Imagine a world where colossal stone pillars pierce the clouds, cloaked in emerald greenery and shrouded in ethereal mist. This is not a scene from a science fiction film; this is the breathtaking reality of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. As the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a park — it’s a geological wonder that redefines majesty and ignites the imagination. This ultimate guide is your key to unlocking its secrets.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Facts
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national park established in 1982, is world-famous for its unique quartz-sandstone peak forest. Thousands of spectacular stone pillars rise from the ground, often wrapped in mist, creating breathtaking views. It’s recognized as one of China’s most beautiful natural wonders.
- Type: World Heritage Site, Landscape, Mountains, Travel Bucket List, Avatar
- Address: No. 279, Jinbian Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City
- Level: National 5A-level Tourist Attraction
- Area: 130 square kilometers
- Best Seasons: Spring / Autumn
- Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Tickets: CNY 227 (including Sightseeing bus and insurance). Trip.com discount
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Map
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the core sub-scenic area of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Area. Besides this, Wulingyuan also includes three other core sub-scenic areas: Suoxiyu, Tianzi Mountain, and Yangjiajie. Below is the guide map of the core scenic area of Wulingyuan.
Must-see Attractions in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area features thousands of stone pillars and peaks that form a layered green landscape, creating a three-dimensional Chinese ink painting. Among its numerous peaks, the iconic Hallelujah Mountain stands out — formerly known as Qiankun Column, this 150-meter towering stone pillar served as the prototype for the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
To fully experience its wonders, a 3,500-meter cliffside trail connects magnificent attractions including the Back Garden, Enchaning Terrace, and the renowned First Bridge Under Heaven.
The fastest way to reach this breathtaking landscape is via the Bailong Elevator. Soaring 335 meters up the cliff face, it holds the title of the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor sightseeing elevator, offering an unforgettable ascent to the summit.
Golden Whip Stream
Golden Whip Stream, located in the eastern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, derives its name from the Golden Whip Rock it flows past. This 5.7-kilometer valley features crystal-clear waters winding between magnificent peaks, where visitors can observe fish swimming beneath the surface and admire vibrant wild flowers along the banks. The trail passes remarkable rock formations including Guardian Eagle and Golden Whip itself. With its gentle path and captivating scenery, it is particularly suitable for families hiking with children through one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.
Huangshizhai
Huangshizhai stands at 1,080 meters above sea level, where magnificent peaks and sheer cliffs create the largest and most spectacular viewing platform for overlooking Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peak forest. It is also considered the ideal spot for sunrise viewing.
As one of the earliest developed areas, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama from its circular cliffside walkway. The summit reveals a dramatic “peak forest matrix”—a vast army of stone pillars standing in formation, complemented by the unique geological wonders of table mountains and Relie Piers of the Heaven Bridge. Other attractions include the Star-Picking Platform, Six Wonders Pavilion, and Guest Greeting Double Doors.
Here, the views change with every step, leaving visitors in constant awe. It truly lives up to its famous reputation: “It is in vain to visit Zhangjiajie without ascending Huangshizhai.”
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area
Tianzi Mountain, revered as the “King of Peak Forests” presents the world’s most concentrated collection of quartz-sandstone pinnacles, including iconic formations like the Yubi Peaks and Fairy Mainden Presenting Flowers. This majestic landscape undergoes dramatic seasonal transformations — from ethereal cloud seas in spring that create a Penglai paradise to glittering frost-covered crystal worlds in winter. A unique geological phenomenon occurs here: the “Tianzi Conglomerate” rock layer, composed of quartz sandstone bonded with iron cement, produces a striking golden glow when struck by sunlight, creating the legendary “Emperor Gilding” visual effect that crowns this natural masterpiece.
Yangjiajie Scenic Area
Yangjiajie presents a geological marvel distinct from other areas of Zhangjiajie – the spectacular Peak Wall formation. Dozens of parallel stone walls, each soaring 150-200 meters high yet remarkably slender at just 1-3 meters thick, create a natural “Great Wall of Stone” stretching for kilometers along the mountain ridges.
