What many people may not know is that the scenic area is huge and includes many other sites that are spread out.  Key attractions include Tianmen Mountain, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with its famous Glass Bridge. Each area offers unique experiences, from sandstone pillars to thrilling skywalks and scenic trails, making Zhangjiajie a diverse and must-visit destination.

Having visited Zhangjiajie in 2018 and recently again in 2024, I have firsthand experience navigating the park and can provide you with the best tips and insights to make your trip unforgettable. Here are some FAQs I get about where to stay, how many days to spend, how to plan an itinerary, and more.

If you’ve been wondering how to visit the Avatar Floating Mountains, here’s your comprehensive guide.

1. How to Get To Zhangjiajie?
2. Major Areas of Zhangjiajie
   1. Tianmen Mountain
   2. Wulingyuan Scenic Area
   3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge
3. What’s the Best Itinerary to See Zhangjiajie?
4. What’s the Budget?
5. How Many Days to Spend There?
6. Do You Need a Tour Guide for Zhangjiajie?
7. How to Navigate Around the Zhangjiajie National Park?
8. Useful Zhangjiajie Locations and Their Names in Chinese
9. Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie?
10. What’s the Best Time to Go to Zhangjiajie?
11. What Kind of Clothing and Shoes to Wear?
12. How to Book Fairy Fox Show Tickets?
13. Other Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie as a Foreigner
14. Visit the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie

How to Get To Zhangjiajie?

By Air: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG). There are direct flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an.

By Train: High-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie with cities like Changsha, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. The train station is Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. See a full list of trains here.

By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities. The Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station is the main hub for these routes.

Major Areas of Zhangjiajie

There are several key areas to Zhangjiajie: first, Zhangjiajie City center, which is where the train station and airport are located, as well as Tianmen Mountain. Then there is Wulingyuan scenic area, and the Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge.

Once you arrive by train or plane to Zhangjiajie, the Avatar Mountains are actually still 40 minutes away by car or bus!

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain, located near the city center of Zhangjiajie, is one of the most iconic attractions in the region. Famous for its stunning natural arch known as Tianmen Cave and its exhilarating glass skywalks, Tianmen Mountain offers breathtaking views and thrilling experiences. Visitors can reach the summit via the world’s longest cable car ride, which spans over 7 kilometers from the city center to the mountaintop.

Costs:

• Entrance Fee: 275 RMB (includes cable car and shuttle bus)
• Glass Skywalk: 5 RMB (additional charge)

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses several key attractions, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, and Yuanjiajie. This area is known for its more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many of which rise over 200 meters. Wulingyuan is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering numerous trails and panoramic vistas.

This is the section that takes the most planning and map checking! The area has two primary entrances: the Wulingyuan gate to the east and the Zhangjiajie gate to the southwest. The Wulingyuan gate is typically more crowded due to its proximity to numerous attractions, so many visitors opt to stay in hotels within Wulingyuan town.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Costs:

• Entrance Fee: 248 RMB (valid for 4 days)
• Bailong Elevator: 72 RMB (one-way), 144 RMB (round-trip)
• Tianzi Mountain Cable Car: 72 RMB (one-way)
• Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain):
  Included in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park entrance fee

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is home to the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, spanning 430 meters across the canyon and standing 300 meters above the ground. The Glass Bridge offers a thrilling experience and stunning views of the canyon below. In addition to the bridge, the Grand Canyon area features scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and boat rides, providing a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Costs:

• Entrance Fee: 219 RMB (includes Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon)
• Glass Bridge Only: 141 RMB

These major areas each offer unique experiences and showcase the natural beauty and geological wonders that make Zhangjiajie a must-visit destination.

What’s the Best Itinerary to See Zhangjiajie?

There are many ways to arrange your trip to Zhangjiajie, depending on the sites you want to visit and how long you want to stay. A recommended itinerary for first-time visitors to Zhangjiajie:

Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie, check into hotel near Zhangjiajie city center and Tianmen Mountain

Day 1: to Tianmen Mountain (including the glass skywalk and Tianmen Cave). In the evening see the Tianmen Fairy Fox show, then drive to Wulingyuan Scenic Area and check into a hotel.

Day 2: Go to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to explore the Yellow Stone Village and Golden Whip Stream.

Day 3: Stay in Wulingyuan Scenic area and go to Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain), Tianzi Mountain, and Yangjiajie

Suggested Routes for Wulingyuan: Many tour groups go from Wulingyuan Gate to the Bailong Elevator up and the Tianzi Cable Car down. Alternatively, you can take the Tianzi Cable Car up and the elevator down to avoid crowds.

Day 4: Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake

What’s the Budget?

• Accommodation: $18-150 (100-1,000 RMB) per night, depending on the type of hotel.
• Food: $10-30 (70-200 RMB) per day.
• Entrance Fees: $20-50 (140-350 RMB) per attraction.
• Transportation: $5-20 (35-140 RMB) per day within Zhangjiajie.

