Every year during the Spring Festival, there are always people struggling: the holiday is short, they don’t want to stay at home, and they want to find a place to change their mood. Is there a place where you can not only feel the strong flavor of the New Year, but also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains and the sea of clouds? The answer is-Zhangjiajie, Hunan.
张家界雪后雾凇
张家界雪后雾凇
张家界武陵源雪景
1: Why is the Spring Festival a great time to visit Zhangjiajie?
Reason 1: Good atmosphere, good affordability–A New Year holiday in a clean landscape
Although the Spring Festival is a small peak season in Zhangjiajie, it is very different from the crowded scenes of golden weeks such as National Day and May Day. There is no shoulder-to-shoulder crowding here, only the air that is as fresh as if it can be packed away, and the clear green mountains and clear water that are washed by rain. Walking among the snow-covered peaks and forests, you will feel a kind of tranquility and transparency of the unity of heaven, earth and man-the mind is cleansed by nature, and the footsteps become light and calm. More importantly, compared with the peak summer season, the cost of accommodation and transportation during the Spring Festival is still relatively reasonable and cost-effective.
Reason two: Good mountains and good water do not hibernate-a picture of vitality in ice and snow
“Green” is the eternal theme of Zhangjiajie. Even in winter, this land never sleeps. Thanks to the humid subtropical monsoon climate, Zhangjiajie has little rain and sunny weather in winter. The average daily temperature is often between 0-5°C. Although the somatosensory feeling is not biting, it is very suitable for travel. Every year from mid-to-late November to early March of the following year, it is the season when the snowfall is most frequent. After a heavy snowfall, Sanqianshi Peak was wrapped in silver, the jade trees were facing the wind, and the rime was crystal clear, while the pine and cypress and evergreen shrubs in the mountains still showed a little green-ice, snow and green are intertwined, like a flowing ink painting. Danqing. If you are lucky enough, you can still encounter the magnificent snow scenery of “thousands of peaks and thousands of pear blossoms”. At that moment, all the hard work is worth it.
Reason three: Nature + New Year customs–An immersive experience of the Tujia culture of ‘catching up with the New Year”
Coming to Zhangjiajie during the Spring Festival is not only to see the scenery, but also an in-depth cultural journey. The local Tujia people’s Spring Festival is called ‘catching up with the New Year”. It is usually celebrated one day earlier than the Han people. The taste of the New Year is rich and unique. From playing ciba on the 28th of the twelfth lunar month and washing pigs’ heads on the 29th, to sacrificing ancestors on New Year’s Eve, keeping the New Year, setting off firecrackers, to wearing new clothes on the first day of the New Year, eating “round eggs” (round eggs), worshiping elders, making lanterns on the 15th of the first lunar month…Every link is full of ceremony.
During the Spring Festival, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Tujia intangible cultural heritage performances known as the “living fossil”: the quaint singing of Yang Opera, the cheerful dance steps of lanterns, the warm jubilation of dragon lanterns, the rhythm of the three-stick drum, and the melodious and graceful Sangzhi folk songs. These living cultural elements make Zhangjiajie’s Spring Festival not only a visual feast, but also a sumptuous “cultural New Year’s Eve Dinner”.
Every year, a large number of tourists from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Southeast Asia make special trips to Zhangjiajie to “celebrate the Chinese New Year on the spot”. It is precisely because of this unique New Year flavor that intertwines nature and humanities.
Two: What kind of surprises are there in Zhangjiajie in winter?
✅The snowy peak Forest is comparable to an Alpine wonderland
. From Yuanjiajie in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to Tianzi Mountain, strange peaks and strange stones are covered with snowflakes, and the mountains are filled with mist, like dreams. The mystery of the ‘Avatar Suspended mountain’ is particularly shocking in winter.
张家界雪景美
张家界雪景美
张家界雪中天子山
✅Fresh air, quiet landscape
, less rain and sunny in winter, the air is particularly transparent. Take a walk along the Golden Whip Stream, listen to the murmur of the stream, and watch the ice shining on the stone wall. The whole person is “purified” by nature.
✅ Tujia customs, strong human
touch During the Spring Festival, local villages and towns will hold dragon dances, playing ciba, singing lantern shows and other activities.
Three: 3 days and 2 nights essence itinerary recommendation
This itinerary focuses on the two core scenic spots of Zhangjiajie:Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan) and Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. It is the best choice for a 3-day holiday.
