Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie: 4 Best Places to Stay in Zhangjiajie 2024

Zhangjiajie has captured the imagination of travelers worldwide, thanks in part to being the inspiration behind the floating "Hallelujah Mountain" in James Cameron's blockbuster "Avatar." It is also home to China's first national forest park—Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—which draws visitors from around the globe eager to witness its breathtaking natural wonders. Given the vastness of this destination, many travelers opt for a multi-day stay. So, where should you stay while visiting Zhangjiajie? The best location depends on the length of your stay and the sites you wish to explore. Below, we’ve outlined the top four areas to consider, along with recommended accommodations to suit your needs for comfort and services.

4 Best Places to Stay in Zhangjiajie

Though Zhangjiajie isn't as sprawling as larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai, it still offers a variety of accommodation options across several key areas. Based on our experience and feedback from countless visitors, we've identified the four best places to stay: 1) Wulingyuan Town, 2) the areas near the ticket stations of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, 3) Zhangjiajie City Center, and 4) Fenghuang Ancient Town (if you plan to extend your trip). Each location comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which we've highlighted to help you choose the best spot for your Zhangjiajie adventure!

Map of 4 Best Places to Stay in Zhangjiajie

1. Wulingyuan Town - First Choice near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Most Attractions

Wulingyuan Town, located in the heart of the Wulingyuan District, offers an unbeatable location surrounded by Zhangjiajie’s top scenic attractions, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yellow Dragon Cave, and the nearby Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the world’s longest and highest glass bridge. Most of these sites are just a 10-minute drive away, making Wulingyuan Town the ideal base for exploring the area.

Since Zhangjiajie City Center, along with the airport, railway station, and main bus terminal, is farther from the key attractions, most visitors choose to stay in Wulingyuan Town to be closer to the national park and surrounding sights. The town’s Wulingyuan Bus Terminal also provides easy transportation options, minimizing travel hassle. Additionally, Wujiayu Ticket Station (East Gate), the main entrance to Zhangjiajie Forest Park, is just a 10-minute drive away, saving you valuable time on the road.

For convenience, Wulingyuan Town offers a wide range of accommodations, from international 5-star hotels to Budget-friendly 3-star options, as well as numerous hostels and inns to suit all preferences.

Nearby Attractions: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Glass Bridge), Yellow Dragon Cave, Charming Xiangxi Show, and more.

★★★ Recommended Wulingyuan Accommodations ★★★

• ◎ Pullman Zhangjiajie (Luxury)
  Add.: Huajuan Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
• ◎ Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan (Luxury)
  Add.: Gaoyun Road Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
• ◎ Wulingyuan Hotel (Upscale)
  Add.: No.633, Wuling Avanue, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
• ◎ Santo Domingo International Hotel Zhangjiajie (Comfortable)
  Add.: No.8 Guihua Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie

Check more Recommended Wulingyuan Hotels >>

Sea of Clouds at Tianzi Mountain in Wulingyuan National Forest Park

4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yellow Dragon Cave

2. Near Ticket Stations - Foot of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with Budget Options

If you want to stay close to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, there are two other excellent areas near the park’s ticket stations: Forest Park Ticket Station (South Gate) and Zimugang Ticket Station (Southeast Gate). Both are located at the foot of the scenic mountains and offer easy access to the park.

The South Gate is an ideal starting point for exploring Huangshizhai and Golden Whip Stream in the southern part of the park. Meanwhile, the Southeast Gate provides convenient access to Yuanjiajie, including the famous Bailong Elevator.

While these areas offer several comfortable and Budget-friendly hotels and hostels, the options here may not be as luxurious or convenient as those in Wulingyuan Town. However, they provide an excellent balance of proximity and affordability for travelers focused on exploring the park.

Golden Whip Stream at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Nearby Attractions: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Glass Bridge), Yellow Dragon Cave, Charming Xiangxi Show, and more.

3 Days Classic Zhangjiajie Natural Wonders Tour (National Park + Tianmen Mountain)

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Tianmen Cave

3. Zhangjiajie Downtown - Closer to Tianmen Mountain & Convenient for Zhangjiajie Flight/Train

Zhangjiajie’s downtown area is ideal for visitors who want to explore Tianmen Mountain, as it is home to the starting point of the famous Tianmen Mountain cable car, the longest cableway in Asia.

For those arriving in Zhangjiajie by a late flight or train, staying in the downtown area is recommended for a restful night, preparing you for a fresh start the following day. It’s also convenient if you have an early departure planned to conclude your trip. While Zhangjiajie’s downtown is compact, it offers a wide selection of luxury, comfort, and Budget-friendly hotels, as well as boutique hotels and hostels.

