Things to do in Zhangjiajie

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All about Zhangjiajie

When to visit

With rainy, crowded summers and chilly winters, spring and fall are the sweet spots for exploring Zhangjiajie: April and October (excluding the National Day holiday in the first week) are relatively dry, less crowded, and not too cool. Zhangjiajie is understandably popular with domestic tourists: avoid visiting at weekends, during the first weeks of May and October, or over the July-August summer peak. Snow and ice may affect services such as buses and the Bailong Elevator in January and February.

Getting around

Zhangjiajie city buses and taxis are hard to use unless you speak Chinese—although translation apps can help—so many travelers opt for tours or private drivers. A cableway links Zhangjiajie city with Tianmen Mountain, while minibusses run from Zhangjiajie central bus station to Wulingyuan Bus Station, a 15-minute walk from one entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. There’s no private transport in the park: a network of shuttle buses, plus cableways, monorail, and the Bailong Elevator, connect the five main zones.

Traveler tips

It’s no longer possible to stay inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, but Wulingyuan town is a better base for exploring both the park and other attractions than Zhangjiajie city: it’s closer to all sights but Tianmen Mountain, and easier on the eye. When in Wulingyuan, don’t miss the chance to brave the spicy, sour cuisine of the local Tujia minority: Tang Shi Fu Tu Jia Shi Fu is a great place to try it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zhangjiajie worth visiting?

Yes. Zhangjiajie means three main things: the city of Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan scenic area), and the general area around the city and the park. The natural wonders of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the scenic area are spectacular; you can skip Zhangjiajie city.

How many days do you need in Zhangjiajie?

It takes two days to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the Wulingyuan UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, which spans 102 square miles (264 square kilometers). Four days in the Zhangjiajie area gives you enough time to see the park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Tianmen Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave, and Baofeng Lake.

What is special about Zhangjiajie?

The Zhangjiajie area includes the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan scenic zone with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It’s special for its otherworldly landscapes: eerie sandstone spires and pinnacles are often wreathed in drifting mist. Engineering feats include glass bridges, glass skywalks, and spectacular cableways, plus the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.

What can you do in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers hiking, photography, simple eateries, cableways, glass walkways, and the Bailong Elevator. There are five main scenic areas: Golden Whip Brook, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Huangshi Village, and Tianzi Mountain (not to be confused with Tianmen Mountain). Despite the name, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is about a 15-mile (25-kilometer) drive.

What is the best month to visit Zhangjiajie?

April is the best month to visit Zhangjiajie. The summer rains have yet to start and the summer crowds have yet to arrive. Plus, there are no major public holidays to worry about. Temperatures hover in the hiking-friendly range—54–68°F (12–20°C)—and the landscapes are green with the occasional spring flower.

Was Avatar filmed in Zhangjiajie?

No. Zhangjiajie was one of a number of landscapes that inspired the design of the original Avatar movie: other locations include Guilin, Mt. Huangshan, Thai karst formations, and Venezuelan tepuis. Avatar did not film in China, but the park capitalized on the publicity and renamed a spire Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.

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