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THE 10 BEST Zhangjiajie Tours & Excursions

Zhangjiajie tours.

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• 4 hours to 1 day
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 3-Day Zhangjiajie Discovery Tour with lunch included

2. Full-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour: Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie

3. 2 Full Days Classic Tour to AVATAR Mountain & Tianmen Mountain

4. Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park

5. 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour

6. Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town

7. 4-Day Zhangjiajie Tour to All Highlight Attractions with VIP Lift

8. Private 3-Day Tour Combo Package:Zhangjiajie Avatar and Tianmen Mountain and Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

9. Tianmen Mountain day tour

10. One Day Zhangjiajie Tour to Avatar Mountain and Glass Bridge

11. 1-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park(Avatar) and Tianmen Mountain Private Tour

12. Glass Bridge,Zhangjiajie park Avatar Mountain day tour

13. 3-Day "A Bite" Of Mysterious West Hunan Tour (Zhangjiajie+Fenghuang)

14. 3-Day Private Zhangjiajie In-depth Exploring Tour(All Inclusive)

15. Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Private All-inclusive Day Tour

16. All-inclusive Private 4-Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain

17. 2 Full Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Glass Bridge Tour

18. 3-Day "Secrets Of Zhangjiajie" Deep Photography Tour

19. 2 Days Zhangjiajie Private Tour for Avatar Mountain Discovery

20. Baofeng Lake,Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge & Grand Canyon day tour

21. Private Day Tour of Tianmen Mountain with Skywalk and World's Longest glass bottom bridge

22. Zhangjiajie National Park Private Day Tour

23. Private 4-Night All in One Package Zhangjiajie Panoramic Tour

24. Private Day Trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

25. Private Day Trip to Avatar Mountain & Glass Bridge with Lunch

26. Skip-the-Line: 1 Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour

27. Zhangjiajie 3 days classics private tour

28. 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour

29. Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang 4 Days Private All-inclusive Tour with Private Car/Van

30. Full Day Tour to Glass Bridge and Yellow Dragon Cave

What travelers are saying.

• Full-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour: Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie
• 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour
• 2 Full Days Classic Tour to AVATAR Mountain & Tianmen Mountain
• Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Private All-inclusive Day Tour
• Glass Bridge,Zhangjiajie park Avatar Mountain day tour
• Tour-Zhangjiajie
• Eric Denny Fun Tours-Zhangjiajie
• China Highlights Zhangjiajie
• Zhangjiajie Tour with Chris and Kelly
• Discover Zhangjiajie Tours
• Zhangjiajie Travel Club
• Easy Stay Hotel Tour

One Day The Best of Wulingyuan Tour

The best of wulingyuan.

This Zhangjiajie day tour is designed for visitors who have only one day to explore the huge National Forest Park - explore in a smart way.

Tour Highlights

• Meet the real Hallelujah Mountain, a shooting location of Avatar 2.
• Embrace fantastic Tianzi Mountain views - a bonsai garden of peaks.
• Ascend or descend 300m of cliff in 2 minutes on the Bailong Elevator.
• Spend 6 minutes on the Tianzishan Cable car, taking a bird's-eye view.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Suggested Itinerary

Check in at the entrance at about 9 am. Your guide will accompany you on the shuttle bus to the Tianzi Mountain cable car station. After 6 minutes in the sky, step into the picturesque Tianzi Mountain area.

If you travel in peak season, your guide may do the itinerary in reverse to avoid the worst of the tourist crowds.

After visiting Tianzi Mountain, take a 1-hour shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie, where Hallelujah Mountain is located. Avatar 2 producers used this site as a set in March of 2019 for the upcoming 2022 movie. Explore at your own pace. You will find more interesting mountains, like Natural Stone Bridge.

Then take Bailong Elevator down to the hill and catch up with a shuttle bus to the entrance. Finish the day tour at about 4 pm.

1. The itinerary is for reference only. Our guides have the most up-to-date information about visitor numbers in the national park, and they will adjust the order according to the situation and your preference.

2. Lunch is included, but there are very limited restaurant choices in the national park. Usually your guide will suggest you have a big breakfast and will prepare some snacks. You will then have a late lunch after a transfer to downtown Zhangjiajie.

Price includes:

• Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
• English speaking local guide
• Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
• 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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Best Zhangjiajie Tours 2024/2025: China Zhangjiajie Tour Packages to Avatar Mountains

Travelers should be excited about taking a Zhangjiajie tour: it is known for the thousands of pillar-like karst peaks which are the inspiration for floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

In 1992, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area has been listed as a World Natural Heritage Site thanks to its amazing landscapes: pillar-like peaks, deep valleys, seas of cloud, weird caves, verdant forests,s, and amazing waterscapes. Not only the natural wonders, but Zhangjiajie will also entertain you with many thrilling outdoor adventures and activities, say the longest and highest fully glass bridge – Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the spine-tingling Tianmen skywalks, etc.

We have designed various private and group Zhangjiajie tours, varying from day trips to multi-day Zhangjiajie trips, to offer you the very best Zhangjiajie highlights. What you can expect on our Zhangjiajie tour packages include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , Tianmen Mountain , Grand Canyon , Fenghuang Ancient Town , etc. It is also okay if you are inspired by the following tours and want to create your own Zhangjiajie trip, just feel free to contact our travel consultant about your interest, requirement, etc. to tailor-make.

Highlights of our Zhangjiajie Tours

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park  – the first national forest park in China, featuring pillar-like cloud-kissing peaks, deep ravines, and canyons, etc.
• Yunjiajie  – the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountain in the movie Avatar.
• Bailong Elevator – the highest and heaviest outdoor elevator in the world.
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon  with Glass Bridge – is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world.
• Tianmen Mountain – famous for Tianmen Cave (means a gate to the heaven), sharp zigzag driving roads of 99 turns
• Ten Miles Gallery – with charming natural scenery, offers great photography chances.
• Fenghuang Old Town  – an ancient village inhabited by the Miao ethnic minority, a place to look into the traditional buildings and culture of the Miao ethnic group.

How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour?

• Best time to visit Zhangjiajie : Zhangjiajie is great to be visited all year round, showing different charms in different seasons. Generally, April to October is the more recommended for the comfortable weather. April to June is the rainy season, more possible to encounter the seas of cloud.
• How many days to stay in Zhangjiajie : we recommend at least 4 days to cover the highlights of Zhangjiajie, including Yuanjiajie Scenic Area ,  Tianzi Mountain , and Tianmen Mountain . If you have more time available, consider adding Fenghuang Ancient Town to your trip.

Below are our Zhangjiajie tours of different types:

• Zhangjiajie Private Tours

Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tours

• Zhangjiajie & Surrounding Cities

Beijing Zhangjiajie Tours

Shanghai zhangjiajie tours, xian zhangjiajie tours, guilin zhangjiajie tours.

Top Zhangjiajie Private Tours

Which experiences are best for tours in Zhangjiajie? Check out the top Zhangjiajie private tour packages, Zhangjiajie adventures of 1-6 days’ itineraries to explore the best places to visit in Zhangjiajie: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with Tianzi Mountain , Tianmen Mountain , Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge & Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon , Yuanjiajie Scenic Area … Don’t miss it if you are an enthusiast for natural beauty, hiking and outdoor adventures, or photography. 

4 Days Zhangjiajie Classic Tour

3 days private zhangjiajie adventure tour with glass bridge, 5 days private zhangjiajie highlight tour, china avatar discovery-3 days zhangjiajie private tour.

Extending your Zhangjiajie tours with an excursion to Fenghuang Ancient Town is recommended if you have 5-6 days or more time in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie boasts superb mountainous landscapes with specular shapes and deeply shocks the world with its unparalleled beauty since the movie Avatar, while Fenghuang Ancient Town fascinates people with a harmonious mix of the natural scenery and local folk culture. The Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang tours will take you to experience two distinct sights, which help to better enrich your China vacation.

