Development at its peak

They are investing nearly 2 billion yuan ($293.36 million) to completely upgrade the cable car from downtown to the summit. Capacity will increase from 1,000 to 3,000 people per hour, he says.

"After improving capacity, we will add leisure and vacation amenities on the mountain, such as campsites, locally distinctive dining, and cafes. Tourists can stay multiple days and relax."

Matteo Amghar, from France, was stunned by the hiking environment in the Zhangjiajie mountains during his recent winter trip.

With snow stuck to his shoes, he felt as if he had accomplished something big.

He noticed a fundamental difference between hiking in Zhangjiajie and in Europe. "In Europe, hiking is a really popular activity, and everyone does it, but it's less controlled. There are fewer cable cars and other things," says Amghar, who was on a 25-day trip, traveling from Chengdu, Sichuan province, to Hong Kong with a deliberate detour to Zhangjiajie.

"In Zhangjiajie, the mountains are wild, but the infrastructure makes them accessible in ways European trails are not," he notes.

He spent two full days in the snow-covered mountains. "The snow scenery is crazy, with those pillar-like mountains we see in photos. But seeing them in person, in the snow, is completely different."

An experienced traveler, he visited China years ago, going to Shanghai, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and Beijing, but found Zhangjiajie holds a different charm.

What impressed him most were the monkeys. "They are really cute. But we did not dare stop, afraid they would surround us."