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

What many people may not know is that there is more than just the Great Wall and temples to see here. From beaches and mountains to stunning waterfalls and unique minority cultures, there’s a lot to check off on your China bucket list!

I’ve made this quiz to help give you some ideas of where to travel! Whether you’re a first-time traveler in China or have already been before, choose what kind of experience you’re looking for in China to see which province or locations you should travel to!

Take my Buzzfeed Quiz:

Where Should You Travel in China?

To see all of my answers and learn more, keep reading below! I’ve broken my answers down into different categories based on foods, activities, and landscapes of China.

**Note: It’s hard to include everything – there are too many amazing places in China and I could not include them all in this quiz! Also these are just some ideas of places to go, and the quiz result may not actually reflect where you should travel

Top Places to Travel in China

1. The Most Famous and Traditional Sites in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Xi’an
2. The Spicy West: Sichuan Province or Chongqing
3. Southern Karst Mountains: Guangxi or Guizhou Province
4. Explore Cantonese Culture: Guangdong Province
5. Hike One Of China’s Most Stunning Mountains
6. Coastal City in China: Sanya, Qingdao, or Xiamen
7. Explore China’s Minority Groups and Outer Provinces: Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Tibet, or Yunnan
8. Unique China Experience!

1. The Most Famous and Traditional Sites in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Xi’an

2. The Spicy West: Sichuan Province or Chongqing

3. Southern Karst Mountains: Guangxi or Guizhou Province

4. Explore Cantonese Culture: Guangdong Province

5. Hike One Of China’s Most Stunning Mountains

6. Coastal City in China: Sanya, Qingdao, or Xiamen

7. Explore China’s Minority Groups and Outer Provinces: Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Tibet, or Yunnan

8. Unique China Experience!

Where To Travel In China

No matter where you travel in China, you’re sure to be amazed by the incredible people and places you encounter here. If it’s your first time visiting China, check out my 10 Tips For Your First Trip to China!

Also read about some of my other favorite trips I’ve taken in China:

• Furong Ancient Town: The Magical Waterfall Village of Hunan, China
• A Three Day Itinerary for Hiking Huangshan
• The Best Instagram Spots in Beijing

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?

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?

If Tianman Mountain isn’t on your itinerary for Zhangjiajie it should be though! At 1,519 meters (4,983 feet) high, Tianmen Mountain has some of the most amazing views at the top.

Where To See 7 Incredible Views on Tianmen Mountain:

1. The Longest Cable Car in the World

The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is the longest cableway in the world! It stretches 7.2 km (4.3 miles) and takes about 25 minutes to ride. You get amazing views all the way up the mountain side, and even if it is foggy the misty mountains will amaze you!

When you buy a ticket for Tianmen Mountain you’ll get assigned to the A line or B line:

• A line: Take the cable car up and the bus down
• B line: take the bus up and the cable car down

Additionally your ticket will have a time bracket for when you can get in line. You might be able to go before your time depending on the person checking tickets and how many people are there! I was supposed to go at 1:00 p.m. but went with some friends who had an earlier time and they let us in together.

2. The Cliffside Paths

At the top there are several paths that will take you along the cliff side for some unbelievable views. It was a bit foggy going up the mountain, but it cleared up a little after we reached the top!

3. The Forest of Wishes

While this area can be a bit crowded, it’s still a nice place to walk through and see all the wishes written on the red ribbons hanging in the trees. (This is a common thing to see on Chinese mountains!)

4. The Glass Skywalks

If you don’t have the time to visit the Zhangjiajie giant Glass Bridge, here’s an alternative! There are several glass skywalks at the top of Tianmen Mountain. You can pay 5 RMB extra to walk across the glass sections and take some cool photos.

5. The Suspension Bridge

It was fun to feel the swaying of the bridge while watching the fog rise up from the bottom of the mountains!

6. Wall of Fog and Hanging Ledges

There are lots of convenient photo spots like this on the mountain top!

6. Tianmen Cave and the 999 Stairs to Heaven

If you’re on B line you’ll take the bus to this area and then have to walk up the 999 steps, and if you’re on the A line you get to walk down the steps. Either way, you get a great view.

These are just a few of the incredible views on Tianmen Mountain! There are so many other fantastic places to explore on top, like the Tianmenshan Temple.

GOING TO TIANMEN MOUNTAIN

Tianmen Mountain is in the city center of Zhangjiajie and very close to the train station. Once you arrive in Zhangjiajie, you can walk 5-10 minutes to the cable car entrance. It’s the perfect way to start or end your time in Zhangjiajie!

Total Recommended Time: 5 -6 hours
From waiting in line for the cable car, walking around the top of the mountain then to getting of the bus from the mountain, it took about 6 hours total. This can be slightly more or less depending on your wait time and how much walking you do up top.

If you have the time Tianmen Mountain is worth the money to do! It’s a great way to start or end your trip in Zhangjiajie because of its convenient location to the city center. See more about my trip to Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang in this video:

And if you’re visiting The National Park in Zhangjiajie be sure to check out my post about Hiking The Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie!

These famous mountains in China were the inspiration for the fictional world of Pandora and can be found in the Zhangjiajie National Park. This park is China’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction because of the stunning mountains and scenic views.