5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Old Town Tour

6 days zhangjiajie-fenghuang nature & culture tour, 7 days hunan tour from changsha to zhangjiajie, 10 days chongqing yangtze river zhangjia fenghuang tour, tours to zhangjiajie & surrounding cities.

Thanks to the convenient transportation, Zhangjiajie can be connected with the nearby Changsha, Huangshan and Guizhou in a few hours. After immersing in the natural masterpieces of Zhangjiajie, you can extend your trip to Changsha for culture and culinary delights, or to UNESCO-listed Mount Fanjing or Mt. Huangshan to marvel at the awe-inspiring mountain views and profound Buddhist culture.

6 Days Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang-Changsha Experience Tour

5 days changsha-zhangjiajie classic tour by high-speed train, 6 days china huangshan and zhangjiajie natural discovery, 7 days nature & culture tour of zhangjiajie – mt. fanjing.

We offer the best Beijing Zhangjiajie tours, Zhangjiajie classic tours from Beijing by flights to allow you a culture and history experience in Beijing before you Zhangjiajie to enjoy the Avatar Mountains, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , Tianzi Mountain , Tianmen Mountain , the Glass Bridge, Grand Canyon , and more. 

6 Days Best Beijing- Zhangjiajie Adventure Tour

3 days zhangjiajie highlight tour from beijing by air, 11 days exploration tour of beijing – chengdu -xian -zhangjiajie.

We offer tours to Shanghai and Zhangjiajie and long China tours including Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, aiming to make it easy for you to traverse from China’s modern city to Avatar world. Both of these two cities are among the top tourist destinations of China, Shanghai is popular for its contrast of modern skyscrapers, ancient gardens and colonial buildings, and the karst mountains are where the great movie Avatar gets inspired.

3 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour from Shanghai

6 days best shanghai-zhangjiajie private tour, 6 days shanghai – zhangjiajie tour by flight, 5 days shanghai – zhangjiajie classic tour.

We handpicked the following tours to Xian and Zhangjiajie, or long China tours including Xian and Zhangjiajie to ensure you absorb the profound history and culture, as well as the breathtaking natural masterpieces of China in one trip. No matter where you start or end your China vacation, Xi’an and Zhangjiajie are two can’t-miss cities offering memorable activities and impressive attractions, including the world-renowned  Terracotta Warriors ,  Mount Hua , the world’s longest and highest glass bridge in  Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon , and the surreal Avatar mountains in  Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

4 Days Best Xian-Zhangjiajie Tour by Flight

6 days history & nature tour from xian to zhangjiajie, 3 days zhangjiajie highlights tour from xian.

Take part in our Zhangjiajie Guilin package tours to enjoy some of the best natural masterpieces in China. Guided by a local insider, you’ll enjoy the leisure Li River Cruise , cycle along the scenic trails in rural Yangshuo , wander around the West Street with many antique buildings, witness the stunning Avatar mountains, and challenge yourself on the world’s longest and highest glass bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

5 Days China Highlight Tour of Zhangjiajie and Guilin

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Zhangjiajie Tour | Top 6 China Zhangjiajie Tours 2024

Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie City is one of China's Top 10 Must-visit Tourist Destinations . As the saying goes, " Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its lakes, while Zhangjiajie features its mountains". Whether you are a nature enthusiast, mountain lover, adventure seeker, photographer, or Avatar movie fan, a  Zhangjiajie Tour promises a remarkable travel experience with a picturesque Chinese landscape . The cascading peaks in various shapes create a fairyland-like atmosphere, which is why the Chinese classic TV series "Journey to the West"  filmed Monkey King's "Flower and Fruit Mountain" here. Additionally, the "Floating Mountain" ( Hallelujah Mountain) in the movie "Avatar"  was inspired by NantianYizhu , located in Yuanjiajie within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (World Heritage). Contact us to start your China   Zhangjiajie Tour  now!

How to Plan Your China Zhangjiajie Tour?

"Excellent Tour, best experience"

"A unique experience despite a difficult context thanks

to an experience team of organisers"

Top 6 Popular Zhangjiajie Tours

4 classic shanghai zhangjiajie tours, china tours with zhangjiajie - recommended zhangjiajie tours.

• Articles & Planning

Welcome to Zhangjiajie - " The Enlarged Bonsai, Miniaturized Fairyland ". Here are the Top 6 Popular Zhangjiajie Tours for you to explore the beautiful Zhangjiajie. In fact, Zhangjiajie is famous for Wulingyuan, which is listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and World Geological Park. Besides, Zhangjiajie is well-known for its Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ( China 's First National Forest Park), Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve (the Fairyland of the TV Series "Journey to The West"), Bailong Elevator (the world's tallest outdoor lift), Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (home to the world's longest and highest glass bridge), Tianmen Mountain (the world's longest cable car to Tianmen Cave), and Fenghuang Ancient Town (ethnic minority culture). Contact AOT Team now to start your China Zhangjiajie Tour !

Our Shanghai Zhangjiajie Tours offers an enchanting blend of modernity and natural beauty. Start your journey in vibrant Shanghai , where you can explore its iconic skyline and rich heritage. Then, take a flight to Zhangjiajie, renowned for the famous Avatar Mountains and Wulingyuan Scenic Area (World Natural Heritage Site). Walk across the world's longest glass bridge, ride the tallest outdoor lift, and uncover the Fairyland of Tianzi Mountain. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes and unique culture. In addition to Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, our tours also provide the opportunity to visit other top tourist cities in China , such as Xian , Beijing , Guilin , and Hong Kong . Each city offers its own distinct attractions and experiences, adding to the richness of your journey. Join our Shanghai Zhangjiajie Tour for an unforgettable experience of China 's dynamic city and the breathtaking natural wonders of Zhangjiajie .

Explore the wonders of China with our recommended Zhangjiajie private tours . People who visit Zhangjiajie are often amazed by its peculiar sandstone peaks, lush green forests, ethereal seas of clouds, tranquil waters, beautiful canyons, incredible natural caves, winding mountain roads with 99 bends, a 375-meter-long glass bridge, and much more. We offer popular China Tours with Zhangjiajie , including must-visit cities such as Chengdu , Hong Kong , Guilin , Xian , Beijing , and Shanghai . Contact us to customize your China Tour with Zhangjiajie and enjoy an unforgettable journey through China 's captivating landscapes and rich history.

Zhangjiajie Tours FAQs - Plan Your Zhangjiajie Tours Worry-Free

1). Wulingyuan Scenic Area (World Heritage): The Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a World Geological Park, consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Usually, most of the trips to Zhangjiajie will cover both Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

a. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park : China's First National Forest Park featuring Yuanjiajie's Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the Bailong Elevator (the world's tallest outdoor lift), Huangshizhai Village, and Jinbianxi Stream (Filming Location of "Monkey King").

b. Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve : Known as the Fairyland of the Chinese classic TV series "Journey to the West."

2). Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge : Experience an adrenaline rush by walking on the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the canyon, waterfalls, and lush vegetation as you cross this architectural marvel.

3). Baofeng Lake : Take a scenic boat ride on this picturesque lake surrounded by lush mountains. Marvel at the crystal-clear water, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls as you relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.

4). Tianmenshan National Forest Park & Glass Walkway : Located near Zhangjiajie City, Tianmen Mountain features a stunning natural arch called Tianmen Cave, reached by the world's longest cable car ride. Enjoy panoramic views of winding mountain roads with 99 bends, a cliffside Glass Walkway, and the famous "Heaven's Gate Hole"(Tianmen Cave) rock formation.

