Zhangjiajie is probably one of the most well-known attractions in China, thanks to its use as inspiration for the dreamy landscape seen in the hit movie, Avatar. I love this place so much that I ended up visiting Zhangjiajie twice, almost a decade apart. I can honestly say that this place deserves every bit of its hype.
The mountains are absolutely breathtaking, especially in the morning when clouds drift below the peaks. There are countless walking trails to explore where you can escape the crowds, along with several nearby attractions worth visiting, including Tianmen Mountain and even the beautiful Phoenix Ancient Town, which is just a 25-minute train ride away.
Even though I have visited the park twice, the map and navigation were still incredibly confusing, and I ended up getting lost a few times even on my second visit. That is exactly why I decided to write this travel guide, so you can explore Zhangjiajie more easily and avoid the mistakes I made. From the best places to visit (with photos) to how to get around, which routes to take, and more, here is a complete travel guide to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Zhangjiajie Places to Visit Map
- Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie?
- 7 Best Things to Do to Visit in Zhangjiajie
- Things to Know Before Visiting China
- When to Visit Zhangjiajie?
- How to Get to Zhangjiajie?
- How to Get Around Zhangjiajie?
- Opening Hours and Entrance Tickets?
- How to Avoid Crowds in Zhangjiajie?
- How Many Days to Spend in Zhangjiajie?
- What to Pack for Zhangjiajie?
- Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau
Zhangjiajie Places to Visit Map
Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie?
When talking about where to stay in Zhangjiajie, a few things need to be clarified first. If you’re referring to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where all the Avatar mountains are, the best place to stay is in Wulingyuan, a town located right next to the park’s entrance gate and about a 30-minute drive from Zhangjiajie City. If you plan to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park first, this is where you should stay for the first 2–3 nights. Below are some recommended accommodations:
If you are done exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and want to visit other attractions around the area, such as Tianmen Mountain, you should also stay at least one or two nights in Zhangjiajie City. This is the main hub of the region and is likely where you’ll arrive at and depart from, as both the train station and the airport are located here. Below are some recommended hotels for Zhangjiajie City:
7 Best Things to Do to Visit in Zhangjiajie
1. Taking the Cable Car Up to Tianzi Mountain
To help you navigate the park more easily, I am going to list everything in the order I visited, so you can follow along as we make our way through the park. We’ll begin by taking the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain, which you can do right after entering the East Gate of Zhangjiajie Park.
Since the East Gate of the park is located right next to Wulingyuan, you can easily walk there from your accommodation. After arriving at the gate, you will find a large open square where visitors line up to enter the national park.
Once inside, you can choose whether to take the shuttle bus to the cable car or the Bailong Elevator. I personally took the cable car first, but you can begin with the Bailong Elevator as well. The overall route remains the same, just in the opposite direction.
- Zhangjiajie Entry Tickets 🏅 Top Pick
- Tianmen Mountain Entry Tickets
- 72 Strange Buidlings Entry Tickets
If you wake up early and arrive right when the park opens, you should not have to queue for long. I went at opening time and was able to get on the shuttle bus immediately, and I even had an entire cable car to myself. This was in early November.
The entrance fee to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is around 227 CNY for a 4-day pass. Additional fees apply for in-park transportation, such as the Bailong Elevator (65 CNY) and the cable car (72 CNY). You can book all tickets and transportation here. The park is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily.
The cable car should take about 25 minutes before you arrive at the upper station. From there, you can take another shuttle bus to our next stop, Helong Park, where you will start to get a glimpse of the epicness that is to come.
2. Check out Helong Park (Tianzi Mountain)
The main highlight of Tianzi Mountain is Helong Park, which offers several incredible viewpoints where you can see some of the mountain’s most unique formations. One of the most famous is the Imperial Brush Peak, a pillar that resembles the tip of a paintbrush and looks especially surreal in the soft morning light.
On the opposite side, you will find the Fairy Scattering Flower Mountains, which faces east and is a perfect spot to catch a stunning sunrise if you arrive early enough. Many photographers gather here in the morning to capture the dramatic sunrise views.
Other than these two viewpoints, there is not much else to see here, aside from a few spots where you can stop for breakfast before continuing to other parts of the park. One thing to note is that this is also where you can start the hike down to the 10-Mile Gallery. You can choose to do this hike after visiting the other areas on the mountain, so it’s best to skip it for now.
