In late December, Zhangjiajie + Phoenix Ancient City travel guide: The snow scenery is beautiful, the cost is high, and the guide to avoiding pits is complete!

1. Core question: Is it appropriate to go to Zhangjiajie in late December?

Answer: Very suitable! It is a prime time to enjoy the snow on the wrong peak and save money and worry.

• The probability of snow is high: December is a high-frequency period of snowfall in Zhangjiajie. Thousands of peaks and pillars are covered with snow, rime is covered with branches, and the quartz sandstone peak forest still reveals greenness in the ice and snow, like a realistic version of the “ice and snow fairy tale”-this kind of spectacle is only this season of the year.
• Ultra-cost-effective：
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park implements off-season fare:138 yuan/4 days (including environmentally friendly vehicles), which is equivalent to half the price；
• Although there are no discounts in scenic spots such as Tianmen Mountain, there are few people who don’t line up, and the experience is full.；
• Accommodation prices have fallen to an annual trough: 50-150 yuan/bed for youth hostels in urbanareas, and 150-300 yuan/night for comfortable B&bs near the Sign Gate of Wulingyuan .
• The climate is pleasant: the average temperature is -1°C to 13°C, there is little rainfall and the air is dry. Although it is cold, it is not wet or cold. As long as you wear the right clothes, you can play with peace of mind.

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2. Key questions: Will the mountains be closed in winter?

Answer: The mountain will not be closed! The core scenic spots are open all year round and are only partially controlled in extreme weather.

• The main attractions will operate as usual: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake, etc. are all open normally.；
• Transportation facilities are non-stop: Bailong Ladder, Tianzi Mountain cableway, environmental protection vehicle, Tianmen Mountain cableway, etc. are all in operation.；
• Temporary control instructions: In case of heavy snowfall, individual hiking sections (such as scurrying slopes) may be closed for a short time, but the scenic spots will be guided in time. It is recommended to take the cableway or elevator up and down the mountain first,which will not affect the overall itinerary.

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3. Itinerary planning: 4 days of fun in Zhangjiajie + Phoenix Ancient City, how to arrange the most reasonable?

The answer is suggested:the rhythmis first the mountains and then the water, first moving and then quiet, taking into account the natural wonders and the slow life of the humanities.

Day 1: First experience of Tianmen Mountain · Yunxue Realm

• Morning: Choose  Line B (cableway up the mountain + car down the mountain), take the world’s longest mountain cableway through the sea of clouds, and overlook the mountains in the snow. The shock is doubled.；
• Afternoon: Check in to the glass Plank Road (free collection of shoe covers in scenic spots), Tianmen Cave, Ghost Valley Plank Road；
• Tip: Start going down the mountain before 16:30, wear non-slip shoes or prepare simple crampons to avoid slippage on icy roads.

Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park · Xuefeng Rime Essence Tour

• Morning: Enter the park from the sign gate→ Take an environmentally friendly car directly to Yuanjiajie→ check in to ‘Qiankun Pillar” (the prototype of ‘Avatar’), the first bridge in the world；
• Afternoon: Go to Tianzi Mountain to see Yubi Peak and Helong Park, and admire the rime-covered West Sea Peak Forest; in the evening, take a light hike along the Golden Whip Creek to feel the tranquility of the winter canyon.；
• Skill: Give priority to the western front (Yuanjiajie→Tianzishan), with better scenery, and rely on environmentally friendly vehicles to connect the whole journey, saving effort and not going back.

Day 3: Huanglong Cave Exploration + Transition to the Ancient City of Phoenix

• Morning: Visit Huanglong Cave with a constant temperature of 16°C(tickets are about 121 yuan), avoid the cold outdoors, and immerse yourself in the stalactite ‘underground palace”；
• Afternoon: Take a regular tourist bus or carpool (3-4 hours by car) to PhoenixAncient City and stay at Tuojiang B&B (non-riverside rooms are more affordable)；
• Evening: Take a night tour of the ancient city, watch the lights of the hanging foot Tower reflect the Tuojiang River, stroll through the Bluestone Board Street, and feel the night rhyme of the border city written by Shen Congwen.

Day 4: Fenghuang or Phoenix Ancicent city+ Return Trip

• Early morning: Take advantage of the tourists before they arrive, enjoy the quiet ancient city-walk the rock and climb the Hongqiao Wind and Rain Tower to overlook the panoramic view；
• Morning: Experience the official Tuojiang River rafting (about 50 yuan/person) and take a group of ink-style blockbusters；
• Noon: Taste Miaojia sour fish soup, buy some ginger candy and bacon as souvenirs, and then return.

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4. Essential tips for winter travel & Pit avoidance guide

Outfit recommendation

• Three-layer dressing method: thermal underwear + fleece/sweater + windproof down jacket；
• Accessories can not be less: hats, scarves, gloves, warm baby；
• Shoes: Choose non-slip plus velvet sports shoes or lightweight snow boots toavoid heavy cotton boots(which affect the flexibility of mountaineering).

Traffic avoidance

• Refuse “black cars” and ‘low-cost groups’: Don’t believe soliciting passengers at airports/stations；
• Intercity transportation: Zhangjiajie→Phoenix choose a regular bus or platform carpool, safe and secure；
• Prepare some snacks + pillows: The mountain road is long, and comfort is very important.

Documents and tickets

• Mainland tourists: Use your ID card to book tickets in advance through the “Zhangjiajie Tourism Group” official account；
• Compatriotsin Hong Kong and Macao: You can only hold a pass for Hong Kong and Macao residents to and from the mainland. The scenic area supports traditional Chinese communication and the process is smooth.

Safety reminder

• Monkey infested areas(such as Golden Whip Creek): Do not expose food, do not tease；
• Take pictures of iceand snow: stand firm and hold firm, give priority to the open observation deck, safety first.

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5. Additional questions: Is it worth going to the Ancient City of Phoenix in late December?

Answer: It’s well worth it! This is the most beautiful appearance of Phoenix, and it is even more stunning when encountering snow.

Advantage: There are few tourists, and there is no need to crowd. You can quietly feel the original charm of the morning mist of the Tuojiang River and the reflection of the hanging foot Tower; if it coincides with snowfall, the snow covers the green tile hanging foot Tower and the Tuojiang River is covered with mist. The shooting is full of martial arts atmosphere, and the effect of the film is amazing. If you are a martial arts lover, don’t miss it. Remember to watch the weather forecast before you travel.

Ticket friendly: Tickets are free for the ancient city itself, and only small attractions are charged；

Photography recommendation: After 10 o’clock in the morning, there is plenty of light and the fog dissipates. It is the golden time for the film to be released.

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Conclusion: Late December is a good time to set off!

At this time in Zhangjiajie, the snow covered thousands of peaks and the sea of clouds was surging; the ancient city of Phoenix was quiet and picturesque, and the taste of the new Year was beginning to sprout.
There is no hustle and bustle of the peak season, only the unique freshness and poetry of winter;
there is no high cost, but double the beauty and relaxation.

Take this strategy and set off lightly-
between the snow and the water in western Hunan, have a slow-paced winter holiday that belongs to you.

Don’t hesitate, contact our travel consultant!