How to get around Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Zhangjiajie, this fantastical land hailed as a “World Natural Heritage Site” and “a unique natural wonder,” served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar, resembling a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
Here, Wulingyuan‘s thousand peaks rise like a forest, Tianmenshan’s sea of clouds billows like a fairyland, Huanglong Cave’s underground palace is a masterpiece of nature, and Jinbian Stream’s emerald waters wind like poetry.
Zhangjiajie is not only a masterpiece of nature but also a melting pot of ethnic cultures. The Tujia people’s swaying dance, the Miao people’s silver ornaments, and the Bai people’s tie-dye—each tells a story of this land’s vibrant spirit and profound heritage. （ethnic minority groups in China）
Follow this guide to avoid common tourist pitfalls and delve deep into the essence of “Fairyland Zhangjiajie.”
Trip Overview
Best for: Independent travelers, families, photographers, outdoor adventurers
Best season: April–October (spring flowers, summer cool escape, autumn red leaves, winter snow). Check zhangjiajie national forest park opening hours.
Transportation: High-speed train/flight + park shuttle bus/cable car + walking
DAY 1: Tianmen Mountain Adventure
Transportation
By air: Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport. Airport bus ($1.5, 20 min) to downtown, or taxi (~$4.5).
By train: From Zhangjiajie West Station, take Bus 17 ($0.3, 30 min) or taxi (~$6).
Morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) – Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (ticket $40, includes cable car)
Route: Ride the world’s longest mountain cable car (7,455 m / 4.6 miles) to the top. Visit the glass skywalk (shoe covers $0.7), Tianmen Mountain Cave (“999-step” staircase), Ghost Valley plank road, and view the winding mountain road with 99 sharp turns.
Tips to avoid tourist traps: Cable car has A/B routes. A route (cable car up + bus down) is easier. Book online at least 3 days in advance.
Lunch (12:30–2:00 PM)
Sanxia Guo, a Tujia-style hotpot with preserved pork, tofu, and intestines (~$7 per person).
Afternoon (2:30–6:00 PM)
Tianmen Mountain Temple: the highest-altitude Buddhist temple in Asia.
Yunmeng Fairy Peak: the highest point of Tianmen Mountain (panoramic 360° view).
Evening (7:00–10:00 PM)
Houlong Street Night Market: grilled chicken bones ($1.1), rice tofu (a jelly-like snack made from rice, $0.7). Folk drum shows and ethnic dance.
Stay: Downtown hotel e.g. Zhangjiajie Huatian Hotel (~$57/night), near the cable car station.
DAY 2: Wulingyuan Peaks Exploration
Transportation
Downtown → Wulingyuan: shuttle bus ($1.9, 40 min) or taxi (~$11).
Morning (7:30 AM–12:00 PM) – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (ticket price: zhangjiajie national forest park ticket price 2025)
Yuanjiajie: Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain, Qiankun Pillar, and First Bridge under Heaven.
Yangjiajie: Natural Great Wall, Tianbo Mansion viewpoint.
Lunch (12:30–2:00 PM)
Avatar Restaurant inside the park (~$6 per person): stir-fried bacon with bamboo shoots, farmhouse pork with rice.
Afternoon (2:30–6:00 PM)
Tianzishan (Emperor Mountain): Take park shuttle bus to Helong Park, see peaks like Imperial Brush and Fairy Scattering Flowers.
Ten-Mile Gallery: small train ($5.5 one way) or walk. View rock formations like Herbalist, Three Sisters Peak.
Evening (6:30–9:00 PM)
Xibu Street: Tujia folk street. Try batik DIY ($7). Local dish: duck cooked with sticky rice and duck blood (~$5).
Stay: Wulingyuan guesthouse, e.g. Zishan Manju (~$85/night), with peak views and free transfer service.
DAY 3: Grand Canyon & Caves
Morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (ticket $18, includes Glass Bridge):
Glass Bridge: world’s longest glass bridge (430 m / 1,410 ft).
Canyon hike: see Shenquan Lake, One-Line-Sky gorge. Summer zipline available (zipline zhangjiajie price).
Lunch (12:30–2:00 PM)
Canyon Fish Restaurant (~$8.5 per person): steamed sturgeon, bamboo shoots with bacon.
Afternoon (2:30–5:00 PM)
Huanglong Cave (ticket $17): Asia’s largest karst cave. Boat ride on Xiangshui River, see the 19.2 m (63 ft) stalagmite called Heaven-Supporting Pillar.
Return transportation
From Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie West Station: shuttle bus ($2.8, 1 hr) or taxi (~$21).
Must-See Landmarks
Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk
1,400 m (4,593 ft) above ground.
Yuanjiajie Hallelujah Mountain
inspiration for Avatar’s floating peaks.
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
thrilling glass-bottom bridge.
Huanglong Cave Heaven-Supporting Pillar
19.2 m (63 ft) stalagmite insured for $14 million.
Travel Tips
Transport
Watch out for unlicensed taxis (illegal cabs) charging high rates. Use official shuttle buses or ride-hailing apps. For Tianmen Mountain cable car, reserve tickets in advance and arrive early.
Tickets
Wulingyuan ticket valid for 4 days.
Food
Inside scenic spots food is more expensive; bring snacks. At night markets, agree on price first.
Shopping
Buy specialties like smoked bacon or berry tea in city supermarkets, not inside the scenic area. Be cautious when buying silver jewelry in tourist zones.
