Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Home of Avatar, The Real World of Pandora

Why Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?

Located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie City, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (“张家界国家森林公园” in Chinese) features more than 3,000 iconic sandstone columns and peaks, most of which soar beyond 200 meters in height. Throughout the region, a complex pattern of chasms and dales unfolds, with the presence of streams, lakes, and waterfalls around every turn. Additionally, the park shelters over 40 cavernous stone formations and two vast natural stone bridges. This extraordinary collage of landscapes creates a scenic mountain journey that is truly one-of-a-kind, positioning Zhangjiajie National Park as an essential stop for the well-traveled connoisseur’s list of destinations.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park encompasses several breathtaking areas, such as Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Huangshizhai, Golden Whip Stream, and the Ten-mile Gallery. The park ticket covers admission to these areas, but does not include the cost of the elevator, cableways, sightseeing tram, and intra-site transportation for minor attractions. The ticket is valid for 4 days, with different pricing for low and peak seasons.

Top-Rated Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tours for 2025:

☛ 4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain

☛ 5 Days Fantastic Zhangjiajie Tour with Side trip to Furong Ancient Town

Yuanjiajie 袁家界

Location: Center of Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Core Scenic Area;
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours. At least 3 hours for hiking up;
Fitness Needed:Moderate;
Scenic Spot Shuttle: Bailong Elevator, an extra fee of CNY 65/pp for a single ride;

You must know the movie AVATAR. "Avatar makes its mark on China’s Zhangjiajie, floating Hallelujah Mountain featured in Hollywood blockbuster Avatar". The surreal world is Yuanjiajie. With an elevation of 1074 meters, Yuanjiajie is connected to Golden Whip Stream (The Four Gates around the Brooks) and Ten-mile Gallery in the east, Huangshizhai in the south, and Tianzi Mountain in the north. Yuanjiajie is a naturally formed platform mountain, surrounded by higher summits which are divided by deep valleys. The famous sights in this scenic area include the First Bridge under Heaven, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Lost Soul Platform, Back Garden, etc.

There are 3 routes leading you to the top of Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

Classic Route: Sightseeing bus from the east gate (Wulingyuan Sign Gate, around 30 minutes) - Bailong Elevator up (2-3minutes, don’t cover the line-up time) - Yuanjiajie (1-2 hours exploration) - Sightseeing Bus to Tianzi Mountain (pass Yangjiajie)
Backtrack Route: Sightseeing bus from Tianzi Mountain (transfer at Yangjiajie, around 40 minutes) - Yuanjiajie - Bailong Elevator Down - Sightseeing bus to the next destination (Golden Whip Stream/Ten-mile Galley/East Gate)
Hiking Trail: Another option is to trek from the Luancuan Slope, located in the midst of the Golden Whip Stream, to the Back Garden, which is an approximately 80-minute journey that can be quite physically demanding. To conserve time and energy, it is recommended to visit Yuanjiajie via the Bailong Elevator.

Learn more about Yuanjiaije Scenic Area >>

Tianzi Mountain is renowned for its quartet of natural marvels: the billowing Cloud Sea, the ethereal Moon Glow, the Sun’s Radiant Beams, and the winter blanket of Snow. This place offers a shifting panorama that varies with the seasons and the time of day. Inside the Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, several distinct sub-regions draw in visitors, with 2 emerging as especially beloved destinations:

- Helong Park 贺龙公园 (1-hour sightseeing), where the famous Yubi Peak and Tianzi Pavilion are situated, is a must-visit when exploring Tianzi Mountain.
- Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area 空中田园 (1-1.5 hours sightseeing), also known as Field in the Air, is celebrated for its superb viewing platforms that have gained popularity in recent years through photographic representations. This area, which offers a 1-1.5 hour scenic experience, showcases the harmony between cultivation and the breathtaking natural beauty of its mountains and valleys.

