Have you ever been amazed by the “Hallelujah Mountain” suspended in the clouds in ‘Avatar’? The dreamlike Qifeng Yunhai actually exists in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China.
In 2026, do you want to go to Zhangjiajie to see the real “Avatar World”? This natural wonder, known for its “three thousand strange peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters“, is not only a world natural heritage site and a national 5A scenic spot, but also a ”secret landscape’ in the hearts of countless hiking enthusiasts, photographers and parent-child families.
But how to avoid the rush of people? When is the best weather to go? Which attractions are not to be missed? How to buy the most cost-effective tickets? Is it more worry-free to travel freely or follow the group?
1. Overview of scenic spots
Zhangjiajie, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, is famous for its magnificent landscape of “three thousand strange peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters”. This is not only a masterpiece of nature’s ingenuity, but also a fantasy place where movies and reality are intertwined.
In 2009, the Hollywood science fiction masterpiece ‘Avatar’ swept the world, and the ‘Hallelujah Mountain’ suspended in the clouds in the film was fascinating. What is little known is that the inspiration for this dream scene is derived from Zhangjiajie’s unique quartz sandstone peak forest landscape. The prototype in the movie is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest Park, located in the southwest of Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, with a total area of 48.1 square kilometers.
Since it was included in the ‘World Natural Heritage List’ in 1992, it was awarded a global geopark in 2003, became one of the first national 5A-level tourist attractions in 2007, and then selected as the ‘Top Ten Favorite vacation Areas for Inbound Tourists” in 2024, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has always shone on the world tourism stage, and it is well deserved.The core landmark.
Nowadays, Zhangjiajie has formed a diversified and integrated tourism pattern: the unique Tianmen Mountain, the primitive and mysterious National Forest Park, the thrilling glass bridge of the Grand Canyon, and the ancient ancient city of Phoenix together form a picture of the blend of landscape and humanities. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a photographer, a parent-child family, or a cultural explorer, you can find your own travel answer here.
2. Weather and best travel time
Zhangjiajie’s perennial temperature and travel recommendations (based on historical climate data)
Zhangjiajie has a humid subtropical mountain monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, large temperature differences between day and night in the mountains, and frequent weather changes. The following is an overview of the monthly temperatures and travel recommendations for travel in 2026.：
| 月份 | 白天平均气温 / 夜间平均气温 | 天气特点 | 穿衣与出行建议 |
| January | 10℃ ~ 12℃ / 2℃ ~ 4℃( Chinese temperature) | During the coldest period of winter, dryness alternates with wet and cold, and there is occasional frost or rain and snow in mountainous areas. | It is recommended to wear a down jacket or thick jacket with thermal underwear; prepare a windproof and waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes when climbing Tianmen Mountain or forest Park. |
| February–March | 12℃ ~ 20℃ / 5℃ ~ 10℃( Chinese temperature) | The temperature has picked up, the spring cold is expected to be cold, the spring rain is increasing, and the clouds and fog are frequent. | It is recommended to wear ”onion-style’ clothes (multi-layer wear), bring a lightweight raincoat or waterproof windbreaker, and pay attention to moisture-proof and warmth. |
| April–May | 18℃ ~ 25℃ / 12℃ ~ 16℃( Chinese temperature) | Spring flowers bloom, the climate is pleasant, the vegetation is lush, and the sea of clouds is common. | Mainly spring clothes (long-sleeved T-shirts, thin jackets), windbreakers can be added in the morning and evening when it is slightly cool, suitable for photography and hiking |
| June–August | 28℃ ~ 32℃ / 20℃ ~ 24℃( Chinese temperature) | High temperature and humidity in summer, thunderstorms in the afternoon, and high humidity | Breathable quick-drying clothes, sunscreen clothes, wear sun hats, and mosquito repellent supplies; carry rain gear with you to avoid mountaineering during thunderstorms |
| September–October | 22℃ ~ 28℃ / 14℃ ~ 18℃( Chinese temperature) | Autumn is high and dry, with high visibility and full of forests, making it the best tourist season | Wear short-sleeved or thin long-sleeved sleeves during the day, and add a windproof jacket or light down in the morning and evening, suitable for photography, mountaineering and outdoor activities |
| November–December | 15℃ ~ 20℃ / 0℃ ~ 5℃ | The early winter is cold, with occasional snowfall, and rime or ice may appear on the top of the mountain | It is recommended to wear thick down jackets, thermal underwear, scarves, and gloves; note that the cableway or plank road may be temporarily closed, and pay attention to the scenic area announcement before traveling. |
Best travel time
Zhangjiajie’s four seasons have their own characteristics, and choosing the right season can give you a better experience.