A mid-range budget would be around $500-700 (3,500-4,900 RMB) for a 3-4 day trip.

How Many Days to Spend There?

A 3 to 4-day trip is ideal to cover the main attractions. If you want a more relaxed pace or to explore additional areas like Fenghuang and Furong Villages, consider staying for 5-6 days.

Do You Need a Tour Guide for Zhangjiajie?

The short answer is no, you don’t need a tour guide. It’s possible to explore Zhangjiajie on your own. However, I highly recommend doing research in advance and familiarizing yourself with the park and routes beforehand to help maximize your time while you’re in the park.

Maps and guides can be found online, at your hotel, or at the park entrances. The one I share below is always useful!

I traveled Zhangjiajie solo in 2018 and was able to navigate the park, but it did take me some time to understand how the park was laid out and what buses in the park went where.

How to Navigate Around the Zhangjiajie National Park?

• Shuttle Buses: Available within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and between major attractions.
• Cable Cars and Elevators: Such as the Bailong Elevator and the Tianzi Mountain cable car.
• Walking: Many trails offer close-up views of the scenery

The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is vast, so utilizing the free shuttle buses is essential for getting around. Upon entering through one of the gates, you’ll find bus stops that service different routes throughout the park, with the Wulingyuan gate offering the most extensive network. Bus destinations are typically displayed in both English and Chinese, but if you’re unsure which bus to take, feel free to ask for help. Having the Chinese names of your destinations handy can be very helpful.

In addition to buses, the park features several cable cars that provide convenient and scenic transportation between key points. For example, the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car offers breathtaking views as it ascends to the mountain, and the Bailong Elevator provides a quick and stunning ride up a cliff face. By combining buses and cable cars, you can efficiently explore the diverse and sprawling beauty of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Useful Zhangjiajie Locations and Their Names in Chinese

1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – 张家界国家森林公园 (Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán)
2. Wulingyuan Scenic Area – 武陵源风景名胜区 (Wǔlíngyuán Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū)
3. Tianmen Mountain – 天门山 (Tiānmén Shān)
4. Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Yuanjiajie) – 袁家界 (Yuánjiājiè)
5. Tianzi Mountain – 天子山 (Tiānzǐ Shān)
6. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon – 张家界大峡谷 (Zhāngjiājiè Dàxiágǔ)
7. Glass Bridge – 张家界玻璃桥 (Zhāngjiājiè Bōlì Qiáo)
8. Bailong Elevator – 百龙天梯 (Bǎilóng Tiāntī)
9. Baofeng Lake – 宝峰湖 (Bǎofēng Hú)
10. Yellow Dragon Cave – 黄龙洞 (Huánglóng Dòng)
11. Wulingyuan Gate – 武陵源门 (Wǔlíngyuán Mén)
12. Zhangjiajie Gate – 张家界门 (Zhāngjiājiè Mén)
13. Tianmen Fox Fairy Show – 天门狐仙表演 (Tiānmén Húxiān Biǎoyǎn)

Having these names in Chinese will help you navigate and communicate more effectively while visiting Zhangjiajie.

Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie?

Where you stay depends on what area of Zhangjiajie you will be in. For my first visit, I spent two nights near Wulingyuan scenic area, then moved hotels to have one night near Tianmen Mountain. Here are some ideas for where to stay in different areas of Zhangjiajie:

Wulingyuan Area: Convenient for accessing Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Luxury: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel – Offers modern amenities and is close to the park entrance.
• Mid-Range: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel – A comfortable stay with good service and facilities.
• Budget: Zhangjiajie 1982 Chujian International Youth Hostel – Affordable and friendly, ideal for backpackers.

Zhangjiajie City: Better for transportation and dining options, and close to Tianmen Mountain

• Luxury: Harmona Resort & Spa Zhangjiajie – Provides a luxurious experience with a variety of amenities.
• Mid-Range: Sunshine Hotel Zhangjiajie – A well-located hotel with good services and reasonable prices.
• Budget: Zhangjiajie Bajie Youth Hostel – Budget-friendly with a cozy atmosphere.

Near Grand Canyon Glass Bridge:

• Luxury: Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan – High-end hotel with excellent facilities and service.
• Mid-Range: Yichen Huatian Hotel – Comfortable and reasonably priced, close to the Grand Canyon.
• Budget: Zhangjiajie Zhongtian International Youth Hostel – Budget accommodation with good reviews and essential amenities.

Boutique Hotels and Hostels: Available near major attractions.

• Mountain Retreat Hotel: Offers scenic views and a unique stay experience in Wulingyuan.
• Tianzi Mountain Inn: A cozy place to stay with easy access to Tianzi Mountain scenic spots.
• Baofeng Lake Guesthouse: Perfect for those wanting to explore Baofeng Lake and its surroundings.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Zhangjiajie?