Tianzi Mountain Tour Routes:

Classic Route: Often, visitors like to combine a day trip to both Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie. A shuttle bus can take you from Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain in approximately 40 minutes. If your schedule allows, consider making stops at the Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area at the Sanchakou Station 三岔口站 and the Stage of Appointing Commander Observation Deck at Shentangwan Station 神堂湾站 for some stunning vistas. Afterward, proceed to visit Helong Park, Imperial Writing Brush Peaks, Tainzi Pavilion, and Fairy Maid Scattering Flowers. From there, board a bus to the top station of the Tianzi Mountain Cableway for a scenic descent down the mountain. Finally, continue by bus to your subsequent destinations, such as Ten-mile Gallery or the East Gate.
Backtrack Route: Sightseeing bus from the east gate (around 25 minutes) - Tianzi Mountain Cableway up (around 10 minutes) - Helong Park (around 1 hour) - Sightseeing bus to the next destinations (Shentangwan/Kong Zhong Tian Yuan/Yangjiajie/Yuanjiajie……)
Hiking Trail: The hiking trail of Tianzi Mountain starts from the inner stop of the Ten-mile Gallery. Along the way, you will pass Wolong Ridge to Tianzi Pavilion. The route takes about 2 hours.

Learn more about Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area >>

Ten-mile Gallery 十里画廊

Location: East of Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Core Scenic Area;
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hours;
Fitness Needed: Light
Scenic Spot Shuttle: Sightseeing Tram, an extra fee of CNY 38/pp for a single run, CNY 76/pp for a round tour;

Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Gallery also known as Shili Hualang, is a beautiful 2-kilometer leisure valley hiking trail in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It’s famous for its lifelike mountains, dense forests, and unique rock formations that are very pleasing to the eye. You can stroll along the path to enjoy the lovely views, or take a relaxing sightseeing tram to admire the scenery without much effort. Notable formations include the Old Man Gathering Herbs (采药老人), Three Sisters Peaks (三姐妹峰), etc.

Recommended Route: Sightseeing bus from the east gate (Wulingyuan Sign Gate, around 20 minutes) - Ride a Ten-mile Gallery Sightseeing Tram In (10-15minutes) - Walk the paralleling hiking trail out (20-30 minutes) - Sightseeing Bus to your next destinations (Yuanjiajie/Golden Whip Stream……)

Learn more about Zhangjiajie Ten Miles Gallery >>

Huangshizhai is located in the southwest of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park at an Altitude of 1092 meters. It is the largest volley viewing platform in the quartz sandstone peak forest landscape of Zhangjiajie and the birthplace of Zhangjiajie tourism. Once you reach the top of Huangshizhai and look down upon it, thousands of stone pillars are stiff and straight, which form a vast peak forest. On the top of the mountain, there are more than 30 famous scenic spots, such as the Star-picking Platform, the Pavilion of Six Wonders, The Five Fingers Peak and The Greeting Double Gate. Some once said that Huangshizhai: five steps amazed, seven steps amazed, ten steps away, stunned. It has got the reputation of “It’s in vain to visit Zhangjiajie without going to Huangshi Village.”

Huangshizhai Tour Routes:

Regular Small Loop: (Sightseeing bus/walk from the south gate - Take a Huangshizhai Cableway to the mountaintop - )Six Wonders (mountains, waters, clouds, stones, trees, and rare animals) - Star Gathering Stage - Five-finger Peak - Fairy Presenting Flowers - Return to the upper station of the cableway and ride one down; (Approximately 1 hour)
Cable Car Up, Walk Down: (Sightseeing bus/walk from the south gate - Take a Huangshizhai Cableway to the mountaintop - )Six Wonders (mountains, waters, clouds, stones, trees, and rare animals) - Star Gathering Stage - Welcoming Guest Crag - Five-finger Peak - Tourist Route Down the Front Mountain - South Heavenly Gate - Treasure Box of Heavenly Books - Sea-Stabilizing Needle - Command Platform - Foreign Guests - Fir Forest Path - Down to the Big Oxygen Bar Square; (Note: It takes about 1 hour to climb up Huangshizhai, and about 40 minutes to walk down. 4588 steps)
Full Loop: (Sightseeing bus/walk from the south gate - Take a Huangshizhai Cableway to the mountaintop - )Passing through Six Wonders Pavilion - Immortal’s Peak - Star Gathering Stage - Five Fingers Peak - Nine Walls - Sword to the Sky - Maitreya Palace - Remaining Piers of the Heavenly Bridge - Zhang Liang's Embatting - Upper Cableway Station; (Approximately 2 hours)