5). Fenghuang Ancient Town (Phoenix Ancient Town): Fenghuang Ancient Town is a charming destination in Zhangjiajie known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, picturesque river views, and ethnic minority culture. Explore the narrow stone streets, admire the stilted houses along the Tuojiang River, and discover the town's history through its museums and temples.

Zhangjiajie is a city's name, and it is famous for the Hallelujah Mountain (Avatar Mountain) located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区).

Wulingyuan, situated in Zhangjiajie of Hunan Province, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and World Geological Park . The Wulingyuan Scenic Area consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Usually, most trips to Zhangjiajie will cover the most popular and iconic sections, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve .

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is generally during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and vibrant foliage, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C during this time, making it comfortable for exploring the attractions.

Spring , specifically April and May, is a popular time to visit Zhangjiajie as the mountains and forests come alive with colorful blossoms, creating a picturesque and enchanting landscape. It is also less crowded compared to the peak summer season.

Autumn , from September to October, is another favorable time to visit Zhangjiajie. The weather remains pleasant, and the foliage transforms into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold, providing breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

It's important to note that Zhangjiajie can experience some rainfall throughout the year, so it's advisable to bring appropriate rain gear regardless of the season. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid visiting during major Chinese holidays like the LaborDay holiday (May 1–3), the National Day holiday (October 1-7), summer vacation of July and August, when tourist crowds are at their peak. The low season is winter when there is snow on the mountains, offering a different scenery for you to explore.

Zhangjiajie is a small city but has many things to see and do. Travelers are highly recommended to spend at least 3 days in Zhangjiajie , and most of them prefer to spend 4 days, while some may even plan for 5 days in this Avatar destination.

The number of days to spend in Zhangjiajie depends on your interests and the activities you wish to engage in. However, to fully explore the highlights of Zhangjiajie and its surrounding areas, a recommended duration is around 3 to 5 days. This timeframe allows you to visit popular attractions such as the Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan), Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, and Tianmen Mountain.

Within 2 to 3 days , you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of both Wulingyuan (world heritage) and Tianmen Mountain. Within 4 to 5 days , you can also explore other nearby attractions, such as the glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the charming Fenghuang Ancient Town. Of course, if you have more time available, you can extend your stay to further immerse yourself in the region's beauty and delve deeper into the local culture.

1)."Avatar" Filming Locations - Visit sites that inspired the Movie Avatar

Perhaps the most notable of the Avatar filming locations is the stunning Yuanjiajie of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan) in the Hunan Province in China.

2)."Journey to The West" Filming Locations - Visit sites of Monkey King's Flower and Fruit Mountain

For Chinese people, especially the generation that grew up in the 1980s, the classic TV series "Journey to the West" holds cherished childhood memories. Zhangjiajie is the real-life fairyland that is described in the famous novel "Journey to the West."

Latest Zhangjiajie Tours Reviews from Our Customers

I'm a Singaporean traveller who booked a private solo tour. I chanced upon AOT after I googled and decided to travel last min. My planner from AOT named Rita was very patient towards all my request and changes, she is knowledgeable and provided excellent advice for my 8 days trip arrangement from Shanghai, Zhangjiajie N Chongqing. Although there were very minor hiccups just like any overseas holiday, it was still a well planned trip.

I would like thank all my tour guides and drivers (师父) for looking after me so well. Special mention to Zhangjiajie Tour Guide named Ms Rita Wang, she looks after her client with her sincerest heart into the smallest details such as eating habits and my lifestyle. (Example: Turning A/C on knowing we Singaporeans can't live without A/C in car & also I don't even have to look at menu to order food becos she knows what I want to eat) Also thank you 杨师父 who tagged team with Rita, he is a very good skilled safe driver and knows how look after me during long haul journey drive inter cities.

I would strongly reccomended anyone who wants to travel to look for Rita or her colleagues from Asia Odyssey Travel.

Lastly, thank you to all whom I've crossed path during my trip. I'm grateful to all people in China for the warm hospitality. 感恩大家的招待和爱。

I left my heart in Zhangjiajie

Destination(s): Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing

Date of Experience: Apr 06, 2024

Tour Customized by: Rita

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Destination(s): Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Sep 15, 2023

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You May be Interested in This Tour: 5 Days Panorama Zhangjiajie Tour with Fenghuang Ancient Town

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Sep 15, 2017

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Attractions

• Top 9 Things to Do

Transportation

Travel tips.

• 1 Day Zhangjiajie Trip
• 3 Days Classic Package
• 4 Days In-depth Zhangjiajie
• 5 Days with Fenghuang
• 5 Days Tour from Shanghai
• 13 Days China Tour with Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Travel Guide

Zhangjiajie facts.

Chinese Name: 张家界 (zhāng jiā jiè) Population: 1,709,100 Area: 9,653 square kilometers (3,727 square miles) Location: in the northeast of Hunan Province, south-central China Administrative Division: 2 districts: (Yongding, Wulingyuan); 2 counties (Cili, Sangzhi) Area Code: 0744 Zip Code: 427000 GDP (2018): CNY 57.892 billion (USD 8.75 billion) Nationalities: Han , Tujia , Bai , Miao

Famous for Quartzite-Sandstone Formations with Thousands of Spires

The city features a variety of different terrains including: mountainous regions, upland areas, plains, and Karst rock areas. Among these, the mountains cover 76 percent of the total area. The world-famous natural heritage site 'Wulingyuan Scenic Area' is located on the base of these great mountains. Areas worth visiting include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (known as China's first national forest park), Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. The scenic area hosts many natural features including: mountains, forests, caves, lakes and waterfalls and perhaps there are more than three thousand rock ridges and eight hundred ghylls. They enjoy the reputation of 'Original Picture on Mountain and River of China'. This wonderland is covered with dense forests and is considered Mother Nature's Oxygen Bar. One of the most interesting things to do here is the experience of drifting on the Maoyan River. The Maoyan River is the upper reach of the Li River in Yongding District. The length for drifting is 25 kilometers (about 16 miles) and the zigzags in the river offer an exhilarating ride. There are four wonders on the Maoyan River: Bangtou Spring, Jianxie (intermittent) Spring, Yan (salt) Spring and Pen Wu (spout mist) Cave. These scenic spots cover the river with a mysterious color. The most renowned scenic spot is the Shui Dongzi (water hollow) Waterfall. On the bank opposite the waterfall there are several huge rocks which provide a perfect natural observation platform. This is an ideal place for visitors to take photos.

• Fenghuang Ancient Town
• Suoxi Valley
• Bailong Elevator
• Baofeng Lake
• Tianmen Mountain
• Tianzi Mountain
• Wulingyuan Scenic Area
• Yangjiajie Scenic Area
• Yellow Dragon Cave
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Recommended Tours

Transportation here is very convenient. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport has flights to destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Nanjing, Nanning and Yinchuan, as well as Taipei and Busan.  Train routes extend to Guangzhou, Beijing, Zhanjiang, Changsha and Wuxi. The highways extend in all directions, and it is worthwhile to mention that a superhighway connects Changsha and the city. New roads connect the city center to a number of scenic areas, making travel by car very convenient. 

• Zhangjiajie Railway Station
• West Railway Station

The history of Zhangjiajie can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. There are three main ethnic minority groups Tujia, Bai, Miao and other 29 minority groups living harmoniously with the Han Nationality. Many different folk cultures converge here and the visitor can experience the various folk-customs, clothing, decorations, dance and music. In 2006, Folk Songs of Sangzhi County, Hands-waving Dance of Tujia Ethnic Group, Maogusi Dance, and The Crafts of Tujia Brocade were all listed in the Protection Catalog of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage. The people here are all very hospitable and visitors immediately feel at home. And local snacks may become travelers' favorite.