3. Explore Yangjiajie Mountain
After Helong Park, you can head over to the same shuttle bus stop and get on another one to go to Yangjiajie Mountain. After about 20 minutes, the shuttle bus will stop first at Daguantai Bus Stop, which is where all the accommodations inside the park are. Do not get off here as there is not much to see except a few accommodations and maybe one or two viewpoints that are not particularly impressive.
Unless you plan to stay overnight in the park, you can ignore this stop and continue on for about 10 minutes to the next stop, which is Yangjiajie, where you can hike around a bit and visit places like Tianbo Mansion, etc.
Tianbo Mansion is an excellent viewing platform for taking in the stunning scenery. From there, you can see ten parallel stone wall peaks rising among the green trees, resembling city walls. If you have a fear of heights, I would not recommend visiting, as reaching the viewpoint requires climbing down a narrow railing and ascending a separate peak. Beyond the viewpoint, there isn’t much else to explore, so you can head to Yuanjiajie next once you’re done.
4. Admire the Beauty of Yuanjiajie Mountain
After exploring Yangjiajie, you can take another shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie Mountain, which is arguably the most scenic area of the park and offers much more to see and do compared to other parts. If you are short on time, you could even skip Tianzi and Yangjiajie altogether and focus solely on Yuanjiajie Mountain.
The shuttle bus will drop you off at Tianqiao Bus Stop and from there, you can begin exploring Yuanjiajie Mountain starting with the Greatest Natural Bridge, a rocky natural bridge that connects 2 mountain peaks together. On the peak, you will also find a temple where you can pay respect and enjoy all the viewpoints around the area.
Afterwards, you can continue along the cliffside path, taking in stunning views such as the Five Ladies Expedition Rocks and many others. One of my favorite viewpoints here is the Hallelujah Mountain, which inspired the dreamy landscapes in the movie Avatar. The solitary vertical pillar rising amidst the picturesque scenery is truly a sight to behold.
There are countless viewpoints along the way, and you could easily spend at least an hour or two exploring Yuanjiajie Mountain alone. When you reach the end of the trail, you have a few options for getting down. The fastest way is to take the Bailong Elevator, which is quick but often crowded. However, this means you might miss one of the best parts of Zhangjiajie: the peaceful trails where you can hike down and escape the crowds.
For those who want to hike down, make sure you have at least 2–3 hours to spare, as it will take that long to descend the mountain. You can choose between two trails. One is the Golden Whip Stream, a beautiful path that follows a peaceful river, with pavilions along the way where you can rest. This route starts right at the end of Yuanjiajie Mountain, making it perfect if you are following my suggested route beginning with the cable car.
Once you hike down to the river, make sure you follow the river east so that you will end up near the lower station of the Bailong Elevator and you can take the shuttle bus back to the East Gate. Otherwise, you might end up at the South Gate and you will have to find a bus to take you back to Wulingyuan yourself.
The second option is to hike down from Helong Park, the first stop on our route. This trail takes about 2.5 hours and leads to the 10-Mile Gallery, a beautiful area surrounded by stunning sandstone spires. Hiking here allows you to admire the formations from the ground rather than from above.
From the 10-Mile Gallery, you can either take the light rail to the bus stop to catch a shuttle out, or you can walk along the light rail and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The walk is very easy, and I highly recommend taking it instead of the light rail.
Hiking down the 10-Mile Gallery is ideal for those who start their journey from the Bailong Elevator and want to avoid paying extra for the cable car. Even if you begin at the cable car, you can take the shuttle bus back to Helong Park in about 30 minutes and start your hike down from there.
The first time I visited, I hiked the Golden Whip Stream, and the second time, I went down to the 10-Mile Gallery. Both trails were beautiful in their own way and offered a perfect escape from the crowds. I remember seeing fewer than ten people during the entire 2.5-hour hike on each trail, and there are several amazing viewpoints along the way that many people miss.
Personally, hiking down was my favorite part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as it allowed me to enjoy the scenery in peace without the crowds, which can sometimes be overwhelming. You don’t need to do both trails; I think just one is enough to experience on your way down. After you are done with the hike, you can take the shuttle bus to the East Gate, head out of the park, and rest for the day.
