Bring your ID card, which is required for purchasing air tickets, train tickets, and checking into hotels.
If you have relevant discount certificates (such as student ID, military ID, disability certificate, etc.), bring them to enjoy ticket discounts.
1.2 Clothing
Zhangjiajie has a mid-subtropical mountain monsoon humid climate with four distinct seasons.
Spring (March May): The temperature gradually rises, but there is still a certain coolness. Prepare long-sleeved jackets, light sweaters, etc.
Summer (June August): It is relatively hot, and there may be rainfall in the mountainous areas. Bring light and breathable summer clothes, as well as sun protection clothing, umbrellas or raincoats.
Autumn (September November): The weather is cool. Prepare long-sleeved clothes, jackets, etc. The temperature on the mountain will be even lower, so you can bring a thicker coat appropriately.
Winter (December February): It is relatively cold, especially on the mountain where there will be snow. Bring thick cotton-padded clothes, down jackets, scarves, gloves and other warm clothing.
1.3 Items
Comfortable sports shoes or hiking boots for easy walking in the scenic area.
A backpack to hold the items needed for the trip.
Camera, mobile phone, chargers, power banks, etc., to record beautiful moments and keep communication smooth.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats and other sun protection products to protect the skin and eyes during outdoor activities.
Common medicines, such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, band-aids, etc., in case of physical discomfort.
2.1 Arriving in Zhangjiajie
By Air
Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport has opened routes to many domestic cities and some international cities. There are airport buses and other transportation methods from the airport to the urban area.
By Train
Zhangjiajie Station: Many ordinary trains stop here. After getting off the train, you can take a bus or taxi to the urban area or scenic area.
Zhangjiajie West Station: It is mainly a high-speed railway station, connected to many important cities in China. There are various public transports for transfer after getting off the station.
2.2 Transportation within the City and in the Scenic Area
Bus
There are many bus lines in the city that can go to some main locations, and some bus lines can reach near the scenic area, but may need to transfer.
Taxi
The starting price and pricing method are in accordance with local regulations. It is convenient for travel, but when going to the scenic area, pay attention to confirming the price with the driver, etc.
Tourist Special Line Bus
It is a line specially set up for tourists to go to the scenic area, which is convenient and fast.
Transportation in the Scenic Area
Environmentally Friendly Vehicle: There are free environmentally friendly vehicles in Zhangjiajie scenic area, which run circularly among the main scenic spots and stations, facilitating tourists to transfer within the scenic area.
Cableway and Elevator
Bailong Elevator: Located in the Yuanjiajie scenic area, with a vertical height difference of 335 meters and a fast running speed. It can quickly take tourists to the mountain scenic spots and save physical strength.
Tianzishan Cableway: It can allow tourists to go up and down the mountain easily and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Huangshizhai Cableway: It is convenient for tourists to visit the Huangshizhai scenic area.
3.1 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
It is the prototype location of Hallelujah Mountain in the movie “Avatar”. There are magnificent cliffs and strange peaks and rocks everywhere. Famous scenic spots include Tianxia First Bridge (a natural stone bridge), Mihun Terrace (the scenery is so strange that people feel like in a maze), and Houhuayuan (the peak forest landscape is unique). Tourists can reach here by taking the Bailong Elevator.
Tianzishan Scenic Area
It has the reputation of “an enlarged bonsai and a reduced fairyland”. There is a bronze statue of He Long in He Long Park, and there are many peaks around, such as Yubi Peak (the peak forest looks like an upside-down imperial brush) and Xiannüsanhua (the stone peak looks like a fairy holding a flower basket). When there is fog, it is like a fairyland. You can take the Tianzishan Cableway to go up and down the mountain.
Jinbianxi Scenic Area
It is known as “one of the most beautiful valleys in the world”. The whole journey is about 7.5 kilometers. The stream water is clear and has a varied and graceful appearance. Small fish swim in it, and the flowers and plants by the stream are fresh and beautiful, with birds singing. The main scenic spots along the way include Jinbian Rock (like a magic whip pointing straight at the sky), Shenying Hubian (shaped like a divine eagle guarding the golden whip), and Zicao Pool (the pool water is clear and named because there are many purple grass by the pool). Hiking can fully enjoy its beauty.
Huangshizhai Scenic Area
There is a saying that “if you don’t go to Huangshizhai, you come to Zhangjiajie in vain”. You can take the Huangshizhai Cableway to go up the mountain. The main scenic spots include Liuqi Pavilion (where you can look around the wonderful scenery of the surrounding peaks) and Zhai Xing Tai (where you can experience the feeling of reaching out to pick the stars). Here, you can visit and watch many strange peaks and rocks by circling the village.
3.2 Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
Tianmen Mountain Cableway
It is the longest alpine passenger cableway in the world, with a total length of 7,455 meters. Taking the cableway, you can go directly from the urban area to the top of the mountain, and you can enjoy the scenery changes at different altitudes along the way, from urban scenery to rural scenery and then to high mountains.