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
• Autumn (September-October): Clear skies and colorful foliage.
• Avoid National Holidays: Especially the first week of October (Golden Week) due to crowds.

What Kind of Clothing and Shoes to Wear?

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: Essential for hiking and walking long distances! I cannot stress enough how much walking you will be doing in outdoor settings. So make sure you are comfortable!
• Layered Clothing: Weather can change quickly; bring a light jacket even in summer.
• Rain Gear: Especially during the rainy season (April-June).

How to Book Fairy Fox Show Tickets?

The Fair Fox Show is an exciting outdoor performances nearby the base of Tianmen Mountain. It features a love story, exciting dances, performances, light shows and more! There are Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese on the screen, so there is no need to worry about language barrier.

Ticket Price: 238-688 RMB, depending on seat selection

• Online: Purchase through official websites or travel platforms like Ctrip or Klook.
• Hotel Concierge: Many hotels can arrange tickets for guests.
• At the Venue: Buy tickets directly at the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show Theater.

Other Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie as a Foreigner

• Bring your Passport: Bring your passport for hotel check-ins and ticket purchases.
• Pack snacks! Even though you will be able to find food on top and around the park areas, I’m always glad I packed snacks in case I was far out from a shop.
• Monkeys: Be aware that there are monkeys everywhere. Keep your belongings secure and avoid feeding them.

• Language Barrier: Learn basic Chinese phrases or use an offline translation app to help communicate with locals. Carry a card with your hotel’s name and address written in Chinese!
• Cash and Payments: While larger hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, many places only take cash or mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Carry enough cash (RMB) for daily expenses if you haven’t connected your foreign bank card to Alipay.
• Local Cuisine: Try local Hunan cuisine, which is known for its spicy flavors! If you’re not used to spicy food, ask for dishes to be made less spicy (“bu la” 不辣).
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and theft.

Visit the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie

Visiting Zhangjiajie is a journey into one of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes on Earth. With its diverse attractions, from the towering Avatar Mountains in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area to the thrilling heights of Tianmen Mountain and the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the region offers something for every traveler. Now that you’re armed with the FAQs, you’re now ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to this stunning corner of China!

Where should you go next? Combine your trip to Zhangjiajie to two of Hunan’s most famous and beautiful villages!

• A Complete Guide To Fenghuang: The Ancient Phoenix Village in China
• Furong Ancient Town: The Magical Waterfall Village of Hunan, China
• 8 Day Hunan Itinerary: Zhangjiajie, Furong Ancient Town, & Fenghuang Phoenix Village

From the famous Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest, to the waterfalls in Furong, to the beautiful river houses and Miao people in Fenghuang, these places will show you a side of China you’ve never seen before.

Because of their close locations to each other in the northern Hunan province, you can easily visit all three places in one trip. I created this 8 day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Hunan and see the best parts based on my own personal experiences traveling to these places.

Day 1: Travel to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Your travel time will depend on what destination you’re coming from. Zhangjiajie is the most convenient city to start off your trip in Hunan. There is an airport in Zhangjiajie you can fly directly to, or you can take a slow speed train or a bus from a local Hunan city (there are no high speed trains to Zhangjiajie).

Alternatively, Changsha is also an excellent starting point. Changsha is the capital city of Hunan and has a bigger airport with more flights in and out. You can fly to Changsha Airport, or take a train there. From Changsha, you can take a train to Zhangjiajie city (6 hours).

Once you’re in Zhangjiajie, you will take a bus, mini van, or taxi to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (45 minutes). The city itself is separate from the park where the scenic mountains are.

For more information about getting to the park and planning your route inside, check out My Guide for visiting Zhangjiajie.

Day 2: Wulingyuan Scenic Area

I spent one full day in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. This area is where the famous Hallelujah Mountain is located (the inspiration for the movie Avatar), so it’s very popular to visit and a must-see if you come to Zhangjiajie.

• Take the shuttle bus from the Park Entrance to the Tianzi Mountain Cableway
• Cable car to the top up Tianzi Mountain
• Hike down to the 10 Mile Gallery and other trails
• Bus over to Yangjiajie Area – hike up to
  Bus from Yangjiajie to Yuanjianie to see the Hallelujah Mountain
• Bailing Elevator down
• Bus to park entrance

This was a lot to cram into one day,  but I had limited time and wanted to see the main attractions and spend more leisure time hiking the next day.

Day 3: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Area

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a separate park, but it is still connected to Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It’s recommended to come to this area if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter hike in nature! The best way to get there is by walking along the Golden Whip Area.

• Shuttle bus to Jinbian (Golden Whip Stream)
• Stroll along the Golden Whip (1-2 hours)
• Bus to Huangshi Village Cableway
• Take the cable car up the mountain (alternatively you can also hike up the mountain)
• Walk the loop around the National Forest
• Hike down the Huangshi Mountain (1+ hour)
• Walk back along the Golden Whip Stream
• Bus back to the Park Entrance

Day 4: Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain is a gorgeous mountain in the middle of Zhangjiajie City. You need to take a bus back to the city center to get here. You can buy your tickets for the mountain on the day of your visit, but it’s recommended you buy your ticket ahead of time if you have a time preference for going up the mountain. Your ticket will have a time slot on it, and you can’t go on the cablecar or take the bus up the mountain before the time on your ticket.

