13 Best Things to Do in Zhangjiajie 2025
What is Zhangjiajie in your mind? Real Pandora on Earth? Outdoor activities paradise? Yes, all you think can be true - Zhangjiajie can satisfy different travelers to the fullest with a different but amazing experience. Zhangjiajie should be listed on your travel list 2025/2025 no matter if you want to get back to nature for relaxation or look to see something different and do something adventurous. It is famous for its marvelous pillar-like rocks, like Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the well-known glass bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. In addition to these, Zhangjiajie will continue to impress you with many more things. Here is an ultimate guide about the 13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZHANGJIAJIE. Get inspired now!
Zhangjiajie Attractions Map (Click to Enlarge)
Recommended Zhangjiajie Tour Packages:
☛ 4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain
☛ 5 Days Zhangjiajie Ultimate Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain
☛ 6 Days Zhangjiajie Tour with Antique Furong & Fenghuang Ancient Towns
No.1: Explore Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Hallelujah Mountain in Yuanjiajie
Lenise's Group visited Yuanjiajie in March 2024
You must be familiar with the famous movie “AVATAR.” You may recall the breathtaking “floating mountains” known as “Hallelujah Mountain.” The movie drew inspiration from a quartz-sandstone pillar in Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Now, Avatar Mountain has been listed as one of the top attractions in Zhangjiajie that you should never miss during your Zhangjiajie tour.
Originally called Southern Sky Column (Nan Tian Yi Zhu), it was renamed to “Hallelujah Mountain”, a peculiar column at an altitude of 1074 meters above sea level and a vertical height of about 150 meters. To see Hallelujah Mountains, you must go to Yuanjiajie, located between Huangshi Village and Tianzi Mountain. Of course, you won’t miss “The First Bridge Under the Heaven” and “Back Garden” along the way.
- Location: Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Visiting Time: 1~2 Days
- Ticket: Included in the Forest Park (CNY 227/pp)
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about 2025 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Ultimate Guide >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Avatar Mountains Tour Package:
No.2: Challenge Yourselves over Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Our Guests Enjoy Happy Time on Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
How about challenging yourselves over the longest and highest glass bridge in the world? Regarded as one of the “12 Most Spectacular Bridges in the World” by CNN, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge has a full length of 430 meters and a height of about 400 meters above the valley bottom. A walk through the glass bridge can be compared to a skywalk - you have a feeling there is nothing under your feet, and it seems you are flying above the ground.
Different from the glass bridge built along the edge of the cliff of Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is more exciting, breathtaking and adventurous. You can experience it alone, or you can visit it together with Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
- Location: Sanguansi Village, Cili County, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 07:30-17:00
- Visiting Time: 2~5 Hours
- Ticket: Included in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (CNY 178/pp)
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Glass Bridge Tour Package:
No.3: Pay a Visit to Tianmen Mountain with Fantastic Thrilling Experience
Tianmen Mountain Cableway Experience
Manolis' Group visited Tianmen Cave in September 2023
Tianmen Mountain, about 6 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie downtown area, is the highest mountain of Zhangjiajie City. Different from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain will impress you with not only towering mountains but also thrilling experience from the longest cable car experience to the cliff-side glass walkway.
◆ Try the World’s Longest Cable Car: The 7455-meter cable car takes you from the downtown area to the top of Tianmen Mountain. Sitting in the cable car, you can catch a view of Tianmen Cave and beautiful view of the winding road below. The cable car ride takes about 30 minutes.
◆ Experience Terrifying Glass Skywalks: Hold your breath to challenge the 60 meters glass skywalk on the west trail. Stand on the crystal clear walkway, you can enjoy the cool fresh air and breathtaking view of the great high mountains.
◆ 999 Steps to Tianmen Cave: Tianmen Cave called Heaven’s Gate Cave, is the world’s highest cave of its kind. There are 999 steep and narrow steps up to the heaven with the meaning of eternal peace.
◆ Take the World’s Longest Escalator Through Mountain: To save much time and energy, travelers can reach down to Tianmen Cave through the escalator from the top of the mountain.