Tianmen Cave
It is the landmark scenic spot of Tianmen Mountain, with an altitude of more than 1,300 meters, a height of 131.5 meters, a width of 57 meters, and a depth of 60 meters. It stands against the sky like a gateway to the sky. Tourists can go down to the Tianmen Cave Square through the 999-step “Tian梯” (stairway), or take the through-mountain escalator.
Glass Walkway
It is suspended on the cliff, with an abyss under your feet. It is all paved with transparent glass, bringing a thrilling experience and allowing you to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Guigu Walkway
It is named because it is located along the cliff on the upper side of Guigu Cave. The whole line of the walkway is neither on the top of the cliff nor on the side of the cliff, but in the middle of the ten-thousand-meter cliff, giving people a feeling of rising and falling with the cliff.
4.1 Special Dishes
Sanxiaguo
It is a stew pot made of three main ingredients (such as fatty intestines, pork belly, beef tripe, goat tripe, pig’s trotters or pig’s head meat, etc.), mostly in the form of a dry pot, with a spicy and delicious taste. It is the signature dish of Zhangjiajie.
Tujia Larou (Tujia Bacon)
It is smoked with firewood, with tight meat and a strong flavor. It can be stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, such as stir-fried bacon with garlic sprouts and stir-fried bacon with Artemisia selengensis.
Shier Dun Jiyazhou (Stewed Chicken or Duck with Stone Ear)
Stone ear is a delicacy in Zhangjiajie. Stewing it with local native chickens or ducks, the soup is delicious and rich in nutrition.
4.2 Snacks and Refreshments
Suan Luobo (Sour Radish)
With white radish as the main raw material, it is made through pickling and soaking processes. It has a sweet and sour taste and is crisp and appetizing. It is a common snack on the streets of Zhangjiajie.
Tangyou Baba (Sugar Oil Cake)
Knead glutinous rice flour into dough, make small balls and fry them, and then coat them with sugar juice. It has a bright yellow color and a soft and sweet taste.
Gegenfen (Kudzu Root Powder)
It can be eaten after being mixed with water. It has a sweet taste and has the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire. It is a local specialty drink.
Zhangjiajie Urban Area
There are various accommodation options, including high-end, mid-range and low-end hotels and inns. The advantage is convenient transportation, rich shopping and dining options, and it is close to Tianmen Mountain scenic area; the disadvantage is that it is far from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and other scenic areas, and it takes a certain amount of time to drive to the scenic areas.
Near the Ticket Office of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Wulingyuan District: There are many hotels and homestays to choose from. It is relatively close to the scenic spots in the scenic area, and the surrounding supporting facilities are relatively complete. It is suitable for staying when visiting the forest park.
Near the Forest Park Ticket Office: There are some characteristic inns, which can allow tourists to enter the scenic area more conveniently and quickly, but the surrounding may not be so prosperous.
6.1 Example of a Three-day Tour Route
Day 1
Morning: Depart from Zhangjiajie urban area and go to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Enter through the Forest Park Ticket Office and visit the Jinbianxi Scenic Area. Hike the whole journey to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, which takes about 2 3 hours.
Noon: Have a meal at a restaurant near Jinbianxi and taste local special cuisine.
Afternoon: Take an environmentally friendly vehicle from Shuiraosimen to the Bailong Elevator and take the elevator to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Visit scenic spots such as Tianxia First Bridge, Mihun Terrace, and Houhuayuan, about 2 3 hours.
Evening: Return to Wulingyuan District for accommodation. You can stroll around the accommodation area and taste snacks, etc.
Day 2
Morning: Take an environmentally friendly vehicle to the Tianzishan Scenic Area and visit scenic spots such as He Long Park, Yubi Peak, and Xiannüsanhua, about 2 3 hours.
Noon: Have a meal in or near the Tianzishan Scenic Area.
Afternoon: Walk down the mountain from Tianzishan (for those with good physical strength, about 2 3 hours), or take the Tianzishan Cableway down the mountain and then transfer to an environmentally friendly vehicle to go to the Shili Gallery Scenic Area. You can choose to take a small train to visit (or hike) and enjoy scenic spots such as the Old Medicine Man and the Three Sisters Peak, about 1 2 hours.
Evening: Continue to stay in Wulingyuan District. You can watch local folk performances, etc.
Day 3
Morning: Go to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway up the mountain. Visit scenic spots such as the Glass Walkway and Guigu Walkway, about 2 3 hours.
Noon: Have a meal at a restaurant on the top or middle of Tianmen Mountain.
Afternoon: Visit Tianmen Cave. You can choose to take the through-mountain escalator or walk down to the Tianmen Cave Square to enjoy this amazing natural landscape. Then take the environmentally friendly vehicle and cableway down the mountain to end the trip.
When playing in the scenic area, abide by relevant regulations, protect the environment, and do not litter or pick flowers and trees at will.
The mountains in Zhangjiajie are high and the roads are dangerous. Pay attention to safety when climbing mountains and taking cableways, and take good care of personal belongings.
When buying special products, pay attention to distinguishing the quality and price to avoid being cheated.
Pay attention to the weather forecast in advance and arrange the itinerary reasonably. In case of bad weather, some scenic spots may be closed or the operation time may be adjusted, etc.