• Early morning bus to the Zhangjiajie City Center
• Walk to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Entrance
• Cable Car up the top of Tianmen Mountain
• Walk the East Loop around the top
• Visit the Heaven’s Gate
• Bus down the mountain back to the city center

Take a look at more incredible views I saw at the top of Tianmen Mountain

Day 5: Travel to Furong

There are a few buses that leave to Furong everyday, but it’s best to check the bus schedule in Zhangjiajie. There is usually a bus leaving around 8:30 or 9am, and it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive to Furong. The bus will drop you off at the Furong bus station, then you take a little van for 15 minutes to the tourist area (2 RMB).

You can spend the day exploring around the little village and enjoy the magical atmosphere at night! Read my guide for visiting Furong here.

Day 6: Travel to Fenghuang

There is no direct bus from Furong to Fenghuang, so you first need to take a bus from the Furong Bus Station to the Jishou North Bus Station. From there you can get a bus to Fenghuang.

Day 7: Fenghuang Ancient Phoenix Town 

One day is plenty of time to explore Fenghuang – stroll around the river area, try some local snacks, and get your feet nibbled on by little fish. Make sure you stay out to enjoy the night life as the evening is when Fenghuang really comes alive! Bars and restaurants along the river will light up, and you’ll hear live music all around.

See my complete guide to Fenghuang here!

Day 8: Travel Day

Fenghuang doesn’t have an airport or train station, so you’ll need to take a bus to Huaihua or Changsha, and then a high speed train or plane from there.

Here’s a short video of my trip to Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie:

Visiting the Hunan Province

If you’re planning a visit to the Hunan Province in China, Zhangjiajie, Furong, and Fenghuang are three sites you can’t miss! Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, a break from city-life, or more traditional Chinese culture, you’ll find all that and more here.

Have you been to Zhangjiajie, Furong, or Fenghuang? How was your experience traveling in the Hunan Province?

Read more about the Hunan Province:

• Hiking The Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie
• 7 Incredible Views on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
• A Complete Guide To Fenghuang: The Ancient Phoenix Village in China
• What Do You Eat In China?

Welcome to the Furong Ancient Town.

Furong Ancient Town is more than 2000 years old and home to the Tujia minority people. Located in the Hunan Province between the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie and the Ancient Phoenix Village of Fenghuang, Furong is one of those villages in China that keeps the charm of older times and remains a largely unknown treasure.

Once you get a glimpse of the waterfalls and beautiful mountain scenery you’ll wonder why it’s not more popular!

Check out my video about my trip here:

How to Get to Furong

Furong is a small little village in the Hunan Province. There are no direct trains or flights there, which means it takes a few steps to get to. You will need to first travel to Zhangjiajie or Jishou first, then take a bus.

I came from Zhangjiajie, which I highly recommend doing because you can combine the two for an awesome trip. I took a bus from the Zhangjiajie bus station for 30 RMB. There are a few buses that leave to Furong everyday, but it’s best to check the schedule once you arrive in Zhangjiajie. I got a bus at 9am -10:40am. The bus will drop you off at the Furong bus station, then you take a little van for 15 minutes to the tourist area (2 RMB).

If your departure point is far away from Furong, the safety of your luggage might be a problem. You can enhance your luggage security by using Custom Luggage Tags while adding fun to your journey.

To return to Zhangjiajie, I took a bus from the Furong bus station at 7am the next day.

Tips for Visiting Furong:

• Spend the night here if you can! It’s stunning at night and there are lots of hotels nearby the waterfalls.
• If you’re not traveling with a tour group, make sure you check the bus schedule. There are just a few buses everyday between Zhangjiajie and Furong.
• If you’d like to include Furong in a tour of the Hunan province, check out my 8 day Hunan Itinerary, including Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang.

What To See In Furong

It costs 80 RMB for a ticket inside the Furong Scenic Area. The whole village itself is not very large and you can leisurely walk around it in 2-3 hours. There’s a path to follow that takes you past all the scenic spots.

Scenic Views

I started from the left side, which had fantastic views of the waterfall and village from a distance.

The Waterfalls

This leads you down to the waterfalls, and you can walk behind them!

Shops and Restaurants with Views

From there you walk around to the right side, which leads you back up the hill and through an alleyway with shops and restaurants. These restaurants have great views overlooking the falls.

When I stopped for lunch I found a beautiful spot with such friendly people! The ayi  (Chinese aunty) taking my order was so sweet and her kids came over to chat with me. They also wanted to take photos and videos afterwards.

