Visit Zhangjiajie National Park: Home of China’s “Avatar Mountains”

Zhangjiajie National Park

Zhangjiajie National Park sits in Wulingyuan District, right among steep sandstone pillars you have seen online many times. These pillars are also called the Avatar mountains. The name makes sense once you see how the mountains form holes in the sky.

Since 1992, the park holds UNESCO World Heritage status as part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Later, it became a Global Geopark. It is no secret; China heavily protects this landscape. Paths wind through delicate woods. Monkeys appear at unexpected moments. The weather is unpredictable. One minute you walk under the sun, and in five minutes fog can cover everything. It gets crowded during high seasons, but the views hit so hard that most visitors remain speechless.

Quick Facts about Zhangjiajie National Park

Reasons to Visit Zhangjiajie National Park

Zhangjiajie Landscape

From Movie Fantasy to Geological Reality — visiting Zhangjiajie

People talk about Zhangjiajie as if this was where the Avatar mountains were filmed; not exactly, but it is real enough. In 2008, James Cameron's scouting team came to Wulingyuan in search of other-worldly shapes, uses image that eventually contributed to the sculpting of Pandora's floating hills, etc. After the movie became a blockbuster, locals simply renamed one of the pillars, "Hallelujah Mountain." The sign is still up and has some crooked English. Standing there, you start to realize the fantasy was not too far off.

What Makes Zhangjiajie Unique — Zhangjiajie's landscape

There are over 3000 sandstone pillars that rise straight up from the forest. Each pillar required 380 million years of erosion, tectonic uplift, and a humidity that carved the quartzite we see today into long, flat blade shapes. UNESCO specifically designated the area is a World Heritage Site. The specific geomorphology is quite rare; there are very few places on Earth that have such density of columns. If you have visited Bryce Canyon in the US, the difference is apparent. Bryce Canyon's hoodoos feel delicate and assembled, where Zhangjiajie's pillars are found in thick clusters and feel almost impossible to climb. Zhangjiajie's raw vertical landscape captures the sense a unique world.

Understanding Zhangjiajie National Park: 5 Essential Areas Explained

Yuanjiajie

Tianzi Mountain

Huangshi Village

Golden Whip Stream

Ten Mile Gallery

1. Yuanjiajie in Zhangjiajie: The Avatar Hallelujah Mountains

Yuanjiajie is the area that most people envision when they think about Zhangjiajie National Park. The infamous Heavenly Pillar rises directly above the viewing platform to become the mountain nicknamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain." The crowds can get very heavy by late morning, but you can't really avoid the crowds here. The Bailong Elevator drops you down to the plateau in a couple of minutes; it is a little shaky and quite pricey, but still the fastest way to get the views. Even with all the noise and tour groups, standing in front of those cliffs was still overwhelming in a good way.

2. Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie: The Emperor's Peaks

Tianzi Mountain stretches across a high ridge of one of the higher points, Kunlun Peak. This area is where people wait for the sea-of-clouds moment with the mist rolling between the pillars like smoke, especially after rain. The Tianzi Pagoda has become a great spot for photos, partly because of the open platform and partly because of the light hitting the cliffs directly in the morning. This area is windier than other parts of the park, so a light jacket is helpful even in the warmer months.

3. Yangjiajie in Zhangjiajie: The Hidden Gem for Hikers

Yangjiajie is maybe the most under-visited corner of the park, especially for first-timers. The trails feel raw, with long staircases twisting through tight gaps in the rock. The One Step to Heaven viewpoint provides a vertical shot straight into the valley—a trade-off for a steep ladder that can be slippery. For people who want fewer people and more of that rugged adventurous feeling of hiking the cliff, this is definitely the best area in Zhangjiajie. If you like slow, steady climbs that plow through sweat, the experience in this section pays off quickly.

