Full-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour

Zhangjiajie , China

Full-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour

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About this experience

Experience the mountainous beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park during a full-day tour with a private guide. Head into Wulingyuan Scenic Area and ride a cable car up Tianzi Mountain, glimpsing the Wuling Mountains. Upon arrival, explore trails on the mountain and have lunch at a restaurant before continuing over to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Visit lookout points such as First Bridge under Heaven and a place seen in the movie ‘Avatar,’ then enjoy a spine-tingling descent of 1100 feet (335 meters) in the glass Bailong Elevator.
·Private full-day tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
·See the highlights of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area
·Get great views while taking the cable car up Tianzi Mountain
·Walk along mountain trails on Tianzi
·Enjoy the highlights of the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
·Take in the sight of First Bridge under Heaven and other famous spots
·Experience the thrill of riding a glass elevator down the side of the mountain

Available options

Full-Day Tour

Pickup included<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional driver with extensive mountain driving experience

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Zhangjiajie downtown or Zhangjiajie Train Station.

Knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking guide.

Plenty of bottled water

Ticket pacakge for Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianzi cable car, shuttle bus & Bailong elevator.

Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

At 9am, your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Wulingyuan Scenic Area, where Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located, to visit its two most classic and popular attractions.

Take a cable car up to Tianzi Mountain, and you will see large areas of grotesque peaks thrusting up. Walking along the steps spectacular views unfold in front of you from different angles.

In the afternoon, ride a public shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, whose mountains are said to be the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain. This area is the most visited area due to its fame. It takes about 1 hour to walk the tourist trails, before you take the shuttle bus for the cable car down the mountain.
Your trip will come to an end around 5pm and you will be dropped back to your hotel in Zhangjiajie city center. Transfer to the train station for your departure train is also workable.

There is another option for getting down the mountain - Bailong Elevator. This glass elevator was built on the side of a cliff, and it claims to be the world's highest of its kind. It takes only 2 minutes, but at peak times you might need to queue one or two hours to take it. If you are interested in taking the elevator, tell your guide in advance, so that he/she can arrange beforehand to avoid the long queues.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Written guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

You can choose: Option 1) Round-way cable car on the mountain. Option 2) One-way cable car up to the mountain and one-way down by Bailong elevator. No extra cost.

About Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, particularly the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie 'Avatar'. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking scenery, unique geological formations, and rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes. The park's unique geological formations inspired the floating mountains in the movie 'Avatar'.

Nature 2-3 days RMB 248 (USD 36) for a 3-day pass

Tianmen Mountain

Known as the 'Heaven's Gate Mountain', Tianmen Mountain is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the world's longest and highest glass bridge, the Tianmen Glass Walkway.

Nature 1 day RMB 280 (USD 40) including the cable car and glass walkway

Baofeng Lake

Baofeng Lake is a serene and picturesque lake surrounded by lush mountains and forests. It's an ideal spot for relaxation, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of Zhangjiajie.

Nature Half-day to 1 day Free entry, but activities may have additional costs

Yellow Stone Village

Yellow Stone Village is a traditional Tujia ethnic minority village known for its unique architecture, cultural performances, and local cuisine. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Tujia people.

Cultural Half-day to 1 day Free entry, but activities and meals may have additional costs

Must-Try Local Dishes

Spicy Tujia Sausage

A traditional Tujia dish made with pork, chili peppers, and various spices. It's known for its bold, spicy flavor and tender texture.

Dinner Contains pork and chili peppers.

Bamei

A traditional Tujia dish made with glutinous rice, pork, and bamboo leaves. The rice is steamed in bamboo leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Dinner Contains pork and gluten.

Zhangjiajie Steamed Fish

A local specialty made with fresh fish, chili peppers, and various spices. The fish is steamed to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Dinner Contains fish and chili peppers.

Zhangjiajie Rice Noodles

A popular local dish made with rice noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a busy day of sightseeing.

Lunch Vegetarian option available.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Glass walkway at Tianmen Mountain Canyoning and rappelling in the local mountains Boat rides on Baofeng Lake Tea tasting at local tea houses Visiting local spas and wellness centers Exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town Sampling local Tujia cuisine

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This period offers pleasant weather with warm temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the national park. The scenery is lush and vibrant, with clear skies and comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

15-30°C (59-86°F) 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Hunanese, Tujia
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Zhangjiajie is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis and agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Research and book tours and services through reputable companies.

Getting there

By air

Dayong Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from Zhangjiajie city center

By train

Zhangjiajie Railway Station

By bus

Zhangjiajie Long-Distance Bus Station, Zhangjiajie West Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Zhangjiajie. The bus system connects the city center to major attractions, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wulingyuan District Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

Day trips

Fenghuang Ancient Town

300 km (186 miles) from Zhangjiajie • Full day

Fenghuang Ancient Town is a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty town known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It's a popular day trip from Zhangjiajie, offering a glimpse into China's past.

Huangshi National Geopark

150 km (93 miles) from Zhangjiajie • Full day

Huangshi National Geopark is a stunning natural landscape featuring unique geological formations, lush forests, and breathtaking views. It's a popular day trip from Zhangjiajie, offering a range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty.

Changsha

300 km (186 miles) from Zhangjiajie • Full day

Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province and a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and modern attractions. It's a popular day trip from Zhangjiajie, offering a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and contemporary entertainment.

Festivals

Zhangjiajie International Tourism Festival • October Tujia New Year • Varies (typically in February or March) Zhangjiajie International Photo Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth and personalized experience, especially when exploring the park's extensive hiking trails.
Try local Tujia dishes, such as Spicy Tujia Sausage and Bamei, for an authentic culinary experience.
Pack layers and comfortable hiking shoes, as temperatures and weather conditions can vary throughout the day.
Consider visiting during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.