Posted 28 Jan 2010

There is a particular sight in China that is sure to impress gap year travellers, film fans, photographers, lovers of nature and generally anyone who enjoys a breathtaking view.

The Southern Sky Column in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, southern Hunan, stretches 3,544ft into the sky and is one of 3,000 of its kind in the area, reported the Daily Mail.

It provided James Cameron, director of the smash-hit film Avatar, with inspiration for the popular movie, it added.

Scenes from the motion picture, which has so far made US$80 million (£49.2 million) in China, depict floating islands that bear a striking resemblance to the column.

Now, due to the increase in visitor numbers the natural attraction has drawn, officials have decided to rename the rock ‘Hallelujah Mountain’.

In December, the Guardian named China as one of its top destinations of the decade, highlighting that the Asian country has boosted its efforts to make visitors more comfortable in recent years.

Category: Asia