Written by Catherine |
Zhangjiajie city of China has become well-known across the world for its inspiration of the movie Avatar. Located in northwest Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is home to thousands of pillar-like peaks and pinnacles. The impressive karst landscapes make it a top destination for China nature tours.
Before you travel to Zhangjiajie, it’s important to be prepared for your trip, as the variety of Zhangjiajie attractions may be difficult to navigate. You want to choose the right time of the year to visit for the best views, experience, and less crowds. Here’re the top Zhangjiajie travel tips and FAQs on the best time for your trip, trip length, transportation, and other important things to consider.
1. Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie experiences four distinct seasons in a year. The hottest month is August with an average temperature around 27°C (81°F), and the coldest month is January with an average around 4.3°C (40°F). The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is generally from April to November. These months have the ideal weather condition for hiking and sightseeing in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
In the spring, nature comes back to life with wildflowers blooming in the mountains. In the summer, it remains cool in the mountains making Zhangjiajie a great place to escape the heat. With less rainfall in the autumn, Zhangjiajie sees its most colorful season as the leaves change into different colors. The winter cold makes hiking difficult in the mountains alongside occasional snow and ice.
2. Zhangjiajie Photography Tips
The impressive peaks and pillars of Zhangjiajie attract many photographers, so an important item of Zhangjiajie travel tips is photography, the best seasons and spots.
In spring, you can photograph the lush green valleys of Tianmen Mountain and the magnificent Tianmen cave, one of the most famous spots for photography in Zhangjiajie. As you hike through Tianzi Mountain, you’ll encounter blossoming wildflowers under the towering stone peaks. Spring and fall are both optimal seasons for seeing the Sea of Clouds.
Fall is also a great time for photographing the mountain landscapes except the lush green color will turn into gold, orange, or red. Take a boat ride in Baofeng Lake and capture the beautiful mountains reflected in the clear water.
In the winter, Zhangjiajie sometimes sees snow in the mountains from mid-January to late February. If you’re lucky enough on your Zhangjiajie tour, you can capture the valleys covered in white, adding more tranquility and spirituality to your shot.
3. Safety Tips for a Zhangjiajie Tour
There are a few Zhangjiajie travel tips on safety to ensure the best experience.
- Pay close attention to the weather forecast before your trip; be aware of weather warnings in the mountains
- Most hiking trails are relatively safe, but you can hire a private guide or book a tour in case you get lost
- In the winter, the trails might be icy or slippery. Be mindful of the path and bring proper gears
- You are likely to encounter wildlife in many of the scenic areas, especially wild monkeys. Keep a safe distance from them and do not interact with them too closely
- If you have a fear of height, it is recommended that you refrain from getting on the Bailong Elevator or Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
- Carry motion sickness medication for driving on the winding mountain roads
Related reading: Things not to do in Zhangjiajie
4. How to Avoid the Crowds in Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most popular attractions in China, so it sees a lot of tourism traffic throughout the year. Here’re some Zhangjiajie crowd avoidance tips.
The peak tourist season is in the summer, July and August, and on China public holidays. It’s recommended that you avoid these times for the best Zhangjiajie tour. If your Zhangjiajie trip happens to fall in the tourist season, you can consider alternative attractions to explore like Wulingyuan National Park. And outside of these times, avoid the weekends and try to beat the crowds by arriving early.
5. Do You Need to Buy Zhangjiajie Tickets in Advance?
The general admission ticket for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is CNY 225 which includes entrance to 4 major scenic spots, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Tianzi Mountain. The ticket is valid for 4 days. You need to pay extra for the cableways and Bailong Elevator.
It is highly recommended that you book about a week ahead of time during peak season (Mar. 1 to Nov. 30). You will need to reserve a time for entrance. During off season (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28), you can book one or two days in advance. Tickets are available online from Trip.com or other travel agencies as well as on site.
6. How Many Days Do You Need in Zhangjiajie?
Short Trips (2–3 Days)
For a short trip in Zhangjiajie, you need at least 2-3 days to cover the highlights including Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar, Tianmen Mountain, and Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the longest and highest glass bridge in the world over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
Recommended Zhangjiajie Highlight Tours:
- 2 Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour
- 3 Days Private Zhangjiajie Adventure Tour with Glass Bridge
- 3 Days Zhangjiajie Private Tour: China Avatar Discovery
Extended Trips (4–5 Days)
With 4-5 days, you can explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in depth. A hike along the Golden Whip Stream will prove to be rewarding. You can also explore the cultural aspect of Zhangjiajie at Fenghuang Ancient Town and Furong Ancient Town. Experience the authentic life of Tujia and Miao people. Marvel at their architecture, the traditional stilted buildings. And taste specialty dishes of the region.
Recommended Zhangjiajie Classic Tours:
- 4 Days Classic Zhangjiajie Tour Package
- 5 Days Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
- 5 Days Private Zhangjiajie Highlight Tour
7. How to Get to Zhangjiajie?
By Air
Zhangjiajie has one local airport, Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, that operates flights to and from major Chinese cities including:
- Beijing– 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Shanghai– 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Guangzhou – 2 hours
- Chengdu– 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you cannot reach Zhangjiajie through a direct flight, you can fly into Wuhan or Changsha and then transfer for the high-speed rail.
By Train
Instead of flying, you can also use the well-developed railroad network that connects Zhangjiajie with other major cities. Zhangjiajie West Railway Station has highspeed trains to Fenghuang Ancient Town as well.
How to Get around Zhangjiajie?
The major mode of Zhangjiajie transportation within the city center is taxi. Taking a taxi is very cheap and convenient. However, some of the attractions may be relatively far from downtown, and you will need to take local buses or shuttles. Arranging private transfers ahead of time will save you a lot of time and trouble.
Related reading: How to Plan a Trip to Furong Ancient Town from Zhangjiajie
8. Zhangjiajie Hiking Trails
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Zhangjiajie. Hiking here is relatively easy compared to other famous mountains in China, and there’re a number of places where you can embark on your Zhangjiajie adventure tour.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie
- Tianmen Mountain
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
You can consult us for more information and customize your own Zhangjiajie hiking tour.
9. What and Where to Eat in Zhangjiajie?
As you explore the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie, don’t forget to taste the local delicacies of the Tujia people. You’ll find places to eat near the attractions, in the ancient towns, as well as the city center. Some specialties are Zhangjiajie Sanxia Guo (a hot pot with three ingredients), Tujia Steamed Pork Belly, and Smoked Blood Tofu.
10. Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie?
One of the Zhangjiajie travel FAQs is about places to stay on your trip. We recommend staying in Wulingyuan because you’ll be close to most of the attractions. It’s about 40 minutes north of the city center. Some Zhangjiajie accommodation recommendations are Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel, Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, and Xiangruige Boutique Hotel.
11. Zhangjiajie Packing List
Aside from the essentials you need for traveling to China like your passport, visa, and money in CNY, here are some things to pack for your Zhangjiajie trip.
- A portable charger for hiking in the mountains
- A camera if needed
- A light backpack suitable for hiking
- Clothes in layers because the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains
- Shoes suitable for walking long distance
- Bug spray if you’re visiting in the summer
Related reading: How to Plan a Trip to Zhangjiajie
More Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for a Zhangjiajie Tour
Is Zhangjiajie suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, it’s a wonderful place to explore on your own if you love the outdoors.
Are there English signs in the park?
No, the maps in the park do not have signs or directions in English, so it is recommended that you hire a private guide.
Can I visit Zhangjiajie with kids?
Yes, the hike in Zhangjiajie is not difficult and family friendly.
