Written by Ivy Dong |
China’s vast land has seen countless natural wonders rising from the ground, and Zhangjiajie’s unique landscape is definitely one of the most treasured. And indeed, with the sandstone peaks and forests, this place has left indelible impression in many people’s heart. And except for appreciating nature’s grandeur, Zhangjiajie is also an ideal destination for culture exploration. As a result, it has long become one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. More and more travelers are now planning to travel to Zhangjiajie to enjoy its surreal beauty. To help you design a rewarding itinerary, this article will introduce some of the top Zhangjiajie attractions that you should include in your itinerary.
The top-ranked Zhangjiajie tourist attraction is Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area. It is composed of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, Suoxiyu Scenic Area and Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and has been included in the World Natural Heritage List by UNESCO. Read on to find more recommended attractions in and around Zhangjiajie.
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- 1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- 2. Tianzi Mountain
- 3. Yangjiajie Scenic Area
- 4. Suoxiyu Scenic Area (Valley & Waterway Zones)
- 5. Tianmen Mountain
- 6. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
- 7. Yellow Dragon Cave
- 8. Baofeng Lake
- 9. 72 Strange Buildings (72 Qilou)
- 10. Fenghuang Ancient Town
- 11. Furong Ancient Town
- 12. TuJia Folk Customs Park
- FAQs about Zhangjiajie Tourist Attractions
- Explore Zhangjiajie with China Xian Tour
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City
- Time needed: 2–4 days
- Tickets: Around CNY 245 in peak season; lower (~CNY 139) off-season. Valid 4 days and includes internal shuttle buses.
- Opening hours: ~07:00–18:00
- Highlights:quartz-sandstone pillars, dense forest valleys, misty peaks
As China’s first national forest park (established in 1982), Zhangjiajie National Forest Park amazes the world with its distinctive sandstone peak forest. And all the surreal and magical creations made by nature paint the region a “living fairyland.”
With strange peaks, beautiful forests, and secluded valleys being the best in the world, Zhangjiajie has been chosen as the filming location for movies such as Avatar and Journey to the West. The main Zhangjiajie tourist attractions include Yuanjiajie, Golden Whip Stream, Huangshi Village, Ten Miles Gallery and others.
Yuanjiajie
The prototype of the Hallelujah Mountain in the movie Avatar, Qiankun Pillar (formerly known as One Pillar of South Heaven), is stunning. Standing on the observation deck of Yuanjiajie, you can overlook the peak forest and feel the magnificence of nature. The peaks here seem to have been carefully carved by nature, with various shapes and breathtaking beauty.
Don’t miss: take the Bailong Elevator (the highest sightseeing elevator in the world) to cross through the clouds and reach the mountaintop in less than two minutes, experiencing both excitement and beauty.
Golden Whip Stream
Golden Whip Stream is the most charming canyon stream among Zhangjiajie attractions, and also the filming location for Journey to the West. The water here is clear to the bottom, surrounded by lush forests and towering rocks.
Golden Whip Stream is 7.5 kilometers long and runs through Zhangjiajie Forest Park from west to east. With the picturesque scenery of towering peaks on both sides, it is a great place to relax and unwind. Strolling by the Golden Whip Stream, you can feel the cool water and fresh air. Along the way, you can also encounter wild macaques and fully enjoy the serenity of nature.
Huangshi Village
Huangshi Village (Yellow Stone Village) is the largest aerial viewing platform in Zhangjiajie, known for its precipitous cliffs. Climbing up to Huangshi Village, you can have a 360-degree panoramic view of the unique peaks and rocks of Zhangjiajie, and appreciate the most stunning natural scenery. This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where different scenery can be captured in the changing seasons, especially when the sea of clouds billows like a fairyland.
Ten Miles Gallery
Ten Miles Gallery is a 5-kilometer-long canyon, with cliffs standing on both sides in various shapes. Riding on the canyon train through the strange peaks and rocks, it feels like being immersed in a huge landscape ink painting. You will definitely be conquered by the beautiful scenery here on your Zhangjiajie tours.
2. Tianzi Mountain
- Location: Part of the Wulingyuan area
- Time needed: half to a full day
- Tickets: Covered by the Wulingyuan pass.