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Zhangjiajie 2 Day Itinerary

Is 2 days enough to travel zhangjiajie.

Since Zhangjiajie boasting the UNESCO heritage forest park and conspicuous Avatar Mountains draws the high attention among many travelers home and abroad, you must be one of them to be interested in a personal trip there. Is 2 days enough for a trip to Zhangjiajie? Absolutely, you can make a 2-day trip to Zhangjiajie no matter you are in China or other foreign countries, with long expecting discovery of the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and more!

Where to Go If You Have 2 Days in Zhangjiajie?

There are a lot to see and do in Zhangjiajie and you will also have lots of stunning things to discover during a short 2-day trip. Besides the magnificent National Forest Park at Wulingyuan to appreciate thousands of erecting sandstone pillar mountains and the incredible prototype of floating Avatar Mountains, you will be able to get close to the charming Tianzi Mountain famous for its wondrous sea of clouds like Chinese ink paintings, experience the highest elevator speed at Yuanjiajie, peaceful and refreshing brook and valleys, etc. Furthermore, you can go to take some risks to walk along the highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge in the world at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, or take the sightseeing cable way up to Tianmen Mountain to appreciate the natural made large cave to heaven with a thrilling riding along the 99-turned mountain path. If you are interested in lovely lakes, you can have a laid-back enjoyment of the emerald place. If you like more geometric wonders, go to Yellow Dragon Cave to see the colorfully ignited stalactites and stalagmites with various shapes. Here is the Zhangjiajie Attractions Map for your better understanding of the top highlights! For all highlights in Zhangjiajie, please check the Best Things to Do in Zhangjiajie and Top 14 Zhangjiajie Attractions to plan your detailed Zhangjiajie 4 Day Itinerary.

Zhangjiajie Attractions Map

How to Plan your Zhangjiajie 2 Day Itinerary?

Arrive in Zhangjiajie by Early Flight / Train or 1 Day in Advance

To start your exploration of Zhangjiajie natural highlights, you need to arrive in the city very early in the morning at least. As a Zhangjiajie trip usually start with Wulingyuan National Forest Park at 08:00-09:00, which is about 50-60 minutes’ car distance from the city downtown, airport and railway station, it is advised to arrange a flight or train arriving in Zhangjiajie before 06:30. And if it allows, it is best to arrive in Zhangjiajie at night or in the late afternoon before your touring day, which can let you have a good rest before the trip and keep away from many worries and hurries!

Plan A: 2 Days Wulingyuan National Forest Park Exploration

If you want to explore all the natural highlights of Wulingyuan National Forest Park, you can spend the both days in the park to see the different strange formation and magic natural creation.

Day 1: Huangshi Village + Golden Whip Brook

Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park from the Forest Park Ticket Station to see Huangshi Village, where holds the largest viewing deck to admire the countless stone mountain pillars with various shapes, with one looking like a giant lion from a distance.

Then, go to enjoy a pleasant walk along the wandering Golden Whip Brook with picturesque clear waterscape, fragrant blooms, chattering birds, etc. down in the lush valley. After that, transfer to your hotel at Wulingyuan downtown.

What to do in the evening: Charming Xiangxi show (beside Pullman Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Hotel, Guihua Road, Wulingyuan District. 19:30-21:00 for first show; 21:00-22:30 for second show, 1.5 hours)

Day 2: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain

Today, enter the park again from the Forest Park Ticket Station and first take Bailong Elevator famous for its outstanding highest speed of 5m/s leading the whole world. After reaching the upper station, explore all sandstone mountain columns at Yuanjiajie including the eye-catching Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, authentic prototype of that in the movie “Avatar”.

Then, take the sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain that is reputed as the “King of peak forest”, and to appreciate the large coverage of bamboo-shoots like emerald stone peaks and the mysterious view of sea of clouds lingering frequently. After the visit, transfer to Zhangjiajie airport or railway station to leave for your next destination or back home.

Plan B: Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains with Amazing Tianmen Mountain

If you favor the floating Avatar Mountains and the unbelievable meandering mountain road and natural cave at Tianmen Mountain, you can also plan you 2 days separately on Wulingyuan National Forest Park with the top 2 sites and Tianmen Mountain.

Day 1: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain

Visit Wulingyuan National Forest Park from the Forest Park Ticket Station and first take Bailong Elevator famous for its outstanding highest speed of 5m/s leading the whole world. After reaching the upper station, explore all sandstone mountain columns at Yuanjiajie including the eye-catching Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, authentic prototype of that in the movie “Avatar”.

Then, take the sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain that is reputed as the “King of peak forest”, and to appreciate the large coverage of bamboo-shoots like emerald stone peaks and the mysterious view of sea of clouds lingering frequently. After the visit, transfer to you hotels in Zhangjiajie downtown.

What to do in the evening: Tianmen Fox Fairy show (foot of Tianmen Mountain Forest Park, Guanling, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie. 20:15-21:45, 1.5 hours)

Day 2: Tianmen Mountain

Today, start the exciting Tianmen Mountain visit from Tianmen Mountain Cable Way experience, which is the longest cable way in whole Asia to enable you to have a full view of the mountain cave, meandering Avenue toward Heaven with 99 turns, etc. Moreover, you will not miss the thrilling treading moments on the Cliff Hanging Walkway and Glass Sky Walk built on the cliff, worthy admiration of the rare Tianmen Cave, and the gingerly going down on the steep 999 Steps. Furthermore, take your breath to take the sightseeing bus along the roller-coaster like Avenue toward Heaven to get down to the foot of Tianmen Mountain. After the visit, transfer to Zhangjiajie airport or railway station to leave for your next destination or back home.

Plan C: Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains with Adventurous Glass Bridge Walking & Karst Cave Scenery

This 2 day itinerary plan is most suitable if you like to see the Avatar Mountain and take the adventure on the global high-profile Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.

Then, take the sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain that is reputed as the “King of peak forest”, and to appreciate the large coverage of bamboo-shoots like emerald stone peaks and the mysterious view of sea of clouds lingering frequently. After the visit, transfer to you hotels in Wulingyuan downtown.

Day 2: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon + Yellow Dragon Cave

Today, transfer about 40 minutes to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in Cili County to take your challenge of walking on the heart-stopping Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge that is the highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge among the whole world, with 430 meters (1,411 feet) long and 300 meters (984 feet) high. The transparent glass bottom will let you see everything clearly deep in the canyon and make you feel walking in the air. You will also enjoy the verdant valley sceneries during the thrilling exploration. Then, go to Yellow Dragon Cave to marvel at the colorful hidden paradise. This popular site preserves precious underground rivers, waterfalls, caverns and the wonderful 10,000 stalagmites and stalactites within the 100,000 s. q. m. enormous Karst cave. After the visit, transfer to Zhangjiajie airport or railway station to leave for your next destination or back home.