As a newly developed and less crowded area, it offers a secluded experience for discovering dramatic landscapes. Key attractions include the towering Longquan Waterfall, the breathtaking Corridor the Cliffs, Tianbo Mansion’s impressive stone walls, and the challenging “One Step to Heaven” trail. The hiking trails in Yangjiajie can be narrow and slippery, so please be careful when walking.
Suoxiyu Scenic Area – Ten-mile Gallery
Located in the Suoxiyu area, the Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Gallery is a beautiful 5-kilometer valley. Along both sides of the canyon stand over 200 uniquely shaped stone peaks, creating famous views like “Three Sisters Peaks”, “Herb Collecting Old Man” and “The God of Longevity Welcoming Guest”. After rainfall, sea of clouds often appears, with the Suoxi Lake perfectly reflecting the misty mountains, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting scroll.
More to Explore Around Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Baofeng Lake: Known as a “world classic of lakes”, just 8 kilometers from Tianzi Mountain. It is renowned for its serene emerald waters surrounded by towering peaks, creating a picturesque blend of water and mountain scenery. The lake’s “Flying Waterfall from a Peak” even served as the filming location for the iconic Water Curtain Cave in the classic TV series Journey to the West.
- Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave): Explore a magnificent underground realm of vast chambers, winding tunnels, and spectacular stalactite formations. This colossal karst cave system is often called a “wonderland palace” beneath the mountains.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Famous for its breathtaking glass-bottom bridge spanning the deep chasm, the canyon provides thrilling panoramic views and exciting hikes through lush, vertical landscapes.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets
Book Your Zhangjiajie National Park Tickets NowEntrance Fee
| Ticket Types | Price |
| Entrance Ticket + Eco-Bus + Insurance | Adults: CNY 227 Minors aged 14-18 and seniors aged 60 – 65: CNY 116 Seniors over 65: CNY 33 Children under 14: CNY 3 |
| Note: 1) The ticket for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is valid for 4 days. 2) You must enter through the same gate where you purchased the ticket. | |
| Annual Pass: Entrance Ticket + Eco-Bus + Insurance | CNY 301 |
| Note: 1) The Annual Pass allows multiple entries to the scenic area and rides on the eco-friendly shuttle buses within one year. 2) The pass includes insurance only for the first visit. This insurance is valid for 4 days per purchase. Please repurchase the insurance for visits exceeding this duration. | |
Fees for Elevator, Cable Car and Tourist Train
| Ticket Types | Price |
| Bailong Sightseeing Elevator for single ride | CNY 65; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 33; Free for children under 14 |
| Huangshi Village Cableway for single ride | CNY 65; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 33; Free for children under 14 |
| Yangjiajie Cableway for single ride | CNY 76; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 36; Free for children under 14 |
| Tianzishan Moutain Cableway for single ride | CNY 72; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 36; Free for children under 14 |
| Combo ticket: The 3 cableways and 1 elevator listed above with one ride for each | CNY 238; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 128; Free for children under 14 |
| Combo ticket: The 3 cable cars and 1 elevator listed above with unlimited rides for each | CNY 298; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 158; Free for children under 14 |
| Note: The Combo ticket above is valid for 4 days. | |
| Ten-mile Gallery Tourist Train for single trip | CNY 38; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 19; Free for children under 14 |
Opening Hours
| Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | 07:00 – 17:00 daily |
| Note: The opening hours of the park are subject to change due to special weather conditions; please check in advance. | |
How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie City, about 35 kilometers from the city center. You can reach the park by taking a bus or using ride-hailing services like DiDi.
From Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport to National Forest Park
For visitors flying in, the most seamless route from Zhangjiajie Airport to the Forest Park is to head directly to the well-serviced East Gate area.
