Zhangjiajie, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, China, is a city renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The city, also historically known as Dayong, spans an area of 9,653 square kilometers and has a population of around 1.7 million people.
Major attractions include the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which features nearly 3,000 quartzite sandstone peaks, lush forests, waterfalls, and limestone caves. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of Wulingyuan, is China’s first national forest park established in 1982, famous for its towering sandstone pillars and diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the Chinese Giant Salamander.The city also boasts the world’s tallest and longest glass bridge located in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
With a humid semi-tropical monsoon climate, Zhangjiajie enjoys lush vegetation and a variety of terrains including upland areas, plains, and karst rock formations. Beyond natural beauty, visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of ethnic groups such as Tujia, Bai, and Miao, experiencing traditional customs and lifestyles.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Zhangjiajie, China, with detailed descriptions, highlights, useful tips.
1.Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, which were the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie “Avatar.” Established in 1982 as China’s first national forest park, it spans 48.15 square kilometers and is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The park features five main tourist areas: Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Huangshi Village, and Golden Whip Stream.
Highlight:
- Bailong Elevator: The world’s tallest outdoor elevator, offering a breathtaking journey up to the Yuanjiajie area.
Useful Tips:
- Prepare for a lot of walking and climbing.
- Bring water and snacks as items sold on-site can be expensive.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
How to Get There:
- Flight + Bus: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, take city bus no. 4 or a taxi to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, and then take a bus to the park.
- Train + Bus: Take a train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station or West Railway Station, then take a direct bus or a taxi to the park.
2. Visit Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain, known for its natural arch “Heaven’s Gate,” provides stunning views and a thrilling experience. The mountain is accessible via a scenic cable car ride, which is one of the longest in the world. The summit features a glass skywalk for an adrenaline-pumping view and numerous hiking trails.
Highlight:
- Glass Skywalk: A transparent walkway along the cliff edge, offering vertigo-inducing views of the valley below.
Useful Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
- Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Check the weather forecast as poor weather can obscure views.
How to Get There:
- From Zhangjiajie city center, take a taxi to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Station, located near Zhangjiajie Railway Station.
3.Walk on the Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie is another must-see destination, offering a variety of adventurous activities. The highlight is the glass bridge, which spans the canyon and is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world. The canyon itself provides scenic hiking routes, a boat ride, and exploration of the karst landscape.
Highlight:
- Glass Bridge: Walking across this glass-bottom bridge gives you the feeling of floating above the canyon.
Useful Tips:
- Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.
- Wear sneakers for a better grip on the glass bridge.
- Be prepared for a mix of hiking and sightseeing.
How to Get There:
- Take a bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to the Grand Canyon, then follow signs to the entrance of the glass bridge.
4. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Yuanjiajie is a part of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and is famous for the “Avatar Mountains.” The area offers stunning views, hiking trails, and the famous First Bridge under Heaven, a natural stone bridge connecting two mountain peaks.
Highlight:
- First Bridge under Heaven: A natural rock bridge providing spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Useful Tips:
- Allocate a full day to explore this area thoroughly.
- Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the distant peaks.
How to Get There:
- Access via the park’s shuttle buses or by taking the Bailong Elevator from the base of the mountain.
5. Visit Tianzi Mountain
Known as the Monarch of the Peak Forest, Tianzi Mountain offers some of the most iconic and breathtaking views in Zhangjiajie. The mountain is covered with sharp peaks and lush greenery, providing numerous vantage points and photography spots.
Highlight:
- Helong Park: A park offering sweeping views of the mountain’s unique rock formations.
Useful Tips:
- The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers to stay warm.
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
How to Get There:
- Take the park shuttle bus from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or Wulingyuan Scenic Area to reach the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car Station.
6. Hike along the Golden Whip Stream
Golden Whip Stream is a serene and picturesque stream running through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The area offers an easy hiking trail along the stream, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing walk and nature appreciation.
Highlight:
- Scenic Hike: The 7.5-kilometer trail offers stunning views and numerous photo opportunities.
Useful Tips:
- The trail is relatively flat but wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring insect repellent and plenty of water.
How to Get There:
- Access from the park entrance by following the walking path along the stream.
7. Enjoy Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake is a man-made lake located in Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake offers tranquil boat tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty. The reflection of the peaks in the clear waters of the lake creates a mesmerizing view.
Highlight:
- Boat Ride: A peaceful boat tour that offers a unique perspective of the surrounding karst landscape.
Useful Tips:
- Combine the boat tour with a visit to nearby scenic spots.
- The area can be humid; dress accordingly and bring water.
How to Get There:
- Take a bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and then follow the signs to Baofeng Lake.
8. Yellow dragon cave zhangjiajie
Yellow Dragon Cave is one of the largest karst caves in China, featuring numerous stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. The cave complex includes multiple chambers and is known for its intricate rock formations and underground light displays.
Highlight:
- Underground River: A boat ride on the underground river inside the cave adds to the adventure.
Useful Tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cave tour involves a lot of walking.
- The cave can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
How to Get There:
- Take a bus from Zhangjiajie city to the cave entrance, located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
9. Bailong Elevator
The Bailong Elevator, also known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, is situated in the Yuanjiajie area of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China. This remarkable structure holds the Guinness World Record for being the highest and fastest outdoor elevator in the world, standing at an astounding height of 326 meters (1,070 feet). Constructed between 1999 and 2002, the elevator was officially opened to the public in April 2002 with a total investment of approximately 180 million Chinese Yuan.
The Bailong Elevator features three glass double-deck cars, providing breathtaking views as it ascends the cliff face. The ride takes less than 2 minutes, considerably shortening the time required to reach the top of Yuanjiajie Mountain, which would otherwise involve a two-hour hike.
Highlight:
- Guinness World Record Holder: Recognized as the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor elevator.
- Scenic Views: The glass elevator offers panoramic views of the picturesque sandstone pillars that characterize the Zhangjiajie landscape, famously inspiring the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
- Convenience: The elevator significantly reduces travel time to the top of Yuanjiajie Mountain, making it accessible for people with limited mobility, elderly travelers, and those on tight schedules.
Useful Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings are generally less crowded. Avoid weekends and public holidays when the elevator is most busy.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues. The elevator can have significant wait times, especially during peak seasons.
- Photography: Have your camera ready, but be mindful of the crowd. The ride offers an unparalleled opportunity for stunning photos of the surrounding landscape.
- Accessibility: Ideal for visitors who may find the hike up the mountain challenging. It’s a great option for children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues.
How to Get There:
- From Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station: Take a bus to Wulingyuan. The journey usually takes about 40-60 minutes with a fare around 12 Chinese Yuan.
- From Wulingyuan Bus Station: Free environmentally friendly shuttle buses are available to the lower station of the Bailong Elevator. The ride from the east entrance of the Forest Park takes about 30-40 minutes, while the ride from the south entrance takes 20-30 minutes.
- By Taxi: Taxis are available for a more direct route to the park gates. Depending on where you are staying in Wulingyuan, this could be a convenient option.
10. Enjoy Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses over 3000 quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks. The area includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, and Suoxi Valley. It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
Highlight:
- Hiking Trails: The area offers an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of hikers.
Useful Tips:
- Plan to spend multiple days exploring the different zones.
- Avoid peak periods to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
How to Get There:
- Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport and take a bus or taxi to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
By visiting these top attractions, you will experience the diverse and stunning beauty of Zhangjiajie, China.
