The misty peaks of the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve in China's Hunan province would have reminded visitors there yesterday of traditional ink paintings.

The reserve is part of Wulingyuan, a Unesco World Heritage Site, famous for its towering sandstone pillars, beautiful ravines and waterfalls.

The region, which attracts thousands of tourists every year, is said to have been the inspiration behind some of the fantastical landscapes created for the 2009 Hollywood movie Avatar.

Some of the prettiest views of the reserve can be seen from the 1,098m-high Tianzi Mountain, with enthusiasts raving about how the scenery varies with each season.

However, the months between April and June as well as from September to November are considered the best times to visit the area.