Discover the Wonders of Where Avatar Happens —— Zhangjiajie（张家界）
Nestled in Hunan Province（湖南省）, Zhangjiajie（张家界） is a world-renowned travel destination celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique landscapes. Two of its must-visit attractions are Zhangjiajie National Forest Park（张家界国家森林公园） and Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park（天门山国家森林公园）, each offering unforgettable experiences.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park（张家界国家森林公园）
This place which is one of China’s most iconic natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its towering quartz sandstone pillars, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Here’s how to make the most of your visit and understand the ticketing system.
How to Exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain（阿凡达哈利路亚山）
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is one of the park’s most iconic attractions. Standing at 1,080 meters above sea level, this towering quartz sandstone pillar inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar. The unique landscape is the result of millions of years of geological activity, creating a surreal, otherworldly view.
Visitors can take a cable car or hike to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area to get the best view of this magnificent peak. Surrounding the mountain are lush forests and other striking rock formations, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. There are also several viewing platforms, such as the First Bridge of the World, which offers a breathtaking panoramic perspective.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with clear skies and vibrant colors adding to the mountain’s beauty. Early mornings provide an ethereal experience, as mist often surrounds the peaks, giving them a mystical floating effect. A visit to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is a must for anyone exploring Zhangjiajie, as it embodies the park’s magical charm and natural splendor.
Bailong Elevator（百龙天梯）
The Bailong Elevator, or “Hundred Dragons Elevator,” is a record-breaking outdoor lift located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Rising 326 meters along a sheer sandstone cliff, it holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest outdoor elevator.
Visitors can ride this glass-enclosed elevator to ascend from the base of the valley to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in under two minutes. The ride offers a thrilling experience, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and forests. It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to save time and energy while enjoying incredible scenery.
The elevator’s construction is a marvel of engineering, blending innovation with environmental preservation. It provides a convenient way to access popular attractions like Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge of the World.
Tickets for the elevator cost around ￥72 per ride, and it’s open year-round. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a shortcut to some of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic spots, the Bailong Elevator is an unmissable experience.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area（袁家界）
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, nestled in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is renowned for its stunning sandstone pillars and unique rock formations. It’s home to several of the park’s most famous attractions, including Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge of the World.
This area is best explored by walking along the well-maintained trails or taking the park’s eco-buses. Visitors will be mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs, verdant vegetation, and ethereal clouds often surrounding the peaks. The natural beauty here feels almost surreal, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Yuanjiajie also offers various viewpoints, such as the Enchanting Platform, where visitors can soak in panoramic vistas of the sandstone forest. The scenery is constantly changing with the weather and seasons, ensuring each visit feels unique.
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is not only a highlight of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park but also a testament to nature’s unparalleled artistry, offering an unforgettable experience for all who venture here.
Ticket & Transportation Information
Entrance Fee: The standard ticket price is ￥248, which includes unlimited access to eco-buses for four consecutive days.
Discounts: Students, seniors, and children may be eligible for discounted or free tickets. A valid ID or proof of eligibility is required.
Additional Costs: Certain attractions, like the Bailong Elevator and cable cars, require extra fees ranging from ￥50 to ￥72 per ride.
The park has a comprehensive eco-bus system that connects all major attractions. Cable cars are also available for quicker access to some scenic areas. Hiking trails are well-maintained and provide an immersive experience of the park’s natural beauty.
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park （天门山国家森林公园）
Known as the “soul of Zhangjiajie,” the park features dramatic landscapes, unique geological formations, and thrilling activities. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is a thrilling and awe-inspiring destination, combining natural beauty with heart-pounding adventures. Whether you’re hiking the trails or enjoying the views from the cableway, it’s a place you’ll never forget.
Main Attractions
Tianmen Cave（天门洞）: Also known as Heaven’s Gate, this natural arch is the highlight of the park. You can reach it by climbing 999 steep steps or taking a shuttle bus up the famous 99-Bend Road.
Tianmen Cableway（天门山索道）: The world’s longest cable car ride, spanning over 7.5 kilometers, takes you from the city to the mountain summit. The ride offers breathtaking views of the city, cliffs, and lush valleys.
Glass Skywalks（玻璃栈道）: Several glass-bottomed walkways along the cliff edges provide an adrenaline-pumping experience as you walk with a view of the deep drop below.
Ticket Information
Entrance Fee: A standard ticket costs approximately ￥275, covering access to the cableway, shuttle buses, and major attractions.
Additional Fees: The glass skywalks require an extra ticket (around ￥5), available at the entrance of the walkways.
Zhangjiajie’s Culinary Traditions
Local dish is renowned for its bold, spicy, and flavorful cuisine, reflecting the region’s vibrant culture and mountainous landscape. The local diet emphasizes fresh ingredients, often sourced from the surrounding mountains and rivers. Dishes are typically seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, embodying the spicy characteristics of Hunan cuisine.