Learn more about Huangshizhai >>

Golden Whip Stream 金鞭溪

Location: 500 m from the South Gate of Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Core Scenic Area;
Recommended Visiting Time: about 1-3 hours;
Fitness Needed: relaxing pace, easy to hike the essence sections;

With a length of 7.5 kilometers, Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian Stream) is famous for its tranquil water, its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs and its serene valley. It is called “the most poetic valley in China”. Hence, Golden Whip Stream is suitable for 1-3 hours ofhiking (essence/deep). When walking along the pathway, you’ll appreciate flowers, trees and grasses, many green hills and colorful flora, hear the song of the birds, and, of course, pass many splendid scenery: Mother and Child Peak, Bajie Carrying His Wife on the Back, Golden Whip Crag, Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip, Literator Crog, Longevity Spring, etc.

Recommended Hiking Trails/Sections in the Golden Whip Stream Scenic Area:

1. From the Oxygen Bar Square to the Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip (for those entering from the South Gate): This path is known for its abundant fresh air, providing a revitalizing experience.
2. From the Four Gates around the Brooks to the Leaping Fish Pond (for those entering from the East Gate): This section is peaceful, with tranquil waters and a nearby pond famous for fish that seem to leap out of the water.

The return journey along these two routes usually takes around 1 hour, making it a leisurely and delightful hike.

3. Golden Whip Stream Full Hiking Trail (2-3 hours): The Four Gates around the Brooks - Geological Museum (reservation required one hour in advance, free of charge) - Camel Peak - Leaping Fish Pond - Two Couple Meeting from Afar - Filming Location of Journey to the West - Eagle Protecting the Whip - Golden Whip Crag - Big Oxygen Bar Square

Learn more about Golden Whip Stream >>

Yangjiajie 杨家界

Location: Northwest of Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Core Scenic Area;
Recommended Visiting Time: 15 minutes-3 hours;
Fitness Needed: Moderate;
Scenic Spot Shuttle: Cableway, extra fee of CNY 76/pp for a single ride;

Yangjiajie is a newly developed area of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It is the least crowded area, with peaks, cliffs, waterfalls, streams, gullies and other natural landscapes. The area is also abundant with plants and animals, such as white cranes, macaques, ancient trees and rare flowers.

Travelers can visit Yangjiajie after Yuanjiajie. A sightseeing bus from Yuanjiajie can transfer visitors to Yangjiajie in 10 minutes. You can also visit Yangjiajie separately by cableway to get up and down. There are two routes for you to continue your visit. Try the left route first by visiting One Step to Heaven, Corridor the Cliffs, Hawk Beak Peak, etc. and then try the right route, which you can visit the Gate of Oolong Village, Tianbo Mansion (General Yang’s Family House). Be cautious while hiking in Yangjiajie as the trail is narrow and slippery.

Learn more about Yangjiajie Scenic Area >>

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located north of Zhangjiajie, 35 km from the downtown area. It belongs to one of the four parts of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is situated in the northwest of the Wulingyuan District.

Extend readings: How to Get to Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport | Zhangjiajie Train Stations >>

Distance from Other Attractions in Zhangjiajie

• About 23.2 km from Tianmen Mountain
• About 30 km from Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Transfer to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

China Discovery offers worry-free private car service to transfer you to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as well as the surrounding Yellow Dargon Cave, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge, and Baofeng Lake. If you are an independent traveler, you can take a taxi or take a bus to Zhangjiajie Forest Park.

5 Days Amazing Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie / Fenghuang / Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianmen Mountain, Fenghuang Ancient Town

• By Taxi: from Zhangjiajie Airport to the Park: around CNY 100; from Zhangjiajie Railway Station to the Park: CNY 80-100; from Zhangjiajie Downtown area to the Park: around CNY 80. It takes about 40 minutes.
• By Bus: You can take a direct bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (South Gate). A bus runs approximately every 10 minutes, covering a distance of about 30 kilometers, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.