4. Golden Whip Stream & Huangshi Village in Zhangjiajie

Golden Whip Stream follows along the valley floor, quiet and shaded, with cliffs towering like walls on either side. This provides a nice contrast to Huangshi Village, which is higher up and overlooks the peaks rather than looking up at them. The Five Fingers Peak viewpoint is the highlight here. You will also encounter monkeys around the stream - cute until they try to take your snacks - so keep your bags zipped. Many travelers spend half the day at the peaceful riverside and the other half at the viewpoints high above.

5. Ten Mile Gallery in Zhangjiajie: Worth It or Skip?

Ten Mile Gallery exhibits formations like the Three Sisters Peaks, and there is a small sightseeing train if you become fatigued with all the walking you can do here. It is pleasant but relative to the other zones the scenery is rather subdued. Some people thought it was enjoyable, while others said it was alright to skip in order to conserve time.

Perfect Zhangjiajie National Park Itinerary (2-Day Plan)

Day 1: Conquer the Mountain Tops — Zhangjiajie itinerary

On Day 1, I typically plan to get started at 7:00 AM at the East Gate. Visiting Zhangjiajie after that means you will walk right into the tour groups. I recommend taking the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie and spending at least an hour at Yuanjiajie before heading toward Yangjiajie. At that point, the paths get thinner so moving early is a good call. By noon, most people turn back toward Tianzi Mountain where there is a small food alley with noodles and boxed rice, and surprisingly decent hot soup, not gourmet but keep you going on a Zhangjiajie trip. You will want to spend the afternoon at the viewing decks at Tianzi and, if you are lucky, you can catch sunset at the Helong Park area, where the last light catches the cliffs sideways, and a little thinner crowds.

Day 2: Valley Views and Cultural Aspects

On Day 2 you will start at the South Gate and go directly to Huangshi Village. It’s a long climb to the top but the top really gives a good symbolic “map” of the whole park. From Huangshi Village, walk Golden Whip Stream toward Ten Mile Gallery. The actual steam is peaceful but it does become more common to see monkeys, so you should pay attention to where you stow food deep in your bag. Transportation from your hotel should be no problem via Didi in downtown or free bus service once in Wulingyuan Park, and bus is still cheaper and more dependable. Ten Mile Gallery does have vendors at the end of the walk that sell wooden carvings and local stones, some got good items but the quality varies, so just because it is nice give the vendor a good look.

Alternative 1-Day Itinerary (If You're Short on Time)

If your Zhangjiajie trip is squeezed for time, it would not be a problem to mainly focus on Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, then you will at least hit all of the essential view points without too much rushing. You will ultimately miss Yangjiajie and Golden Whip Stream, but at least the main pillars and landscapes give a valid enough trip in Zhangjiajie. To be honest, any more than two days just feels slightly more reasonable for visiting Zhangjiajie when scheduling for a stress free experience.

Extending to 3–4 Days: What to Add

With more time, just add Tianmen Mountain, you would have to visit outside of the park, that is a half day at least to cross those cliff side walkways. If you want a full multi-day route suggestion for exploring Zhangjiajie and surrounding attractions, check out this detailed itinerary → Zhangjiajie itinerary guide. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is maybe another hour or two when adding canyon route. Baofeng Lake is very slow paced for leisure and good place to mentally and physically recuperate from the steep trails.

Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie National Park

Peak Season: September to November

Autumn (September to November) is often seen as the best time to visit. The weather is mild, the clouds hang low for that classic misty scenery, and the trees darken to deep yellows and reds. Depending on the timing of Golden Week, the crowds can really be something, so if you want to avoid the worst of it, plan your Zhangjiajie trip for late October, or early November. If you’re curious about the best months, typical weather, and peak crowd times, you can check this detailed guide → best time to visit Zhangjiajie, weather, crowds, and what to avoid. The last time I went in late October (25th approx.), and the haze was fantastic for photography, and the walkways felt crowded, but not over-crowded.

Spring Season: March to May

The park is covered with fresh green in the spring and flowers bloom along the lower trails, which make the Zhangjiajie trip all the more scenic. The early spring rains commonly happen, so be sure to pack your light rain jacket and waterproof shoes. The trails can be slippery from the rains, and the combination of the foliage that is new and the absence of more tourists than autumn makes March through May a nice time to visit.

