No Wonder Netizens Say: If You Haven’t Been to Zhangjiajie, You Haven’t Lived!

Introduction

Some say, “If you haven’t been to Zhangjiajie’s Tianmen Mountain, you haven’t seen the wonders of the world.” This is no exaggeration at all!

A couple of days ago, I came across a trending topic: Zhangjiajie has launched a new low-altitude flight route, reducing travel time from Wulong to just 1.5 hours. Instantly captivated, I seized the last days of summer vacation to make the trip. And I was utterly blown away! Those towering quartz sandstone peaks rise abruptly from the ground like nature’s own sculptures, each with its own distinct character.

Why Must You Visit Zhangjiajie?

Honestly, having traveled to so many places, few scenic spots have made me exclaim “Wow!” the moment I entered. Zhangjiajie is one of them. Just imagine standing on a viewing platform, suddenly faced with over 3,000 bizarre peaks and rocks, mist weaving through the forest of peaks, the world so quiet you can only hear your own heartbeat… That kind of awe is truly beyond words.

Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area

Location: Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie City
Ticket: 165 RMB/person (valid for 4 days)
Opening Hours: 7:00–18:00

This is the essence of Zhangjiajie. Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain… Each name evokes endless longing. I highly recommend entering the mountains as early as 7 AM. At this time, there are fewer crowds, the air is fresh, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a sea of clouds. Remember to bring enough water and snacks! Prices inside the mountains are exorbitant—a bottle of water costs 20 RMB!

Don’t miss the “Hallelujah Mountains” in Yuanjiajie—the very mountain featured in Avatar , now called the “Qiankun Pillar.” Standing there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the planet Pandora.

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

Location: Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City
Ticket: 238 RMB/person (includes cable car)

The most famous attraction here is Tianmen Cave . Climbing the 999 steps will definitely leave your legs weak, but the sense of triumph is… absolutely worth it! The glass walkway is also here. I’m usually afraid of heights, but since I was already there, I pushed through. Turns out, when you focus on taking photos, the fear diminishes significantly.

Pro Tip: Non-slip shoe covers are free, but there’s usually a queue. Go early!

Huanglong Cave Scenic Area

Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City
Ticket: 103 RMB/person
Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30

This karst cave is truly magical! The stalactites inside take on various forms—some resemble pagodas, others lotuses. The most breathtaking is the “Sea-Calming Needle,” standing at 19.2 meters tall. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 15–20°C , making it a perfect summer retreat. Walking inside, your sweat dries naturally.

The most fascinating part? There’s an underground river where you can take a boat ride. Drifting through the serene cave, listening to the sound of dripping water, time seems to slow down.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Location: Cili County, Zhangjiajie City
Ticket: 219 RMB/person (includes glass bridge)

The glass bridge is the highlight here— 430 meters long and 300 meters high . Walking on it will make your legs tremble for sure. But! When you overcome your fear and look down, the view is absolutely worth the ticket price. The entire canyon unfolds beneath you, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffs—utterly spectacular.

Reminder: The glass bridge has visitor limits. Book in advance , or you might make the trip for nothing!

Where to Stay

This time, I stayed at a homestay near Wulingyuan Scenic Area for 300 RMB/night —decent value for money. If your budget allows, I recommend staying at a hotel inside the scenic area . Though pricier, it saves you the hassle of commuting daily.

Avoid: Touts at train stations offering “cheap accommodations”—they’re usually scams.

Food Recommendations

Sanxiaguo (Three-Pot Stew): A must-try! Dried beans, cured pork, and potatoes stewed together—absolutely delicious. Try “Hu Shifu Sanxiaguo” , a time-honored restaurant.
Rock Ear Mushroom Chicken Soup: Rock ear mushrooms are a Zhangjiajie specialty, highly nutritious. The soup is incredibly flavorful—one bowl will warm you right up.
Kudzu Root Jelly: A local snack with a chewy texture, served with brown sugar or honey—refreshing and perfect for cutting through greasy foods.

Practical Tips

Transportation: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport , then take a 30-minute taxi to the scenic area. Alternatively, take the high-speed rail to Zhangjiajie West Station .
Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly— bring a raincoat . Even in summer, the mountaintops can be chilly, so pack a light jacket .
Fitness: Expect lots of hiking— wear comfortable sneakers . If you’re not up for it, take cable cars or elevators where available.
Photography: The best lighting is at sunrise and sunset . Seas of clouds usually appear after rain .

Final Thoughts

Zhangjiajie is the kind of place that changes how you perceive nature. Standing before peaks formed over hundreds of millions of years , you’ll suddenly feel how small humans are—yet incredibly lucky to witness such beauty.

Still hesitating? Stop. Book your trip now!

P.S. After Zhangjiajie, head to Fenghuang Ancient Town —it’s equally worth visiting!