◆ Avenue Leading to the Sky with 99 Bends: If your physical demands, you can try the bus over the road “Avenue Leading to the Sky” with 99 sharp curves. Spanning about 11 kilometers, the road is the most impressive mountain roads rising rapidly from 200 meters to 1300 meters.
- Location: Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 06:30~17:00
- Visiting Time: 3~5 Hours
- Ticket: CNY 278/pp
- Fitness Needed: ***
Learn more about Tianmen Mountain >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Tianmen Mountain Tour Package:
No.4: Capture Best View of Ever-changing Mysterious Tianzi Mountain
Mazurek's Group visited Tianzi Mountain in May 2024
Kong Zhong Tian Yuan, Tianzi Mountain
Tianzi Mountain is located in the northwestern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which boasts rocky peaks in grotesque shapes and shrouded in drifting mist. There are four wonders of Tianzi Mountain - cloud sea, sunrise, winter snow and peak forest. The landscape in Tianzi Mountain varies in different seasons and also in one day. If time permits, it is a good idea to watch sunrise over the mountain at Grand Sightseeing Platform. And it will be great to capture the gorgeous panoramic view of the misty Tianzi Mountain.
There are five main scenic zones and over ten scenic spots in the Tianzi Mountain area, including Helong Park, West Sea Stone Forests, Divine shrine and Immortal Bridge, the Fairy Scattering Flowers, etc. A visit to Tianzi Mountain you’ll truly feel the extremely craftsmanship of nature.
- Location: Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Visiting Time: 1~3 Hours
- Ticket: Included in the Forest Park (CNY 227/pp)
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about Tianzi Mountain >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Tianzi Mountain Tour Package:
No.5: Hike along the Tranquil Golden Whip Stream
Monkeys at Golden Whip Stream
Big Oxygen Bar Square
Located in the east of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Golden Whip Stream is a 7.5-kilometer-long stream flowing between steep grotesque peaks and luxuriant trees. It is called the most poetic stream in the world with many scenic spots scattered along the stream.
Most travelers would like to hike along the Golden Whip Stream to appreciate the different beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You’ll begin from the Big Oxygen Bar Square and end your trip at Water Winding around Four Gates (Shuirao Simen). The whole length lasts for 2.5-3 hours. Along the road, you’ll have chance to play with the naughty wild monkeys, listen to birds singing and enjoy the legendary stories. You won’t miss Chupajie Carries His Wife (猪八戒背媳妇), Mother and Child Peak (母子峰), Golden Whip Rock (金鞭岩), Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother (劈山救母), Two Tortoises Visiting the Stream (双龟探溪), etc.
- Location: The Four Gates around the Brooks - Big Oxygen Bar Square, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Visiting Time: 1~3 Hours
- Ticket: Included in the Forest Park (CNY 227/pp)
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about Golden Whip Stream >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Golden Whip Stream Package:
No.6: Shoot Panoramic View of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park at Huangshizhai
Walter's Group visited Immortal’s Peak, Huangshizhai in April 2024
Panoramic View of Huangshizhai
Huangshizhai, at an altitude of 1092 meters, is located at the west side of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park closely linking with Golden Whip Stream. A popular saying is “It is just waste your time if you do not visit Huangshizhai when you are in Zhangjiajie”. It is characterized by the overhanging cliffs, high staking platforms, jagged rocks and elegant apexes. It is reputed as the enlarged potted landscape and miniature fairyland. Huangshizhai is largest natural viewing platform to capture the panoramic view of the numerous towering stone peaks standing side by side.
There are two ways to reach up Huangshizhai, one is taking the cable car and the other is hiking. If you take cable car up, it only takes about 10 minutes. If by hiking, it needs about 1.5-2 hours. When getting on the top of Huangshizhai, you can choose the small circle (about 1-1.5 hours) or the big circle (about 2.5 hours) to explore the fantastic mountain scenery.
