Introduction Of Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famously known as the inspiration for the “Avatar Mountains,” is a real-life wonder located in China’s Hunan Province. Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for nature lovers. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know for a perfect three-day itinerary, along with travel tips to make the most of your trip.
Table of Contents
Entry Ticket Information
There are two parts to the Zhangjiajie tourist route:
- Tianmen Mountain (Tianmenshan): Located in Zhangjiajie City, its ticket costs 258RMB per person (valid for one day). This includes a one-way cableway, shuttle bus, and an escalator to the famous Tianmen Cave.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Located in Wulingyuan, the park’s ticket is 228RMB per person, valid for 4 days.
Pro Tip: Though the official opening time is 8 am, the park may open unofficially around 7 am, so it’s worth arriving early to avoid crowds.
How Many Days to Spend?
For most travelers, a 3-day trip is ideal, offering a good balance between covering the main spots and avoiding exhaustion. If you’re short on time, 2 days can work, while 4 days allow a more leisurely pace.
Where to Stay
There are two main areas to base yourself:
- Zhangjiajie City: Stay here for your visit to Tianmen Mountain.
- Wulingyuan: Stay in this city for easy access to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months to visit are April to October. Between April and June, the rainy season offers higher chances to witness the iconic “sea of clouds” or yun hai, floating among the mountains. However, be prepared for frequent rain showers.
Zhangjiajie 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Tianmen Mountain
Start your adventure with a full-day visit to Tianmen Mountain (Tianmenshan).
- Cablecar Ride: Take one of the longest cable car rides in the world to the summit of Tianmen Mountain. The ride offers stunning views of the serpentine “99 Bends” road.
- Heaven’s Gate: Explore the famous Stairway to Heaven that leads to the massive natural arch, Tianmen Cave.
- Glass Walkways: If you’re feeling brave, try walking along the cliff-hugging glass walkways that offer thrilling views of the drop beneath.
- Important Tip: Weather can be unpredictable here, and clouds may obscure some views. However, even in fog, the atmosphere of the mountain is magical.
Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Tianzishan, Yuanjiajie, and Yangjiajie
Your second day takes you into the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Start with Tianzishan to avoid the crowds.
- Tianzishan (Tianzi Mountain): Ride the cable car up to the Tianzishan Viewing Area for your first glimpse of the iconic Zhangjiajie rock formations. This area offers stunning panoramic views from various platforms. Be sure to visit He Long Park, known for its incredible lookout points.
- Yangjiajie: For those up for an adventure, hike to Tianbo Mansion or One Step to Heaven. Both hikes take around 2-3 hours but offer rewarding views. If you’re not in the mood for hiking, feel free to skip this section.
- Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains): End the day at the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where the famous “Avatar Mountains” are located. If the clouds cover the views, don’t worry—plan to visit again the next day!
Day 3: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Yuanjiajie and Golden Whip Stream + Baofeng Lake
Start early and head back to Yuanjiajie, hoping for clear weather this time.
- Yuanjiajie: Revisit this area to take in the striking vertical pillars, said to have inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar.
- Golden Whip Stream: Afterward, explore the serene Golden Whip Stream, a peaceful walking path along a river that offers a different perspective of the park’s beauty.
- Baofeng Lake: In the afternoon, relax with a scenic boat cruise on Baofeng Lake, where you can admire the surrounding peaks from the water.
Alternative Itineraries
- If you have 2 days: Spend Day 1 at Tianmen Mountain and Day 2 exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, focusing on Yuanjiajie and Tianzishan.
- If you have 4 days: Take more time to explore every corner of the park at a leisurely pace, and consider visiting Baofeng Lake or the famous Glass Bridge.
Travel Tips for Zhangjiajie
1. Food and Drink
There are plenty of food stalls and shops at major stops and viewpoints, so you won’t go hungry. Prices are slightly higher, but not unreasonable. Bring cash.
2. Toilets
Toilets are plentiful and often feature Western-style options. Bring your own toilet paper, as it may not be provided.
3. Crowds
Even in the off-season, the park can get busy. Smaller lookout platforms offer a similar view to larger ones, but with fewer people.
4. What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. For those planning to hike, bring appropriate hiking gear, especially good footwear.
5. Transportation
The park is massive, and shuttle buses operate within it. The bus ride from the entrance to the Bailong Elevator takes around 35 minutes. Keep in mind that the entire bus loop can take up to 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a vast, stunning natural wonder that is worth every bit of effort it takes to explore. Whether you’re chasing the mystical yun hai or marveling at the massive sandstone pillars, the beauty of Zhangjiajie is something that will stay with you forever.
