Golden Whip Stream winds through the deep valleys between the peaks. Its crystal-clear waters flow between banks of ancient, verdant trees, accompanied by the melodious songs of birds. Strolling along its banks feels like stepping into a flowing landscape painting, refreshing the spirit. Ascending Tianmen Mountain, one can overlook the “Heavenly Road” with its ninety-nine twists and turns, coiling like a giant dragon along the sheer cliff face. Walking along the glass walkway suspended a thousand meters above the ground offers thrilling views where all mountains appear small.

Moreover, Zhangjiajie is home to ethnic minorities like the Tujia and Miao peoples. Their intangible cultural heritage—such as the Baishou Dance, Maogusi, and wedding lament songs—shines brilliantly, infusing these extraordinary mountains and waters with profound cultural soul.

Tourist Attractions
Zhangjiajie Cuisine
FAQ

Core attractions include:

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (including Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Jinbianxi, and Yangjiajie) — Recommended 1-2 days
  • Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (Tianmen Cave, Glass Walkway, 99-Turn Road) — Recommended 1-day visit
  • Grand Canyon Glass Bridge & Cloud Skywalk — Recommended for a half-day visit
  • Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake, and the Seventy-Two Wonders Tower are supplementary attractions, each requiring half a day.

Recommended Combinations

  • First-time Visitors: 3 Days, 2 Nights (2 days at Forest Park + 1 day at Tianmen Mountain)
  • In-Depth Experience: 4-5 days (including nearby attractions such as Furong Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town)

The best times to visit are from April to June (when spring blossoms and the weather is pleasant) and from September to November (when autumn skies are clear and sea of clouds frequently appear).

Summer (July-August) is peak season with larger crowds;

winter (December-February) sees fewer visitors and occasionally offers snowy landscapes and rime ice, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Zhangjiajie City comprises Yongding District, Wulingyuan District, Sangzhi County, and Cili County. Wulingyuan District encompasses four major scenic areas: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain. The district government is located in Suoxi Valley. Tianmenshan is a renowned scenic spot in Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City. It is not the same mountain as Tianzi Mountain and operates with separate ticketing.

  • International Flights: Fly to Changsha Huanghua Airport or Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, then transfer to high-speed rail or domestic flights to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport.
  • Direct Flights: Zhangjiajie currently offers direct international/regional flights to destinations including South Korea (Seoul, Busan), Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City), Thailand (Bangkok), and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur).
  • High-speed rail connection: Zhangjiajie West Station connects to the national high-speed rail network, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours from Changsha.
Scenic AreaAdmission Fee (CNY)Notes
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park228Valid for 4 days, including eco-friendly vehicles
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park278Routes A/B/C, including cable car/transportation fees
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge178Includes slide/elevator
Yellow Dragon Cave100Includes cruise
Baofeng Lake96Includes cruise

📌Preferential Policies:

  • Children under 1.2 meters tall ride free. Children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall receive half-price admission.
  • Seniors aged 65 and above receive discounts upon presenting their passport or ID card.
  • International students must present a valid student ID (applicable to certain attractions).

Zhangjiajie is a mountainous region, and some scenic areas require a certain amount of hiking. However, all major attractions are equipped with auxiliary transportation such as cable cars, elevators, or eco-friendly shuttle buses. Therefore, seniors and children can choose the most suitable way to explore based on their individual circumstances.

China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy on a trial basis for the following countries:
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan.

📌 Visa-free entry conditions: Holders of ordinary passports visiting China for business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or exchange visits, with a stay not exceeding 15 days.

Zhangjiajie has significantly enhanced payment convenience for inbound travelers:

  • Major Credit Card Acceptance: Over 3,240 merchants in urban areas and key scenic spots (including Tianmen Mountain, Grand Canyon, and Wulingyuan ticket stations) accept Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay International card payments.
  • Foreign Currency Exchange: Foreign currency exchange services are available at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, Bank of China branches, and select hotels, supporting 20 currencies including US dollars, euros, and Japanese yen.
  • Digital Payment Guidance: We can assist visitors in linking their international cards to Alipay’s “Tour Pass” or WeChat’s “Cross-Border Payment” feature.
  • Multilingual signage: Major attractions such as Tianmen Mountain and the Forest Park feature guide signs in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean.
  • Foreign Language Tour Guides: Zhangjiajie boasts an abundant supply of licensed foreign language tour guides, with common languages including English, Korean, Japanese, Russian, German, French, Thai, and others.
  • Hotel Services: Front desk staff at high-end hotels in urban areas and Wulingyuan generally possess basic English communication skills.