- Take a DiDi or taxi directly to the park; the 45-minute journey costs about ¥70.
- Take a taxi or Bus 4 to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station. Then, transfer to a direct bus to Wulingyuan (East Gate) or the Forest Park (South Gate)
From Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (High-Speed Rail) to the National Forest Park
- After arriving at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, you can simply take a direct bus to Wulingyuan (East Gate) or the Forest Park (South Gate) from the integrated bus station on the right.
From Zhangjiajie City Center to the National Forest Park
- You can also take a direct bus to Wulingyuan (East Gate) or the Forest Park (South Gate) from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station.
Note: The intercity tourist buses operate from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm in summer (March – November), and from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm in winter (December – February).
Recommended Tour Routes
Zhangjiajie in a Day: The Essential Highlights Tour
Route: East Gate – Bailong Elevator – Yuanjiajie (Enchanting Terrace, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, First Bridge under Heaven) – Sightseeing Bus – Laowuchang (Shenbing Gathering, Parade Platform) – Sightseeing Bus – Tianzi Mountain (Imperial Writing Brush Peaks) – Tianzi Mountain Cableway down – East Gate
This is a highly efficient, action-packed one-day itinerary designed for visitors with limited time. It utilizes the park’s cable car and elevator system to maximize sightseeing, covering three core scenic areas—Yuanjiajie, Laowuchang, and Tianzi Mountain—to showcase the most iconic pillar peak landscapes.
Family-Friendly Escape: A Relaxed 2-Day Zhangjiajie Tour
Day 1: South Gate – Huangshizhai Cableway up – Huangshizhai (Full Loop) – Huangshizhai Cableway down – Golden Whip Stream – Walk to Four Gates encircling the stream – Sightseeing Bus to East Gate – Zhangjiajie Romance Park (Watch large-scale song and dance performance)
Day 2: East Gate – Sightseeing Bus to Bailong Elevator – Ride the elevator to the mountain top – Sightseeing Bus to Enchaning Terrace Parking Lot – Enchaning Terrace – Heaven Pillar – The First Bridge in the world – Sightseeing Bus to Yangjiajie – Sightseeing Bus to Dianjiangtai – Sightseeing Bus to Helong Park – Sightseeing Bus to Tianzi Mountain Cableway – East Gate
This two-day itinerary is a great choice for families with children. It focuses on gentle walking rather than steep climbs, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience.
For the Avid Hiker: A Strenuous 2-Day Zhangjiajie Deep Dive
Day 1: East Gate – Sightseeing Bus (Line B) – Four Gates encircling the stream – Golden Whip Stream (one-way, 7.5km) – Great Oxygen Bar Square (Lunch) – Huangshizhai (Hiking up: 2 hours) – Huangshizhai Full Loop (1.5-2 hours) – Hiking down (1-1.5 hours) – South Gate (arrive by 6:00 PM) – Bus to East Gate for dinner.
Day 2: East Gate – Sightseeing Bus (Line B) – Shili Gallery (30 min walk) – Hike up Tianzi Mountain (2.5 hours) – Tianzi Mountain Loop (1.5-2 hours) – Sightseeing Bus – Yangjiajie (Partial exploration: Wulongzhai) – Yuanjiajie Loop (1 hour) – Sightseeing Bus to Yangjiajie – Hike down Yangjiajie (1+ hour) – West Gate area – Sightseeing Bus – South Gate (arrive by 6:00 PM) – Bus to East Gate.
A route designed for true hiking enthusiasts. This itinerary is exceptionally physically demanding, offering an in-depth exploration of the park’s core scenery.
Recommended 3-Day Zhangjiajie Itinerary
For travelers with more time, we recommend this comprehensive 3-day itinerary that combines the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with two other iconic destinations in the region.
Day 1-2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Follow either the “Family-Friendly Escape” or “Avid Hiker” 2-day itinerary to fully experience the park’s spectacular quartz-sandstone peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests.