If You Have 3 Days:

If you got 3 days, you can arrange you first day for arriving in Zhangjiajie City. On Day 2, head to take Bailong Elevator to see Avatar Hallelujah Mountain at Yuanjiajie and take the sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain. On Day 3, you can transfer to walk on the long glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and admire Yellow Dragon Cave. Also, you can arrange that day to take the long cable way to explore Tianmen Mountain, and then leave Zhangjiajie after touring. Learn more about How to Spend 3 Days in Zhangjiajie >>

If You Have 4 Days

Most people arrange 4 days to travel to Zhangjiajie. If so to you, you can plan Day 1 for flight/ train arrival with less tight pace. If you want a deeper discovery to Wulingyuan National Forest Park with peculiar mountain pillars and natural wonders, you can plan you Day 2 and Day 3 both to the park and visit the top sites including Yellow Mountain, Golden Whip Brook, Yuanjiajie and Avatar Hallelujah Mountian, and Tianzi Mountain. However, if you want to enjoy more kinds of sightseeing and adventures in Zhangjiajie, you can arrange you Day 2 to visit Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the splendid Yellow Dragon Cave, and Day 3 to visit Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain at the forest park area. For Day 4, it is recommended to visit Tianmen Mountain to experience the thrilling Glass Sky Walk, 99 turned Avenue toward Heaven and more exciting things to see and do. Learn more about How to Spend 4 Days in Zhangjiajie >>

If You Have 5 Days:

5 days is well enough to have a deep discovery of all Zhangjiajie highlights. The 1st day is also for arriving in Zhangjiajie. On you day 2 and day 3, make your in-depth exploration to Wulingyuan National Forest Park to see Huangshi Village, Golden Whip Brook, Avatar Mountain at Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. On day 4, you can enjoy wonderful time at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with the Glass Bridge and Yellow Dragon Cave. And on the last day, go to Tianmen Mountain to see things hard to find in the world, and then you can take your flight or train off Zhangjiajie. And if you would like to see more ancient and ethnic sites, you can arrange day 4 to Tianmen Mountain and then to transfer to Fenghuang Ancient Town and spend day 5 in the famous antique city and leave for your next destination or back home. Learn more about How to Spend 5 Days in Zhangjiajie >>

Zhangjiajie Travel Tips & Notes

It is suitable to visit Zhangjiajie at any time in a year. The best traveling seasons are Spring and Autumn with best comfortable weather. In Spring during March to May, all flowers there are blooming among the most verdant green mountain range, and the fresh air with singing of birds help to create your great traveling mood. In Autumn from October to November, mountains and forests are covered with layers of warm yellow and orange, which is great for nice photography. In Summer, Wulingyuan National Forest Park has lower temperature to be a good summer resort to go, and it is good to walk along the streams and dense forest, however, since summer is the rainy season here, you are suggested to prepare raincoats. Furthermore in winter, it is a good time to avoid crowds, besides, many places including the national forest park are covered by snow to change the attraction into a pure beautiful lady, which is awesome for a photography tour.

Convenient flights and trains are available in Zhangjiajie City. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, with 10 minutes’ driving distance to the downtown, has good air connection with 42 domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, etc. and international cities including Bangkok, Osaka, etc. Besides, Zhangjiajie Railway Station is also frequently used for reaching the city, which is rightly at the city downtown. It serves trains from Changsha (4.5-5.5 hours), Yichang (4.5-5 hours), Tongren (about 7 hours), Wuhan (10 hours), Xian (15 hours), Shanghai (20 hours), Beijing (23 hours), etc.

Zhangjiajie offers various luxury hotels and budget hostels and boutique accommodation for your stay during the trip. For your several days discovering Wulingyuan Scenic Area including Wulingyuan National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, etc., we suggest you arrange the hotel at Wulingyuan Town, which needs only 10 minutes to Wujiayu Ticket Station and 20 minutes to Forest Park Ticket Station by car. However, for your arrival day especially by a late flight or train and if you plan to visit Tianmen Mountain, it is suggested to stay in Zhangjiajie City downtown.

For spring and autumn, light sweaters, long shirts and long pants are suggested. Temperature in Wulingyuan National Forest Park is about 5-10℃ lower than that in the city area, and the temperatures varies a lot from day to night. In summer, shirts and shorts are enough, besides, it is advised to prepare light coats for lower temperature in early morning and at night. In winter, it is a little cold in Zhangjiajie, and down jackets, sweaters, warm pants and socks, scarves, gloves, etc. are better to keep warm. Remember to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers, because you will have a lot of steps to walk around those natural scenic spots. Since it often rains in Zhangjiajie, you are highly suggested to bring your raincoats or umbrellas. Besides, bring sunblock, sunglasses and hat to protect your skin and eyes.

Most accommodations in Zhangjiajie offer Western toilets. However, in the scenic area, there are only a few Western types to suite foreign visitors, which can be found at some major toilet blocks. One more, remember to bring your own tissue.

Wulingyuan National Forest Park is very large and has many ways, so it is complicated for people to travel independently to catch all the top highlights in an enjoyable and relaxing way. To help you enjoy a worry-free trip to Zhangjiajie, we suggest you travel with us, and our local guide and driver will escort you from your hotel to the scenic area and our guide will take you to the best sightseeing deck and give interesting introduction of the sites and stories to enrich your experience. All you need is to focus on the highlights. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us directly!

Best Zhangjiajie Tour Packages 2024/2025

No matter how many days you plan to stay in Zhangjiajie, China Discovery always has a suitable tour for you. We are also specialized in high-quality private tours as well as tailor-made tour packages that fit you best according to your own interests, requirement, traveling time, etc. Below are the Best Zhangjiajie Tour Packages 2024/2025. If you have no idea where to start, please don't hesitate to contact our travel experts for help.

Are you caught by the fabulous photos of Zhangjiajie and want to have a great look of its famous natural wonders in person? This tour is really suitable if you want to discover the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the exciting glass bridge in the most classic way!

If you show interests in the natural splendid landscapes and like to take challenges, this 4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Tour will be your satisfactory selection.

This 5-day Zhangjiajie Fenghuang tour is the best way to fully make use of your time in Zhangjiajie. Admire all natural must-sees in UNESCO Zhangjiajie Forest Park with a cultural relaxation at antique Xiangxi flavored Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Your ultimate exploration of all natural wonders in Zhangjiajie Forest Park plus adventures to thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain

The leisure trip to see the top wonderful natural mountains and cliffs, caves and lakes, valleys and streams in wonderful Zhangjiajie

Your exciting hiking journey of amazing Tianmen Mountain and real "Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains" in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park area

Unbelievable nature exploration of two big UNESCO Heritage lands, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Fanjingshan Mountain in Southwest China.

Visit the top travel destinations in vast China, Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, with the fabulous trip to Zhangjiajie and Guilin with stunning natural miracles.

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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Zhangjiajie Itinerary | The complete guide for 3 days in Zhangjiajie

One of the most mystical places we have ever been to, and our second favourite place in China after The Great Wall near Beijing, Zhangjiajie National Park and the Wulingyuan Scenic Area has to be right at the top of your must-visit places on a trip to China. Even though the place rose to fame as the inspiration for James Cameron in his blockbuster hit Avatar , this China landmark is still not on many tourists and travellers’ radar. Although over the next few years, we expect that to change, so make sure you visit it as soon as possible. You won’t regret it. To help you along – especially since most of the information out there is pretty confusing – we’ve put together this epic 3 days in Zhangjiajie guide for this UNESCO World Heritage site; our ultimate Zhangjiajie itinerary.

What is the Zhangjiajie National Forest?

Ok, the first thing that’s pretty important to understand is that when people talk about Zhangjiajie, they are generally referring to the absolutely stunning national park, but what’s really important to know is that there are two cities – Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan, that are located either side of the Wulinguan Scenic Area , in which sits the Zhangjiajie National Park (one of 4 main areas). The cities are about 45 minutes to an hour (traffic dependant) apart, and based on your Zhangjiajie itinerary, it’s key to choose the right location to base yourselves. We’ll delve a little deeper into that when we talk about accommodation…!

So what exactly is the Zhangjiajie National Forest? 

This is actually the first area that was discovered in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, with Tianzi Mountain , Yuanjiajie (the most famous section with the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains) and Yangjiajie making up the other 3 areas of the park. However, with it being the first discovered area, it’s the name that has really stuck and is far better known than the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

The whole park however offers breath-taking scenery, gravity-defying sandstone pillars and some of the best hiking that we have ever had the luck to explore.

Located in the northwest of the Hunan Province, the scenic and historic interest area spans across 400 square kilometres.

How long do I need in Zhangjiajie?

