What to see in Zhangjiajie: a complete guide to visiting the Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie, this wonderful land located in the northwest of Hunan Province, China, attracts tourists from all over the world with its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural history. Here you will find everything from amazing sandstone formations, clear streams, and spectacular waterfalls to the profound culture of the Tujia ethnic group. Whether you choose to hike, take a cable car, or experience the exciting glass road, Zhangjiajie offers you an unforgettable travel experience.

In Zhangjiajie, you have several options to explore this magical land. From the stunning views of Zhangjiajie National Park to the thrilling glass road on Tianmen Mountain, from the stunning waterfalls of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to the peaceful trails of Huangshi Village, each place has its own charm. In addition, you can also immerse yourself in the culture of the Tujia ethnic group and experience their folk activities.

Whether you are a nature lover, an amateur photographer or a cultural explorer, Zhangjiajie caters to your needs. Here, you will discover the perfect combination of nature and culture, and every exploration is a new discovery. Join us on this journey to discover the endless charm of Zhangjiajie!

10 places in Zhangjiajie that you shouldn't miss

Zhangjiajie National Park (张家界国家森林公园)

Zhangjiajie National Park is the first national park in China, located in Wulingyuan District, is the main area of ​​Zhangjiajie. The park is famous for its unique sandstone peak forest landscape, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 and designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004. The park is home to more than 3000 sandstone peaks, each with a unique shape, some look like swords sticking into the sky, some look like dancing fairies, and some look like roaring lions, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. In addition, the forest coverage rate of the park reaches 97,7%, a natural lung that provides visitors with fresh and pure air and an exciting experience.

• Location: Located in Wulingyuan District, it is the main area of ​​Zhangjiajie.
• Features: It has a unique landscape of sandstone peak forests, it is the filming location of “Hallelujah Mountain” in the movie “Avatar”.
• Recommended time for the visit: 2-3 days.

Tianmen Mountain (天门山)

Tianmen Mountain is located in Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, and is famous for its stunning mountain cave and glass road. Tianmen Mountain National Park covers an area of ​​96 square kilometers and its main peak reaches 1518,6 meters in altitude. The mountain cave is a natural cave running through the mountain, with 131,5 meters high, 57 meters wide and 60 meters deep, it is one of the most stunning mountain caves in the world. The glass road is located on the top of Tianmen Mountain, with a total length of about 60 meters and 1,6 meters wide, the transparent glass surface of the bridge allows visitors to have a panoramic view of the abyss below, experiencing an exciting and thrilling walk.

• Location: Located in Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City.
• Features: It is famous for its impressive mountain cave and glass path.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1-2 days.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (张家界大峡谷)

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is located in Cili County, and it has the world's longest glass bridge and a stunning waterfall. The canyon has a total length of about 5 kilometers and a depth of 300 meters, it is a natural landscape area combining mountains, water, caves and canyons. The glass bridge has a total length of 430 meters and a width of 6 meters, the surface of the bridge is made of transparent glass, visitors can enjoy the stunning view of the canyon here. The waterfall falls from a great height, forming a beautiful water curtain, it is a paradise for photographers.

• Location: Located in Cili County.
• Features: It has the longest glass bridge in the world and an impressive waterfall.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1 day.

Huangshi Village (黄石寨)

Huangshi Village is an important viewing point within Zhangjiajie National Park, famous for its unique natural scenery and rich cultural experience. There are many famous landmarks here, such as the Heavenly Book Chest and the Sea-Calming Needle. Visitors can walk here, take the cable car, and also can learn about the culture and customs of the Tujia ethnic group. The forest coverage rate of Huangshi Village reaches 95%, a natural lung, suitable for leisure and relaxation.

• Location: Located within Zhangjiajie National Park.
• Features: It is an important observation point within Zhangjiajie National Park, surrounded by cliffs, with green trees.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1-2 hours.

Jinbian Stream (金鞭溪)

Jinbian Stream is one of the most popular spots in Zhangjiajie National Park. This 5710-meter-long stream is surrounded by the most beautiful scenery in Wulingyuan. Along the stream, visitors can see famous landmarks such as Drunkard Rock, Golden Whip Rock, Water Cave and Far Rock. The water of Jinbian Stream is clear, with green trees around it, it is a good place to walk and relax.

• Location: Located within Zhangjiajie National Park.
• Features: It is famous for its clear stream and the mountains that rise on both sides.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1-2 hours.

Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞)

Huanglong Cave is a famous landmark within the Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. It is a large karst cave, famous for its rich stalactites and stalagmites. There are many natural wonders inside Huanglong Cave, it is a geological spectacle worth visiting. The temperature inside the cave is constantly maintained between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, it is a good place to cool off in summer.

• Location: Located in the east of Wulingyuan area.
• Features: It is a typical karst cave, famous for its rich stalactites and stalagmites.
• Recommended time for the visit: 2-3 hours.

Baifeng Lake (宝峰湖)

Baifeng Lake is an artificial lake within the Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Although it is man-made, the area around Baifeng Lake is covered with vegetation, and the lake water is clear and transparent, giving a feeling of paradise. The lake surface is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the green mountains and high mountains around it. Visitors can take a cruise here to enjoy the views of the lake and mountains.