Summer and Winter: Pros and Cons

Summer is hot and can be crowded with a full sugar of greenery, especially in the early mornings for photography and tourist waves. Winter is quiet and you have a lot less people, but itcould snow on the pillars and can feel totally different. Some of the cooling facilities like the Bailong Elevator or mountain shuttles could close for maintenance or weather in the winter. Again, if you plan your Zhangjiajie trip in the summer or winter, location and time are important.

How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Park (From Major Cities)

Scene of Zhangjiajie

Getting to Zhangjiajie from Shanghai and Beijing

Traveling to Zhangjiajie National Park from Shanghai involves taking high-speed trains. They last about 8 to 9 hours, making for a beautiful but long trip. Usually, these trains require a transfer in Changsha. In contrast, if you travel from Beijing, the fastest method is by plane. Flights take around three hours. You can also fly to Changsha and then take a train to save money. If you want a step-by-step guide for navigating Zhangjiajie Airport as a foreigner, see this detailed resource → Zhangjiajie airport guide for foreigners. Domestic carriers like China Southern and Air China fly directly to Zhangjiajie. Budget carriers sometimes offer significantly discounted fares.

During planning, Trip.com helps you look up train schedules, check flight prices, and even confirm seat availability. I find this site easier than checking individual carrier websites. It’s also convenient to schedule trips when fewer travelers go. Avoid traveling during holidays or weekends if your Zhangjiajie trip coincides with peak periods.

From Zhangjiajie City to the National Park — Getting to Zhangjiajie

Travelers sometimes confuse Zhangjiajie City, which is the gateway city, with Wulingyuan, which is actually closer to the entrance parks. You can find buses, which leave Zhangjiajie City every 20 to 30 minutes, that cost about ¥20 to ¥25 and average 40 to 50 minutes in travel time. A Didi ride is faster and will cost roughly ¥70 to ¥90, but surge pricing can occur during peak hours.

Once you arrive in Wulingyuan, you may then decide if you want to access the East Gate or South Gate; the East Gate is generally better for a first-time travel to Zhangjiajie if you want to visit Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. The South Gate is better for a traveler wanting to check out Golden Whip Stream and Huangshi Village. If you know your route prior to heading into Zhangjiajie, traveling through Zhangjiajie National Park will be far less stressful and easier to navigate.

Practical Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie National Park

Zhangjiajie National Park Tickets: How to Book and Save

For your trip to Zhangjiajie, the park operates a 4-day pass system, with similar passes covering most scenic areas. Purchasing passes online is usually easier than waiting in the queue on-site, especially during peak season. For unlimiting access to cable cars between scenic areas, some hotels in Wulingyuan offer a package that includes the pass + cable car access. The cost is typically around ¥227 for entry and ¥298 for entry + cable car access. Trip.com sometimes has better prices and a flexible refund policy. The official WeChat mini-program will list the most recent availability in the park. We recommend booking tickets a few days in advance of your trip so you don't miss sold-out elevators, particularly on the Bailong and Tianzi routes.

Where to Stay: Wulingyuan vs. Zhangjiajie City

Wulingyuan is best for first Timers; it is a 20 minute walk to the East Gate entrance making the early morning easier. If your budget is limited Huangshi Inn in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie Yugong Hotel in Wulingyuan, and Pullman Zhangjiajie (will accept a foreign passport) are all good options.  Zhangjiajie City is preferable if you're focusing solely on Tianmen Mountain, or you arrive later to Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie City is cheaper than staying in Wulingyuan, but it is still further away from the main park trails. For most of you who are staying longer at Zhangjiajie, I would recommend Wulingyuan to maximize your time in the park & for less hassle getting to each park.

FAQ About Visiting Zhangjiajie National Park

Q: Can you visit Zhangjiajie National Park on your own?