Night time in Furong

When the evening comes, Furong lights up and becomes an even more amazing sight to see! I really felt like I was transported to Rivendale (the Elven city in Lord of the Rings haha).

Plan a Trip to Furong

Although a little more out of the way than Zhangjiajie, Furong is a great village to see if you want to visit a more rare and unusual place in the Hunan Province.

If you’d like to include Furong in a tour of the Hunan province, check out my 8 day Hunan Itinerary, including Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang.

Looking for other amazing places to visit in China? Check out these places:

• Fenghuang: The Ancient Phoenix Village in China
• A Guide to Huangshan: The Yellow Mountains of China
• Three Days in Inner Mongolia

Because of their close locations, you can easily visit both cities in one trip. I created this 6 day itinerary to help you make the most of your time and see the best parts.

Day 1: Travel to Zhangjiajie

Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll most likely need a day to travel to Zhangjiajie. There’s no high speed train to Zhangjiajie, so you’ll either need to fly, take a slow train, or grab a bus from a nearby Hunan city. Once you’re in Zhangjiajie, take a bus, mini van, or taxi to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Here’s how I traveled from Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie:

• High speed train from Guangzhou to Changsha South Railway (2.5 hours)
• Metro to Changsha Normal Railway
• Slow train from Changsha Normal Railway to Zhangjiajie (6 hours)
• Bus from Zhangjiajie city center to Wulingyuan Area
• Check into hostel

For more information about getting to the park and planning your route inside, check out My Guide for visiting Zhangjiajie.

Day 2: Wulingyuan Scenic Area

I spent one full day in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. This area is where the famous Hallelujah Mountain is located (the inspiration for the movie Avatar), so it’s very popular to visit and a must-see if you come to Zhangjiajie.

• Take the shuttle bus from the Park Entrance to the Tianzi Mountain Cableway
• Cable car to the top up Tianzi Mountain
• Hike down to the 10 Mile Gallery and other trails
• Bus over to Yangjiajie Area – hike up to
  Bus from Yangjiajie to Yuanjianie to see the Hallelujah Mountain
• Bailing Elevator down
• Bus to park entrance

This was a lot to cram into one day,  but I had limited time and wanted to see the main attractions and spend more leisure time hiking the next day.

Day 3: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Area

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a separate park, but it is still connected to Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It’s recommended to come to this area if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter hike in nature! The best way to get there is by walking along the Golden Whip Area.

• Shuttle bus to Jinbian (Golden Whip Stream)
• Stroll along the Golden Whip (1-2 hours)
• Bus to Huangshi Village Cableway
• Take the cable car up the mountain (alternatively you can also hike up the mountain)
• Walk the loop around the National Forest
• Hike down the Huangshi Mountain (1+ hour)
• Walk back along the Golden Whip Stream
• Bus back to the Park Entrance

Day 4: Tianmen Mountain + Travel to Fenghuang

Tianmen Mountain is a gorgeous mountain in the middle of Zhangjiajie City. You need to take a bus back to the city center to get here. You can buy your tickets for the mountain on the day of your visit, but it’s recommend to buy your ticket ahead of time if you have a time preference for going up the mountain. Your ticket will have a time slot on it, and you can’t go on the cablecar or take the bus up the mountain before the time on your ticket.

• Early morning bus to the Zhangjiajie City Center
• Walk to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Entrance
• Cable Car up the top of Tianmen Mountain
• Walk the East Loop around the top
• Visit the Heaven’s Gate
• Bus down the mountain back to the city center
• Depending on how much time you spend on top of Tianmen Mountain, you should have time to catch a bus from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang in the evening (3.5 hour bus ride to Fenghuang)

Take a look at more incredible views I saw at the top of Tianmen Mountain

Day 5: Fenghuang Ancient Phoenix Town 

Fenghuang is a little ancient town in Western Hunan province. It’s a beautiful place to see a more traditional way of Chinese life, and also one of the most photographic sites I’ve ever seen in China!

One day is plenty of time to explore Fenghuang – stroll around the river area, try some local snacks, and get your feet nibbled on by little fish. Make sure you stay out to enjoy the night life as the evening is when Fenghuang really comes alive! Bars and restaurants along the river will light up, and you’ll hear live music all around.

See my complete guide to Fenghuang here!

Day 6: Travel Day

After a day in Fenghuang, it was time for the return trip home. Fenghuang doesn’t have an airport or train station, so you’ll need to take a bus to Huaihua or Changsha, and then a high speed train or plane from there.

If you’re planning a visit to the Hunan Province in China, Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang are two sites you can’t miss. Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, a break from city-life, or more traditional Chinese culture, you’ll find all that and more here.

Here’s a short video of my trip to Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie:

Have you been to Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang? How was your experience traveling in the Hunan Province?

Read more about the Hunan Province:

• Hiking The Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie
• 7 Incredible Views on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
• A Complete Guide To Fenghuang: The Ancient Phoenix Village in China
• What Do You Eat In China?