Staple foods include rice and corn, with dishes often paired with pickled vegetables or fermented tofu. Stews and stir-fries are common cooking methods, ensuring robust flavors. Traditional dishes like sanxiaoguo (Three-Pot Dish), smoked cured meats, and various Hunan dishes highlight the locals’ love for rich, savory flavors. Food markets and small restaurants offer authentic tastes, often at affordable prices.
Sanxiaoguo (Three-Pot Dish – 三下锅)
Sanxiaoguo, or Three-Pot Dish, is Zhangjiajie’s signature stew. It combines pork, beef, or chicken with tofu, potatoes, and vegetables in a spicy, savory broth. The dish is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together. Often served in a communal pot, it embodies warmth and sharing, making it a favorite for family gatherings.
Cured Smoked Meat (La Rou – 腊肉)
Zhangjiajie’s smoked cured meat is a local delicacy. Made from pork marinated in salt, chili, and spices, the meat is smoked over wood for days. This process gives it a rich, smoky flavor and chewy texture. La Rou is often stir-fried with vegetables or steamed, creating a comforting, homely dish.
Hunan Cuisine (Xiang Cai – 湘菜)
Hunan cuisine, or Xiang Cai, is celebrated for its bold and spicy flavors. Signature dishes include spicy fish head, stir-fried pork with chili, and sautéed greens with garlic. The cuisine combines fresh ingredients with intricate seasoning techniques, delivering dishes that are both fiery and aromatic, reflecting Hunan’s zestful culinary culture.
Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal for clear skies and pleasant weather.
Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. A light raincoat is useful during the rainy season.
Crowds: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and public holidays.
A Three-Day Zhangjiajie Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 张家界国家森林公园(Golden Whip Stream 金鞭溪& Yuanjiajie Scenic Area 袁家界)
Morning:
Golden Whip Stream: Begin your journey with a relaxing hike along this scenic 7.5-kilometer trail. The path is surrounded by towering quartz sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation. Look out for landmarks like the Golden Whip Rock and the Drunken Arhat. This trail is relatively flat and suitable for all fitness levels.
Lunch: Have a local meal at one of the restaurants near the park entrance, enjoying authentic Hunan dishes like sanxiaoguo (Three-Pot Dish).
Afternoon:
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Take the Bailong Elevator – 百龙天梯 (￥72) to reach Yuanjiajie. Visit iconic spots such as Avatar Hallelujah Mountain（阿凡达哈利路亚山）, the First Bridge of the World, and the Enchanting Platform for panoramic views.
Photography Tips: Arrive early in the afternoon to capture the landscape in the best light.
Evening:
Return to Wulingyuan town and explore local night markets. Sample street food like grilled skewers, stinky tofu, and spicy noodles.
Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Tianzi Mountain 天子山 & Yangjiajie Scenic Area 袁家界)
Morning:
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area: Take the cable car to the summit and explore viewpoints like Imperial Writing Brush Peaks and Fairy Offering Flowers. The misty mornings add a mystical touch to the scenery.
Shuttle Bus to Yangjiajie Scenic Area: Enjoy rugged trails, lush forests, and fewer crowds. Key attractions include the Natural Great Wall and the Wulong Village.
Lunch:
Picnic on the mountain or dine at a small local restaurant in the park.
Afternoon:
Continue exploring Yangjiajie’s trails. Don’t miss Tianbo Mansion, a thrilling climb with rewarding views.
Descend via the park’s eco-buses and enjoy a leisurely evening back in Wulingyuan.
Evening:
Visit Wulingyuan’s cultural performances, such as the Charm of Xiangxi show, to learn about local Tujia and Miao ethnic traditions.
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park 天门山国家森林公园
Morning:
Tianmen Mountain Cableway: Begin with the world’s longest cable car ride, enjoying panoramic views as you ascend the mountain.
Glass Skywalk: Test your courage on the famous glass-bottomed walkway along the cliffs.
Guigu Plank Road: Stroll along this scenic wooden trail built into the mountain, offering breathtaking views.
Lunch:
Dine at the mountaintop restaurant, sampling local dishes.
Afternoon:
Tianmen Cave 天门洞(Heaven’s Gate): Take a shuttle bus up the 99-Bend Road and climb 999 steps to this magnificent natural arch. For those who prefer less effort, escalators are available.
Descend via the 99-Bend Road or cableway, taking in final glimpses of the mountain.
Evening:
Return to Zhangjiajie city for a relaxing evening. Explore local restaurants to try smoked cured meat 腊肉 (la rou) or hot pot.
Plan your visit to this magical destination and create memories that will last a lifetime!
