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Lush green pine trees overlooking Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars in China.

Things to Do in Zhangjiajie, China

Photo made by David Tran on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan5°6d rain
NOT BUSYFeb7°7d rain
MODERATEMar11°9d rain
MODERATEApr16°10d rainBEST
BUSYMay21°12d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJun24°16d rain
VERY BUSYJul27°18d rain
VERY BUSYAug27°15d rain
BUSYSep23°10d rainBEST
MODERATEOct18°7d rainBEST
MODERATENov12°5d rain
NOT BUSYDec7°5d rain

Most popular attractions in Zhangjiajie, China

Things to do in Zhangjiajie, China include exploring the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its stone pillars that inspired "Avatar". There is also the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, with its stunning views. Don't forget to visit the Yellow Dragon Cave, which extends for 15 kilometers underground.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

4.7 (1,144)Book 7 days ahead
Tourist AttractionNational ParkParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Landscapes of stone peaks that look like they belong in a movie. Enjoy views stretching for miles over stunning natural formations.

Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve

2. Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve

4.7 (55)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Worth visiting to see sandstone formations that appear to float in the air. Walking among them offers an almost surreal and unique experience.

Yellow Dragon Cave

3. Yellow Dragon Cave

4.3 (54)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore an underground world with glowing lakes and magical waterfalls. Discover mysterious passages and stone formations that tell ancient stories.

Walking tours in Zhangjiajie, China

Tianmen Mountain

4. Tianmen Mountain

4.7 (915)Book 5 days ahead
Mountain PeakNatural FeatureEstablishment

A place to challenge heights with incredible views. Glass pathways and a giant natural gate will make your heart race.

Glass Skywalk

5. Glass Skywalk

4.5 (2,673)Book 5 days ahead
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Walk over the void at 300 meters high. Experience panoramic views and the thrilling crunch under your feet.

6. Baofeng Lake

4.3 (202)
National ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

A paradise of clear waters and towering mountains. Explore historic routes and enjoy views that seem magical.

Bailong Elevator

7. Bailong Elevator

4.5 (215)Book 3 days ahead
Point of InterestEstablishment

A 1-minute trip to the stone summits. Feel the adrenaline and breathtaking views.

Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

8. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

4.7 (68)
ParkTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore tall stone columns that inspired Avatar. Enjoy panoramic views that seem from another planet.

What to pre-book in Zhangjiajie

These sell out or need a reservation. Book them first, in this order.

  1. 1.Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkBook 7 days ahead1-2 weeks in summer and holidays Skip-the-line tickets
  2. 2.Tianmen MountainBook 5 days aheadAbout a week in high season Skip-the-line tickets
  3. 3.Glass SkywalkBook 5 days aheadAbout a week in high season Skip-the-line tickets
  4. 4.Bailong ElevatorBook 3 days aheadA few days in high season Skip-the-line tickets
Everything to book in advance in Zhangjiajie →

Tours & tickets in Zhangjiajie, China

Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie, China

Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions

Search all hotels in Zhangjiajie, China

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Jujube Cake

Jujube Cake

Made from the local jujube fruit, this cake is a traditional sweet enjoyed during festivals in Zhangjiajie.

Osmanthus Jelly

Osmanthus Jelly

This translucent jelly infused with fragrant osmanthus flowers is a refreshing dessert popular in the region during spring.

Sweet Potato Candy

Sweet Potato Candy

Handmade from sweet potatoes grown in the Zhangjiajie area, this candy is chewy and naturally sweet, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Stir-fried Wild Vegetables

Stir-fried Wild Vegetables

This dish highlights the rich biodiversity of Zhangjiajie's flora, using freshly picked wild vegetables from the mountains.

Smoked Fish

Smoked Fish

Locally caught fish are smoked over pine wood, giving this dish a distinctive aroma and flavor unique to Zhangjiajie's river valleys.

Sour Fish Soup

Sour Fish Soup

A traditional soup made with local river fish and fermented sour vegetables, loved for its tangy and savory taste.

Traditional Beverages

Hunan Rice Wine

Hunan Rice Wine

This traditional wine is brewed from glutinous rice and has a slightly sweet and tangy taste that complements many local dishes.

Lotus Leaf Tea

Lotus Leaf Tea

Brewed using lotus leaves found in the nearby lakes, this tea is known for its refreshing aroma and health benefits.