- Location: Huangshizhai, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Visiting Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
- Ticket: Included in the Forest Park (CNY 227/pp)
- Fitness Needed: **~***
Know more about Huangshi Village >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Huangshizhai Package:
No.7: Take the Sightseeing Tram to Travel through Ten-Mile Natural Gallery
Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Gallery Sightseeing Tram
Ten-Mile Gallery Landscape
Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Natural Gallery is located in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park on the way between Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. If you have more extra time, you can take an exploration in Ten-mile Natural Gallery before/after your Tianzi Mountain visit.
The end of Golden Whip Stream is the beginning of Ten-mile Natural Gallery where you can take the train to travel through the peaceful valley and mountains. Many vivid mountains standing alongside and say hello to you, including Herb Collecting Old Man (采药老人), Monkey Slope (猴园), Three Sister Peaks (三姐妹峰) and so on. Different from mountain landscape over Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Natural Gallery gives you a chance to look up to the peculiar peaks and fully appreciate their beauty made by nature.
- Location: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Visiting Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
- Ticket: Included in the Forest Park (CNY 227/pp)
- Fitness Needed: *
Know more about Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Natural Gallery >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Ten-mile Natural Gallery Package:
No.8: Discover the Awe-inspiring Underground Palace - Yellow Dragon Cave
Water Tunnel, Yellow Dragon Cave
Dragon Palace, Yellow Dragon Cave
Yellow Dragon Cave, also called Huanglong Cave, is located between Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Known as “A Wonder of Cave on Earth”, “the Most Beautiful Cave in China”, Yellow Dragon Cave is a typical Karst cave which consists of a large number of naturally-formed stone chambers, subterranean pools, lakes and falls, all illuminated in fancy colors.
Yellow Dragon Cave is indeed a precious underground palace with more than 100 scenic spots inside. In this cave, you can not only hike to catch a glimpse of these stones with over thousands of years’ old, but also take a boat along the river to explore the beauty of this mysterious cave. Along the way, you won’t miss Dragon Palace, Xiangshui River, Tianxian Waterfall, Sky Column Street, Labyrinth. The whole visiting length is around 1.5~2.5 hours.
- Location: Hekou Village, Suoxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 7:00~17:30
- Visiting Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
- Ticket: CNY 60-121/pp
- Fitness Needed: ***
Know more about Yellow Dragon Cave >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Yellow Dragon Cave Package:
No.9: Hike in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to Return Back to Nature
Rainbow Square Electric Boat
Momo Cave, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Most travelers coming to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is for the longest and highest glass bridge over the canyon. However, many of them would like to stay longer in this canyon to free their body and soul. It needs about 2-3 hours to do the hike. Free of crowds and noise, you will enjoy beautiful sceneries from overhanging cliffs, the lush green forest, waterfalls to the running stream.
There are two routes recommended for you. One is glass bridge experience plus hiking - you’ll first walk through the 430-meter-long glass bridge with courage and then begin your hiking from Suspension Plank Road, pass through Tianhe Waterfall and Zhuxian Spring, Butterfly Waterfall, enjoy a boat experience on Shenquan Lake. If you only do hiking in the canyon, you’ll start from Yixian Tian to reach Rainbow Square, and then pass through Tianhe Waterfall and followed with a boat experience on Shenquan Lake. If you energy permits, you can take the slide to save some walking distance.
- Location: Sanguansi Village, Cili County, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 07:30-17:00
- Visiting Time: 2~5 Hours
- Ticket: Included in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (CNY 178/pp)
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon >>
Recommended Zhangjiajie + Grand Canyon Hiking Package:
No.10: Enjoy Leisurely Boat Experience on Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake Boat
To totally relax yourselves among the beautiful water and gorgeous mountains, you are highly recommended to take a boat sailing leisurely on the Baofeng Lake. Baofeng Lake, about 20 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is a man-made alpine lake surrounded by mountains with green trees. The highlight of Baofeng Lake is the 20-minute boat experience offering a great chance to view elegant mountains. It will be great to do the boat tour after Zhangjiajie National Forest Park visit or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Hiking.