- Opening hours: ~07:00–18:00
- Highlights: Rich peak-forest scenery, misty clouds, sunrise/sunset vistas
Tianzi Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy the panoramic view of Zhangjiajie and is known as the “King of Peak Forests”. Standing on the mountaintop, you can see the continuous mountains and misty clouds, as if in a fairyland.
Tianzi Mountain is named after the peasant uprising leader of Song Dynasty – Xiang Dakun who proclaimed himself as the “Tianzi”. This is the highest mountain in Wulingyuan Scenic Area, with many strange peaks and rocks. The vast Xihai Peak Forest and the iconic Zhangjiajie tourist attraction – Yubi Peak, are located here.
The cloud and mist in the Tianzi Mountain are ever-changing, with a myriad of forms. And you have the opportunity to witness the four wonders of cloud sea, moonlight, sunrise, and winter snow.
√Related reading: 10 Most Beautiful Mountains in China
3. Yangjiajie Scenic Area
- Location: Within the broader Wulingyuan region (less-developed, more remote mountain zone).
- Time needed: Several hours to a full day
- Tickets: Covered by the same Wulingyuan pass
- Opening hours: 07:00–18:00 peak season
- Highlights: Rugged sandstone walls, wild and less-crowded peaks, dramatic cliffs
Yangjiajie, known as the “Natural Great Wall”, is mainly characterized by peak forests, steep mountains, and unique scenery. The peak walls here give people an unparalleled sense of magnificence. Tianbo Mansion, Divine Soldiers Gathering and other attractions are natural wonders that cannot be missed.
4. Suoxiyu Scenic Area (Valley & Waterway Zones)
- Location: Between major mountain zones within Wulingyuan region
- Time needed: half a day to a full day
- Tickets: Covered by the standard Wulingyuan Scenic Area entrance pass.
- Opening hours: ~07:00–18:00
- Highlights: Valleys with forest, streams, caves and lakes
Suoxiyu Scenic Area lies within the broader Wulingyuan region, and it provides a tranquil contrast to the towering peaks. One of its highlights is Baofeng Lake, which is an emerald water reservoir nestled among forested stone peaks. It is built in the 1970s, 72 meters deep and 2.5 km long. This is the best place for people who want to appreciate Zhangjiajie’s natural beauty in a relaxing pace (without strenuous hiking).
5. Tianmen Mountain
- Location: Near Zhangjiajie city center / Yongding District
- Time needed: half to a full day
- Tickets: Combined ticket.Typically more expensive than forest-park pass.
- Opening hours: Varies by season. Cableway and skywalk usually open ~07:30 onwards
- Highlights: World’s longest high-mountain cableway (7,455 m), dramatic cliff path & glass walkway high above valleys, natural cliff-carved cave arch (“Heaven’s Gate”)
Tianmen Mountain, as an iconic Zhangjiajie tourist attraction, is known as the “Holy Gate to the Heaven” with a staircase of 999 steps.
Tianmen Mountain is named after the Tianmen Cave (naturally formed, with a height of 131.5 meters and a width of about 57 meters) embedded in the cliffs, and is known as the “Number One Divine Mountain in Western Hunan”. Take the world’s longest cableway, Tianmen Mountain Cableway (7455 meters), from the city center direct to the mountaintop, where you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Zhangjiajie city and its surrounding areas along the way. Arriving at the mountaintop, walking on the Ghost Path, and standing in front of Tianmen Cave, you can feel the incredible craftsmanship of nature. Tianmen Cave, shrouded in clouds and mist, is even more mysterious and enchanting.
Tianmen Mountain is also famous for its thrilling glass walkway. This boardwalk is 60 meters long and has an elevation of 1430 meters. Walking on it, you will find transparent glass beneath your feet and misty mountain peaks around you, allowing you to challenge yourself while enjoying an unprecedented visual feast.
6. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
- Location: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area
- Time needed: Several hours.
- Tickets: Separate from Wulingyuan park.In peak season, ~CNY 258, off-season is lower.
- Opening hours: Typically ~07:30–17:00 for canyon/bridge access.