Honeydew Melon Juice

Honeydew Melon Juice

Made from fresh honeydew melons grown in the region, this juice is a popular cooling drink during the summer months.

Know before you go

What a day costs in Zhangjiajie, and the rip-offs to avoid

Cost per person per day

Budget
€19
¥145
Mid-range
€39
¥295
Comfort
€74
¥560
Full trip cost calculator

Top rip-offs to avoid

  • Fake park tickets. Buy tickets only from the official Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ticket office, the official app, or the official online platform.
  • Fixed-fare overcharge. Walk to the official taxi rank, insist the meter runs, and refuse any unmetered flat fare. Use the Didi app for a reference price.
  • Bait-and-switch tour packages. Book through the official Zhangjiajie tourism bureau channels or your hotel's front desk. Confirm all inclusions in writing before paying.

Fair taxi from the airport: ¥50 - ¥80 (€6.5 - €11)

Cheaper option: Airport shuttle bus to the city centre bus station (¥20)

All scams, fair prices and rules

Frequently Asked Questions about Zhangjiajie, China

Is it safe to travel to Zhangjiajie, China?
Yes, Zhangjiajie is generally safe for tourists. The tourist areas have good surveillance and medical services. However, it is always advisable to take basic precautions such as watching your belongings and avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
How many days do I need to visit Zhangjiajie?
At least 3 to 4 days are recommended to explore Zhangjiajie. This allows you to visit the Zhangjiajie National Park, the glass bridge, and the Tianmen cable car, enjoying the landscapes without rushing. More days are ideal for a more relaxed experience.
What is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie, China?
The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is from April to October, when the weather is warmer and pleasant. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, around 15 to 25°C, and less rain than in summer, making outdoor excursions easier.
Is it expensive to travel to Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie is affordable for most budgets. Entry tickets to the park cost around 248 CNY (35 USD). Accommodation ranges from 100 to 500 CNY per night, and local food is inexpensive, with prices between 20 and 60 CNY per meal.
How to get around Zhangjiajie?
To get around, you can use taxis, tourist buses, and cable cars. The Tianmen cable car costs about 258 CNY (37 USD). Most attractions are connected by bus routes within the park, making access easy and avoiding long walks.

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Most popular day trips

Tianmen Mountain

30 km 1h by car

Famous mountain with a glass skywalk and cable car ride.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

40 km 1.5h by car

UNESCO World Heritage site with sandstone pillars and forest scenery.

Baofeng Lake

25 km 1h by car

Serene lake offering boat rides and picturesque views.

Getting there

Train stations

Zhangjiajie Railway Station

Connections to Changsha, Chongqing, and other cities

From Zhangjiajie Airport, take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to downtown, about 20 minutes.

Useful information for Zhangjiajie, China

Shopping locationsWulingyuan Shopping Street, Jundiping Market
Nightlife locationsWulingyuan Square, local bars near Zhangjiajie Railway Station
Popular casual restaurantslocal noodle shops, street food stalls
Popular fancy restaurantsWulingyuan Grand View Garden Restaurant, Tujia Ethnic Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsThe Green Cafe, Warm Coffee
Tap water safe to drinkNo
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appDidi, Meituan, CaoCao
Taxi price / km$0.5
Tourists / year20000000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage5 %
Poverty percentage0.6 %
Average income / month$1200
Average cost of living / month$700
Hotel price / night from$40
Beer price from$1.5
Coffee price from$1
Street food price from$1
Restaurant meal price from$5
Local currencyCNY
Power plug typesA, C, I
ReligionsBuddhism, Taoism, Christianity
Spoken languagesMandarin, Xiang, English
EthnicitiesHan, Tujia, Miao
Political orientationcenter-left
Population density500 /km²
Geographical area9600 km²
Possible natural disastersflood, earthquake, landslide
Dangerous animalsvenomous snakes
Locations for a nice walkZhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Baofeng Lake
Public transportationsbus, taxi, bike-sharing
AirlinesChina Southern Airlines, Air China, Hunan Airlines
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Architecture typetraditional Chinese, modern urban
Average beer consumption per person / year30 l
Average wine consumption per person / year2 l
Tipping culturenot customary
Coworking / day$15
Airbnb / month$600
1BR rent / month$200
Gym / month$25
Daily budget (backpacker)$25
Daily budget (mid-range)$50

Overview for Zhangjiajie, China

English proficiencyBad
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechBad
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareAverage
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeBad
Food sceneAverage
LGBTQ+ friendlyBad
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessVery good
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