- Spring (April-May): Everything is restored, and the mountains and flowers are blooming. At this time, the climate is pleasant, which is a good choice to avoid the summer crowds.
- Summer (June-August): The temperature in the mountains is cool, which is a good place to escape the summer. However, it should be noted that there may be heavy fog during the rainy season, which affects the viewing and there are more tourists.
- Autumn (September-November): The weather is clear and the air is transparent. It is the best season to see the Zhangjiajie Peak Forest. At this time, it is also a time when the flow of people is moderate and the scenery is the most beautiful.
- Winter (December-February of the following year): The temperature is low, but if it snows, Zhangjiajie will become a fairy tale world wrapped in silver, which is suffocatingly beautiful. However, some scenic spots may be temporarily closed due to weather.
✅ It is recommended to avoid peak holidays such as National Day and May Day, and choose weekdays to travel more comfortably.
3. Main attractions and tickets (2026 reference)
Tickets to major attractions
| 景点 | 门票 | 温馨提示 |
| Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | 228 yuan (valid for 4 days) | Including environmentally friendly cars, half price for students/the elderly, must-visit Yuanjiajie (Avatar filming location), Golden Whip Creek, Tianzi Mountain |
| Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park | 278 yuan (including cableway) | Divided into A/B/C lines, it is recommended to choose an early shift ticket for Line A, and make an appointment 3 days in advance |
| Grand Canyon Glass Bridge | 219 yuan (all B-line included) | The world’s tallest glass bridge, those who are afraid of heights should enter with caution |
| Huanglong Cave | 100 yuan | Asia’s largest cave, explore by boat in the underground dark river |
| Phoenix Ancient City | Free entry to the city | The night view is beautiful, and the ticket for small attractions is about 128 yuan |
Zhangjiajie Forest Park includes the following scenic spots (tourists can pass through all the above areas (including Tianzi Mountain) by purchasing a ticket to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (228 yuan, valid for 4 days), without repeated ticket purchases)
───Yuan Jiajie (Avatar Suspended Mountain Prototype)
───Golden Whip Creek (Essence of Hiking)
───Huangshizhai (the earliest development area)
───Yang Jiajie (steep and strange Peaks)
───Tianzi Mountain (the king of peaks and forests, the sea of clouds is excellent)
───Suoxiyu (waterscape and Transportation Hub)
Main attractions and features
| Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area) | The country’s first forest park, including Yuanjiajie (the prototype of the suspended mountain in “Avatar”), Jinjiaoxi (the essence of hiking viewing), Huangshizhai, Yangjiajie and so on. There are many strange peaks, a sea of clouds, and dense vegetation, and the natural landscape is shocking. You can take the Bailong ladder to go up the mountain quickly to save energy. | 2-3 days (it is recommended to visit Jinjiaoxi + Yuanjiajie on the first day; climb Tianzi Mountain or Yangjiajie on the second day) |
| Tianzishan Nature Reserve | Known as the ”King of Peaks and Forests’, he has a wide field of vision and can see thousands of stone peaks standing like swords. Famous attractions include ‘Fairy offering flowers”, ”Yubi Peak“ and ”Xihai Peak Forest’. It is recommended to take the cableway up and down to save effort and avoid peak traffic. It is easy to see the wonders of the sea of clouds in the early morning. | Half a day to 1 day (can travel with Yuan Jiajie) |
| Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon + Yuntiandu Glass Bridge | The world’s tallest and longest high-altitude glass bridge (536 meters long and 300 meters high) is thrilling and visually impactful. The waterfalls in the canyon fly and the streams are clear, combining danger, beauty and wonder. Suitable for challenging yourself and punching in photography. | Half a day (it is recommended to go in the morning, the light is good and there are relatively few people) |
| Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park | It has the world’s longest alpine passenger cableway (7.5 kilometers), 99 curved Tongtian Road, Tianmen Cave, Ghost Valley Plank road and cliff glass plank Road. Experiencing the ”mountain-traversing escalator“ and ‘volley walk”, as if walking in the clouds, is one of Zhangjiajie’s iconic scenic spots. | 1 day (it is recommended to choose an early shift ticket on Line A to avoid the flow of people) |
| Baofenghu, Suoxiyu, Shili Gallery | Baofeng Lake is a “landscape gallery” with turquoise water and picturesque reflections. It can be visited by boat; The Shili Gallery is built along the stream, with peaks and mountains, which is suitable for easy hiking or taking a sightseeing train; Suoxiyu is a hub area leading to many scenic spots, with primitive natural ecology. | About 2-3 hours each (can be combined in the forest park itinerary) |
| Huanglong Cave | Known as the ”Underground Magic Palace’, it is one of the largest caves in Asia. The stalactites in the cave are colorful, with colorful lights, and you can also take a boat through the underground dark river. It is cool and pleasant. It is an ideal summer retreat during rainy or hot seasons. | 2-3 hours (suitable for half-day leisure tour) |
4. Recommended number of days to play
- Day 1: Day trip to Tianmen Mountain
- Day 2:Zhangjiajie Forest Park Two-day tour
- 3 days: Tianmen Mountain + Forest Park Essence Tour
- 4 days: add glass bridge or Huanglong Cave
- 5 days: including the Ancient City of Phoenix, in-depth slow tour
5. Recommended itinerary arrangements
The following are several recommended trips of different lengths. You can refer to them and adjust them according to your time, physical strength, and interests.
Itinerary plan A: Short-term tour (3 days and 2 nights)
Suitable for an itinerary that is running out of time, but I hope to see the essence all over.
| 天数 | 安排 |
| D1 day | Arrive in Zhangjiajie→ Stay at the hotel → Visit Zhangjiajie City or Tujia Style Garden for a relaxing activity in the afternoon → See local folklore, night markets, etc. in the evening |
| D2 | Wulingyuan National Forest Park: Go to Yuanjiajie early in the morning to take pictures of Yunhai → visit Jinjiaoxi in the afternoon → return to the hotel to rest in the evening |
| D3 | Tianmen Mountain: Cableway up the mountain → Visit Tianmen Cave + Escalator + Peak Plank Road → If you have plenty of time, go to the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge at noon or afternoon (depending on the distance and traffic time) → return and leave Zhangjiajie |
Itinerary plan B: Standard Tour (4 days and 3 nights)
A little longer, it can be more in-depth and more casual.
| 天数 | 安排 |
| D1 | Arrival → Easy activities in the urban area, adapt to the climate, the mountains are very different from the urban area, and you need to rest |
| D2 | In-depth tour of Wulingyuan: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain + Helong Park, etc. → Watch the sunset or the sea of clouds in the evening |
| D3 | Jinjiaoxi + Baofenghu + Suoxiyu or Shili Gallery → Slow down, enjoy nature and take pictures |
| D4 | Tianmen Mountain Panoramic Line (including cableway + Plank Road + Tianmen Cave) + Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Project →Leave Zhangjiajie in the evening or go to the next destination |
Itinerary plan C: In-depth tour (5-6 days or more)
If you love hiking, photography, nature and culture, you can arrange a more in-depth itinerary.