5. Spend a Day at Tianmen Mountain
Now that we are done with the national forest park itself, let's go and check out other Zhangjiajie Attractions starting with Tianmen Mountain, which is located right next to Zhangjiajie City. From Wulingyuan, after you are done with the forest park, I highly recommend you check out of the hotel there, take a taxi to Zhangjiajie City, and spend at least a night or 2 here, so you can explore Tianmen Mountain, and more.
Tianmen Mountain is absolutely incredible and definitely a must-visit while you are in Zhangjiajie. Even if you thought you had seen all the awesome sights in Zhangjiajie Forest Park already, you will still be blown away by Tianmen Mountain and its iconic cave, also known as the “Heaven’s Gate”, a massive natural archway that rises nearly 130 meters above the ground.
The mountain is also known for its glass skywalks perched along cliff edges, as well as its cable car ride to the top, which is considered one of the longest in the world and provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, forests, and cityscape. While you are up there, there are tons of hiking trails that wind through lush forests and past stunning viewpoints that you can take. It is a perfect place to visit, especially on a nice clear day.
Getting there is also very easy, especially if you are already at Zhangjiajie City as you can easily catch a cable car from the cable car station right in the city center, and it will take you about 40 minutes to get to the top. First and foremost, you will have to reserve your ticket first, which will define which route you will have to take to get up there.
Basically, there are three main routes to explore Tianmen Mountain. Route A involves taking the cable car up to the Upper Station, then making your way to the Middle Station via escalators, taking another cable car down, and finally catching a bus back to the city center. Route B follows the same plan but in the opposite direction. Route C is slightly different: you take a bus to the cable car at the Middle Station and then return down the same way.
Each route is subject to availability, and more often than not, Route A gets booked out the fastest. Route B offers an equivalent alternative to Route A. I would not recommend Route C, as it requires backtracking and you end up going up and down the same path.
Personally, I recommend Route B, as it takes you to the Middle Station first, where the Gateway to Heaven is located. If you arrive in the morning, you can often witness the sea of clouds and enjoy the stunning morning view of the Heaven’s Gate, which is truly breathtaking. While the view from the Upper Station is beautiful, the Middle Station offers a more iconic perspective and is definitely my favorite.
With Route B, there is generally more availability, and you won’t have to wait in long lines since you take a bus first. In contrast, Route A can have very long queues in the morning as the old cable car has a limited capacity. For Route B, the bus takes you up part of the mountain and drops you at a newer and larger cable car station, where the lines move much faster than at the city station.
From the cable car station in the city center, just follow the Route B signs, and you’ll be boarding the bus in no time. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes to reach the new cable car station. From there, you can take the cable car up to the Middle Station, enjoy the view, hike the famous 999 steps through the Gateway to Heaven, and then continue up a series of escalators to the Upper Station.
At the Upper Station, the entire mountain opens up to you with winding trails and attractions such as Tianmen Temple, the Glass Bridge, and more that you can check out. You could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the Upper Station alone. Be sure to spend some time and explore all the wonderful attractions up here.
Once you’ve finished exploring the Upper Station, you can take the old cable car back down to the city center, completing your trip to Tianmen Mountain. The experience is truly incredible and well worth spending at least half a day, if not a full day, here. Be sure to book your tickets in advance here. The park is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, and entry costs 288 CNY per person for all routes.
6. Enjoy the Night at 72 Strange Buildings
One of the weirdest and most surprising attractions I visited in Zhangjiajie is 72 Strange Buildings, also known as the 72 Wonder Towers, a large cultural and tourism complex where you can see all kinds of lights and sounds shows throughout the day. It is a great place to visit at night if you are looking for a place to hang out in Zhangjiajie after sundown.
The centerpiece of the complex is the main tower, which stands 109.9 meters tall and holds the record as the world’s tallest stilted building. Its central arch reaches approximately 38 meters in height and becomes especially dramatic when illuminated at night.
Around the main tower are multiple connected buildings, alleys, and recreated streets that resemble a historical ethnic village. You can walk around, try some street food, and take part in themed activities and workshops that are often held in the shops lining the streets.
The complex also hosts cultural shows and folk performances, including traditional dances, drum shows, and martial arts displays, providing a glimpse into Tujia culture and traditions, which are arguably the highlights of the 72 Strange Buildings in my opinion. You have to come here and visit at night when the entire area is illuminated with tens of thousands of lights, and there will be all kinds of shows happening throughout the night from 4:30 PM onward to 10:30 PM.