Yes, exploring Zhangjiajie National Park independently is completely doable. Many travelers prefer freedom over guided tours, allowing flexible timing for photography, hiking, and avoiding crowds. The main challenge is planning transport, gates, and cable cars ahead. Maps and official WeChat mini-programs help. Solo or small-group travelers often enjoy early mornings and lesser-known trails more than typical tour groups, making your Zhangjiajie visit more personal and rewarding.

Q: How many days do you need in Zhangjiajie National Park?

Ideally, 2–3 days covers most highlights including Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, and Golden Whip Stream. If you’re pressed for time, 1.5 days allows a condensed route hitting major peaks and viewing platforms. Extending to 4 days lets you explore surrounding attractions like Tianmen Mountain, Baofeng Lake, or additional hiking trails. Planning your Zhangjiajie trip according to your pace ensures you don’t feel rushed or miss iconic spots.

Q: Do you need to buy Zhangjiajie National Park tickets in advance?

During peak season, it’s strongly recommended to pre-book tickets online to avoid long queues. Off-season visitors can often buy tickets at entrances without much delay. For popular attractions like the Bailong Elevator, advance reservations help skip lines. Many travelers use Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program to secure tickets. Planning ahead for your Zhangjiajie visit also guarantees availability for cable cars and elevators, especially on busy mornings.

Q: How do I go to Zhangjiajie National Park from Zhangjiajie City?

From Zhangjiajie City, Line 1 buses head to Wulingyuan frequently, costing around ¥20–25 with a 40–50 minute journey. Didi rides offer more convenience, usually ¥70–90, but may surge during peak hours. Knowing which park entrance—East Gate or South Gate—you plan to use helps optimize travel time. Most travelers find combining a bus to Wulingyuan and then walking or taking shuttles the simplest way to reach Zhangjiajie National Park efficiently.

Q: What's the difference between Zhangjiajie National Park and Tianmen Mountain?

Zhangjiajie National Park and Tianmen Mountain are entirely separate attractions, each requiring its own ticket. Zhangjiajie focuses on sandstone pillars, misty valleys, and forested trails, while Tianmen is famous for cliffside walkways, the Glass Skywalk, and the cable car experience. Visitors often combine both in a multi-day itinerary, but each delivers a unique landscape. Understanding this distinction is key when planning a Zhangjiajie trip to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Q: Is Zhangjiajie National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely. TripAdvisor ratings consistently place the park above 4.5 stars, reflecting both natural beauty and well-maintained trails. That said, expect crowds in peak months and some commercialized areas near major entrances. For most travelers, the sheer scale of the sandstone pillars and panoramic viewpoints makes visiting Zhangjiajie National Park a once-in-a-lifetime experience, provided you manage expectations and plan your timing.

Q: Can I use a drone in Zhangjiajie National Park?

As of 2025, drone usage is tightly regulated. Visitors must register drones and obtain a permit for restricted zones. Flying over sensitive areas like Bailong Elevator, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain is prohibited. Unauthorized use may result in fines. For your Zhangjiajie visit, it’s safest to stick to designated flying zones and check updated regulations on the official park website or local management offices.

Q: What should I avoid in Zhangjiajie National Park?

Avoid visiting during Golden Week, when crowds can make trails almost impassable. Midday in summer is extremely hot and humid, so early starts are recommended. Never feed monkeys; they can snatch food aggressively. Relying solely on Ten Mile Gallery limits your experience, as it doesn’t capture the park’s major peaks. Planning your Zhangjiajie visit with timing and safety in mind enhances both comfort and enjoyment.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Zhangjiajie National Park?

Daily costs vary by style. A budget traveler can manage around ¥800–1000 per day, including entry tickets, transport, and simple meals. Mid-range options with hotels and cable cars come to roughly ¥1500–2000 per day. Additional activities like Baofeng Lake boats or Glass Bridge entry raise costs. Planning your Zhangjiajie visit budget in advance helps avoid surprises and ensures you can experience the park fully without overspending.