province (China). This region is a paradise for those who love outdoor adventures as it has some of the most impressive scenic viewpoints in China.
Famous for its foggy peaks and lush greenery, Zhangjiajie has become indicative of the Chinese aesthetic nature across many forms of art. It has inspired generations of painters and visionaries from all around the world to make the most beautiful artworks. There are plenty of waterfalls, pools, caves, and towering peaks to explore, while many viewing decks allow visitors to capture the beauty from different perspectives.
This natural formation is located in Tianmen, which is the highest mountain in Zhangjiajie. With an altitude of 4980 feet (1518 meters), Tianmen has been a site of wonder for the Chinese for thousands of years. It’s mystical vibe and unique conditions have contributed largely in this regard.
Due to the high altitude of Tianmen, the sunrise on the mountain occurs 30 minutes earlier in comparison with the surrounding cities. Because also the sunset happens later, up to 45 minutes, “Tianmen is known as an endless sky without darkness.”
The unique natural arch of the mountain is another reason why this spot is well known. Originally it was a cave until the back side collapsed in AD 263 and the gate was formed. Over the years, Tianmen has become a popular site to pray for a safe and healthy life, and many visitors are drawn to the holy temple on the mountain.
Interestingly, Jeb Corliss transcended the human limits in 2011, as he flew through the Tianmen Cave in a wingsuit. Although previously, in 1999, several pilots performed an extremely thrilling mid-air acrobatic show. They flew three airplanes through the cave!
If you are visiting Zhangjiajie, making a stop here is a must!
Inspired by a love of nature, exploration, and unexpected moments, Joana captures the Maldives in a different light. Discover how a stormy afternoon, four perfectly aligned islands, and a cinematic editing approach came together to create an image that feels more like a real moment than a postcard.
Désirée Stoll traces her path from a first solo trip to Königssee to a body of work built on light, patience and emotional honesty. She shares four lessons from years of shooting outdoors, the story behind her Best of the Week image of two surfers on the Spanish coast, and why printed work changed how she sees photography.
In this article, Julien shares how to develop a personal style through atmosphere, minimalism, and color in nature photography, from what he looks for before ever raising his camera to the editing choices behind his most meaningful images.
In this article, Robin breaks down how he photographs golden hour tulip fields — timing the light, working with the fog, and knowing exactly when to take the shot — using his Best of the Week photo as the case study
In this article, Philipp shares essential tips to help you photograph quality images of birds of prey, from choosing the right vantage point and camera settings to the moody color grading process behind his award-winning eagle photography.
In this article, Bobby Paulshock shares how a wife, a dog, and a solo 1 AM hike in a 90-mph Icelandic storm shaped his path from iPhone snapshots to his award-winning aurora shot at Búðakirkja, plus four hard-earned lessons on gear, patience, and building a career from passion.
In this article, Christoph shares how a childhood dream of the far north became a life in northern Sweden, from his award-winning blue hour image of a lone tree to his top photography spots and four lessons that keep his work grounded.
In this article, Massimo shares seven practical strategies, from embracing atmospheric haze to mastering complementary contrast, that transformed the way I approach golden hour.
