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Visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie *Avatar*. Take a walk along the glass bridge at Tianmen Mountain, explore the stunning Avatar Mountains, and hike the scenic trails. For adventure lovers, the cable car ride to Tianmen Mountain is a must, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Zhangjiajie, a prefecture-level city in northwestern Hunan, lies within the Wuling Mountains. It is one of China's most important tourist destinations. The Zhangjiajie scenic area is divided into four major areas: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yangjiajie Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, and Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, collectively known as the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China's first national forest park, combines magical beauty, grandeur, pristine beauty, and freshness. Its rock formations are renowned for their remarkable beauty. Thousands of overlapping, craggy peaks stretch across the park, each one awe-inspiring, each ...
March-May, September-November.
In spring, Zhangjiajie is covered with lush green grass. You can follow the Golden Whip Stream, visit the Ten-Mile Gallery, and explore the Yellow Dragon Cave, where you can experience the surprise of the people of Wuling entering the Peach Blossom Spring.
In autumn, Zhangjiajie's forests are covered in vibrant colors, and it is the season when fruits such as kiwis and tangerines are ripe.
Relatively speaking, the summer is hot and rainy, and the winter is cold, and the comfort level is slightly lower than spring and autumn.
Furong Town
Furong Town is a tourist destination that blends natural scenery with quaint ethnic customs. Its Tujia stilt houses and bluestone pavements are a refreshing sight to stroll through in the drizzle. As the gateway to the Mengdong River Scenic Area, it's a prime spot for exploring the ancient past.
Huanglong Cave
Huanglong Cave is famous for its vast caverns, deep underground rivers, and dense stalagmites. It is very large, with the highest point reaching a vertical height of over 100 meters. The entire cave is filled with caves within caves and rivers within caves.
The iconic attraction is the "Dinghai Shenzhen" which has been growing for 200,000 years. It is a 20-meter-high stalactite column with a diameter of only 10 centimeters at its thinnest point.
Zhangjiajie is known for its dramatic sandstone pillars, which have been a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2004. The area’s landscape is often considered one of China’s most stunning natural wonders, with its distinct, vertical rock formations. Zhangjiajie has also gained global fame after inspiring the floating mountains in the movie *Avatar*.
Zhangjiajie is located in northwestern Hunan Province. The city is accessible by flight through Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, and from there, you can take taxis or buses to the parks. There are also buses connecting Zhangjiajie to other major cities in China.
Zhangjiajie’s parks and scenic areas are generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though this may vary by specific attraction. The best time to visit is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. Avoid the peak summer months if possible to escape the rush.
Ticket prices vary by attraction. For example, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park costs around ¥225 (RMB) for a single entry, while the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area charges around ¥258. Tickets can be purchased both online (via official websites or popular platforms like Ctrip) and on-site, but booking in advance is recommended to avoid long lines.
It’s advisable to book tickets at least 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or for popular attractions like the glass bridge and Tianmen Mountain cable car ride.
To fully explore the major attractions like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, you’ll need 2-3 days. Allow at least a full day for each major site.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin, though some tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are available in Mandarin, and sometimes in English for specific attractions like the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
The best photography spots include the top of Tianmen Mountain for panoramic views, the Avatar Mountains for dramatic landscape shots, and the Glass Bridge, which offers unique angles of the valley below.
Start your trip with a visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to see the Avatar Mountains, followed by the Golden Whip Stream for a relaxing hike. On the second day, head to Tianmen Mountain and explore the cable car, the Glass Skywalk, and the Tianmen Cave. For adventure lovers, don’t miss the Glass Bridge on the third day.
Night tours are available in some areas, such as the Tianmen Mountain, where you can enjoy the illuminated cable car ride. However, most of Zhangjiajie’s attractions are best enjoyed during daylight hours, especially the hiking trails and views.
Zhangjiajie can be crowded, especially during Chinese public holidays and the summer months. To avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) on weekdays, and try to avoid national holidays like Golden Week in October.
Facilities in Zhangjiajie include rest areas, toilets, food stalls, and small shops selling local goods and souvenirs. You’ll find restaurants near the main attractions, but it’s advisable to carry snacks and water while hiking.
Most of Zhangjiajie’s popular sites are accessible via cable cars and elevators, making them suitable for elderly and children. However, some areas, especially hiking trails, might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted in Zhangjiajie. However, it's still a good idea to carry some cash, particularly in rural or remote areas where card payments may not be available.
There are numerous restaurants around the main attractions serving traditional Chinese food, including local Hunan cuisine (spicy dishes) and more international options in Zhangjiajie city.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants, though they may be limited compared to standard Chinese fare. Halal food is less common but can be found in larger cities or specific restaurants catering to Muslim tourists.
There are plenty of hotels near the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. The city of Zhangjiajie offers a variety of accommodation options with easy access to transportation and the major sites.
Yes, there are plenty of souvenir shops selling local handicrafts like embroidered textiles, wood carvings, and tea. You can also find items related to the Avatar movie and the unique landscapes of Zhangjiajie.
You can take a bus or taxi to other nearby attractions like Fenghuang Ancient Town or Wulingyuan. Zhangjiajie’s central location makes it a good base for exploring the wider Hunan province by bus, train, or flight.