Although it depends on your general hiking ability and fitness levels, we believe that you need to give yourself at least 3 days to explore all the key sights and viewpoints in Zhangjiajie and Tianmen. Although this article outlines what is a bit of a whistle-stop Zhangjiajie itinerary, with pretty intense (but very achievable) routes for those 3 days, you could easily extend your stay in the area and do our suggested itinerary over a 5 day period if you wanted to do it in a more relaxed way.

And if you are even faster travellers than us, and can only dedicate one day to this incredible area, we would recommend that you take our day 1 itinerary – you’ll see the most famous sights.

What is the perfect Zhangjiajie itinerary?

• Day 1 | The Bailong Elevator, Avatar Mountains, Yangjiajie and Tianzi Mountain
• Day 2 | Golden Whip Stream & Huangshi Village
• Day 3 | Tianmen Mountain

How to get to Zhangjiajie National Park and Wulingyuan Scenic Area

So if you’re doing a much larger China itinerary, you’ll most likely be doing the more common loop from Beijing (check out our Beijing itinerary here ), Xi’an (we also have a Xi’an city guide ) and Chengdu – from here, we would recommend that you take a train to Changsha, stay the night in Changsha and then get the train to Zhangjiajie.

There are very much two different classes of train travel in China: the super modern, fast, clean efficient bullet trains that make major intercity journeys an absolute pleasure and in my opinion better than a flight. And then there are the more local intercity trains, which are waiting to be updated and if you’ve travelled in Asia, much more something you’ll be accustomed to facing. For the train from Changsha to Zhangjiajie you’re looking at the latter.

Booking trains in China is actually a relatively simple process. Unless you have a Chinese mobile, ID and understand Mandarin, you’ll need to use a third party supplier. We booked ours through China Highlights , which was a great service, they add a small mark up to the ticket prices, but it’s very easy to use. They also have a great app China Train Booking .

Helpful tip: You can pick up all your train tickets for travel at any mainline station in China. Just make sure you have the booking reference and your passport with you!

You can also take a bus directly from Fenghuang (the Ancient city of Phoenix), another popular stop on the tourist trail in China. The bus was very comfortable and took about 4 hours. We’d recommend that if you’re travelling in the busier summer holiday time (July and August) or around any major China holidays to book in advance. The best option seems to be China Bus Guide . However, although we did this journey in reverse (from Wulingyan bus station to Fenghuang) we were able to buy tickets at the bus station the day before we travelled.

If you’d like more advice on a full China itinerary, make sure you get in touch with us here , or leave a comment below and we’ll come back to you!

The obvious other alternative is to look into flights. Which, although more expensive than the train or bus options, is definitely faster and more convenient. Check out the latest prices on Skyscanner .

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Check out the latest travel insurance prices with Safety Wing here.

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie?

As we mentioned a little earlier in the article, it really is important to make sure that you base yourself in the right area. Zhangjiajie is actually a city (as most things are in China, surprisingly larger than we expected, with 1.5 million inhabitants). It is the location for the cable car to take you to Tianmenshan (Tianmen Mountain), which we suggest as part of day 3 of our Zhangjiajie itinerary, however, for days 1 & 2, you definitely will want to stay in Wulingyuan. Most of the accommodation options here are walkable to the main entrance of the Zhangjiajie National Park and it has much more of a feel of a small town, which is really nice.

As the drive from Zhangjiajie city to the park entrance is 45 minutes, we’d really recommend you stay in Wulingyuan, particularly if you are keen to get there early and beat the crowds to the best spots. The easiest way to get to Wulingyaun from Zhangjiajie is to take the bus from the main bus station, handily also located right next to the main train station.

Budget : Backpackers will like the Wuling Yuantu Youth Hostel – it’s right next to the Wulingyuan ticket office so very handy! It has free wifi and really lovely rooms, so worth a look in!

Mid-range: We stayed at the Maosao Family Hotel and really liked it. It was a quick walk to the main entrance to the park, had lovely rooms with wooden features and soft white sheets – we particularly thought the family rooms had great value.

Luxury : There are quite a few good high-end hotels in Wulingyuan but we’d probably pick the Pullman , also since it has one of the best restaurants with Western food!

Buying your tickets for Zhangjiajie National Park, Wulingyan Scenic Area and Tianmen Mountain

For tickets to Zhangjiajie National Park and the Wulingyuan Scenic Area:

You can buy your tickets at any of the main gates into the park. The best bet is to get to the main gate in Wulingyuan as early as you can, the ticket office opens at 7.00 am. It’s always worth carrying your passport with you at all times in China – at most of the major tourist attractions you will need it, and here is no different. Your tickets (credit card style passes) are linked to your ID, and on your first time through the turnstiles they link your fingerprint to your pass!

If you’re a student, it’s worth taking the relevant ID with you as you’ll also be entitled to some pretty good discounts.

Tickets cost: 248 RMB (35 USD / 27 GBP) – this is a 4 day pass that covers your entry, access to all 4 areas of the park and buses within the park. Note that there are additional costs for the Bailong Elevator (72 RMB / 10.25 USD / 7.80 GBP) and Cable Cars (79 RMB / 11.25 USD / 8.60 GBP).

Insider Tip: Join the local tour guides, jump the fence and you’ll get your tickets before anyone else. We did it and it meant we were on the first buses!

For tickets to Tianmen Mountain :

Chat to your accommodation and ask them to book your tickets in advance! They’ll need a photo of your passport which they send on to the ticket office to book your tickets, you will then collect the physical tickets. The ticket office is located at the base of the cable car, and there is a designated counter for pre-ordered tickets. There are morning or afternoon tickets available and you’ll definitely want to get yourself into one of the morning slots – the earlier you can get up Tianmen Mountain the better, as it can get quite busy by the afternoon.

There is a cable car that runs up to the top of Tianmen Mountain, and you’ll either be allotted a journey up on the cable car and down on the bus. Or vice versa. We would actually recommend asking for the bus up – it’s a relatively hairy drive up the mountain, with 99 hairpin turns in total, and although pretty exhilarating, it would be twice that on the descent.

Tickets for Tianmen Mountain cost: 261 RMB (37.25 USD / 28.40 GBP) and the ticket office opens from 7.00 am (note the park only opens from 8.00 am).

If you don’t feel so comfortable doing this itinerary without a tour guide, have a look at the various guided options with Get Your Guide .

Day 1 in Zhangjiajie

Ready to go and explore one of the most beautiful places in the world? Let’s kick off on the first day of your ultimate 3 day Zhangjiajie itinerary!

Bailong Elevator

So, get yourself up super early, get hold of your passes, and once in the main station, there are heaps of buses that ferry people around to all sections of the park. Point out that you want to go to the Bailong Elevator (also known as the Hundred Dragon Elevator) in the Yainjiajie section of the park and they’ll let you know which bus number to get on – it’s a relatively straight forward process, but with so many people and buses can appear quite confusing at first.

We managed to get onto the first bus of the day, and it was totally worth it! Once you arrive at the Bailong Elevator (the end of this bus line), you will need to purchase a ticket at the Bailong Elevator counters. There is an additional cost for the riding the elevator, but in our opinion it is totally worth it. The ticket price for this is: 72 RMB / 10.25 USD / 7.85 GBP.

Try and squeeze into the front of the elevator against the glass walls, face outwards and prepare yourself for the best lift ride of your life.

Tip: If you don’t get to the Bailong Elevator early, you can expect to queue for some time – we heard reports of people waiting a couple of hours to take the lift! So it’s really worth making the extra effort to be one of the first…

Avatar Mountains & Yuanjiajie

At the top of the Bailong Elevator, there is only one path that leads away, so you really can’t go wrong. Follow this path for about 400m where you’ll come to another bus station, where buses are waiting to take you along to the viewing platforms of the Southern Sky Column, the inspiration for the Avatar Mountains .

