Things To Do
in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is a mountainous city in Hunan Province renowned for its otherworldly sandstone pillars and lush forests. It serves as the gateway to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose dramatic landscapes inspired Avatar. The town blends natural wonder with Tujia and Miao minority culture, offering cable-car rides, glass-bottom walkways, and hillside villages.
Visitors come for hiking, photography, and immersive experiences among misty peaks and vibrant markets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport and take a scenic drive to your hotel, soaking in the breathtaking views of the lush landscape. After checking in, enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local specialties to fuel your adventures. Take some time to relax and acclimatize to the surroundings before heading out for the day.
Visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Visitor Center to gather maps and information about the trails and attractions. Spend the afternoon on a guided walking tour through the park, marveling at the unique sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie 'Avatar.' Capture stunning photographs and learn about the region's biodiversity and cultural significance.
As dusk falls, return to your hotel to freshen up before venturing out for dinner. Experience authentic Hunan cuisine at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like spicy fish and stinky tofu. Conclude your first day with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant night market, where you can enjoy local snacks and shop for souvenirs.
After breakfast, set out early to explore the iconic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its towering sandstone pillars. Take the Tianmen Mountain cable car for panoramic views of the stunning landscape as you ascend to the summit. Once at the top, walk along the glass skywalk for an exhilarating experience.
Continue your adventure by hiking the various trails that lead to different viewpoints, including the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature while soaking in the serenity of the park. Visit the serene Golden Whip Stream, where you can enjoy the sounds of flowing water and the lush greenery around you.
Return to your hotel to unwind after a full day of hiking and exploration. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying out more of the regional cuisine. As night falls, consider attending a cultural performance featuring local music and dance to immerse yourself in the area’s rich heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🚍Public transit fare (local bus) | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🥟Street food snack | $1-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (2-3 star) | $25-60 per night |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and UNESCO sites
- Efficient access to major landmarks via cable cars and lifts
- Rich minority culture and friendly locals
- Extensive hiking and photography opportunities
- Crowds at peak seasons and some trails can be steep
- Language barrier in more rural areas
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Inconsistent signage in less-touristy spots
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "洗手间在哪里？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "我想吃素的" - I would like vegetarian dishes
Places to Visit in Zhangjiajie
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic pillar formations photographed from high viewpoints in the Yuanjiajie area; a must for landscape imagery.
Transparent walkway on cliff edges offering dramatic drops and sweeping valley views.
Lush forest corridor with a meandering stream, stone bridges, and towering spires in the background.
Quiet lake framed by forested peaks; best at sunrise or sunset when mist lifts from the water.
Panoramic ridges and cloud-filled horizons offering expansive vistas.
Food in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater fish head simmered with garlic, ginger, and a generous helping of chopped chilies.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced pork quickly fried with a punchy heap of chopped red chilies.
Dry-cured pork belly sliced and stir-fried with seasonal vegetables.
Soft tofu finished in hot chili oil, garlic, and fragrant spices.
Fermented vegetables and preserved ingredients common in mountain households.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Outdoor stalls offering skewers, fried dumplings, spicy tofu, and local snacks; best explored at dusk.
Historic lanes with vendors selling pickled chilies, dried meats, noodles, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light nod or handshake; address people by surname with titles; show respect in temples and cultural sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in minority villages; avoid flash in religious spaces.
Do not litter; stay on marked trails; respect wildlife and park rules.
Safety
Tipping in Zhangjiajie
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in most Chinese tourist areas; at high-end establishments it may be appreciated but is not expected. Carry cash and mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay) as most places accept these.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with frequent showers; bring a light rain jacket and good footwear for wet trails.
Hot and humid with thunderstorms possible; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and carry a rain layer.
Cool to warm days, lower humidity, and clear skies; excellent for photography and hiking.
Cool to cold with possible snow at higher elevations; layer up and plan for shorter daylight hours.
Zhangjiajie at Night
Hiking in Zhangjiajie
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails around the iconic pillars and viewpoints, great for photography.
Shaded riverside path with stone bridges and towering pines.
Elevated routes with panoramic views over a sea of peaks.
Scenic loop around the lake with misty morning scenery.
Airports
How to reach Zhangjiajie by plane.
Domestic flights and limited international connections; easy access from downtown Zhangjiajie.
Major hub with frequent domestic and some international flights; about 320 km away; best connected via high-speed rail or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in the region.
A local minority known for distinctive culture, architecture, and crafts.
Another minority group contributing traditional music, dress, and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Trail networks in national forest parks suit hikers and photographers.
Steep ridges and pillar formations attract climbers in season.
Common community sports in schools and public courts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhangjiajie.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Xiang-style eateries; ask for dishes made with vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, and request use of vegetable-based stocks.