I’ve spent the last three years learning about Chinese culture, making many Chinese (and foreign) friends, and traveling to some pretty incredible places. China has challenged me to step way outside my comfort zone, try some strange foods and drink lots of homemade rice wine, and explore small villages and big skyscraper cities alike.

Since August 2015 I’ve taught English to university students, kindergartners, professors working on doctorates, nurses and doctors in hospitals, and primary students in rural country schools.

Between teaching, traveling, and navigating every day life here, I’ve had some interesting, inspiring, and crazy experiences in China! Here are a few things I’ve learned from the last 3 years.

1. China Is Actually Highly Developed and Globalized

Before I came to China I pictured lots of small villages and walking miles to find any foreign shops (this was a very dramatic scene in my mind!). China is actually very advanced in terms of technology, apps, transportation (Chinese high speed trains are the BOMB), and the quality of life you can have.

China has some of the tallest buildings, best bike sharing systems, and most convenient public transportation in the world. You can find McDonald’s and Starbucks around every corner, and you’re never far from  giant malls with all kinds of International Brands (unless you’re living in a small city…then that’s another story.)

2. Learning Chinese Isn’t As Hard As I Thought

You always hear Chinese is the most difficult language, but actually learning to speak basic Chinese isn’t terribly hard! You’re constantly surrounded by the language and will pick up little things in daily interactions with people. It’s actually fun to practice and local people will respect your efforts! With that said, I’m no Chinese expert but speak enough to get by, and learning Chinese characters is a bit harder

3. Western and Eastern Cultures Have Different Values And That’s Okay

There are lots of differences between the East and West. China is more focused on the collective group than the individual, something I noticed especially as a teacher in the school environment.

Families might express love in different ways; instead of verbally speaking I love you, they might show it through actions. In a conversation about love and families, I asked my students if their parents say “I love you” to them. One student said, “No, but they will remind me to wear my coat and bring an umbrella if it’s raining, and they’ll ask me if I’ve eaten. This is how they express their love.”

This also goes for the Chinese work environment. When you work with Chinese colleagues, you might have different mindsets about how to accomplish a task, and that’s just how different cultures (and people!) work. Sometimes it means you have think creatively to solve problems and work hard to make sure your communication is clear.

4. Chinese Social Media Is Bomb

China has its own social media apps – the top app is Wechat and it’s amazing. Wechat is a lifeline in China…not just for me, or even other foreigners, but everyone in China. We use it to pay for bills, translate messages, add money to our phones, buy movie tickets, order taxis…the list goes on and on.

China also has their own Twitter (called Weibo) and many other fantastic apps. I’m currently obsessed with this Chinese app called Tik Tok where you can see funny Chinese video trends – if you follow me on Instagram I’ve started posting these videos on my stories. Which leads me to…

5. Chinese Music and Pop Culture are AWESOME

I never imagined I’d be listening to Chinese music and singing it at KTV, but there it is. I’m in love with a singer called Zhang Jie  (never heard of him? I’ll tell you all about how I fell in love with a Chinese pop star) and love finding new Chinese songs to listen to.

Chinese TV shows are also quite funny. I’ve watched some TV shows, mostly dramatic rom-coms which are super popular (and nothing like American shows) and some reality shows (Chinese dating shows are the best!!)

6. Chinese People Will Stare And (Hopefully) You’ll Get Used To It

As a foreigner coming to a country where the majority of the population is Han Chinese, you’re going to stick out and be noticed.

I’ve never had so many eyes on me before coming to China. Be it teaching, performing in talent shows, or just walking home from the grocery store or gym, I’m constantly in the limelight.

In Hengyang, the first city I lived in, the total foreigner population was less than 100. Many people had never seen a foreigner before! Lots of people would sneak photos of me on the bus, peek into my shopping cart to see what the “foreigner” buys, or ask for a photo together. People aren’t intentionally trying to be rude or nosy, but seeing a foreigner is a novelty.

Even kids will walk straight up to you and take your photo.

Now that I live in Beijing, I experience this much less than when I lived in a smaller city, but it still happens when I go to touristy areas like Wangfujing Street or the Summer Palace where other Chinese tourists from other cities might be.

7. You Have To Be More Assertive

I’m not generally a very assertive person – I ‘m pretty non-confrontational, and if you knocked into me on the street I would probably apologize to you.

This doesn’t really fly in China – if you don’t get thicker skin here, China will chew you up and spit you out. I had to learn that if I needed help at the store or wanted to get the waiter’s attention at a restaurant I had to be more loud and follow what other Chinese people do.

Now I don’t hesitate – I’ll squeeze my way onto a crowded bus and loudly yell “Fuwuyuan!” in a restaurant, because that’s how you do it here.

*Note there is a difference between being assertive and being rude!

