Zhangjiajie is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, including strange-shaped sandstone pillars, lush valleys, seas of cloud, and extensive limestone caves. Known for its dramatic landscapes, it is one of the must-visit destinations in China. Most of Zhangjiajie’s top attractions are within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, featuring towering mesas, dense forests, and deep ravines. The famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge are key highlights that attract visitors from around the world. To fully explore these wonders, it typically takes 3–4 days.

1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located about 40 minutes north of downtown Zhangjiajie, is China’s first national forest park, established in 1982. It is world-famous for its “Avatar” movie inspiration due to the towering sandstone pillars that seem to float above the ground. The park is home to five primary tourist areas: Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Huangshi Village, and Golden Whip Stream, each offering unique landscapes and outdoor activities.

Key Highlights:

• Hallelujah Mountain’s Viewpoint: This is one of the most iconic views in Zhangjiajie, offering stunning vistas of the towering sandstone formations.
• Bailong Elevator: The world’s largest and tallest glass elevator, standing at 326 meters (1,070 feet), provides quick access to the top of the cliffs and is one of the park’s engineering marvels. It is often a popular attraction for visitors seeking a thrilling ride.
• Golden Whip Stream: A beautiful, peaceful walk along a clear stream surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops.
• Yuanjiajie: Home to the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountains and the breathtaking views that inspired the movie’s floating mountains.

2. Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain, often referred to as the “soul” of Zhangjiajie, stands at 1,519 meters (4,983 feet), making it the highest peak in the region. It is one of the most famous attractions, drawing tourists for both its natural beauty and adventurous experiences. It’s located to the south of Zhangjiajie city and features dramatic cliffside views and thrilling paths that give visitors an adrenaline rush.

Key Highlights:

• Tianmen Mountain Cableway: This is the world’s longest cableway, covering a distance of 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles), offering panoramic views of the mountain’s stunning landscapes as it ascends to the summit.
• 99 Bends: A winding mountain road with 99 hairpin turns leading to the summit, offering an exhilarating drive or walk, depending on the mode of transportation.
• Cliff-Hanging Walkway: A transparent walkway that stretches along the side of the cliff, providing heart-pounding views of the deep valleys and mountain ranges below.
• Glass Sky Walk: Another thrilling experience, this glass platform allows visitors to walk out over the edge of the cliff and look down to the valley far below.
• Tianmen Cave: A naturally formed archway through the mountain, standing at 131 meters (430 feet) high, offering a mystical and beautiful experience.

3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – World’s Longest and Highest Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is one of the most popular and awe-inspiring attractions in the area. The bridge spans across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, connecting two steep cliffs. With a total length of 430 meters (1,411 feet) and a height of 300 meters (984 feet) above the valley floor, it holds the record as the world’s longest and highest glass-bottom bridge.

Key Features:

• Glass Floor: The transparent floor allows visitors to look down and see the breathtaking drop below, adding an extra thrill to the experience.
• Panoramic Views: The bridge offers a magnificent view of the canyon, surrounding mountains, and the lush greenery of the region.
• Adventurous Activities: For thrill-seekers, the bridge offers activities such as bungee jumping and zip-lining, adding a daring element to the visit.

4. Baofeng Lake – A Place to Enjoy Some Leisurely Time

Baofeng Lake is another highlight in Zhangjiajie that provides visitors with a peaceful and relaxing escape. Surrounded by steep mountain cliffs, Baofeng Lake is a tranquil, jade-green body of water fed by runoff from the surrounding peaks. It is a World Natural Heritage site, offering both natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Key Features:

• Majestic Waterfalls: The area surrounding the lake features impressive waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs, adding a serene soundscape to the tranquil surroundings.
• Baofeng Temple: Situated near the lake, this temple adds a cultural touch to the scenic area, allowing visitors to experience the blend of human culture and nature.
• Boat Ride: Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, enjoying the breathtaking surroundings of lush forests, misty waters, and towering mountains.
• Yingwo Stockaded Village: A nearby cultural site where visitors can experience the local life and history.

5. Yellow Dragon Cave – A Huge and Mesmerizing Underworld

Yellow Dragon Cave, another World Natural Heritage site, is one of the largest karst caves in China. It spans 10 hectares (25 acres) and is 7.5 kilometers (4.5 miles) long, with a height of 140 meters (460 feet). The cave is famous for its incredible stalactites, stalagmites, underground streams, and dramatic rock formations.

Key Features:

• Underground Streams: Visitors can explore the cave and marvel at the winding streams that flow through the cave’s depths.
• Fantastic Rocky Shapes: The cave boasts fantastical rock formations that have been naturally sculpted over millions of years.
• Huge Caverns: Some of the cave’s chambers are large enough to fit entire buildings, creating a sense of awe for visitors as they explore its vast interior.

More Zhangjiajie Attractions

In addition to the top five attractions, there are several other places worth visiting in Zhangjiajie:

• Wulingyuan Scenic Areas: A UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring more stunning landscapes and towering sandstone peaks.
• Tianmen Fox Fairy Show: A mesmerizing theatrical performance set against the backdrop of the beautiful Tianmen Mountain.
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Known for its glass bridge, it also offers hiking and exploration opportunities along its scenic routes.
• Fenghuang Ancient Town: A charming ancient town with well-preserved traditional architecture and a rich history.

Recommended Tours of Zhangjiajie

If you’re interested in exploring Zhangjiajie, China Highlights offers customizable tours led by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides who can provide you with in-depth insights into the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Popular Extended Tours:

• Beijing – Xi’an – Zhangjiajie – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai: This extended tour takes you through several of China’s most famous cities, offering a comprehensive exploration of the country’s cultural and natural highlights.
• Beijing – Xi’an – Zhangjiajie – Yangtze River – Shanghai: This tour combines the cultural attractions of Beijing and Xi’an with the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie and a cruise along the Yangtze River.

You can modify these tours to suit your preferences or contact China Highlights for a completely personalized Zhangjiajie experience.