🌲 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — The Ultimate 2-Day Guide for First-Timers 🌄

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If you’re visiting Zhangjiajie (张家界国家森林公园) for the first time, this post will help you plan a stress-free trip through its most breathtaking areas — including Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream.

🎫 Ticket Info

✅ Main Park Ticket:

Covers transport within the park and is valid for 4 days. The eco-bus connects all scenic zones — super convenient once you’ve bought the combined ticket.

🎟 Cable Car Passes:

1️⃣ Standard Pass (Four Rides) – Valid for 4 days, includes any 4 rides (elevator and cable cars) among Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Yuanjiajie, and Huangshizhai.

2️⃣ Unlimited Pass (Multi-Ride) – Unlimited rides within 4 days (ideal if you’re staying longer).

🗺 Scenic Areas Overview

Zhangjiajie Park is divided into two main zones:

Mountain Area: Yangjiajie, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Huangshizhai.

Valley Area: Golden Whip Stream, Shuiraosimen, Ten-Mile Gallery

Note: The mountain and valley areas are not connected by shuttle, so you’ll need to walk or take the cable car between them.

🧭 Suggested Route

Day 1 (East Gate Entry):

Take the eco-bus → Bailong Elevator (ride up and enjoy the glass-view platform) → Yuanjiajie Scenic Area → bus to Yangjiajie (optional if short on time) → Tianzi Mountain → cable car down → return via eco-bus to East Gate.

Day 2 (South Gate Entry):

Enter via Huangshizhai → take the cable car or hike up → walk down to Golden Whip Stream (6.5km scenic trail) → continue to Ten-Mile Gallery (optional) → exit via East Gate.

🌟 Travel Tips

👣 Golden Whip Stream requires a fair bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

📅 If you’re short on time (1–2 days), just buy the Eco-bus ticket + Four-ride cable pass.

💡 For tight schedules (1-day plan):

Enter from East Gate → take Bailong Elevator → Yuanjiajie → bus to Tianzi Mountain → cable car down → visit Golden Whip Stream → Huangshizhai cable car → exit at South Gate.

Perfect if you want to see the main highlights without rushing too much!

✨ Pro Tips

- Plan your cable rides in advance — they save time and energy.
- Go early in the morning to avoid long queues at the Bailong Elevator.
- Bring snacks and water; food options inside are limited and pricey.

📍 Best Entry: East Gate (for Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain combo)

🕐 Ticket Validity: 4 days

🎫 Admission: Around ¥225 (plus optional cable car fees)