Overview
What to Expect
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan is world‑famous for its tall sandstone pillars, deep valleys and mysterious mists. The Avatar Mountain (Hallelujah Mountain) in the Yuanjiajie scenic area inspired the floating landscapes in James Cameron’s film Avatar.
Within the park, you’ll find glass bridges, cliffside walkways, panoramic viewpoints and forest trails connected by shuttle buses, cable cars and the Bailong Elevator. It’s a dream destination for photographers, nature lovers and anyone who enjoys epic mountain scenery.
With our local guides, you can avoid the most crowded times, choose the best viewpoints for the weather and combine Avatar Mountain with nearby Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain or the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
Avatar-style sandstone pillars rising above the clouds in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — the scenery that inspired the movie Avatar.
Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, one of the world's longest and highest, offering thrilling sky-walk views.
Tianmen Mountain with its cliff-hanging glass skywalks, 99-bend road, and Tianmen Cave ("Heaven's Gate").
Bailong Elevator, a 326-meter outdoor glass elevator transporting travelers straight into the pillar forest.
Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain, home to the most iconic peaks and panoramic viewpoints.
Golden Whip Stream, an easy and peaceful walking trail surrounded by towering cliffs and lush nature.
Things to Do
- Walk among the Avatar-style sandstone pillars and explore the classic scenic routes in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Ride the Bailong Elevator — the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator — for sweeping views over the pillar peaks.
- Cross the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge suspended high above a deep canyon for a thrilling perspective of the landscape.
- Take the Tianmen Mountain cableway and follow the cliffside skywalks overlooking dramatic vertical drops.
- Photograph sunrise at Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, or Yangjiajie for the most iconic pillar-and-mist views.
- Stroll along Golden Whip Stream, an easy riverside trail surrounded by clear water and towering cliffs.
- Experience local Tujia culture through traditional wooden homes, folk shows, and regional mountain cuisine.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1 – Avatar Mountain & Yuanjiajie
Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, ride the shuttle bus or Bailong Elevator up to the plateau, and explore Yuanjiajie’s viewpoints, including Avatar (Hallelujah) Mountain and nearby glass platforms. - Day 1 Afternoon – Tianzi Mountain
Continue to Tianzi Mountain for sweeping views over the pillar forest, then descend by cable car. - Day 2 (Optional) – Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge or More Hiking
Walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and hike the Grand Canyon, or spend more time on forest trails such as Golden Whip Stream.
We can customize the plan based on your fitness level, photography interests and travel dates.
How to Get to Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain
- By air: fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, then transfer about 40–60 minutes by car to Wulingyuan town near the main park entrance.
- By train: take a high‑speed or overnight train to Zhangjiajie West or Zhangjiajie Railway Station, then continue by car, taxi or bus to Wulingyuan.
- Inside the park: after entering, you’ll use eco shuttle buses, elevators and cable cars to move between Avatar Mountain, Tianzi Mountain and other scenic areas.
Travel Tips
- Prepare for walking and stairs: expect uneven paths and many steps at viewpoints—comfortable shoes are essential.
- Weather changes quickly: fog can arrive suddenly. Misty days can be very atmospheric, but bring a light rain jacket and protect your camera.
- Avoid peak crowds: Chinese public holidays and weekends can be extremely busy. Early starts help you enjoy quieter viewpoints.
- Bring your passport: required for ticket purchase and entry.
FAQ
Is one day enough for Zhangjiajie?
You can see Avatar Mountain and a few viewpoints in one full day, but 2–3 days let you explore Tianzi Mountain, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain with less rush.
Is the glass bridge included in the main ticket?
No. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is a separate scenic area with its own ticket. We can bundle it into a customized tour.
Is it suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes, but there are many stairs and high walkways. We can design a gentler route focusing on safer viewpoints, cable cars and short walks.
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