To get inside, you will have to pay the entry fee of 88 CNY for a night visit later than 4:30 PM or 48 CNY if you visit before 4 PM, and you can book the ticket here. You can also visit this place during the day, but it won't be as impressive or fun as if you were to visit at night. The place is open from 8 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
I arrived around 8:30 PM, just in time for the last series of shows, and I had an amazing time. It felt like a big open-air party, with performances and shows appearing from every corner while the massive building complex lit up with lasers and colorful lights.
This was the final stop of my trip before heading home, and I had an absolute blast. I could not imagine a better way to end my visit to Zhangjiajie than dancing and enjoying the lively atmosphere with locals and other tourists.
7. Spend a Night at Fenghuang Ancient Town
Due to its close proximity to Zhangjiajie, many travelers visiting the area also stop by Fenghuang Ancient Town, a wonderful riverside ancient city, for a night before or after their trip to Zhangjiajie. Here, you can explore the beautiful wooden stilt houses, take a peaceful walk along the river, and admire the ancient city at night when the entire river is illuminated with lanterns and lights.
Founded in 1556 during the Ming Dynasty, the town is home to the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities. It is built along the banks of the Tuo River and nestled among green hills and mountains, making it one of the most photogenic ancient villages in the region.
One of the town's defining features is the wooden stilt houses (diaojiaolou) lining the riverbank, many of which are over a hundred years old, showcasing the impressive traditional craftsmanship. While here, you can explore the maze of cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, stone-paved lanes, and ancient houses dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through them feels like stepping back in time.
When visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town, be sure to stay until sunset and beyond, as the town's true beauty comes alive at night. As the sun sets, the town transforms into a fairy-tale-like scene reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations. Lanterns and lights reflect on the river, wooden houses glow softly, and the atmosphere becomes truly magical.
When I visited, the lights were turned on around 6:30 PM, and I found the best view was from Nanhua Bridge, overlooking the entire town. People start gathering here and throughout the town to watch the lights come on, so be sure to be ready when it happens.
The town is quite large, and I recommend spending a night here to fully enjoy its charm. You can also visit Fenghuang Ancient Town as a day trip from Zhangjiajie City, as it is only about 25 minutes away by high-speed train. From the train station, you can take a 7-CNY shuttle service that drops you off at Qifeng Square, from where it is a short walk to the ancient town.
To return, you can head back to the square and check the schedule for the next shuttle. However, if you stay late to enjoy the lights at night, it may be best to use Didi to get to Fenghuang Railway Station so you do not miss your train back.
Things to Know Before Visiting China
- Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
- Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
- Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
- Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
- Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
- Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
- Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
- Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.
When to Visit Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie can be visited year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season. Spring, from March to May, is a beautiful time to visit as the mountains and forests turn lush green and flowers bloom. Mist often drifts among the sandstone pillars, creating a dreamy atmosphere, and temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for hiking. Crowds are generally smaller than in summer, though occasional rain or fog can occur.
Summer, from June to August, brings warm weather and full greenery. Waterfalls and streams are at their peak, and long daylight hours allow more time to explore. However, this is also peak tourist season, so trails and attractions can be crowded. Humidity and occasional rain may make hiking slightly more challenging.
Autumn, from September to November, is widely regarded as the best season to visit Zhangjiajie. The weather is cool and dry, visibility is excellent, and the forests display stunning red, orange, and gold foliage. Trails are more comfortable for hiking, and the crowds are smaller outside of national holidays, making it ideal for photography and enjoying nature.
Winter, from December to February, transforms Zhangjiajie into a quiet, snow-dusted wonderland. It is the least crowded time of the year, offering peaceful hikes and dramatic, snowy landscapes. However, temperatures can be low, trails may be icy, and some attractions might be closed, so careful planning is needed.
The first time I visited, it was winter. Although there were no crowds, some areas, like the Gateway to Heaven on Tianmen Mountain, were closed because ice had formed along the stairs, making certain sections hazardous. It was very cold, the trails were slippery, and conditions were not ideal for hiking.
The second time I visited was in late autumn and it was perfect. The weather was ideal, with clear blue skies, low clouds drifting among the sandstone pillars, and vibrant autumn colors everywhere. There were some crowds, but far fewer than I expected, and I had a wonderful time. I highly recommend visiting in autumn if you want the best weather and scenery.
How to Get to Zhangjiajie?
