A comprehensive travel guide to Zhangjiajie compiled after 8 intense visits

Zhangjiajie Travel Guide
☑️9 must-visit attractions (including tickets and highlights)
☑️Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan)
💰Ticket: 227 RMB (valid for 4 days, includes eco-friendly shuttle)
🌈Highlights: Avatar filming location "Hallelujah Mountain," hiking Jinbian Stream, viewing Yuanjiajie Bailong Elevator.
☑️Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
💰Ticket: 278 RMB (includes cable car/eco-friendly shuttle, divided into A/B lines)
🌈Highlights: 99 bends mountain road, glass skywalk, Tianmen Cave cloud and fog spectacle, 999-step stairway.
☑️Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
💰Ticket: 219 RMB (includes glass bridge + choice of zipline or slide)
🌈Highlights: World's highest glass bridge, bungee jumping experience on the bridge, canyon waterfall hiking.
☑️Huanglong Cave
💰Ticket: 100 RMB (includes boat ride)
🌈Highlights: Underground karst cave wonder, "Sea-Calming Needle" stalagmite, boat through underground river.
☑️Baofeng Lake
💰Ticket: 96 RMB (includes boat ride)
🌈Highlights: Alpine lake, Tujia folk song duets, one of the filming locations for Avatar’s "floating mountains."
☑️Fenghuang Ancient Town (2.5 hours by car from Zhangjiajie)
💰Ticket: Free (small scenic spots ticket 128 RMB)
🌈Highlights: Tuojiang River boating, stilted building night views, Shen Congwen’s former residence, Miao silver jewelry culture.
☑️Furong Town (1.5 hours by car from Zhangjiajie)
💰Ticket: 108 RMB (includes night view)
🌈Highlights: Millennium-old town on a cliff, waterfall running through town, night view of "lights hanging on the waterfall" show.
☑️Ten-Mile Gallery
💰Ticket: Free (small train one-way 38 RMB)
🌈Highlights: Core area of Wulingyuan, hike or take the small train to see "Herbalist," "Three Sisters Peak," and other shape-like rocks.
☑️Yangjiajie
💰Ticket: Included in Wulingyuan pass
🌈Highlights: Primitive forest scenery, natural Great Wall stone cliffs, fewer crowds and quiet, ideal for hiking and adventure.
🏨Accommodation Guide
Zhangjiajie City: Recommended to stay near Tianmen Mountain cable car (e.g., Ji Hotel), convenient for next day mountain climbing.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Stay near Xibu Street or the landmark gate (e.g., Pullman Zhangjiajie Jingwu), walking distance to eco-friendly shuttle station.
Grand Canyon Scenic Area: Stay in Sanguansi Town, Cili County (100-200 RMB per person), enter park early next day to avoid crowds.
Fenghuang Ancient Town: Stay at riverside inns in the middle section of Tuojiang River (e.g., Suli Lotus), excellent night views but higher prices.
Furong Town: Stay at guesthouses near the waterfall (e.g., Tuwang Palace), waterfall visible from the window, book in advance.
⚠️5 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Transportation: Taxi from city to Wulingyuan costs about 100 RMB, recommended to take direct scenic area shuttle (12 RMB/person); avoid unlicensed taxis in Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Tickets: Tianmen Mountain A line (cable car up + road down) has long queues, enter park early at 7 AM; book glass bridge tickets 3 days in advance.
Spending: "Free photo" offers in scenic areas are often traps; printed photos require payment; buy local specialties at Nanzhuangping Market in the city.
Weather: Avoid Grand Canyon Glass Bridge during rainy season (April-June) due to fog; bring mosquito repellent for Jinbian Stream hike.
Clothing: Glass skywalk at Tianmen Mountain requires shoe covers (5 RMB/pair provided by park), no slippers; wear non-slip shoes for Yangjiajie hiking.
🚗4-Day Classic Itinerary
Day 1: Zhangjiajie City + Tianmen Mountain

Morning: Tianmen Mountain (4 hours) → Walk glass skywalk, climb Tianmen Cave
Afternoon: Seventy-two Wonders Building (night view) → Check out Tujia folk light show
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie City
Day 2: Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area

All day: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (8 hours) →
Enter from East Gate (Landmark Gate) → Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie → Mysterious Platform → First Bridge Under Heaven →
Yangjiajie (Natural Great Wall) → Tianzi Mountain (Helong Park) → Ten-Mile Gallery small train return
Accommodation: Xibu Street, Wulingyuan
Day 3: Grand Canyon + Fenghuang Ancient Town (night tour)

Morning: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (3 hours) → Experience high-altitude zipline
Afternoon: Drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town (2.5 hours) → Boat on Tuojiang River, enjoy night view
Accommodation: Riverside inn in Fenghuang Ancient Town
Day 4: Fenghuang Ancient Town + Return

Morning: Fenghuang Ancient Town (2 hours) → Visit Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge, buy Miao embroidery souvenirs
Alternative: If time allows, replace with Furong Town (1-day tour) → Waterfall through town + Tujia Long Banquet
📌Route Advantages:

Covers Zhangjiajie’s core natural landscapes (mountains/water/caves) and cultural ancient towns, with a well-paced itinerary.
Daily driving time controlled within 3 hours to avoid long-distance fatigue.
Flexible last day for in-depth exploration of Fenghuang or substitution with Furong Town.