Zhangjiajie

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
19/08/2025
Explore Zhangjiajie's iconic pillar-like mountains under a stunning sky, a must-see for nature lovers.
jason hu, Pexels

Zhangjiajie is a destination renowned for its unique natural landscape, dominated by towering sandstone pillars that famously inspired the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the film *Avatar*. Visitors can explore the expansive Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with its dramatic peaks and scenic trails, or experience thrilling adventures at Tianmen Mountain, known for its extensive cable car system, glass skywalks, and the Heaven's Gate archway. The destination also features the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and its record-breaking glass bridge, attracting nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

While Zhangjiajie is primarily a natural attraction, opportunities for socializing with other tourists or backpackers are generally found in the city center rather than designated districts. The city offers a selection of bars for evening entertainment and local snack vendors along its streets. Cultural performances, such as "Mei Li Xiang Xi," provide an opportunity to experience local minority traditions and can be a social activity.

Top 4 Things to do in Zhangjiajie

Activities in Zhangjiajie primarily involve exploring unique mountain landscapes, experiencing thrilling glass structures, and discovering impressive cave systems.

1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Explore the iconic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountains'. Visitors can marvel at the towering sandstone pillars in Yuanjiajie, ascend Tianzi Mountain for panoramic views, and wander along the tranquil Golden Whip Stream. The park's extensive network of trails and free shuttle buses allow for varied exploration. Consider taking the Bailong Elevator for a unique vertical ascent, offering breathtaking views as it climbs the cliffs.

Cost: The park entrance ticket is approximately CNY 227 for the peak season (March-November) and CNY 147 for the off-peak season (December-February), valid for four consecutive days and includes shuttle bus rides within the park. Additional costs apply for specific transportation: Bailong Elevator (CNY 65 one-way), Tianzi Mountain Cable Car (CNY 72 one-way), Yangjiajie Cable Car (CNY 76 one-way), and Huangshizhai Cable Car (CNY 65 one-way).

Transport: From Zhangjiajie city, take a direct bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Terminal to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately CNY 10. A taxi from the city to the park costs around CNY 60-75 and takes about 26-40 minutes.

2. Tianmen Mountain

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Tianmen Mountain, famous for its 'Heaven's Gate' natural arch and dizzying glass skywalks. The experience begins with the world's longest cable car ride directly from Zhangjiajie city center to the mountaintop. Once at the summit, explore walking paths, traverse thrilling glass skywalks, and descend to Heaven's Gate via escalators or 999 steps. Different routes allow for a combination of cable car and scenic bus travel on the winding '99-Bend Road'.

Cost: A standard ticket is approximately CNY 278 in peak season, covering the cable car and mountain bus transportation. The 5-segment tunnel escalator to Tianmen Cave costs an additional CNY 33. Shoe covers for the glass skywalk are around CNY 5.

Transport: Tianmen Mountain is conveniently located directly within Zhangjiajie city. The main cable car station is a short walk from the city's train and bus stations. A taxi from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to the Tianmen Mountain cableway station is approximately CNY 20.

3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge

Experience the thrill of walking on the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, spanning across the impressive Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Beyond the bridge, explore the canyon's lush scenery, waterfalls, and streams by hiking or taking part in additional activities such as a zipline or a boat ride. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, bungee jumping from the bridge is also available.

Cost: The ticket for Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge (Line B) is around CNY 178 during peak season (or CNY 128 in low season). Additional activities within the canyon like slides, zipline, or boat rides typically range from CNY 10-50 each. Bungee jumping is a separate, higher cost, estimated around CNY 3,000.

Transport: From Zhangjiajie city, special tourist buses run from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to the Grand Canyon parking lot, taking about 90 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from the city to the Grand Canyon costs approximately CNY 100. From Wulingyuan, a bus to the Grand Canyon takes about 40 minutes.

4. Yellow Dragon Cave

Descend into the enchanting Yellow Dragon Cave, a vast karst cave system noted for its impressive stalagmites, subterranean rivers, and waterfalls. The cave offers a unique underground exploration, combining walking tours with boat rides on its calm waters, providing a serene contrast to the region's mountainous landscapes. This experience showcases a different aspect of Zhangjiajie's natural wonders.

Cost: The entrance ticket for Yellow Dragon Cave is approximately CNY 96, which typically includes the boat service inside.

Transport: From Zhangjiajie city, take a scheduled bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Terminal to Wulingyuan (approximately 1 hour, CNY 20). From Wulingyuan Bus Terminal, take local bus route 1 to Yellow Dragon Cave (about 15 minutes, CNY 2) or a taxi (around 15 minutes, CNY 20).

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