MANILA, Philippines – Global outdoor brand Merrell jumps into China’s newest destination at Zhangjiajie! For fans of the high grossing film, Avatar, you may find the mountainous region of Zhangjiajie in Hunan familiar. The breathtaking views of Pandora’s Hallelujah Mountains may seem out of this world, and many may think it is surprising that these very peaks in the James Cameron blockbuster were inspired by Zhangjiajie National Park.
For a full experience of what this unique natural park has to offer, Merrell teamed up with the leading travel team in the country, Bridges Travel and Tours, for a great getaway!
Check out Merrell’s freshest drop for its newest Outdoor Lifestyle Collection and the best places to rock them in at Zhangjiajie.
The Merrell Ontario
Merrell’s Outdoor Lifestyle Collection offers a fresh take on hiking and recreational outdoor activities. This season’s best footwear finds feature Merrell’s signature performance and comfort technology applied to lifestyle-ready silhouettes and aesthetic.
Leading the pack is the Merrell Ontario Mid Waterproof. This hiker is created with rich full-grain leather and a sticky Vibram® Megagrip® for confidence on any adventure. Ready to take on the trail leading to the peak of the Tianzi Mount at Zhangjiajie? Then keep your feet snug and comfy with this shoe’s Air Cushion in the heel for shock absorption and the Merrell Kinetic Fit™ BASE removable contoured insole for flexible support!
Where to wear them:
Zhangjiajie National Park
When it was first opened to the public in 1982 as China’s first national forest park, Zhangjiajie National Park was the subject of awe. It caught Hollywood producers’ eye that a few decades later, the success of a film called Avatar led to Southern Sky Column of the park to be renamed as the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Fortunately, Bridges Travels and Tours have trips to Zhangjiajie until 2020 so adventure seekers can join tour groups in this fresh destination!
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Also known as the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Skywalk, this glass bridge is the world’s longest and tallest glass bridge! Free shoe covers are provided in the area to minimize scratches on the glass.
The Merrell Zion
Built on a trail running platform for a sneaker fit, this hiker has a ballistic mesh & durable leather upper and Vibram® Megagrip® outsole for aggressive grip on every terrain. This is a hiker best for people going for a casual look. It serves a fresh take on a high-performing shoe with a lifestyle appeal.
Where to wear them:
Yuanjiajie via the Bailong Elevator
The Bailong Elevator (photo from metro.co.uk); Tianzi Mount (Photo from worldatlas.com)
Riding the Bailong Elevator, the tallest exterior elevator in the world is an experience of its own. This stunning ride leads to Yuanjiajie, the very prototype of the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar.
Tianzi Mount
Wear your Anvik or Zion shoe when exploring the Tianzi Mountain. It is one of the four spots in Wulingyuan (aside from the Zhangjiajie National Park, Suoxi Nature Reserve, and the Yangjiajie area) known for its many quartzite sandstone pillars. You’ll definitely need trusty hikers to conquer one of these pillars.
The Merrell Anvik
Comfortable right out of the box, the Anvik Pace Mid Waterproof combines the protection of full grain leather uppers with the traction of Merrell’s M Select GRIP outsole. This is also another boot must-have for Zhangjiajie adventure seekers looking for a hike. Its breathable mesh lining, waterproof make, and removable Kinetic Fit™ BASE footbed make the shoe ideal for an adventure in this mountainous side of Hunan.
The Merrell Westbrook
Whether you’re off exploring nature or the urban areas of Zhangjiajie, the Westbrook boot is a great pair to wear to buckle up for good times ahead. Westbrook Bluff is equipped with full-grain waterproof leather that keeps feet dry, and M Select™ GRIP outsole tuned with durable traction that grips excellently. It also features inside zip for easy on and off as well as a kinetic Fit™ Base removable contoured insole for flexible support all day long!
Where to wear them:
Ten Mile Gallery
As the name suggests, the Ten Mile Gallery is a picturesque stretch of the countryside. The train ride connects Yangshuo town to Moon Hill offering a view of rolling hills, rivers, and more slice of nature scenery.
Golden Whip Stream
Get to enjoy an afternoon at the site of a beautiful stream. Make the most out of the scenery by breathing in the freshest air thanks to the valley’s lush greenery and crystal clear waters. You won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet as Merrell boots are designed to perform well, no matter the weather.
Baofeng Lake
A long day of hiking deserves a quick stop of calm and tranquility. Experience nature through the waters at Baofeng Lake. This basin is surrounded by the province’s towering mountains and offers a relaxing reprieve from the crowds that sometimes gather at the other tourist destinations.
Merrell’s latest gear for all kinds of adventures are available at Glorietta 3, TriNoma, SM North Annex, Market! Market!, Robinson’s Place Manila, Festival Mall Alabang, SM Southmall, SM City Dasmariñas, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Harbor Point Subic, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM Lanang, Abreeza Mall Davao, Gaisano Mall Davao, Limketkai Mall, Centrio Mall, and selected specialty stores and department stores nationwide.
Visit Merrell online at merrell.com.ph, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @Merrell_PH.