By Air: The fastest way is by flying into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, which has direct flights from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Changsha. From the airport, it takes around 30–40 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus to reach Zhangjiajie City or Wulingyuan, the town closest to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
You can find cheap flights to Zhangjiajie from Trip.com, Skyscanner, or Expedia.
By Train: For those who prefer traveling by train, Zhangjiajie West Railway Station connects the city to several major cities, including Changsha, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. High-speed trains from Changsha usually take around 4–5 hours. From the train station, local buses or taxis can take you to Wulingyuan or the city center. You can book the train here.
When I arrived late in the evening, I was able to find a carpool taxi to take me to Wulingyuan for 30 CNY per person. When you arrive, there will be people approaching you to find out where you are heading and then they will direct you to the carpool taxi. The ride from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Wulingyuan is around 40 minutes. You can also call a taxi via Didi to take you to Wulinghuan for around 90 CNY per car.
By Bus: Long-distance buses are another option, especially from nearby provinces and cities like Changsha, Fenghuang, and Chongqing. Buses typically arrive at Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station or Wulingyuan Bus Station, from where taxis or local buses can take you to your accommodation.
How to Get Around Zhangjiajie?
By Shuttle Buses: If you are visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you can rely on the shuttle buses, which are included with your park ticket. These internal buses connect the entrances, scenic spots, and cable car stations, running frequently to help save time and energy as you travel from one area to another.
By Cable Cars: Cable cars and elevators are essential for exploring the mountainous areas of the park efficiently. Attractions such as Tianmen Mountain and Yuanjiajie are accessible via cable cars, while the Bailong Elevator provides a quick way to descend from Yuanjiajie’s high sandstone pillars. Tickets for these must be purchased in addition to the park entrance fee, and you can book them all here.
By Didi: Didi is widely available in the city and around tourist areas outside the forest park. They are convenient for short distances or when you want a more direct route, for example, getting to and from the railway station, etc. Prices are reasonable, and using ride-hailing apps like Didi allows you to avoid language barriers. You can access Didi directly through the mini app inside the Alipay app, so there is no need to download a separate application.
Opening Hours and Entrance Tickets?
For Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The park generally opens around 07:00, though some gates may vary slightly, and closes between 17:00 and 18:00 depending on the season. Entrance is sold via a 4‑day pass, as single‑day tickets are usually not available. This pass covers access to the main scenic zones, including mountain areas, forest trails, and the eco‑bus network. The typical adult 4‑day pass costs around 224–228 CNY, and you can book it here.
This entrance ticket does not include cable cars, elevators, or other paid transport within the park. Tickets for these are extra, with the Bailong Elevator costing about 62 CNY and the cable car around 75 CNY on top of the entry fee.
For Tianmen Mountain: During the high and shoulder seasons (March 1 – November 30), opening hours are roughly 06:30 to 18:00. In the off-season (winter), opening hours may shift to 08:00 with adjusted closing times. The entry ticket, which may include some transport within the mountain depending on the route you choose, costs around 288 CNY for adults.
How to Avoid Crowds in Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain are very popular with both domestic and international tourists, so planning ahead is key to avoiding crowds. The best approach is to visit during the shoulder seasons, around late March to May or late September to November, when the weather is still pleasant but the majority of tourists have not yet arrived or have already left.
Arriving early in the morning is another effective strategy. The park gates generally open around 7 AM, and if you get there right at opening, you can often enjoy the first shuttle bus or cable car ride with minimal waiting.
Within the park, you can choose hiking trails instead of elevators or cable cars whenever possible. Popular transport options like the Bailong Elevator and Tianzi Mountain Cable Car often attract the most tourists and can be very crowded.
I recommend taking one of these options and then hiking down via either the Golden Whip Stream or the 10-Mile Gallery trails. I did this myself and found that there were barely any people around during the two-hour hike, allowing me to enjoy many of the viewpoints along the way almost entirely to myself.
Finally, try to avoid major Chinese holidays, such as Golden Week in early October or Chinese New Year, when domestic tourism peaks. Planning your trip mid-week rather than on weekends can also make a noticeable difference in crowd levels.
How Many Days to Spend in Zhangjiajie?
To fully experience Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and nearby attractions, most travelers should plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days in the region. This allows enough time to explore the main scenic areas without feeling rushed and also provides flexibility for other side trips.
