In 1979, Mr Wu Guanzhong, a master of Chinese paintings, discovered the splendid Zhangjiajie landscapes and made his utmost effort to promote Zhangjiajie at home and abroad;

In 1982, the government of Hunan Province of China approved to establish a natural reserve zone in Zhangjiajie, Suoxiyu, and Tianzishan Mount;

 In 1982, the former State Planning Commission of China approved to establish the first national forest park in Zhangjiajie;

In 1988, the State Council of China approved Zhangjiajie, Suoxiyu and Tianzishan Mount in Wulingyuan District of Zhangjiajie City as key scenic and historical interest areas of national significance;

In 1992, UNESCO listed Wulingyuan's Sandstone Peaks Forest in the list of World Nature Heritage Sites;

In 2001, the Ministry of Land Resources of China approved to establish a national geopark in Zhangjaijie;

In 2004, a membership of Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was granted;

In Nov. 2015,  a membership of UNESCO Global Geoparks was approved by UNESCO.