The main areas
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China’s first national forest park. The Golden Whip Stream walk is easy, and a cable car climbs Huangshi Village for pillar views.
Yuanjiajie
The densest cluster of sandstone pillars, reached by the Bailong Elevator.
Tianzi Mountain
Wide views, best for seas of cloud and sunsets, with a cable car up and down.
Tianmen Mountain
A long cable car ride up to glass walkways, the winding mountain road and Tianmen Cave.
Grand Canyon glass bridge
A glass bridge across the canyon; book ahead in peak season.
Huanglong Cave & Baofeng Lake
Good on rainy days: a huge limestone cave and a boat ride on a mountain lake.
How many days, in what order
- 1Day 1Arrive and stay in Wulingyuan. With time to spare, visit Baofeng Lake or Huanglong Cave in the afternoon.
- 2Day 2Enter the forest park: walk the Golden Whip Stream, then take the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie.
- 3Day 3Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie for pillars and clouds, then back to the city in the afternoon.
- 4Day 4Tianmen Mountain: cable car up, the glass walkway, then the mountain road to Tianmen Cave.
With only two days, spend one on the forest park and Yuanjiajie and one on Tianmen Mountain. Fenghuang is an easy high-speed train ride away if you want to continue there.
Tickets and reservations
Wulingyuan core-area tickets are usually valid for several days, with the park shuttle buses included; the Bailong Elevator and cable cars are paid separately. Tianmen Mountain and the Grand Canyon glass bridge may require advance booking in peak season, and all tickets are bought with your passport.
Prices, validity and booking rules change, so check the official channels. Our attraction pages list opening hours and other facts gathered from public pages, with the source and date collected.
Where to stay
- Wulingyuan
- Closest to the forest park, Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain — stay here for your Wulingyuan days.
- Zhangjiajie city
- Near Tianmen Mountain and the railway station — good for arrival, departure and your Tianmen day.
Tips for your visit
- Lots of steps: wear comfortable shoes with good grip
- It’s cooler up top; bring a jacket on rainy days and early mornings
- Go in early — fewer people and a better chance of clouds
- Macaques live in the forest park: don’t feed them and keep food away
- Queues are long on holidays, so avoid them if you can
Questions
What is the link with the film Avatar?
The film’s floating mountains were inspired by Zhangjiajie’s pillars, and a Yuanjiajie pillar was later named “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”.
Is it suitable for older travellers and children?
Yes. The Bailong Elevator and cable cars save a lot of climbing, and the Golden Whip Stream path is gentle. We plan each day’s walking to suit your group.
Is it worth going in the rain?
Yes — mist after rain often makes the views even better. In heavy rain we switch to indoor sights such as Huanglong Cave.
How do I get there from Changsha?
High-speed rail is easiest; see our Changsha to Zhangjiajie guide.
Sources and verificationOpening hours, prices and booking rules change. We confirm them for your exact dates before you pay anything.