- Highlights: Glass-bottom bridge (430 m long, 300 m above canyon floor) offering thrilling, vertigo-inducing views over a deep chasm
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon lures numerous tourists with its spectacular canyon scenery and the world’s longest glass bridge.
This Zhangjiajie tourist attraction is definitely a paradise for adventurers! Be sure to experience the exciting and fun glass bridge, which is the longest and most exciting glass bridge in the world, with a total length of about 500 meters and a width of 6 meters. The bridge deck is entirely paved with transparent glass, and walking on it leads to a 380-meter-deep canyon beneath your feet! Standing on the bridge, not only can you overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, but you can also experience the excitement of your heart beating faster.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon combines mountains, water, caves, and canyons. The vegetation in the canyon is lush, the air is fresh, and there are countless waterfalls and clear springs. There are also various outdoor activities in the canyon, and you can challenge yourself here.
7. Yellow Dragon Cave
- Location: Hekou Village / Suoxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District
- Time needed: ~2 hours
- Tickets: Around CNY 100.
- Opening hours: Peak season ~07:30–17:30; off-season ~08:00–17:00.
- Highlights: Enormous karst cave system with dry caverns and water caves, underground rivers, waterfalls, and vast chambers
Known as the “Wonder of World Caves”, Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave) embodies the essence of karst cave landscapes, and the various caves leave people in awe.
Yellow Dragon Cave is one of the largest caves in the world and the only cave in China that can be visited at night. The cave is filled with various geological landscapes such as stalactites and stalagmites, and under the colorful lights, it resembles a mysterious underground palace. The iconic wonder of the “Magic Needle for Calming the Sea” reaches a height of 19.2 meters, which is amazing.
There is also an underground river inside the cave. Boats shuttle through it, as if entering a mysterious crystal palace or through to the inner earth. Huanglong Cave covers an area of 100,000 square meters (proved) and is divided into four layers (two for dry and two for water). The temperature inside the cave is relatively low (about 16 ℃), so it is recommended to wear a jacket when visiting this Zhangjiajie tourist attraction.
8. Baofeng Lake
- Location: South side of Suoxiyu Scenic Area, Wulingyuan District.
- Time needed: Around 2 hours
- Tickets: ~CNY 96 (including boat ride).
- Opening hours: ~06:30–18:00 (peak season).
- Highlights: Peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by forested sandstone peaks, calm boat rides
Baofeng Lake is like a brilliant pearl embedded in the mountains of Zhangjiajie. The lake water is green and clear, surrounded by lofty mountains. When traveling by boat, you can hear the singing of Tujia ethnic girls and get up close to the strange rocks in the lake. On rainy days, the misty lake surface becomes even more ethereal. It is a great Zhangjiajie place of attraction to relax and is also the only water-based tourist area in Zhangjiajie.
Baofeng Lake integrates mountains and waters, blending ethnic customs into one, and is known as the “classic lake of the world”. This place is particularly famous for the stunning scenery of high gorge and flat lake, the “flying waterfall” of Baofeng, and the mysterious ancient temple deep in the mountains. Tourists praise it as: Zhangjiajie on the water, songs on Baofeng Lake!
It is recommended to visit this Zhangjiajie tourist attraction in the evening to watch the sunset glow on the lake, so beautiful and unforgettable.
9. 72 Strange Buildings (72 Qilou)
- Location: Downtown Zhangjiajie (Yongding District)
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
- Tickets: CNY 20 for day entry, CNY 88 for night entry
- Opening hours: Evening entertainment typically from ~18:00. Daytime access is generally all day.
- Highlights: 109.9 m tall stilt-building (world record), traditional-style streets, Tujia ethnic architecture, night light shows, folk performances
72 Strange Buildings is a modern cultural-tourism complex located in the Yongding District. Its centerpiece is the towering 109.9-meter stilted structure, which is the tallest of its kind in the world. And this structure is built in traditional style but enhanced with modern materials and lighting. By day, visitors can stroll through reconstructed Tujia-style streets, browse craft shops, and sample regional snacks. After dusk, the complex transforms into a surreal world when the 7D holographic light shows and live folk performances begin. This can offer an immersive nighttime cultural experience that can pair well with Zhangjiajie’s natural attractions.
