Historical Background
Nestled within the breathtaking Tianzi Mountain area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Helong Park (He Long Park) honors one of China’s most revered military leaders—Marshal He Long. Born in 1896 in Sangzhi County, just north of Zhangjiajie, He Long was a founding father of the People's Liberation Army and a key figure in China’s revolutionary history. During the 1930s, he led guerrilla operations across the rugged Wulingyuan region, using the dense forests and towering sandstone pillars of Tianzi Mountain as strategic cover. The park was established to commemorate his legacy and deep connection to this landscape, offering visitors both historical insight and natural grandeur.
The Marshal’s Bronze Statue
Dominating the park is a striking bronze statue of Marshal He Long, standing 6.5 meters tall and weighing nine metric tons. Crafted with remarkable detail, the sculpture captures the marshal in a moment of quiet contemplation: his thick eyebrows and intense eyes gaze toward the distant stone spires of his homeland, a lit烟斗 (tobacco pipe) held gently in his right hand, and a faint smile playing on his lips. Behind him rises the lush green backdrop of Tianzi Mountain, while before him stretches the dramatic Shentang Bay—a deep, mist-shrouded valley often cloaked in ethereal clouds. At his side stands a loyal warhorse, head raised proudly as if awaiting its rider’s next command. This harmonious blend of human resolve and natural majesty makes the statue not just a monument, but a living part of the landscape.
Natural Setting and Viewing Platforms
Helong Park occupies a relatively compact but elevated plateau of about 100 square meters, surrounded by ancient pines, cypress trees, and cascading vines that soften the sharp limestone edges of the mountain. From this vantage point, five natural viewing platforms extend outward—each offering slightly different angles of Zhangjiajie’s famed quartz-sandstone pillars. The central platform provides the clearest view of two iconic formations: 'Fairy Scattering Flowers' (a slender peak crowned with vegetation resembling a bouquet) and 'Imperial Writing Brush Peak' (a solitary spire said to resemble a calligraphy brush standing upright). On clear mornings, especially after rain, the valleys below fill with swirling fog, creating a surreal seascape of floating peaks—a phenomenon that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film *Avatar*.
Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience
While many international tourists visit Helong Park primarily for its sweeping vistas, Chinese visitors often come to pay respects to Marshal He Long, whose revolutionary spirit is deeply woven into local identity. Informative plaques (in Chinese) recount his life story—from his early days as a folk hero opposing warlords to his role in establishing the Red Army’s Second Front Army. Though English signage is limited, the emotional weight of the site transcends language. The atmosphere is peaceful and reflective, making it a welcome respite from the more crowded trails of Zhangjiajie. Many travelers note that visiting at sunrise or late afternoon offers not only softer light for photography but also fewer crowds and a greater sense of solitude.
Integration Within Zhangjiajie’s Tourism Circuit
Helong Park is not a standalone attraction but an integral stop along the Tianzi Mountain scenic loop, typically accessed via cable car or a moderate hike from nearby trailheads like Shentangwan or Xihai. It pairs naturally with visits to other Tianzi highlights such as the Imperial Pen Peak, Fairy Scattering Flowers, and the Ten-Mile Gallery. Most guided tours of Wulingyuan include a brief pause here, allowing time for photos and quiet appreciation. Despite its historical theme, the park requires no extra ticket—it’s included in the general admission to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
Visitor Tips and Practical Notes
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as reaching Helong Park involves navigating uneven stone paths and steps. Weather can change rapidly at elevation; bring a light jacket even in summer. While the park is open year-round, winter visits may involve icy paths, and summer brings higher humidity—but also lusher greenery. For photographers, the golden hours around sunrise offer the most dramatic lighting, with mist weaving through the peaks like silk ribbons. Finally, though the site is modest in size, allow at least 30–45 minutes to fully absorb both the historical ambiance and the staggering natural beauty that surrounds it.