8. Patience and Flexibility Go A Long Way

On the other hand, there are times when you need to be patient. There are many cultural differences between China and the U.S. You have to handle a variety of situations, whether it is electricity shutting off, negotiating contracts and getting a work visa, or opening a new bank account and trying to buy train tickets. Lots of times people won’t speak English, or China has a different system for doing things. (Why can’t I transfer my money home like normal? It’s 2018!)

Flexibility and patience will take you far in China.

9. Chinese People Are Super Friendly And Hospitable

I have met some of the kindest and warmest people here, and I know I’m not alone!

Between my students, coworkers, Chinese friends, and even strangers, so many people have been so friendly and helpful. People have invited me out to dinner, helped me translate, answered my calls at all times when I needed help, and gave me advice and assistance with transitioning to new cities. The list goes on and on. Chinese people have gone above and beyond in helping me.

The couple I rented an apartment from in Guangzhou were incredibly kind and helpful! When a foreigner rents an apartment in China, it’s a bit more of a hassle – but they made it incredibly easy for me, took me to dinner several times, and brought me housewarming gifts when I moved in!

Lots of people have a negative idea about traveling to China and interacting with local people, but just like anywhere you travel in the world there will be people who try to take advantage of you or leave you with a bad experience. I promise if you invest some time in China and stay open to the experiences here you’ll be rewarded with kindness and open arms.

10. You Have To Adapt To A Variety of Living/Traveling Conditions

Traveling in China isn’t always easy. Just navigating a new city with limited Chinese can be a challenge, and then you add in squatty potties and hard beds, and that will toughen you up and prepare you for travel anywhere.

This is one of the bathrooms at the university I used to work at:

Living in China will toughen you up, too. You’ll learn to hang all your laundry up (they don’t use dryers in China). You’ll side step the guy spitting on the street. Tune out the lady loudly yelling on her phone on the bus next to you. Won’t blink twice at the baby peeing on road (most of the time). You’ll start drinking hot water and pick up other Chinese habits.  I can use a squatty like a pro now. Hard beds are the usual. Bring it on! (But also a mattress topper is highly appreciated.)

11. Meiyou Weishenme

My students used to say this to me after I asked them why they do things a certain way in China: “meiyou weishenme.” It’s rough translation is “no why.”

Chinese people wear their coats until May even if it’s super hot outside because they have to follow the Lunar Calendar. Why? No why.

There are some Chinese traditions you just won’t understand and can’t be explained. Ask a Chinese friend about traditional rules a woman should follow during and after her pregnancy – it will blow your mind.

12. Chinese Food Is The Best

There are 8 different cuisines to try in China and they all have their own signature dishes that will blow your mind. You’ll get used to eating family-style and sharing lots of dishes. But be careful – Chinese food can also can be very oily and salty, and you learn you can’t eat rice all the time if you’re trying to stay fit.

13. Respect the Culture

I’ve met lots of foreigners in China, from just-arrived-in-China newbies up to 15-year expats and everything in between. There are so many interesting people from all over the world here! I really love hanging out with other foreigners, especially when they are open to new experiences, enjoy meeting Chinese people and learning Chinese, or just love living here as much as I do.

I’ve met a few foreigners, however, who are extremely rude to Chinese people, be it in restaurants or taxis or even meeting friends I’ve introduced them to. Even if there is a frustrating situation or you don’t understand everything about Chinese culture, there’s no need to be disrespectful to someone trying to help you. We live in China – their country!

14. Being Independent Rocks

I’ve faced lots of situations in China that I had to handle on my own. I came here right after I graduated from university, so there was a lot of “learning how to adult” going on, along with learning how to live in a foreign country. I’ve had to learn how to do so many things on my own in China – renting an apartment, arranging a new contract with schools, moving to new cities, etc. It’s not always easy, but I get a huge satisfaction out of accomplishing something on my own!

I also learned how to travel on my own – I had never really traveled alone before China, but recently I’ve traveled a lot on my own and found I absolutely love it. I enjoy the experience of planning a trip for myself, going wherever I want whenever I want, and meeting lots of local people or other travelers. I love the freedom and flexibility it gives me.

15. Say Yes to Everything & Embrace Spontaneity

China is going to throw some interesting situations at you. You’ll get offered weird food. Strangers will invite you to their home – or ask you to visit their hometown. You might be asked to join school performances or city events or be interviewed by a Chinese news station.

Some of my favorite memories have been times I just said yes to something I wasn’t sure about. Go on a date with a Chinese guy. Eat some duck blood.  If Chinese people ask you to join their table at a bar, join in and learn to play the dice game (a great way to practice your Chinese numbers!). Heck, try some baijiu.

Safety first, of course! If you’re really feeling unsafe with a situation or person, use your best judgement. But don’t let your fear of the unfamiliar hold you back.

16. Your Students Will Change Your Life

I never imagined I’d be a university English teacher right after I graduated, but somehow it happened. Teaching 18 years olds when I was 22 not only built up my confidence, gave me lots of public speaking practice, and challenged me to be creative in lessons, but I also met some of the most interesting, caring, funny, and inspiring students. I built some relationships with students that now, even 3 years later, I still keep up with.