Along this walkway you’ll also encounter the First Bridge Under Heaven and the Lost Souls Platform. Each spot is amazing, and if you’re some of the first there in the morning, you get to experience this all without the crowds.

The walk should take you around 60 – 90 minutes depending on your speed and how much time you take to explore.

The next stop for the day is into the most recently discovered section of the park, Yangjiajie. There is a bus that will take you from the end of your walk in Yuanjiajie to Yangjiejie.

At the bus station, head out towards the Tianbo Mansion viewpoint. It’s about a 90 minute or so round trip, and you need to return here to move on to the next stop of the day. The walk to the viewpoint is really unique in that you’ll pass through the ancient Wulong Village, where you can still see the local traditional way of life.

Heading on past the village, you then come to a very narrow naturally formed crevice, where the mountain has split, it’s a decent hike up plenty of steps, but there are a number of places to stop and have a rest on the way.

At the end of the path there is the opportunity to climb (on some relatively rickety looking metal stairs), up to the top of one of the sandstone pillars, which offers beautiful views of the Natural Great Wall.

Tianzi Mountains

After returning to the Yangjiajie bus station, get on a bus for the journey to the Tianzi Mountains, this is the last section to explore for today. This for us provided two of the most ‘wow’ moments of the day. Firstly, and the bad wow, there’s actually a McDonalds at the summit of Tianzi Mountain!

But then for the amazing wow: Head past the McD’s and look for the Warrior Taming Horse lookout. This has to be, for us anyway, the best viewpoint on the mountain.

Keep exploring the tracks at the top, as there are stunning viewpoints everywhere, and once you’ve had your fill of idyllic scenery, we’d suggest that you walk all the way down. You can of course take the cable car back down, which is probably slightly easier on the knees. But, much to our surprise, the walk down was virtually deserted and we passed hardly anyone, except some poor souls who thought it would be a good idea to walk up Tianzi Mountain. No matter your fitness level, don’t attempt that!

There are a few café’s to stop at and get refreshments along the way, but the walk down really does provide different levels and perspectives of the sandstone pillars to appreciate. And you get to pass through the stunning Southern Heavenly Gate. You can’t go wrong if you keep following the signs towards the Ten Mile Natural Gallery.

Once at the base, you’ll see a tram that you can take along this approx. 2 mile journey (not actually 10 miles as the name suggests), or just walk down. Here there are buses that can take you back to the Wulingyuan park entrance.

Note: If you wanted to extend your itinerary, you could quite easily separate Tianzi Mountain into its own hike!

Day 2 in Zhangjiajie

The golden whip stream.

So today it’s not quite as important to be first to the Park entrance, as you don’t need to rush to beat the queues at the Bailong Elevator. However, follow exactly the same initial journey as the first day and get the bus towards the lift – you’ll be wanting to get off the bus at the stop beforehand, called the Golden Whip Stream. Make sure you mention this to your driver (or point it out on the map) and they’ll stop for you at the right spot. And it is still definitely trying to get to the start as early as you can!

The first part of today’s hiking is really gentle, as the Golden Whip stream takes you along the river that flows in the valley. The most rewarding part of this is that you get the complete alternative to yesterday’s views, looking up to the looming sandstone pillars.

The Golden Whip Stream should take an hour or so to complete. You’ll also likely to bump into a few monkeys, but worth noting that it’s good to steer clear of them, we saw them on someone’s back opening their bag, looking for food.

Huangshi Village

When you reach the end of the Golden Whip Stream – the interestingly named Oxygen Square – we’d suggest that you hike up to Huangshi Village. This is definitely the toughest section of our suggested itinerary as it is a pretty long climb up. And in general nothing but stairs… about 5,000 of them and a good 90 minutes of continuous stair climbing.

If you’re not keen on the hike up, you can also take a bus from Oxygen Square to the Huangshi Village cable car. You’ll pay extra for this ticket.

At the summit, we’d recommend that you take a walk around the entire mountain top, it’s meant to take around 3 hours in total, but in reality you can definitely do it a bit quicker. And it’s definitely worth the extra effort to walk all the way around – at the far side you see the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains from the reverse side.

After finishing the loop, head back down the stairs to Oxygen Square. It’s much quicker on the way down and only takes about an hour.

Once you’re back down, you can either head back along the Golden Whip Stream (if you have the energy) to catch the free bus back to the Wulingyuan entrance. Or alternatively you can exit the park here at the Forest Park Station exit, where you will find buses heading back to Wulingyuan bus station.

Note: you have to pay for this bus back to Wulingyuan but it’s not expensive at 20 RMB (2.85 USD / 2.20 GBP).

Day 3 in Zhangjiajie

Tianmen mountain.

If you are staying in Wulingyuan, make sure that you allow yourself enough time to get to the Cable Car Station in Zhangjiajie city, the buses depart for Zhangjiajie from Wulingyuan bus station and depart every 20-30 minutes from around 7.00am. If you point out to the bus driver that you want to get off at the Cable Car, the bus drivers are usually super helpful and will let you know when to get off, but it’ll be quite obvious as you’ll see the cable car.

99 Turns Bus Ride

Once you’ve got hold of your tickets from the cable car station, if you are heading up on the buses first (don’t worry if not, the information is just in reverse and you’ll like do the mountain first before walking the Stairway to Heaven), head out to the rear of the building and you’ll see a load of buses waiting to ferry people up. This is actually the first bus ride of two you take to get up Tianmen. But don’t worry – it’s really easy. The first bus take around 10 – 15 minutes to the start of the National Forest Park, from here you then walk up the steps and check in with your tickets, joining another queue (not very long) to take you on another bus up which drives you to the summit.

We’re a little confused as to why you need to transfer buses but that’s the process!

Photo credit: Eamon Hayes

The journey up Tianmen Mountain is a pretty wild ride. If you get motion sick, it’s worth having a tablet beforehand as you’re in for 99 hairpin turns to make it to the top. Apart from slightly hair-raising, it offers absolutely stunning views of the surrounding area.

Stairway to Heaven

After arriving at the bus station, you immediately see why this place is so important. Directly translated as ‘Gateway to Heaven’, in front of you lies a super impressive stairway, leading up to Tianmen Cave.

In total there are 999 steps, and although it’s daunting, you actually do the climb in next to no time! There are also plenty of areas that you can stop and have a seat on the way up! If you aren’t keen on attempting the climb, you can also take the escalator up instead that sits hidden to the right of the stairs.

At the summit of the Stairway to Heaven, you’re actually still quite a way from the top of Tianmen Mountain, but luckily there are escalators (7 of them from memory) that will take you all the way.

Walking the Mountain

Now at the top of the elevators, you now have a choice to either head out right or left, (to the East or West walkways) if, like us, you want to walk around the whole of the mountain. It is really worth doing this, as although it’ll take around 4 hours, the walk is not so strenuous.

If you head out to the East walkways first, they seemed to be less crowded than the West side, this may of course been due to our timings. Along the walk, you’ll encounter some seriously impressive walkways that jut out from the side of the mountain, and there are a couple of glass walkways that are really worth doing (even if you’re not great with heights). The first you’ll come to is the East Glass walkway, and although not as impressive as the West one, still very much worth doing. You pay an extra 5 RMB (0.70 USD / 0.55 GBP) but in reality this is the cost for the shoe covers to keep the glass clean.

If you are taking the Cable Car up, it would make more sense to head to the West walkways first, so you’re not doubling back on yourself.

After you arrive back near the start of your mountain top walk, you’ll reach the cable car – which is a great experience by itself. Once the longest cable car in the world, you have a 30 minute relaxing return journey all the way back to the original cable car station in Zhangjiajie.