▶ Related Reading:

>> Zhangjiajie Airport to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
>> Zhangjiajie Railway Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

A short 10-minute drive (around 3.5 km) southeast from the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Park leads you to Baofeng Lake, a quintessential scene of the Wulingyuan landscape. Here, peculiar verdant peaks are mirrored in the pristine waters, which in turn are encircled by these peaks. The lake is dotted with two charming islets. A boat ride across the lake offers a delightful journey, where you might discover the One Line Gorge, Hawk Nest Village, Guanyin Temple, and the majestic Baofeng Waterfall.

• · Location: No.8, Baofeng Road, Suoxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City (张家界市武陵源区索溪镇宝峰路8号)
• · Tickets: CNY 110/pp (only for your reference, updated on 26 September 2024)
• · Recommended Visiting Time: 1-1.5 hours

A 15-20 minute car journey (around 9 km) to the east of the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Park takes you to the subterranean splendor of Yellow Dragon Cave, also known as Huanglong Cave. This underground treasure is acclaimed by UNESCO experts as one of the world's most beautiful caves. Spanning a vast 100,000 square meters, with a length of 7.6 kilometers, a height reaching 140 meters, two hidden underground rivers, four cascading waterfalls, 13 distinct caverns, and an astounding 10,000 stalagmites and stalactites, this is a vast limestone cavern system. Inside, the Magic Needle and the Dragon King's Chair are renowned formations that attract visitors' attention.

• Location: Hekou Village, Suoxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City (张家界市武陵源区索溪峪镇河口村)
• Tickets: CNY 121/pp (only for your reference, updated on 26 September 2024)
• Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours

A scenic 40-minute, approximately 29-kilometer drive to the northeast from the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Park brings you to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. This breathtaking natural wonder, nestled in the Wuling Mountains, is celebrated for its deep ravines, sparkling waters, verdant flora, and splendid waterfalls. Visitors can step onto the globally recognized glass bridge for an exhilarating, cloud-walking adventure or stroll along the meandering paths to delve into the canyon's secretive and serene beauty. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a must-visit for both adventure enthusiasts and those who appreciate the tranquility of nature.

• · Location: Sanguansi Township, Cili County, Zhangjiajie City (张家界市慈利县三官寺乡)
• · Tickets: CNY 178/pp (only for your reference, updated on 26 September 2024)
• · Recommended Visiting Time: 1-3 hours

Zhangjiajie is an incredible place with absolutely beautiful landscape under heaven. Travelers usually spend 3 to 5 days in and around Zhangjiajie. There is no doubt that Wulingyuan National Forest Park is the highlight of all the stunning attractions which needs to spend 2 days inside. If you have one more day, you should add Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge Experience or Tianmen Mountain into the trip. Some travelers choose to visit Yellow Dragon Cave or Baofeng Lake for one day. If you prefer Zhangjiajie day tours, you can always find a tour.

If you want to enjoy the antique beauty of ancient town, Fenghuang Ancient Town is the best choice for one to two days' escape. And, you can also consider of Fanjingshan Mountain to see the mushroom stone and odd mountains.

Most travelers would add Zhangjiajie into their longer China trip and you can go with Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Yangtze River Cruise, Guilin, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing and more. To customize your China tour with Zhangjiajie, just feel free to tell us your likes and demands, and we are here ready to help you at any time! Tailor make your China tour with China Discovery now!

Travel Zhangjiajie with China Discovery

To help you enjoy a worry-free trip to Zhangjiajie and the whole China, we suggest you travel with China Discovery. Our experienced travel expert will help you arrange the accommodation, transportation and everything well to let you spend all your effort and time on the sightseeing. If you have any other ideas or questions about your Zhangjiajie tour, please feel free to contact us. We will help you plan your enjoyable trip with sincerity and professionalism!

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Zhangjiajie for the past few years. Among them Mr. Elie & his wife from Belgium enjoyed 5 days in Zhangjiajie during their 69 days China trip customized with us and shared us their travel story. Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Zhangjiajie trip memories! Our best Zhangjiajie tours include classic trip to Zhangjiajie National Park, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain and China tours with Zhangjiajie, Guilin, etc.