1 Welcome to Zhangjiajie - The Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hunan Province, is renowned for its otherworldly sandstone pillar formations, lush forests, and dramatic gorges. Made famous by the Avatar films, this region offers some of China's most breathtaking natural scenery.

From the towering peaks of Wulingyuan to the sky-high pathways of Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie's landscapes seem to defy gravity and imagination. The area is also home to diverse ethnic cultures, including the Tujia and Miao peoples, whose traditions add rich cultural dimensions to the natural wonders.

2 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Zhangjiajie

2.1 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (武陵源景区)

The core of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, this park is home to iconic formations like the "Hallelujah Mountain" (Avatar Pillar) and the "First Bridge Under Heaven." Take the Bailong Elevator (世界第一梯) to summit Tianzi Mountain or hike the Golden Whip Stream for close-up views of the pillars.

As China's first national forest park, it features over 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars, many over 200 meters tall. The park's unique karst formations were formed by over 300 million years of geological evolution, creating a landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

Ticket Price: ¥228 ($31.7) 4-day pass Duration: 2-3 days

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2.2 Tianmen Mountain (天门山)

Reachable via the world's longest cable car (7.5 km), Tianmen Mountain offers heart-pounding experiences like the Glass Skywalk and the "Heavenly Gate" cave—a natural arch formed by tectonic activity.

The mountain's name translates to "Heaven's Gate Mountain," referring to the massive natural arch that cuts through the mountain peak. In addition to the thrilling glass walkways, visitors can explore ancient temples, walk through forested trails, and experience the 99-bend "Heaven-Linking Avenue" that winds up the mountainside.

Ticket Price: ¥278 ($38.6) Duration: Full day

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2.3 Yellow Dragon Cave (黄龙洞)

A sprawling underground cave system featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river. The highlight is the "Dragon King's Hall," where massive formations like the "Golden Tortoise Guarding the Treasure" awe visitors.

As one of China's most spectacular cave systems, Yellow Dragon Cave spans four levels with a total length of over 15 kilometers. Visitors can explore both on foot and by boat, marveling at the incredible limestone formations that have been developing for millions of years in this subterranean wonderland.

Ticket Price: ¥100 ($13.9) Duration: 2-3 hours

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2.4 Baofeng Lake (宝峰湖)

Known as the "Pearl of Wulingyuan," this alpine lake is surrounded by green peaks and offers boat tours through narrow gorges. Listen to folk songs performed by local Tujia people or hike to the Baofeng Temple for panoramic views.

This stunning high-altitude lake was formed by a natural barrier and later developed into a reservoir. At an elevation of over 400 meters, its emerald-green waters are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. The lake is particularly photogenic in the early morning when mist often shrouds the peaks.

Ticket Price: ¥96 ($13.3) Duration: 2-3 hours

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2.5 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (张家界大峡谷)

Home to the world-famous Glass Bridge, this canyon offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and zip-lining. Walk across the 430m-long glass bridge suspended 300m above the valley or take the thrilling "Grand Canyon Rafting" tour.

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge holds the Guinness World Record as the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Beyond this engineering marvel, the canyon itself features beautiful waterfalls, lush vegetation, and dramatic rock formations that can be explored via well-maintained walking paths and viewing platforms.

Ticket Price: ¥147 ($20.4) including Glass Bridge Duration: Full day

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3 Accommodation Options in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie offers diverse accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

WakaChina can help you secure the best deals and exclusive packages for your stay in Zhangjiajie.

4 Taste the Flavors of Zhangjiajie Cuisine

Influenced by the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups, Zhangjiajie's food is spicy and hearty, using local ingredients like bamboo shoots and wild herbs. Must-try dishes include:

• Sanxiaokou (三下锅): A hotpot-style dish with pork, tofu, and pickled vegetables, often served with rice wine
• Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots: Fresh bamboo shoots cooked with chili and garlic, a seasonal specialty
• Tujia Glutinous Rice Cake: A sweet snack made with sticky rice and brown sugar, sold at street markets
• Wild Herb Dishes: Various local mountain herbs prepared in traditional Tujia style
• Smoked Meats: Traditional preserved meats with distinctive smoky flavors

Experience authentic local flavors at traditional Tujia restaurants and street food stalls throughout the region.

5 Popular Activities in Zhangjiajie

6 WakaChina Services in Zhangjiajie

7 Plan Your Zhangjiajie Adventure

Zhangjiajie's surreal landscapes offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nature lovers and photographers. From the gravity-defying sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar to the thrilling glass bridges and deep canyons, there's something to captivate every interest.

With WakaChina's professional services, you can explore Zhangjiajie with peace of mind and create memories that will last a lifetime.