You can spend 2–3 nights in Wulingyuan, which should give you 1–2 full days to hike and explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Afterward, head to Zhangjiajie City and spend at least 1–2 nights to explore Tianmen Mountain. Finally, you can spend a night at Fenghuang Ancient Village before concluding your trip in the region.
What to Pack for Zhangjiajie?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Zhangjiajie, China:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau
Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here are a collection of articles that you might find useful:
- If you love nature and want to experience some of China’s most stunning landscapes, this one-month itinerary through the South and Southwest is for you! Check it out: One-Month Itinerary for South & Southwest China
- Want to spend 5 days in Hong Kong? Here's a complete itinerary for you: Hong Kong in 5 Days: A Backpacker's Itinerary.
- First time in Hong Kong, but you are not sure where to begin? This is the guide for you: Visiting Hong Kong: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Macau is often called the Las Vegas of Asia, offering larger-than-life entertainment, a unique blend of Portuguese heritage, and so much more. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check this out: Discover Macau: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- Guangzhou is the fourth-largest city in China and one of the wealthiest, with major trade activities taking place in and around the city for over 2,000 years. With so much history and so many places to explore, you’ll definitely want this comprehensive travel guide: Explore Guangzhou: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Guilin is, hands down, one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in China. If you’re planning to visit, here is the comprehensive travel guide I wish I had! Check it out: Visiting Guilin: A Complete Travel Guide
- Looking for a complete itinerary to Guilin? Check out: 5-Day Itinerary in Guilin
- Want to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia? Check out this travel guide: Huangguoshu Waterfall: A Complete Travel Guide
- Visiting Guizhou and want to experience the rich culture of the Miao people? Why not visit Xijiang, the largest and arguably the most beautiful Miao stilted village in the region. Here’s a complete travel guide: Xijiang Village: A Complete Travel Guide
- Dali is one of Yunnan’s most charming and culturally rich destinations and a great place to start acclimatizing before visiting other high-altitude areas in the province. If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out this travel guide: Exploring Dali: A Complete Travel Guide
- Yulong Snow Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in Yunnan, is located in Lijiang, a destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting China. If you plan to visit Lijiang, check out our travel guide: Exploring Lijiang: 10 Best Things to Do & More
- The mythical town of Shangri-La, made famous by the novel "Lost Horizon", is real and located in China. If you want to visit Shangri-La, this travel guide provides all the information you need to plan the perfect trip: Discover Shangri-La: A Complete Travel Guide
- Yading is probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in China, and definitely my favorite of all. To help you plan your trip to this stunning region, here’s a complete travel guide: Visiting Yading: A Complete Travel & Hiking Guide
- Want to visit Yading? Since the area isn’t connected by high-speed trains, getting here can be a bit complicated. Here’s all the information you need to plan your journey: How to Get to Yading
- Visiting Jiuzhaigou is a surreal experience. Even though it can be extremely crowded, it is still worth the visit. With so many visitors each day, careful planning is essential. Here’s a travel guide to help you plan a smooth trip to Jiuzhaigou: Exploring Jiuzhaigou: A Complete Travel Guide
- If you are planning a visit to Huanglong, here is everything you need to know to plan your trip: Visiting Huanglong: A Complete Travel Guide
- Want to visit Jiuzhaigou? Start planning early and book everything as soon as you can. Here’s all the information you need to get there: How to Get to Jiuzhaigou
- Want to visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong together? Here’s a complete itinerary for you: 2-Day Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong
- Planning a trip to Chengdu but not sure where to start? This travel guide has you covered: Chengdu Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do & More
- Planning to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha as a day trip from Chengdu? Here’s a complete itinerary for you: Exploring Leshan Giant Buddha: A Complete Travel Guide
- Planning a trip to Zhangjiajie but not sure how many days to spend? Here's a complete itinerary for you: 3 Days in Zhangjiajie: A Complete Itinerary
- Tianmen Mountain is a must-visit when you are in Zhangjiajie. Here is all the information you need to plan your trip: Visiting Tianmen Mountain: A Complete Travel Guide
- If you are visiting Zhangjiajie, you will regret not making it to Fenghuang Ancient Town, also famously known as Phoenix Ancient Town. With this guide, I will help you plan your visit and explore everything the town has to offer: Discover Fenghuang Ancient Town: A Complete Travel Guide
- For more articles about China, visit the China travel guide, or explore my guides to Hong Kong and Macau.
- Planning a trip to East Asia? Explore all my articles on the East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can find all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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