10. Fenghuang Ancient Town
The historical and culturally ancient city depicted by the Chinese writer Shen Congwen is known as the “most beautiful small town in China”. It is surrounded by mountains and the Tuo River runs through the city, with a strong ethnic atmosphere and numerous famous historical sites.
Fenghuang Ancient Town is not far from Zhangjiajie (about 200 kilometers). As a typical ethnic minority settlement area, the bluestone roads, the stilted houses by the Tuojiang River, numerous ancient buildings, and the strong Miao ethnic customs in Fenghuang Ancient Town all constitute a unique charm of Western Hunan. It is brightly lit at night, and the Cuicui performance at the North Gate Pier is not to be missed.
11. Furong Ancient Town
Located 80 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie, Furong Ancient Town combines natural scenery and ethnic customs, known as the “ancient town hanging on a waterfall”.
This Zhangjiajie attraction is an Tujia ancient town with a history of over two thousand years. Surrounded by water on three sides, a stream flows through the town, forming a spectacular waterfall group. You can stroll along the bluestone roads here, feel the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town, appreciate the magnificent scenery of the waterfall, and experience the traditional culture of the Tujia ethnic group. At night, the beautiful scenery of Furong Town is even more like a fairyland under the backdrop of lights.
12. TuJia Folk Customs Park
Tujia Folk Customs Park is located in the urban area of Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. Based on the Tusi Castle of Western Hunan people, it preserves the most complete original appearance of the Tujia village site, showcasing the unique customs and traditions of the Tujia ethnic group. The main scenic spots in the park include Tusi Castle, Tujia Mountain Village, Jiuchongtian Stilted Building, etc. These buildings are mostly made of wood and stone, with carved beams and painted rafters, which are resplendent, elegant and exquisite. In particular, the Jiuchongtian Stilted Building stands at a height of 48 meters. It is the largest, tallest, and most perfect wooden structure stilted building in China, and has won the Guinness World Records.
Tujia Folk Customs Park not only showcases the architectural culture of the Tujia ethnic group, but also provides visitors with a deeper understanding of their folk customs through artistic performances, and offers specialty dining and guest rooms. This Zhangjiajie tourist attraction is an excellent place to explore the Tujia ethic culture.
In short, whether it is steep peaks, primitive forests, mysterious caves, peaceful lakes or ancient towns, each of these top Zhangjiajie attractions has its unique beauty. Welcome to embark on a fantastic trip in Zhangjiajie!
FAQs about Zhangjiajie Tourist Attractions
Is there anything to do in Zhangjiajie City?
Yes. Zhangjiajie is a good place for shopping and food hunting. Hunan cuisine is quite famous for its wonderful and bold taste.
Where to stay in Zhangjiajie?
- Wulingyuan town. It has easy connectivity to major attractions.
- Zhangjiajie City center.Convenient in basically every respect, with more options for lodging, dining, and transport.
How many days are recommended to fully explore Zhangjiajie?
Usually, a 3 to 4–day period is ideal. This duration allows you enough time to explore the major attractions at a relaxing pace
Is it better to visit Zhangjiajie with a tour guide or independently?
Independent travel is possible, as transport and accommodations are all sufficient in the city, and English signs can also be seen everywhere. However, a guide helps a lot if you prefer ease with logistics or if you lack time.
How can I get to and travel around Zhangjiajie?
When traveling from other city, you may choose to take a flight, inter-city buses, or train (depending on the distance). And once arrived, take the shuttle bus or taxi to the scenic area.
What is included in the entrance ticket to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
The fee includes entry to the core Wulingyuan/Forest-Park zones and internal shuttle-bus rides. However, cable-cars, elevators, and some external sites would all require extra tickets.
Explore Zhangjiajie with China Xian Tour
Zhangjiajie has long been loved for its incredible natural beauty. To better explore this wonderful place, you can join a guided tour with China Xian Tour. With over a decade of experience in providing customized China tours, we can offer everything you expect for a perfect journey. While our professional guides will be there for you 24/7 to take care of all the details, your Zhangjiajie journey can be more than rewarding and enjoyable.
