Zhangjiajie is named after the Zhangjiajie Scenic Area. In 1979 Zhangjiajie was established as the first national park forest in China. In 1992, Wulingyuan Nature Reserve, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Emperor Mountain Reserve and Suoxi Gully Reserve, was listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 1994, Dayong was renamed Zhangjiajie.