• Location: Located in Wulingyuan Town.
• Features: It is famous for its clear water and the green mountains that surround it.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1,5-2 hours.

Yangjiajie (杨家界)

Yangjiajie is located in the northwest of Wulingyuan area, and it is famous for its stunning sandstone peak forest canyon. Here is an area of ​​3400 hectares, main attractions include Xiangzhi Stream (香芷溪), Longquan Gorge (龙泉峡), Hundred Monkey Valley (百猴谷) and Longkou Waterfall (龙口瀑布), etc. The forest coverage rate of Yangjiajie reaches 95%, the peak of One Step to Heaven has an altitude of 1130 meters. The natural scenery here is very impressive, it is a paradise for photographers.

• Location: Located in the northwest of Wulingyuan area.
• Features: Natural beauty predominates, with high mountains and narrow roads, known for their “danger”.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1-2 hours.

Suoxiyu (索溪峪)

Suoxiyu Nature Reserve is located in the northeast of Zhangjiajie City, it is part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Here is famous for its untouched natural beauty, with lush forests, high sandstone peaks, clear streams and waterfalls. Suoxiyu is known for its unique geological form and rich biodiversity, it is an adventurer's paradise. Visitors can hike here, enjoy the beautiful views, explore the ancient Tujia ethnic villages.

• Location: Located within the Wulingyuan area.
• Features: It is famous for its constant fog and clear water.
• Recommended time for the visit: 1-2 hours.

Tianzi Mountain (天子山)

Tianzi Mountain is one of the four major areas of Zhangjiajie National Park, famous for its stunning natural scenery and unique geological landforms. The highest peak of Tianzi Mountain, Kunlun Peak, has an altitude of 1262,5 meters, while the lowest point, Shilan Valley, has an altitude of 534 meters. There are many famous landmarks here, such as Shentang Bay (神堂湾), Garden in the Air (空中田园) and Fairy Bridge (仙人桥). Tianzi Mountain not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also contains rich history and culture, it is the sacred place of the Tujia ethnic group.

• Location: Located within Zhangjiajie National Park.
• Features: It is famous for its unique geological formations such as Paintbrush Peak (御笔峰) and Flower Offering Fairy (仙女献花).
• Recommended time for the visit: 1-2 hours.

How to plan a 2-day Zhangjiajie trip

2-day plan to explore Zhangjiajie

Day 1: Yuanjiajie – Tianzi Mountain

Transfer by car to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the Bailong Elevator to the top of Yuanjiajie and explore the “Southern Heaven Pillar,” the inspiration for the floating mountains of China. AvatarVisit the Platform of Forgetfulness and cross the impressive "Bridge Under Heaven." Then, take the eco-bus to Tianzi Mountain and descend by cable car.

Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Park – Golden Whip Stream – Glass Bridge

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour hike along the Golden Whip Stream, surrounded by stunning nature. After a traditional Chinese lunch, visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and cross its famous Crystal Bridge, the highest and longest canyon in the world (375 m long, 6 m wide and 300 m high). To get down, choose between a zip line, a slide or a walk down the stairs. Then, walk through the canyon for 2 hours, admiring imposing cliffs, lush forests, caves and crystal-clear rivers.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Zhangjiajie

When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the temperatures are mild, flowers cover the mountains and the scenery is pleasant; in autumn, the weather is cool, the leaves change color and the scenery is like a painting.

How to get to Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie is easy to reach by plane, train or bus. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (ZJG) has direct flights to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an and Guangzhou. In addition, Zhangjiajie West High-speed Railway Station is the main high-speed railway station, connecting Zhangjiajie with Changsha (2 hours), Guilin (7,5 hours), Guangzhou (6 hours), Shanghai (9 hours) and Hangzhou (8 hours).

How much does it cost to enter Zhangjiajie? Are there any discounts?

The entrance fee to Zhangjiajie National Park is 225 yuan per person in peak season (March 1 to November 30) and 115 yuan per person in off-season (December 1 to February 28). The entrance fee includes the cost of the sightseeing bus inside the park, but does not include insurance (3 yuan per person), the cable car, the Bailong Elevator, and the Ten-Mile Corridor sightseeing bus. Students, senior citizens, military personnel on duty, and others can enjoy preferential discounts with valid documents.

What are the main attractions in Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie's main attractions include Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianmen Mountain National Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Huangshi Village, Jinbian Stream, Huanglong Cave, Baifeng Lake, Yangjiajie, Suoxiyu and Tianzishan. Each place has its own unique landscape and cultural background, worth visiting.

What should I consider when traveling to Zhangjiajie?

• Security advice: When walking, always follow marked trails and avoid unmarked paths. Pay attention to weather conditions and avoid walking on days of heavy rain or dense fog.
• Cultural etiquette: Respect the cultural traditions of the Tujia ethnic group, ask permission from locals before taking photos.
• Environmental awareness: Deposit garbage in the designated containers, protect the environment.
• Clothing Tips: Be prepared with comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, a raincoat, snacks, water and a camera.
• Health Tips: If you have heart problems or other health problems, consult your doctor before traveling.

Conclusion

Zhangjiajie is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery and cultural history. Whether you are a nature lover, an amateur photographer or a cultural explorer, Zhangjiajie can meet your needs. We hope that the introduction of these places of interest will help you better plan your trip to Zhangjiajie.