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Zhangjiajie National Park, located in China's Hunan Province, is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth. Famous for its towering sandstone pillars and mist-covered peaks, this unique landscape inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. For travelers looking to experience otherworldly views, hiking trails, and ancient natural wonders, Zhangjiajie is the perfect destination. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit to this incredible park.
What is Zhangjiajie National Park?
Zhangjiajie National Park is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans over 26,000 hectares. The park is known for its thousands of towering rock pillars, some of which rise over 300 meters high, often surrounded by a sea of mist that creates mystical atmosphere. These unique geological formations have been sculpted over millions of years by erosion, making the landscape unlike anywhere else on the planet. Key attractions within and around the park include the Hallelujah Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, the Bailong Elevator, and the scenic Golden Whip Stream.
When to Visit Zhangjiajie National Park
The best time to visit Zhangjiajie depends largely on weather and crowd sizes. The park is open year-round, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring (April-May): This is one of the best times to visit due to mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The park isn't too crowded, and the views are often clear.
Summer (June-August): The landscape is lush and green, but this is also the peak tourist season. Be prepared for larger crowds and potentially hazy views due to humidity.
Fall (September-October): Another ideal time to visit, with cooler weather and fewer tourists. The fall foliage adds a touch of magic to the scenery. We would just recommend avoiding the 1 week in October when the whole of China is on leave at the same time because then it gets extra busy.
Winter (November-March): If you’re not afraid of the cold, winter offers a more peaceful experience. The mountains are often dusted with snow, creating a breathtaking contrast with the dark stone pillars.
In short: for the best experience, aim for a visit in the spring or fall to enjoy optimal weather and lighter crowds.
How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Park
Zhangjiajie National Park is located in Hunan Province, and the most convenient way to reach it is via Zhangjiajie city or the nearby town of Wulingyuan. Here’s how to get there:
By Air: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport serves both domestic and international flights, with connections from major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai but also Hong Kong. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Wulingyuan (40min to 1h ride).
By Train: The city of Zhangjiajie is connected by train to major cities in China. Trains from Changsha, Guilin, and Guangzhou are popular options for reaching Zhangjiajie. From the train station, buses and taxis are available to Wulingyuan.
By Bus: Buses operate from nearby cities such as Changsha and Fenghuang, providing an affordable option for travelers. Local buses can take you from Zhangjiajie city to Wulingyuan, which is the best base for exploring the park.
Once in Wulingyuan, you can easily access the park’s various entrances by local buses or taxis.
Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie
There are two main areas to consider for accommodation: Wulingyuan and Zhangjiajie City. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Wulingyuan Area: This is the best place to stay if you want easy access to the park. It’s just minutes away from the main entrances, making it a great base for exploring. Wulingyuan offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to boutique hotels with stunning mountain views. Staying here allows you to maximize your time in the park.
Zhangjiajie City: This area is further away from the park (about 40 minutes by bus), but it’s typically more affordable. If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodations and don’t mind the commute, Zhangjiajie City offers a wider selection of hotels and restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget options, both areas provide convenient access to the park.
Park Entrances and Ticket Information
Zhangjiajie National Park has several entrances, with the most popular being the Wulingyuan Entrance and the South Entrance. Each entrance provides access to different areas of the park, and park buses will take you to key attractions once inside.
Entrance Fees: There are 3 kinds of entrance tickets for the park, all of them are valid for 4 consecutive days. The cheapest one around 240 yuan does not include any cable car or elevator, the mid-range one around 450 yuan includes 3 one way tickets to cable cars or the elevator and the highest one has unlimited use of cable cars and elevator for over 500 yuan. The prices vary depending on the season (peak or low), the age of the ticket holder and the place you buy the ticket from. Our host got us a great price on the unlimited ticket that went down to 460yuan.
Opening Hours: The park is typically open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
Transportation within the Park: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is huge, so it operates an efficient bus system that’s included in the ticket price. Buses run between major attractions, making it easy to get around.
Even though the ticket is valid for 4 days, most visitors only spend 2 to 3 days walking around the park. I would personally recommend 3 days for a more relaxed, stress-free experience especially if you are visiting in the summer or during peak holiday times in China.
Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie National Park
There’s no shortage of incredible sights in Zhangjiajie National Park. Here are some of the must-see attractions:
Hallelujah Mountains (Avatar Mountains): The park’s most famous landmark, these towering rock formations inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. The best viewpoints can be reached via the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
Tianzi Mountain: Known for its unrestricted views of towering peaks, Tianzi Mountain offers some of the most photogenic views in the park. It’s best accessed via the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car.
Bailong Elevator: The world’s tallest outdoor elevator, Bailong Elevator takes you 326 meters up a cliff in under two minutes. The views from the top are breathtaking and give you a unique perspective on the park’s vast landscape.
Golden Whip Stream: For a more relaxed experience, the Golden Whip Stream is a scenic walk along a river, surrounded by the towering pillars of the park. It’s an easy hike, perfect for those looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery.
Huangshi Village: Known for its panoramic views and hundreds of wild monkeys, Huangshi Village is accessible via a cable car and offers a peaceful loop walk around the mountaintop.
Yangjiajie Scenic Area: This less crowded area of the park offers dramatic rock formations and quiet hiking trails for those looking to escape the crowds.
How to Get Around the Park
Once inside the park, getting around is easy thanks to the well-organized transportation system. Here’s how you can navigate the park:
Park Buses: These buses are the main mode of transportation within the park and are included in your ticket price. They stop at all the major scenic areas and run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long for a ride.
Cable Cars and Elevators: The park’s cable cars and the famous Bailong Elevator provide stunning aerial views and help visitors reach high-altitude areas like Tianzi Mountain and Huangshi Village. These are great for saving time and avoiding strenuous climbs.
Walking and Hiking: Zhangjiajie is a hiker’s paradise, with trails suitable for all fitness levels. From easy boardwalks to more challenging hikes like One Step to Heaven, there’s something for everyone. We have prepared a detailed 3 day plan for you to experience the different areas of the park and soak in the unique beauty of the place.