Itinerary summary：
| day | monrning | afternoon |
| D1 | [Zhangjiajie National Forest Park] Stroll along Golden Whip Stream: Admire Golden Whip Rock, the Master and Disciple Seeking the Scriptures, and the Thousand-Mile Reunion. | Hike the winding slopes or take the Bailong Elevator to reach Yuanjiajie: Explore the Back Garden, the Enchanted Terrace, the “Avatar”-like floating mountains, and the First Bridge Under Heaven. |
| D2 | [Zhangjiajie National Forest Park] Visit Yangjiajie: Wulongzhai, Tianbo Mansion. Then go to Tianzi Mountain: Helong Park, Yubifeng, Fairy Scattered Flowers. | Take the cable car or hike down to the Ten-Mile Gallery: Admire scenic views such as the Longevity Star Welcoming Guests, the Elder Gathering Medicinal Herbs, and the Three Sisters. |
| D3 | [Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park] Take the world’s longest sightseeing cableway up the mountain-challenge the glass Plank Road-to visit the Ghost Valley Plank Road, Xiaotianmen, and Tianmen Cave（Heaven’s Gate Cave） | The cableway goes down the mountain and ends the happy journey to Zhangjiajie. |
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the forest Park· meeting Qifeng in the snow for the first time
Morning: Upon entering Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, stroll along Jinbian Stream to behold snow-covered valleys and towering ancient trees. Along the way, admire natural rock formations such as Guanyin Sending Her Son, Jinbian Rock, and Master and Disciple Obtaining the Scriptures.
Afternoon: Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie, where you can visit the real-life inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar—the Hallmark Pillar, the Enchanted Terrace, and the First Bridge Under Heaven. If you have the stamina, hike up the Chaotic Slope to the summit and experience the wild charm of the snow-covered trail.
Overnight: A specialty inn near Tianzishan (including dinner), keep warm around the stove, and taste Tujia bacon and sour fish soup.
Day 2: Climb High and Look far away · The end of Shili Gallery
Morning: Visit [Yangjiajie] to see the steepness of Wulongzhai and the majestic Tianbo Mansion; then climb [Tianzi Mountain] to see Yubi Peak, Fairy Scattered Flowers, and Xihai Peak. Lin Yunhai surges.
Afternoon: Take the Tianzi Mountain cableway or walk down Wolongling Mountain, enter the [Shili Gallery], and take a small train to shuttle between the pictographic peaks such as the birthday star Yingbin and the medicine-collecting elderly.
Overnight: A hotel in Zhangjiajie City (including breakfast and lunch), which is convenient to go to Tianmen Mountain the next day.
Day 3: Challenge Tianmen · It’s a big year above the clouds
Full day: Take a dip in [Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park]
Take the world’s longest mountain cableway to the top of the mountain；
Check-in at Tianmen Cave（（Heaven’s Gate Cave））
Take the thrilling [Glass Plank Road] and walk through [Ghost Valley Plank Road]；
Visit Li Na’s Villa and Tianmenshan Temple, overlooking the 99th Road bend “Tongtian Avenue”；
If you encounter snow and foggy weather, you have a better chance to encounter the wonders of rime!
Afternoon: End of the trip
Four: Practical questions
Question: Do you want to avoid these pits when you go to Zhangjiajie during the Spring Festival?
Answer: Make preparations at 3 o’clock in advance to easily avoid pits and not step on thunder.
- Accommodation: There are fewer hotels/guesthouses open during the Spring Festival, and prices will rise. It is recommended to book at least in advance and give priority to regular accommodation with stable evaluation.
- Transportation: Transportation between scenic spots is not affected by the Spring Festival. You can purchase tickets in advance or go by car to avoid the inconvenience of temporary ticket purchases.
- Safety: In case of snowfall, some sections of the scenic area may be slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and do not deviate from the tour route without authorization. Follow the guidance of the staff.
Question: How should I wear it to Zhangjiajie during the Spring Festival?
Answer: Warmth + non-slip are the key, so prepare according to “layered wear”.
- Core clothing: down jacket (the first choice for warmth), soft and moisture-absorbent underwear (breathable and not sweaty), plus velvet pants / thick leggings.
- Essential small pieces: hats, scarves, masks, earmuffs, gloves (to withstand low temperatures around zero degrees).
- Shoes: Choose non-slip and wear-resistant snow boots or sports shoes to avoid slipping due to icy roads.
Conclusion
Under the snow peaks of Zhangjiajie, have a different Chinese year
Zhangjiajie during the Spring Festival has both the visual shock of an ice and snow wonderland and the warmth of Tujia Huotang. It is not noisy, not impetuous, and only welcomes every traveler from afar with the most authentic landscapes and folklore.
This New Year, instead of swiping your mobile phone at home, it’s better to carry your bag on your back, walk into the arms of Sanqianqifeng, and make your own New Year wish above the sea of clouds and between the snow-capped mountains.
The mountains are covered with snow, and the taste of the New Year is strong-Zhangjiajie, waiting for you to come for the New Year!
Don’t hesitate, contact our travel consultant!
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