Zhangjiajie in Hunan is famous for the sandstone pillars of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. It is a nature destination: plan for walking, cable cars and early starts.
Want Zhangjiajie planned for you? Hotels for your budget, tickets booked on release, halal meals and directions, in a free detailed plan. Plan Zhangjiajie free →
- Airports
- Hehua International (DYG)
- Best time
- April–June and September–November
- How long
- 2 to 3 days
- Good for
- Nature, photography, walking
What to see
01
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The heart of Wulingyuan, with trails and viewpoints among the pillars.
02
Yuanjiajie
The area known as the 'Avatar' mountains, reached by the Bailong Elevator on the cliff face.
03
Tianmen Mountain
A long cable car ride, cliff-side walkways and the natural arch of Tianmen Cave.
04
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
A glass-bottomed bridge high above a canyon.
05
Baofeng Lake
A quiet boat trip on a lake surrounded by peaks.
What to eat
- Sanxiaguo (Tujia three-pot dish)
- River fish
- Local smoked meats (usually pork)
Halal food and mosques
Halal restaurants are limited in Zhangjiajie. We plan every meal in advance and can arrange halal meals with hotels.
Halal options
- Pre-arranged halal meals
- Lanzhou beef noodle shops in the city
Getting there and around
- High-speed trains arrive at Zhangjiajie West station.
- Wulingyuan, the main scenic area, is about an hour from the city.
- Shuttle buses inside the park are included with the entry ticket; a private guide saves a lot of time.
Questions
How many days do you need in Zhangjiajie?
Two full days for the Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain; three if you add the glass bridge and Baofeng Lake.
Is Zhangjiajie the 'Avatar' mountain?
The Wulingyuan pillars inspired the floating mountains in Avatar, and one peak in Yuanjiajie was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.
Is Zhangjiajie suitable for older travellers?
Yes, with planning. Cable cars and the Bailong Elevator reduce walking, and we plan a gentle pace.
Opening hours, routes and rules change. Check before you travel.