The following measures may be taken:

  • Use translation software (such as Google Translate, DeepL) to assist with communication.
  • Bring a portable translation device (such as iFlytek or NetEase Youdao)
  • Prepare multilingual copies of the “Itinerary” and “Important Reminder Card” (including emergency contacts, hospitals, and police contact information) in advance.
  • Bring a portable translation device (such as iFlytek or NetEase Youdao)

Zhangjiajie’s Tourism Safety Management System is Well-Established:

  • Smart Policing: Wulingyuan Scenic Area features a “QR Code Emergency Reporting” system, enabling visitors to report incidents and automatically pinpoint their location with a simple scan.
  • Tourism Doctors: Scenic areas have established volunteer teams of “tourism doctors” who provide multilingual emergency medical services.
  • Emergency Contacts: It is recommended to provide foreign guests with emergency contact information in both Chinese and English (scenic area rescue services, hospitals, travel agencies).。

Key Differences Between Lines A, B, and C

RouteMountain Access MethodsDescent MethodShould I take the large cable car?
Line ATake the Grand Cable Car up the mountain (7.5 km, Asia’s longest cable car)Express Cable Car + Eco-Friendly Shuttle Downhill✅ yes
Line BTake the cable car + hike up the 999-step staircase to the summitDescend via the large cable car✅ yes
Line cTake the cable car + hike up the stairwayReturn the way you came (via escalator or on foot down the hill)❌ no

Return the way you came (via escalator or on foot down the hill)

Visitor TypesRecommended RoutesReasons for Selection
First-time visitors / Family trips / Seniors and children✅Line ATake the cable car up the mountain for panoramic views, then descend via the 999-step staircase for a downhill trek—knee pads recommended for comfort.
Young people / Hiking enthusiasts / Photography buffs✅Line BFirst conquer the sky ladder, then ride the cable car down the mountain to capture breathtaking shots of the sea of clouds—a truly rewarding experience.
Severe fear of heights / Unable to ride aerial tramways✅Line CAvoid the cable car and stick to ground transportation throughout the journey for less stress.
Want to check off all the highlights while avoiding the crowds✅Line DEarly mornings are less crowded, and the mountaintop is serene, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the West Line Glass Walkway, Yunmeng Xianting Peak, and other attractions.

Which route has the fewest people? How can I avoid tour groups

  • Tour groups primarily depart from Line B to ascend the mountain or descend from Line A between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
  • We recommend choosing the early-morning ticket for Line A (entering between 7:30–8:00 AM). At this time, there are fewer people, no lines for the cable car, and the mountaintop is peaceful.

“I heard online that Line B is the best. Is that true?”
Not necessarily. Route B is suitable for visitors with good stamina who prefer “getting the tough part out of the way first” (hiking up the mountain before taking the cable car). However, for seniors, children, or those who dislike strenuous activity, Route A is a more relaxed option.

For first-time visitors to Zhangjiajie, hiring a professional tour guide is highly recommended, especially for the complex routes at Tianmen Mountain and the Forest Park where it’s easy to get lost. Guides can provide insights into the stories behind the attractions and Tujia culture, help you avoid tourist traps, optimize your itinerary, and conserve energy.

When traveling with elderly individuals, children, or foreign tourists who do not speak the language, it is even more essential to have a licensed tour guide assist.

When traveling with elderly individuals, children, or foreign tourists who do not speak the language, it is even more essential to have a licensed tour guide assist.

Foreign tourists, due to language barriers and significant cultural differences, are strongly advised to be accompanied by licensed foreign-language guides to ensure smooth communication and safe travel.