Top 10 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie for a Memorable Vacation

Zhangjiajie is a stunning place with amazing landscapes and rich culture. It’s best known for the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, with their towering rock pillars and breathtaking views, but there’s more to explore! 
Experience the local culture of Tujia ethnic minorities, or stroll through the ancient streets of Fenghuang and Furong Towns, where history comes alive in beautifully preserved architecture.

Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie

Whether you love nature, history, or adventure, Zhangjiajie has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the top ten things to do in Zhangjiajie and plan an unforgettable Zhangjiajie trip!

1. Visit the Filming Location of Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains

The Avatar mountains on a sunny day

Located in Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the iconic location of Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains, is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Here, you can marvel at the thousands of sandstone pillars that reach over 1,000 meters into the air.

It can get chilly in the Hallelujah Mountains, so bring a jacket in the spring and autumn and dress warmly in the winter. Good shoes are also a must. The Hallelujah Mountains are very popular and tend to get crowded during the July and August high season, so plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds if you travel during this time.

2. Discover the Iconic Tianmen Cave - the Heaven's Gate

Heaven's Gate on Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate, is the highest naturally formed arch in the world and one of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a stunning spot to admire sunsets and soak in the beauty of nature. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds.
Don’t miss the Tianmen Mountain Cableway—the longest cable car ride in the world, stretching 7,455 meters. It offers breathtaking views of Tianmen Mountain National Park and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The ride is incredibly scenic, so keep your camera ready.

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3. Challenge the Breathtaking Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Brave visitors will want to check out the incredible glass bridge over Zhangjiajie's Grand Canyon, which looks down over 1,300 feet into the depths. This bridge is not for the faint of heart; it's the highest and longest bridge in the world.

The bridge is perfectly safe, and the views are excellent. It's open between 9 am and 3:30 p.m., and it costs 178 RMB to visit the Glass Bridge and the Grand Canyon. Since only 800 people are allowed on the bridge at once, it's wise to book your ticket three days ahead of your visit. We can help you with the logistics.

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4. Experience the Bailong Elevator, the World's Highest Cliffside Elevator

Bailong, the highest cliffside elevator

Seeing the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains is an experience you must have, and taking the Bailong Elevator is another. This elevator is the tallest outdoor one on the planet and can zip you up to the top for some great panoramic views in two minutes. It's open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and tickets cost 65 RMB each way. You can buy a package ticket that includes the Bailong Elevator ride at the park's entry gate.

If you visit in the off-season or on non-holidays, the Bailong Elevator has shorter lines. However, the elevator sometimes doesn't run in bad weather, so be prepared with a backup plan if it's stormy outside.

5. Stroll Along the Golden Whip Stream

Our travel consultant at the Golden Whip Stream

Also known as Jinbianxi, the Golden Whip Stream is a popular part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and is full of impressive scenery and animal life. Spots like Golden Whip Rock, Jumping Fish Pool, and Zicao Pool are naturally occurring phenomena that make it one of the most beautiful parks on the planet. It's seven-and-a-half kilometers long and will surely be one of the most memorable strolls of your vacation.

As this area is part of the greater Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you don't need an additional ticket beyond your park admission (227 RMB). It's important to remember not to interact with the wildlife and stay on the marked trail for your safety. This area is open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

6. Immersion in the Culture of Tujia Ethnic Minorities

Our clients are trying Miao costumes

Zhangjiajie is a very diverse area, and you can experience the cultures of the Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities while you’re there. The “Charming Xiangxi” show, offering an authentic cultural feast of Tujia and Miao minorities, is one of the top highlights in Zhangjiajie. Ticket prices vary depending on where you sit, and range from 158 RMB to 268 RMB. 
You can also find impressive, and unique souvenirs in Zhangjiajie, like handicrafts from the Miao community, such as embroidery and silver items. For a more immersive experience, you can even rent traditional minority costumes, staff will help with makeup and take beautiful travel photos for you to remember your visit.

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7. Capture Panoramic Mountain Views at Huangshizhai

One of the mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

This UNESCO heritage site is a fantastic observatory where visitors can see the best of Zhangjiajie National Forest. Visiting Huangshizhai is included in your park ticket, and it's open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The best time to visit is between May and November, when the weather is nicest and you can see natural features like Five Finger Peak and the Pavilion of Six Wonders. There's also a cliff edge walk if you dare.

8. Explore Yellow Dragon Cave

View of Yellow Dragon Cave

The Yellow Dragon Cave is a fantastic example of the underground natural world, with rock columns and an underground river. A light show complements its beauty, making walking through the Cave a unique and magical experience that combines nature with modern technology.
Yellow Dragon Cave costs 60 RMB per person, and you’ll need to pay an extra 36 RMB for the boat ride. There are discounts for children and seniors. As the cave contains many stairs it can be challenging for some and it’s a good idea to wear shoes with a good grip on them. 

9. Admire the Night Views of Fenghuang Ancient Town

Night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town

Head to nearby Fenghuang Ancient Town for some of the best night views in the area. This town is free to enter, but you will pay to get into certain attractions, and dates back to 1704. It's a charming place full of historic buildings like Yang's Ancestral Hall, the Former Residence of Xiong Xiling, and picturesque bridges like the Phoenix Hong Bridge, but the views are splendid at night when lit up.

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10. Discover Furong Ancient Town's Breathtaking Waterfalls

Night View of Furong Ancient Town

Furong Ancient Town, also known as the "Millennium Town Hanging on a Waterfall," is located about 80 kilometers from Zhangjiajie. Its highlight is a stunning series of waterfalls that run through the town. You can even walk behind the falls into a natural “water curtain cave” for an up-close experience.

When night falls, the ancient town lights up, and the glowing lanterns combined with the flowing waterfalls create a dreamlike, almost magical atmosphere. The best time to visit is during the rainy season (June to August), when the waterfalls are most impressive. Staying overnight is highly recommended to enjoy the magical night view.

Experience the Best of Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is a beautiful mixture of natural wonder and culture, and at China Odyssey Tours, we can help make the most of your time there with a customized itinerary. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started today.