Why you should visit Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever explored. As full-time travellers, we’ve seen our fair share of natural wonders—but the dramatic landscapes here truly left us in awe. It’s no surprise this park inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
If you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker like us, Zhangjiajie is an unforgettable experience. Discover our top tips and must-see spots in Zhangjiajie National Park. Follow our recommended itinerary to make the most of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie
Choosing the right Zhangjiajie accommodation is crucial for a smooth trip. We stayed just 15 minutes from the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—ideal for early access into the park. The hotel offered useful amenities like a washing machine and detergent, ideal for longer stays. The breakfast was basic, but there are plenty of restaurants around the East Gate to get a more substantial meal.
Our Recommended Hotel Near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan East Gate)
This hotel is within walking distance (15-minutes) of the East Gate, perfect for exploring the park. It includes handy amenities like a washing machine and detergent, great for multi-day stays.
Our Recommended Hotel Near Tianmen Mountain (Zhangjiajie City)
Just a 5-minute walk from the Tianmen Mountain cable car, this hotel offers a relaxed stay in Zhangjiajie City. A tasty food street is also right nearby.
Key Information Before You Go
To enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you’ll need to bring your passport. The system scans your face the first time you enter, and you can simply walk through the facial recognition gates on subsequent days.
The park’s bus system is quick and efficient, but you’ll still walk a lot—so wear proper shoes. Most toilets are squat-style, so bring your own toilet paper. Food and drinks are sold inside but cost more than outside, so packing snacks and water is smart. Summer is the busiest time, so start early to avoid crowds.
Save Time and Money with the Unlimited Transport Pass
To make the most of your time at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, we recommend purchasing the unlimited transport pass. This 4-day pass includes park entry and unlimited access to the cable cars, shuttle buses, and Bailong Elevator. It’s an easy way to navigate the park without worrying about extra costs or ticket lines. The easiest way to book is through Klook, which often offers discounted rates. Use our exclusive code TWOBRITSONTHEGO at checkout to save 10%!
We’ve also written a Guide for First-Time Visitors to China to give you more general practical tips and advice for your trip to China!
Our Zhangjiajie Itinerary: What to Expect
After spending four days exploring the jaw-dropping landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the surrounding areas, we’ve put together a detailed day-by-day itinerary based on our personal experience. Whether you’re planning a short trip or staying a little longer, this itinerary will help you make the most of your visit—highlighting the best viewpoints, suggested routes, and time-saving tips to avoid the crowds.
Day 1 – Avatar Floating Mountains and Natural Wonders
We began our first day at the East Gate entrance, arriving just after 7:00am. After a quick face scan at the ticket gate, we caught a bus to the Tianzi Mountain cable car. The ride up is stunning, and being early meant we avoided queues. At the top, we walked around He Long Park and visited the famous Yubi Peaks and the Warrior Training a Horse viewpoint—one of the best and least crowded in the park. There are more vendors and shops at the top of Tianzi Mountain than other areas, but it doesn’t feel overly commercial.
From Tianzi Mountain, we took the bus to Yangjiajie. Most people head straight to the cableway here however we followed a path toward One Step to the Sky—a lesser-visited but highly rewarding 3km round-trip hike. Along the way, we saw wild monkeys and very few other tourists. The viewpoint itself is peaceful and dramatic, offering sweeping views across the forested valley.
After returning, we caught another bus to Yuanjiajie, where the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. This is where you’ll find the No.1 Natural Bridge and the famous Hallelujah Mountains—the very formations featured in Avatar. There are multiple viewing platforms and photo spots, including the one that appears on the back of the 100 yuan note. We ended the day by taking the Bailong Elevator down from the top of the cliffs to the valley floor, then a bus back to the East Gate. It was a long but exhilarating day.
Day 2 – Tranquil Forests and Amazing Viewpoints!
We started Day 2 a bit later, arriving at the park around 8:30am after grabbing coffee and a light breakfast at Starbucks just outside the East Gate. This time, our face scan was recognised instantly and we were waved through the entrance. We took a bus toward the Bailong Elevator area, but instead of going up, we began walking along the Golden Whip Stream.
The Golden Whip Stream trail is flat, shaded, and scenic, running beside clear streams and beneath the towering cliffs above. It’s peaceful and relatively easy walking, with the occasional monkey making an appearance—especially if people are eating. The trail ends near a temple, where we caught a bus to the Huangshi Village cable car.
At the top of Huangshi Village, we walked the Dahuanzhai Visitor Road—a circular path with panoramic views at every turn. We strongly recommend this route over the older, less scenic trail. The loop includes highlights such as Five Finger Peak and the Echo Wall, both of which offer incredible photo opportunities. We returned via the same cable car and took a shuttle to the South Gate to exit the park.
This day involved over 19,000 steps, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes or trainers.
Day 3 – Optional Exploration and Ten Mile Gallery
If you have a third day in Zhangjiajie, we recommend starting with the Ten Mile Gallery. This area is located off the same internal bus route as the Bailong Elevator. The trail itself is mostly flat and runs alongside dramatic rock formations. There’s also a small tourist train with glass sides and a roof that you can pay extra for if you prefer not to walk.
From the Ten Mile Gallery, you could take the Yangjiajie cable car up or down depending on your route. Alternatively, explore more of the forest park by walking from this area and exiting through the South Gate, combining some sightseeing with a descent through the forest.
Should You Visit Tianmen Mountain?
On our final day, we visited Tianmen Mountain, which is located closer to Zhangjiajie city and requires a completely separate ticket. To be honest, we found the experience underwhelming compared to the national park. The views are nice, but not as impressive, and the site was incredibly crowded.
We took a shuttle to the express cableway up the mountain. At the top, we opted to pay extra to go up the escalators (five of them) rather than the long staircase. Although the view looking up at Heaven’s Gate is impressive, the top didn’t offer anything more spectacular than what we’d already seen. To descend, we had to collect a ticket just to join the queue for the cable car—and then waited three hours to board!
If you’re determined to see Tianmen Mountain, we suggest doing it first thing in the morning on your first day in Zhangjiajie. But honestly, we’d recommend skipping it altogether and using your time to further explore the national park.
For a more in-depth look at our time in Zhangjiajie, check out our video guide on YouTube below! We dive into all the best spots, share pro tips, and give you a visual walkthrough of the park’s stunning landscapes.
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Zhangjiajie, feel free to get in touch or check out our videos over on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok @twobritsonthego.
Watch our Zhangjiajie Full Vlog here:
