Nestled in China’s Hunan Province, the otherworldly peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in James Cameron’s Avatar. With its towering sandstone pillars, misty valleys, and lush greenery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping onto another planet. Here’s how to plan your unforgettable journey.
1. Getting There
By Air: Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG), with connections from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
By Train: High-speed trains run from Changsha (2–3 hours), Chongqing (2-4 hours), Guangzhou (5-7 hours), Shenzhen (6-7 hours) or Hong Kong (6 hours and 46 minutes). The park is a 40-minute drive from Zhangjiajie city area (Yongding district).
2. Park Essentials
Entrance Fee: ¥227 (approx. $35) for a 4-day pass, covering the core Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid summer holidays (July–August) if possible.
3. Must-See Highlights
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Home to the "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" (Southern Sky Column), this area features vertigo-inducing viewpoints like the First Bridge Under Heaven.
Tianzi Mountain: Ride the cable car for panoramic views of peaks rising above the clouds.
Golden Whip Stream: A serene 7.5km hike flanked by towering pillars and wildlife (e.g. the Chinese giant salamander).
Ten Mile Natural Gallery: A breathtaking scenic pathway surrounded by towering karst peaks and lush greenery, offering stunning views like a traditional Chinese landscape painting. (It is also home to the Chinese giant salamander)
Bailong Elevator: The "Hundred Dragons Sky Lift" (¥72) is a glass elevator carved into a cliff—controversial but thrilling.
4. Insider Tips
Beat the Crowds: Arrive at sunrise for misty, crowd-free vistas. Shuttles (included in your ticket) help navigate the park.
Stay Overnight: Opt for a hotel in Wulingyuan district (e.g., Zhangjiajie Pullman Hotel) to maximize time.
Local Eats: Try tuanniancai (a Hunan stew) or sanxiaguo (spicy hotpot).
5. Beyond the Park
Extend your trip to:
Glass Bridge at Grand Canyon: Walk the world’s longest (430m) glass-bottom bridge.
Tianmen Mountain: Hike the "Stairway to Heaven" or take a cablecar over cliffs near Zhangjiajie city.
Final Advice
Wear sturdy shoes, pack rain gear (weather shifts fast), and charge your camera—every turn is a photo op. Whether you’re an Avatar fan or a nature lover, Zhangjiajie’s surreal landscape is pure magic.
Are you ready to explore a slice of Pandora on Earth? Choose one of these Zhangjiajie tours, and you will have the opportunity to fulfill your wishes.