Zhangjiajie
The World of Avatar & Floating Peaks
Welcome to Zhangjiajie! The real-life inspiration for Pandora in Avatar. Prepare for breathtaking sandstone pillars, cloud-wrapped peaks, and world-record-breaking cable cars.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: Tianmen Mountain • Gateway to Heaven
1. Entry via Line B (Recommended)
Take the shuttle bus from the city cableway station to the mountain base. Challenge yourself by climbing the 999 Steps to Heaven to reach Tianmen Cave (Gateway to Heaven).
Cost:~278 CNY (Includes mountain entry and cableways/shuttles)
Hours:07:30 – 18:00 (Check seasonal hours)
2. Cliffside Walkways (West Line Recommended)
Walk along the Ghost Valley Plank Road and the famous Glass Skywalk. The views of the vertical drops are heart-stopping.
Cost:Free (Shoe covers ~5 CNY)
Hours:Open all day
3. The World's Longest Cableway
Descend from the peak directly back to the city center via the 7.5km cableway. It feels like flying through the clouds.
Day 2: Forest Park • The World of Avatar
1. East Gate Entry (Wulingyuan Landmark Gate)
The most classic entrance. From here, take the park shuttle bus to the Bailong Elevator.
2. Bailong Elevator
The world's tallest outdoor elevator. Experience "flying upward" for 88 seconds as the forest pillars suddenly rise before your eyes.
3. Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain)
The "Hallelujah Mountain" (Qiankun Column), the First Bridge Under Heaven, and Mihun Platform. Allow at least 2 hours for photos here.
Cost:Included in Park Ticket
Hours:Open all day
4. Tianzi Mountain (The King of Peaks)
View the "Imperial Writing Brush Peaks" and "Fairies Strewing Flowers." Take the cableway down for a panoramic view of the "West Sea" stone forest.
Optional: Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
Best for an extra half-day. Walk across the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge.
2. Food Recommendations
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Tujia Ethnic Flavors
Sanxiaguo
三下锅
The soul of Zhangjiajie. A spicy pot of pork tripe, intestines, and bacon. (~60-100 CNY).
Dabupi
打鼓皮
Chewy beef tendon and meat stir-fried with heavy spices and pickled peppers.
Haozi Baba
蒿子粑粑
Sticky rice cakes made with mugwort. Crispy outside, chewy inside, with a herbal fragrance.
Zhunaoqi Cold Noodles
猪脑壳凉面
Spicy, sour, and refreshing noodles topped with rich ingredients.
3. Transportation Guide
Arrival
- Air:
Hehua Airport has four transport options. Taxi queue at call station, 15-20 mins to city, cost 20-40 RMB (night approx 21 RMB). Didi rideshare pickup across street, price similar to taxi. Airport bus at exit costs 5 RMB, 15 mins direct to Airport Hotel in city. Public Bus No. 4 is 100m from gate, cost 1 RMB cash, takes 30 mins.Check flights via
- Train:
Zhangjiajie West: is high-speed hub but far from city with few hotels. Walk left 5 mins for Bus 17 or 18 to city. Taxi is 12km, avoid fixed-price drivers outside.
Zhangjiajie Station:is very convenient. Bus 5, 6, 9 right next to station, 6 mins to city. Central bus station is beside it for direct shuttles to scenic areas.Check trains via
4. Where to Stay
Near Tianmen Mountain Cableway (City Center)
Best for Day 1. Close to airport/train station. High cost-performance, plenty of malls/food.
Near Forest Park East Gate (Wulingyuan)
Best for Day 2. Enter park early. Many boutique guesthouses (~150-250 CNY/night).
5. Essential Tips (Survival Guide)
💡 Survival Guide
- Monkey Warning: Golden Whip Stream monkeys are aggressive. Do not hold food or crinkle bags.
- Season 3-5 and 9-11 are the best times to visit. Avoid public holidays.
- Pricing Assassins: Check prices at restaurants near Tianmen Cableway before ordering.
- Weather: Check "Tianmen Mountain Live Camera" online. Mountains can be foggy ("white wall") even if city is clear.
- Footwear: 20,000+ steps expected. Wear hiking shoes.