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain & Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Tianmen Mountain: Take a cable car up Tianmen Mountain, famous for its cliff-hanging walkways and the thrilling glass skywalk. Visit the natural landmark Tianmen Cave (“Heaven’s Gate”).
- Fenghuang Ancient Town: In the afternoon, travel to Fenghuang (Phoenix Ancient Town). This well-preserved town, known for its traditional stilt houses along the river, is beautifully illuminated at night. Strolling through its ancient lanes offers a perfect cultural conclusion to your journey.
Accommodation Suggestions
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has five entrances, with most visitors using either the East Gate or South Gate. For the most convenient access, we recommend staying near the East Gate area. This location offers the best hotel selection, dining options, and transportation connections.
The East Gate vicinity is highly developed for tourism, making it ideal for first-time visitors. You may consider hotels like Boman (a 5-minute walk from the East Gate) or quieter options along Weiyang Road. For easier park access, prioritize accommodations within walking distance of the East Gate or those providing freee shuttle services like Four Seasons Lai · Riverside Resort Hotel. Popular booking platforms like trip.com offer extensive listings in WuLingYuan area.
Even if you plan to enter through the South Gate, the East Gate remains your best accommodation choice. From your hotel, you can either take a direct taxi to the South Gate (just about 20 minutes) or first go to the East Gate and transfer to a tourist bus heading to the South Gate.
Tips For Zhangjiajie Forest Park
- Peak Season & Booking: The park experiences extreme crowds during major Chinese holidays, including Labor Day (May 1-3), National Day (October 1-7), and the Spring Festival. During these periods, expect to queue for over an hour for cable cars and elevators. It is highly advised to book your tickets online in advance.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is pleasant with minimal rainfall, the scenery is at its best, and crowds are generally smaller.
- Passport & Access: You MUST bring your passport for park entry. After the initial verification at the gate, facial recognition scanners are used throughout the park for buses, cable cars, and elevators, so you won’t need to show it again.
- Food & Drink: Numerous restaurants, food stalls, and vendors (including a McDonald’s and KFC) are located inside the park, making it easy to find meals and snacks throughout the day.
- Payments: Cashless payments are the standard. Ensure you have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up, as even small snack stalls do not accept cash.
- Wildlife Safety: The macaque monkeys are wild. Maintain a safe distance, do not eat in front of them, and secure your belongings. They may steal food or become aggressive if they feel threatened.
- Included Transport: The admission ticket includes the use of the eco-friendly shuttle buses inside the park. Confirm the bus route with staff before boarding.
- Weather & Clothing: Due to significant daily temperature changes and unpredictable mountain weather, bring an extra layer and a raincoat or umbrella to avoid catching a cold.
- Sun Protection: During summer, sun protection is crucial. It is advised to bring and use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference between Route A and B is the direction: Route A takes the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car up and Bailong Elevator down (less crowded), while Route B does the reverse – Bailong Elevator up and cable car down (more popular).
It refers to the four paid transport services: Tianzi Mountain Cable Car, Yangjiajie Cable Car, Yellow Stone Village Cable Car, and Bailong Elevator.
- For 1-day trips: Buy entrance ticket + single ride tickets.
- For 2-day trips: Choose the “Four Rides” pass (covers Bailong Elevator up + Tianzi Cable Car down + Yellow Stone Village round trip).
- For 2+ day trips: The “Multi-Ride” pass offers unlimited rides on all four transports.
While there are no campgrounds available for overnight stays, the park features numerous well-maintained hiking trails. The most famous of these is the Golden Whip Stream trail, a picturesque route that winds through the valley floor. Other notable hiking areas include trails around Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie, offering various difficulty levels and scenic viewpoints.
The ticket is valid for 4 consecutive days starting from the first day of use, not 4 separate calendar days.
No. The Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake are separate scenic areas with their own entrance tickets, requiring separate purchases.