China’s Zhangjiajie

A karst region covering over 50 square miles of Hunan province in south-central China, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is notable for its thousands of towering quartz-and-sandstone pillars (many over 650 feet tall) and dozens of stalactite-filled caves.

For info on what to see and do in the park, year-round weather conditions (snow in winter), where to stay (hotels from 2- to 5-star) and tour packages, visit www.zhangjiajietourism.us.

Most tours include park entrance fees and airport pickup. Example — a 4-day tour from Zhangjiajie International Travel Service (phone 0086 744 571 2020, www.zjjtrip.net) costs $230 and includes three days at sites in the park, with trips up karst formations by cable car and glass elevator.

Independent travelers can get a 3-day park entry ticket for CNY248 (near $39) or a week’s pass for CNY298 ($47).

A 1,000-foot glass walkway 839 feet above the canyon floor should be completed in late 2013. In the middle will be the world’s highest bungee jump.