After seeing these mountains for myself, Zhangjiajie became one of my favorite places in China. While not the easiest destination to get to in China, it’s absolutely worth a trip to see. Here’s a guide with some useful information that will help with planning your trip to Zhangjiajie.

Traveling to Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is a small city located in the northern part of the Hunan province. There are no high speed trains to Zhangjiajie, so traveling there can be a bit tricky depending on where you’re coming from.

Coming from Guangzhou I had a few options:

• Slow train directly to Zhangjiajie (slowest and cheapest option at 14 hours)
• Fly directly to Zhangjiajie  (quickest option, but most expensive unless you book early and find a cheap ticket)
• High speed train to a bigger city like Changsha or Huaihua, then slow train to Zhangjjiajie

I wanted to compromise between time and cost so I took a high speed train to Changsha (314RMB, 2.5 hours), then a slow train in a hard sleeper bed to Zhangjiajie (120.5 RMB, 6 hours)

Where To Stay in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie has many scenic attractions that are quite spread out. The Avatar Mountains are actually 1 hour outside the Zhangjiajie city center in an area called Wulingyuan. You can take a bus to Wulingyuan for 12 RMB, a mini-van for 20 RMB, or a taxi (around 100 RMB, but this depends on how you negotiate with the driver). The bus station is a five minute walk from the train station.

I’d recommend staying in Wulingyuan if you’re spending a few days in the park so you don’t have to go back and forth everyday. Wulingyuan is a small little town but has plenty of hotels and restaurants that are a short walk away from the park entrance.

There are several hotels inside the park itself that you can stay at, too. You’ll have to carry all your things a pretty far way to get there, but you get to watch sunrise and sunset and stay inside the park before and after the crowds of people.

Buying A Ticket & Getting Around the Park

Ticket Fee: The park entrance fee is 245 RMB and your entrance card can be used for 4 days. My hostel helped me buy the ticket, but you can also queue the morning of. They will scan your fingerprint with your card, so remember to bring your card with you everyday!

Shuttle Buses & Cable Cars: There are free shuttle buses in the park that will help you get around. There are also a few cable cars as well as the Bailong Elevator, which cost extra fees to ride.

What you see and how you get around the park will depend on how much hiking you want to do. You’ll find that the areas easily accessible by bus or cable car are much more crowded, while the hiking trails further out are more peaceful and quiet!

Looking at the map is a bit overwhelming at first, but I actually found it easy to navigate once inside the park! There were English signs everywhere that help you figure out which bus to take where.

See more about my trip to Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang in this video:

Areas Inside the Park

There are several main areas inside the giant Wulingyuan Scenic Area:

• Tianzi Mountain
• Dingxiangrong
• Yuanjiajie
• Yangjiajie
• Zhangjiajie National Park

Tip: There is SO much to do inside the park and it could take days to see everything. I recommend at least two days in the park. I spent two full days there which was enough to see most of the main sights, but I could have easily stayed longer to do more of the hiking trails.

The Park Areas I Went To: 

Tianzi Mountain

You can hike up Tianzi Mountain or take the cable car for 72 RMB.  I took the cable car up the mountain because I heard the views up were incredible – and they were! I highly recommend this be the cable car you take if you only choose one.

From here you can hike down to the 10 Mile Natural Gallery and other sites, or catch a bus to another part of the park.

Yuanjiajie

This is probably the most popular part of the park because it’s where the Hallelujah mountain is. You can reach this area either by bus and hiking down, or by taking the Bailong Elevator up. The Bailong Elevator is the highest outdoor elevator in the world and you can pay 72 RMB to ride it up or down.

Tip: In the mornings the wait time for the Bailong Elevator can be up to 2 hours. I took the elevator down because it was the fastest way to exit the park from Yuanjiajie and there wasn’t a long wait time. If there is a long line I would recommend skipping the Bailong Elevator and coming from an alternate route.

Yangjiajie

A newly developed area that has a little village. If you have time to hike to Tianbo Mansion it’s worth the view! (If you’re cut for time I also think it would be okay to skip this part.)

Zhangjiajie National Park 

From the Wulingyuan Park Entrance you can walk along the Golden Whip Stream into the Zhangjiajie National Park area. This park also has its own entrance and many people will stay there or take a bus from Zhangjiajie city center to it.

There are lots of monkeys in this area and it was so funny to watch the Chinese people interact with them. One guy got too close and a monkey slapped him in the face though, so be careful!

After the crowded paths in Yuangjiajie, I really enjoyed walking along the Golden Whip Stream with fewer people and peaceful trails. The day I went was slightly drizzling, which was actually perfect because there was hardly anyone around.

I went up the Huangshi Village Cableway (65 RMB) and caught some great views of the fog around the mountains. I also met a really nice guy from England and we hiked together the rest of the day!

VISIT THE AVATAR MOUNTAINS

This park is huge and you could spend days exploring all the ins and outs! Because of my limited time I had to bypass a few things and I split my time between cable cars and hiking. I had one day with fantastic, clear weather and one slightly rainy day, which actually worked out well for getting a variety of photos.

If you have more time in Zhangjiajie city you can also visit the famous Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon nearby or check out Tianmen Mountain in the city center!

This has to be one of my favorite places I’ve ever been in China! If you’re staying longer in the Hunan Province, check out these other places: 

• A Complete Guide to Fenghuang
• 7 Incredible Views on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
• 6-Day Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Itinerary