Nearby attractions and facilities: Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Station, Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, Zhangjiajie Railway Station, Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (high-speed), Zhangjiajie Central Bus Terminal, Tianmen Fox Fairy Show, 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings Scenic Area, and more.

★★★ Recommended Zhangjiajie Downtown Accommodations ★★★

• ◎ Sunshine Hotel & Resort Zhangjiajie (Luxury)
  Add.: No.2 Yongding Avenue, Yongding District,Zhangjiajie
• ◎ Best Western Grand Hotel Zhangjiajie (Luxury)
  Add.: North of Dayongqiao Park, Ziwu West Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie
• ◎ Metropolo Hotel ZhangJiaJie Tianmen Mountain (Upscale)
  Add.: S102 Apartment Building, Indigo Plaza, Guanliping Community, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie

Check more Recommended Zhangjiajie Downtown Hotels >>

Tianmen Mountain Cable Car - Asia's Longest One

5 Days Amazing Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

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

4. Fenghuang Ancient Town - Enjoy Night View of Famous Old City

In fact, a large portion of travelers to Zhangjiajie extend their trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town within Western Hunan Province to admire the antique flavor of tilted wooden houses along the river, beautiful ethnic culture of Tujia people and the famous old city. To visit this popular site, you are recommended to have at least 1 night staying there to enjoy the night view and slow life to escape from the bustling metropolis. And within the ancient town, diverse boutique hotels, hostels and inns can be found very easily, however, that can not be matched to those comfort and luxury hotels in city. And if you are seeking for a better staying experience, you can arrange your accommodation outside of Fenghuang Ancient Town Scenic Area, where provide more better starred hotels from 5 star to 3 star.

★★★ Recommended Accommodations Within Fenghuang Ancient Town ★★★

• ◎ Phoenix City (Fenghuangcheng) Boutique Hotel (Upscale)
  Add.: No. 145 Laoyingshao, Tuojiang Town, Hunan
• ◎ Zuixiangxi Hotel (Upscale)
  Add.: East Side of Qifeng Square, Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Hunan
• ◎ Xiong Residence (Comfortable)
  Add.: No. 11 Wenxing Street, Fenghuang County, Hunan
• ◎ All Seasons Hotel (Comfortable)
  Add.: No.2 Fenghuang Rainbow Bridge East Road, Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County

★★★ Recommended Accommodations Outside Fenghuang Ancient Town ★★★

• ◎ Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hot Springs Fenghuang (Luxury)
  Add.: No.001 Fengxianjing, Fengxi Road, Tuojiang Town, Hunan

Check more Recommended Fenghuang Ancient Town Hotels >>

Night View of Fenghuang Ancient Town

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

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie / Furongzhen / Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Park, Huangshi Village, Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Furong Ancient Town

Stay Inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park? - NOT AVAILABLE

You might wonder where to stay within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. However, due to environmental protection policies, no accommodation is available inside the National Forest Park Scenic Area. Visitors can stay near the ticket stations just outside the scenic area, which is a convenient way to save time.

Arrange Zhangjiajie Accommodation Based on Your Itinerary

Since the main attractions in Zhangjiajie and the downtown area are spread out, it’s important to plan your accommodation based on the length of your stay and the attractions you wish to visit. Most travelers spend 3-5 days in Zhangjiajie to explore the National Forest Park and other key sites.

Zhangjiajie Arrival: On your first day, we recommend dedicating time for your arrival. If you arrive in the late afternoon, it’s best to stay in the downtown area.

Wulingyuan Exploration: If you arrive early and want to explore the core of Zhangjiajie, consider staying in Wulingyuan Town or near the Forest Park Ticket Station (South Gate) or Zimugang Ticket Station (Southeast Gate). From there, you can spend the following days exploring the National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yellow Dragon Cave, and more.

Tianmen Mountain or Departure from Zhangjiajie: It’s recommended to stay in Zhangjiajie downtown if you’re planning to visit Tianmen Mountain or if you have an early departure the next day.

Extend to Fenghuang Ancient Town: For those planning to spend an additional 1-2 days in Fenghuang Ancient Town, you can arrange accommodation within or near the tourist area upon arrival for a peaceful stay.

Star Rating & Services of Zhangjiajie Accommodations

Zhangjiajie is a relatively small city compared to Beijing or Shanghai. Hotels rated upscale or luxury may not meet the international standards of those in larger metropolitan areas. However, many hotels have been in operation for years and receive positive reviews from global travelers for their efforts to provide the best possible facilities and services. Some top international brands also have English-speaking staff, helping to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay in scenic Zhangjiajie.

How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour

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.

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