- Location: No.8, Baofeng Road, Suoxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
- Opening Hours: 7:00 ~ 18:00
- Visiting Time: 1~2 Hours
- Ticket: CNY 96/pp for Entrance Fee
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about Baofeng Lake >>
No.11: Journey into the Ancient Elegance of Fenghuang: Where Stories and Scenery Unite
Fenghuang Ancient Town Night
Snow Bridge of Fenghuang Ancient Town
Extending your journey in Zhangjiajie to include the ancient towns of Fenghuang offers a cultural and scenic contrast to the natural wonders of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Fenghuang Ancient Town is easily accessible from Zhangjiajie, with approximately 200 kilometers away, accessible via a 1-hour high-speed train ride and 3~4 hours road trip.
Fenghuang Ancient Town is an ancient town with a history of more than 300 years, offering a mix of natural scenery and old buildings. The Tuojiang River is a highlight, flowing through the town with traditional houses on its banks. It's known for its ethnic minority cultures, particularly Miao and Tujia. Visitors can enjoy walks along the river, night boat rides, and tours of historical homes, like that of Shen Congwen. Easy to reach and full of beautiful views and rich culture, Fenghuang is a must-visit for those exploring Zhangjiajie.
- Location: Southwest of Tujia-miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi, Hunan, China
- Opening Hours: all day long
- Visiting Time: 1-2 days
- Ticket: Free
- Fitness Needed: *
Know more about Fenghuang Ancient Town >>
No.12: Witness the Timeless Tujia Charm Meets Spectacular Waterfall at Furong Ancient Town
Furong Waterfall
Furong Town Night
Furong Ancient Town, known as a "waterfall-town" and provides a peaceful retreat with stunning natural landscapes. Its key attraction is the impressive Furong Waterfall that runs right through the town's center, making it a standout feature in Western Hunan. The town is also recognized for its well-maintained Tujia architecture, especially the cliff-perched Diaojiaolou structures, which provide insights into the heritage and lifestyle of the Tujia community.
- Location: Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province
- Opening Hours: 08:00~24:00
- Visiting Time: Half a day
- Ticket: CNY 108/pp for Entrance Fee
- Fitness Needed: **
Know more about Furong Ancient Town >>
No.13: Experience the Vibrant Nightlife of Zhangjiajie
Stage Setting of the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show
Charming Xiangxi Show - Audience Participation Activity
When the sun sets over the majestic peaks of Zhangjiajie, a different kind of adventure awaits you. Embrace the city’s dynamic nightlife by immersing yourself in local culture and entertainment.
Enjoy a Spectacular Night Show: Unwind with a mesmerizing evening performance that blends storytelling and spectacle. The Tianmen Fox Fairy Show, set against the dramatic backdrop of Tianmen Mountain, is a feast for the senses with its fusion of traditional folklore and modern theatrical effects. For a deeper dive into local culture, the Charming Xiangxi Show offers an intimate portrayal of Hunan's ethnic heritage, featuring colorful costumes, spirited dances, and the lively participation of the audience, making it an unforgettable experience of China's rich cultural tapestry.
Explore Xibu Ancient Street: Dive into the heart of Zhangjiajie’s evening entertainment at Xibu Ancient Street, where the night comes alive with a vibrant mix of activities. Stroll through the lively night market, sampling local delicacies and perusing stalls for unique souvenirs. As the street lights cast a warm glow on the cobblestones, join the locals for a night of bar hopping, sipping on regional Tujia wines or your favorite cocktails in the buzzing bars. For a more serene experience, pause to admire the street’s transformation under the stars, where historic architecture meets modern illumination, creating a mesmerizing nightscape that's not to be missed.
Know more about Zhangjiajie Nightlife: Top Things to Do in Zhangjiajie at Night >>
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.
Useful Zhangjiajie Travel Articles
- Top 14 Zhangjiajie Attractions
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Wulingyuan Scenic Area
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
- Zhangjiajie Hiking
- Zhangjiajie Weather & Seasons
- Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie
- Latest Zhangjiajie Maps
- Zhangjiajie Food
- Zhangjiajie FAQs & Tips
- Zhangjiajie Travel Guide
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Recommended Zhangjiajie Tours
Top 3 Zhangjiajie tours chosen by most customers to explore Zhangjiajie in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
7 Days Chongqing Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie Tour
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