The Ultimate Guide to Zhangjiajie—Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!

Zhangjiajie, a wonderland sculpted by nature, is renowned for its unique peaks, deep canyons, streams, and waterfalls, attracting countless visitors. If it’s your first time visiting, how can you plan your trip to take in all the beauty? Don't worry, this detailed guide will help you explore Zhangjiajie. 🎫 Ticket Information 1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Adult tickets are CNY 228 per person, valid for multiple entries within 4 days. One ticket covers Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village, Golden Whip Stream, and Ten-Mile Gallery. Discounted tickets are CNY 116 per person for seniors aged 60-69, children between 1.2m and 1.5m tall, and full-time undergraduate students and below. Seniors over 70, children under 1.2m, active military personnel, and people with disabilities enjoy free admission with valid ID, only needing to purchase insurance and shuttle bus tickets. 2. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Tickets are CNY 278 per person, including park admission and round-trip cable car rides. Discounted tickets are CNY 140 per person for seniors aged 60-69 and students. Seniors over 70, active military personnel, and people with disabilities enjoy free admission but need to pay for transportation such as cable cars. Tickets are divided into routes A, B, and C. Route A takes the main cable car up and the express cable car down, making the descent easier. Route B takes the express cable car up and the main cable car down, suitable for visitors with good physical fitness. Route C uses the express cable car for both directions and requires hiking throughout. 3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: General admission is CNY 118 per person, including access to the Grand Canyon and the Glass Bridge. Discounted tickets are CNY 60 per person for eligible groups (such as seniors, children, and students). Seniors over 70, active military personnel, and people with disabilities enjoy free admission but need to purchase insurance. ⌚️ Itinerary Three Days and Two Nights • Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie and check in to your hotel in the city. In the evening, visit 72 Qi Lou, experience the Tujia “smashing bowl” wine tradition, watch the intangible cultural heritage performance of “iron flower striking,” and enjoy the lively night scene. • Day 2: Visit Tianmen Mountain, take the world's longest cable car through the sea of clouds, walk the glass walkway for a thrilling experience, and wait for the “Tianmen fog” at Tianmen Cave in the evening. • Day 3: Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, take photos of the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountains” from the Enchanting Terrace in Yuanjiajie, stroll along the Golden Whip Stream and encounter monkeys, and finally take the Bailong Elevator to the top of the mountain. Five Days and Four Nights • Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie, check in to your hotel, and savor local specialties such as “Sanxia Guo.” • Day 2: Explore Tianmen Mountain, experience the cable car and glass walkway, and visit Tianmen Cave and the Ghost Valley Plank Road. • Day 3: Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, including Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain. Enjoy the sunset at Tianzi Mountain in the evening. • Day 4: Stroll along the Golden Whip Stream in the morning and visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in the afternoon to challenge yourself with high-altitude activities. • Day 5: Visit Baofeng Lake, enjoy a boat tour, listen to Tujia folk songs, and return in the afternoon. 🚗 Transportation • External Transportation: You can fly directly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, or take a regular train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station. • Internal Transportation: Free shuttle buses are available within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Bailong Elevator costs CNY 72 for a one-way trip. Tianzi Mountain Cable Car costs CNY 72 for a one-way trip. Huangshi Village Cable Car costs CNY 65 for a one-way trip. Yangjiajie Cable Car costs CNY 76 for a one-way trip. The Ten-Mile Gallery Mini Train costs CNY 38 for a one-way trip. For self-driving tourists, navigate to “Wulingyuan Wujiayu Ticket Station.” You will need to transfer to a shuttle bus inside the park. 😋 Food Recommendations 1. Sanxia Guo: A stew of cured meat, large intestines, and beef tripe, offering a spicy and sour flavor. Hu Shifu Sanxia Guo is recommended. 2. Artemisia Cake: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a unique fragrance. Available at street vendors. 3. Braised Cured Meat with Collybia Albuminosa: A Tujia specialty, featuring savory cured meat and delicious mushrooms. 4. Cold Noodles with Pig's Brain: Smooth and refreshing, with mountain pepper oil adding a unique flavor. 📷 Photography Tips 1. Clothing: Wear bright colors on sunny days for better photos. Choose a white dress on foggy days for a soft light effect. 2. Timing: Capture the sea of clouds between 7:00 and 9:00 am. The light is soft after 4:00 pm, making it easier to capture the Tyndall effect. 3. Equipment: Bring a reflector, as the lighting in the canyon can be complex. It can be used to fill in light when taking portraits. A wide-angle lens is also recommended to capture the magnificent scenery of Zhangjiajie. ❤️ Helpful Reminders 1. Book Tianmen Mountain Route A tickets 3 days in advance, as queues can be long during peak season. 2. Bring rain gear and shoe covers, as the weather on the mountaintop can be unpredictable. 3. Wear non-slip and comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking on potentially slippery stone paths. 4. Do not tease wild monkeys on the mountain to avoid being scratched. 5. Zhangjiajie is a multi-ethnic region. Respect the customs of ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Tujia people. Zhangjiajie · Hunan