Zhangjiajie

A last minute trip during Chinese New Year led me to a most unexpected place: The Zhangjiajie National Park, home to the mountains that inspired the floating mountains featured in the movie Avatar. The weather was intensely cold, the mountains elusive behind the clouds, but still it was a magical experience.

We took a 24 hour sleeper train to and from Zhangjiajie. Once was enough for me.

We took a 24 hour sleeper train to and from Zhangjiajie. Once was enough for me.

Hunan province is known for spicy food. This was one of the hottest dishes I’ve eaten in China. 10/10 would cry again.

Hunan province is known for spicy food. This was one of the hottest dishes I’ve eaten in China. 10/10 would cry again.

Up and down the streets at night you can find vendors selling various meats and veggies on a stick. Do not miss out!

Up and down the streets at night you can find vendors selling various meats and veggies on a stick. Do not miss out!

I kept thinking, “Well, this would be a good death story.”

I kept thinking, “Well, this would be a good death story.”

Cold but happy. This is only half the crew!

Cold but happy. This is only half the crew!

Meal times were my favorite. Each man for himself.

Meal times were my favorite. Each man for himself.

a big no from me

a big no from me

Gotham needs a hero.

Gotham needs a hero.

I purchased these “shoes” for 20 RMB and that was money well-spent. I didn’t slip once.

I purchased these “shoes” for 20 RMB and that was money well-spent. I didn’t slip once.

Into the fog.

Into the fog.

Natural land bridge

Natural land bridge

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I was not at all close to this monkey.

I was not at all close to this monkey.

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Posed among the wishes

Posed among the wishes