One of my students named Emily became one of my best friends in China!

My students have shown me a different side of China, something I wouldn’t have seen if I had just been passing through. I’ve had countless hot pot parties, celebrated Christmas and lots of birthdays, hiked mountains, made dumplings, and traveled to different cities with many of my university students.

My students have also asked me some funny questions and opened up to me about their boyfriends and girlfriends, their family life, and their hopes and dreams for the future – these relationships are so special to me.

The same goes for my kindergarten students – it was a totally different experience teaching 3-5 year olds instead of teaching 18-20 year olds, but it was an equally amazing and unforgettable experience. Teaching them for a year melted my heart into a giant puddle on the floor and I still haven’t mopped it up.

Three Amazing Years

It’s impossible to fully sum up China! China is old temples and shiny shopping malls, 5000 years of history and a giant global market, old traditions mixed with new technology. For me, China is also the 600+ students I taught, it’s late night spicy Hunan BBQ after a night out, it’s traveling and making friends from all around the world.

China is nothing like what I expected – to be honest the only way to understand China is to be here and experience it. Sometimes there are cultural differences and traditions you can’t figure out, but that’s part of what makes China so special.

The past 3 years have been so fantastic and I’m thankful to have experienced a small part of China! There’s still so much I don’t know about China – but I’m looking forward to learning more and soaking in as much as I can.

If you’d like to receive future updates on what I’m doing in China, you can enter your email address at the bottom of this page if you’re on a mobile device, or on the sidebar if you’re on a computer!

It means “I am Hengyang people” or “I’m from Hengyang.”

It’s been almost a year since I left Hengyang, and going back always gives me a fresh perspective of life in China. Hengyang was my home for two years, where I learned about Chinese culture and food, where I fell in love with my Chinese students and China itself. When I go back and visit Hengyang, the feeling is like returning home. I consider Hengyang my Chinese hometown.

Hengyang is a relatively small city, and my world was centered around Nanhua Daxue, the university I worked at. My life was mostly inside a two mile radius here, all the shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee places nearby my apartment or a short 10 RMB taxi ride away.

I feel lucky that I had such a close community in Hengyang. While Hengyang didn’t offer things that big city life does, I had so many special experiences at the University of South China – the feeling of walking across campus and bumping into tons of people I knew, teaching a class of university students and having them all message me on Wechat and going to dinner together.  It was a magical combination of the right people and right place, when everything aligns in an organic and beautiful way in a way that can’t be expected or imitated.

I went back this past weekend and saw so many friends and old students.

It’s always bittersweet returning to Hengyang because I know things will never be the same as when I was actually a teacher there, meeting with over 200 university students and sharing stories and having class together every week. Going back reminds me that I’m not the same as I was when I lived here and when I first came to China. I needed to move away from Hengyang and try new things and have a different experience in China. But I’m grateful for staying connected with many of my friends and being able to visit and remember these special times.

I didn’t know what living in Guangzhou would be like. I knew it would be hard to build that community of friends in a city that big, and it has. Everyone is spread out. You can meet lots of people, but unless you all teach and work nearby each other it’s hard to see each other often.

But Guangzhou gave me a huge feeling of independence. Of big city life. The opportunity to see many things, to do a lot. And I love that feeling, too. Everything in Guangzhou feels fast and busy. You can’t move slowly (like you literally can’t or  you’ll be trampled on the metro). I’m closely connected to everything in Guangzhou by bus or metro, and the train station is 15 minutes from me so the rest of China is just at my fingertips.

I love both Hengyang and Guangzhou in different ways.

Hengyang is hot pot with my university students, English corners and judging speech contests, movie nights and hanging at 17 Mile with friends, late night chaofan at the dongmen, 39 excursions, the unique experience of being one of a few foreigners and being stared at on the bus and in the grocery store.

Guangzhou is early mornings, exploring new places, Chinese lessons, working part time, teaching kindergartners, meeting more foreigners, hopping roofs, go go go. I always feel this push inside me that makes me want to do more. I don’t have many lazy days in Guangzhou. I feel weird sitting inside my apartment more than a few hours. I feel like I’m missing out on something. I feel like Ariel, I want to be where the people are, see the action, be part of the world!

I realized that in China I need a balance between community and a big city full of opportunities – but at this point it would be hard for me to move back to a small city. I think one day I would like to, to build another close community like I had in Hengyang. Hengyang will always be special to me, and I treasure the chances to visit and reconnect with old students and friends and eat some spicy Hunan food.

Even though I may not visit often, a part of me will always be Hengyangren. Until next time Hengyang! 

Check out some old posts from my time in Hengyang:

• The Time I Went On A (Surprise) Date in China
• Meet My University Students
• Making Dumplings & Tips for Traveling Hengyang
• New Year on Mount Heng