If you have more energy than us, you could also squeeze another activity into day 3 of the itinerary! If so, check out our recommendations below of bonus activities to add. Although, to be honest, we were exhausted by the end of this!

We obviously did loads of hiking (up to 20km each day and much of that up and down), however, you definitely can use more buses and cable cars than we did which will be a little easier on the legs. If you are planning on doing loads of hiking, it’s definitely worth getting a leg massage in Wulingyuan – it really eases the aches and loosens the muscles for the next day’s adventure!

Read next: Here is our perfect 2 weeks in China itinerary and travel guide!

When is the best time of year to visit Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie weather follows much of the northern hemisphere, in that it has the classic four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Winters can get down to freezing, but would offer stunning views, and is the quietest time of year. Summer can get pretty hot (over 30 degrees). And between May and August are the wettest months! But in a place that experiences over 200 days of rain or misty clouds, make sure that you take waterproof clothing regardless of when you go.

The best time of year – think less humid, warm but not hot and less chance of rain – are April and October. We were there in September and had wonderful weather, although quite humid on two days with the final day quite misty. The Chinese holiday months of July and August are also the busiest, so likely that accommodation costs will be higher, and the parks fuller.

Top tip: Don’t forget that the temperatures can be quite a bit colder on the mountain tops, so be prepared!

Bonus Activities to add to your Zhangjiajie itinerary

Yellow Dragon Cave

Just a short bus ride from Wulingyuan (20 minutes) is this enormous karst cave network, covering 100, 000 square metres. The Yellow Dragon Cave (or ‘Huanglongdong’ in Chinese) is a massive cave complex featuring a reservoir, underground waterfalls, pools and two underground rivers. Yes, China really does it bigger and better!

Some of the world’s largest stalactites and stalagmites form inside the cave, and it’s a really interesting journey to see them, and all the attractions which are illuminated in bright colours. That said, it can feel a little touristy – the many hued lights and many other visitors mean this is quite a commercial experience.

As to the journey itself, you’ll do parts of it by foot and the others through a 800m long boat cruise on the Xiangshui River. All of it is guided, and takes about 90 minutes.

At time of writing, it cost 100 RMB (14.30 USD / 11 GBP) for the ticket, and only 1 RMB for the bus which is Bus No 1 from Wulingyuan Bus Station.

Photo Courtesy of Bill Hertha / Flickr

Baofeng Lake

As most of your time in Zhangjiajie and the Wulingyuan Scenic Area is about mountains and glass walkways, its worth doing something more water-based, like Baofeng Lake. This lake is 72 metres deep and about 2.5 km long, flanked by beautiful steep peaks. The water is incredibly clear and reflects the surrounding area, making this a beautiful, peaceful place to visit.

While you’re there, you can also do a scenic boat ride where you’ll take in the mountains to the tune of local singers performing Tuljia songs. You can also get off the boat and explore the fountains and a waterfall, via a short hike.

It costs about 96 CNY (14.70 USD / 11 GBP) and you get there via Bus No 1 from the Wulingyuan Bus Station.

Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge

Last but definitely not least is the Grand Canyon and the Glass Bridge. These are technically two separate ‘attractions’ in that you can pay for them separately, or a combo ticket – more on that below.

The absolutely beautiful canyon is perfect for walking and hiking – you take wooden trails over a 3-4 hour hike, starting with the mind-blowing Strip of Sky, a long gap between two mountain cliffs where only one person fits at a time. You’ll walk a 700 meter long trail down to the bottom, before traversing through the canyon where you can also try your hand at the Sky Ladder Plank Road and the Southern Red Flag Canal, a beautiful canal that powers the nearby villages.

But it is the glass bridge that really attracts most visitors. The bridge (which shouldn’t be confused with the glass walkways on Tianmen mountain), is the world’s longest and highest glass bridge. Called ‘Yuntiandu’ it means ‘a way of clouds to the sky’ since it seems almost suspended in the air. The entire thing is transparent glass, giving you a heart racing view down to the bottom of the canyon.

It costs 118 RMB (16.80 USD / 13 GBP) for just the Grand Canyon, CNY 138 (20 USD / 15 GBP) for just the Glass Bridge and CNY 219 (31.30 USD / 24 GBP) for the combo ticket, at time of writing. From Wulingyuan bus station you take the bus to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon which takes 20 minutes.

Zhangjiajie Travel Tips – What to pack for your Zhangjiajie Itinerary

You’ll definitely want to make sure you’ve got a decent day bag to take with you. We love our Osprey day bag and find it perfect for everything we need to carry on a day trip. But what are the essentials to include?

• Water bottle. Throughout China, the tap water isn’t drinkable. Do yourself a favour and get a LifeStraw – it’ll save you money in the long run and it’s good for the planet.
• Camera. The most important thing in our opinion. The landscapes are truly out of this world.
• Waterproof jacket or poncho. It can be cloudy and rainy up on the mountain, more likely than not. So make sure that you’ve got something that keeps you dry.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses. On the other hand, it can be surprisingly hot up there. We were really lucky that we had two sunny hot days.
• Snacks . You’ll want to take some good snacks for the walks, there are limited options on the mountains away from the main cable car stations.
• Great hiking shoes! If you’re like us and you want to explore, make sure you’re wearing a comfy pair of shoes, we walked on average of 20km each day, and a lot of that is steps. You can of course do less of the hiking, but it’s the best way to get away from the crowds. We love our Salomon XA Pro 3D .
• Tissues or toilet paper . You never know if there’s going to be any toilet paper on that bathroom break!

What apps should I use in Zhangjiajie?

We’ve actually created a super handy guide to all the apps that you need for travelling in China – check that out here . That said, here are some of the crucial ones:

Most importantly, make sure that you get a good VPN – it’s the most important app to have on your phone, otherwise you won’t be able to use most of the day to day programs that you are used to using. Think no Google, no Facebook, no WhatsApp, no Instagram etc… you get the picture.

We’d strongly recommend that you pick ExpressVPN . We used both that and its biggest competitor NordVPN , and found that on speeds and access, ExpressVPN just comes out slightly ahead – but both are great products!

And download the VPN and other apps before you go. Play Store won’t be available in China (without a VPN).

The other key apps that we’d recommend that you download:

• Taxi service. Uber (and our Southeast Asia favourite, Grab), don’t work in China. However, China does have their own equivalent which is pretty much the same –  DIDI Chuxing .
• Maps. So for hiking routes, we love Maps.Me , as a lot of the routes are on here, when they don’t appear on Google Maps. You can also download regional and very detailed offline maps which means that even if you have no internet, you are always able to find your way around. It works on GPS positioning, which doesn’t require 3G connectivity. Quite useful in the mountains of Zhangjiajie!
• Translation. The most tricky thing about travelling in China is definitely the language barrier. Unlike the rest of South East Asia, English is pretty much not spoken outside the major cities. So it’s worth having Google Translate in your pocket. They also have a handy offline version for Chinese so you don’t need the internet to work it either.

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

• Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
• Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
• GoPro: Hero 7 Black
• GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
• GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
• Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
• Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
• Powerbank: Anker Powercore
• Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
• Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
• Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
• Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

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Thank you for suggestions, but honestly interesting that express came up a better, I’ve used them in the past and I had some trouble, of course, their support helped me out from time to time, but even then its a bit more expensive. Switched out to NordVPN eventually when they released the Christmas deal. Anyways, I’m going to travel through there, and I’m really excited about it.

Absolute pleasure! And definitely do let us know if you need any other advice! Enjoy it and we’d love to hear back from you, if you have any recommendations to add after you’ve visited Zhangjiajie.

In terms of the VPN, it’s a real toss up between the two services. I was actually all for NordVPN before China, but it just pipped it on performance there (most of the time).

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