- Join Yangjiajie,Huangshizhaiand other places with fewer tourists and good views in Wulingyuan.
- Join Huanglong Cave + local villages, cultural and folk customs experience (such as Tujia and Miao customs)
- If time permits, it can be expanded to cultural landmarks in western Hunan such as Phoenix Ancient City and Furong Town.
- Arrange a rest day so that you don’t have to rush to move between scenic spots and have more time to deal with weather changes (rain, fog, etc.).
6. Transportation and accommodation recommendations
- Transportation: Zhangjiajie Airport (Zhangjiajie Lotus Airport), and high-speed rail /train arrive in the city or Wulingyuan. There are often environmentally friendly car / ferry / cableway connections in scenic spots. Plan the time and reserve the traffic interval.
- Accommodation: It is best to live in Wulingyuan or on the edge of scenic spots, so that you can save time by getting up early to see the sea of clouds and the sky. Accommodation on the mountains in some scenic spots may be simple and need to be booked in advance, especially during holidays such as Golden Week.
- Diet: The local Hunan cuisine is mainly spicy and has a heavy taste. If you are not used to it, you can prepare or choose other restaurants in advance; there are relatively few choices of restaurants in mountainous areas, and the prices may be higher than in urban areas.
- equipment：
- Non-slip hiking shoes or hiking shoes
- Rain gear (folding umbrella/lightweight raincoat)
- Layered clothing (large temperature difference between morning and evening)
- Sun protection products: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Photographic equipment + spare battery/memory card (there are many views)
- Spare change, identification, health supplies (such as mosquito repellent, band-aids, etc.)
7. Precautions & tips
- During the rainy season (June-August), pay attention to the sudden increase in rain, which may be at risk of flash floods or road slides. Check the weather forecast before the tour.
- Book tickets + cableways and other popular items online in advance to save queuing time and risk.
- Whether to purchase a full set of tickets vs itemized tickets, you have to compare the prices to see which transportation or items will be used in your itinerary.
- Avoid peak holidays (National Day, Labor Day, Spring Festival, etc.), when there are many people + airfares, transportation, and accommodation generally rise during these periods.
- Maintain physical strength: There are many items to “walk” in Wulingyuan, so prepare your physical strength. Don’t line up too many in a day, especially if there are frail or elderly children traveling with you.
- Respect the local ethnic culture, the local Tujia and Miao ethnic groups have strong customs, and interact politely.
end
Zhangjiajie is a landscape wonderland that needs to be measured with footsteps and inspired by heart. From the shock of the suspended mountain in ‘Avatar’ to the magnificence of the Tianmen Cave passing through the clouds, from the gurgling water of the golden Whip Stream to the dim lights of the ancient City of Phoenix, every inch of land here is full of the ingenuity of nature and the thousand-year precipitation of humanities.
In 2026, whether you are setting foot on this land for the first time or returning to your hometown, as long as you master the weather rules in advance, plan your itinerary rationally, and avoid common traps, you can have a relaxing, worry-free and unforgettable journey.
I hope this strategy will become the most reliable “travel tips” for you before you set off-from when to go to the most beautiful, to which attractions you must check in; from how to buy the most cost-effective tickets to how not to take a detour every day, we will sort it out for you one by one. Clear.
Now, just pack your bags, take this strategy, and walk into the depths of the clouds and mist of Zhangjiajie to experience the beautiful artistic conception of “people swimming in painting”!
If you want to continue to explore more attractive places, our team of professional travel consultants can serve you. The consultants are familiar with the attractions, terroir and popular routes in various regions of the mainland, and can tailor exclusive trips according to your preferences, budget and time, so that the journey is full of surprises.
Don’t hesitate, contact our travel consultant!
