Things To Do
in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is a breathtaking city known for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The area is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is characterized by its lush forests and unique rock formations. Visitors can explore the stunning scenery through hiking trails, glass bridges, and cable cars.
Zhangjiajie is a popular tourist destination that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early by visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take a stroll along the trails to enjoy the breathtaking views of the towering sandstone pillars.
After lunch, ride the world's longest and fastest zip line for an exhilarating experience. Then, explore the serene environment of the Golden Whip Stream.
Wrap up the day with a peaceful dinner in a local restaurant. Enjoy authentic Hunan cuisine while reflecting on the day's adventures.
Visit the Tianmen Mountain and take the cable car to the summit. Admire the stunning panoramic views and walk on the glass skywalk.
Explore the Tianmen Cave, known as the 'Heavenly Gate.' Experience the thrilling walk along the cliffside paths.
Enjoy a sunset view from the mountain peak, which offers a magical experience. Finish the day with a relaxing meal at a nearby guesthouse.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes, including towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery.
- Home to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Unique geological formations that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
- Rich biodiversity and a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels.
- Cultural experiences with local Tujia ethnic minority traditions and crafts.
- Can be overcrowded during peak tourist seasons, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
- Limited accessibility to some areas which may require extensive walking or transportation arrangements.
- Expensive accommodations and services compared to other less touristy regions in China.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with rain and fog impacting visibility and hiking plans.
- Potential language barriers for non-Chinese speaking tourists.
Best Activities in Zhangjiajie
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning sandstone pillars and lush forests on various hiking trails.
Experience the glass skywalk, cliff-hanging walkway, and take the longest cable car ride in the world.
Discover underground chambers, vast caverns, and impressive rock formations.
Enjoy a tranquil boat ride surrounded by picturesque karst peaks and lush greenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Zhangjiajie with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Zhangjiajie
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views of the unique sandstone pillars and peaks.
Famous for the inspiration behind the 'Hallelujah Mountains' in the movie Avatar and offers breathtaking views of the 'Avatar mountains'.
Home to the dramatic 'Tianmen Cave' and the 'Heaven's Gate', providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Food in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This traditional Tujia dish features pork that is smoked with pine needles, giving it a unique and aromatic flavor. It can be found in local restaurants and street food stalls throughout Zhangjiajie, such as in the Xibu Street Food Stalls.
Must-Try!
Tujia Bacon is a seasoned and air-dried pork dish that is savory and slightly sweet. It's a popular ingredient in various Tujia dishes and can be sampled at restaurants and food markets like the Longfeng Market.
A staple vegetable in Hunan cuisine, lotus roots are frequently stir-fried with a combination of local spices and chilies. Visit local eateries like Tujia Flavor Restaurant to savor this delicacy.
This local specialty, known for its fragrant broth and tender rice noodles, is a popular breakfast choice and can be enjoyed at the Fenghuang Ancient Town food stalls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Zhangjiajie better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling food street is known for offering a wide range of local snacks and dishes, including spicy skewers, barbecue, and various Hunan specialties. It's a great spot to experience the vibrant street food scene of Zhangjiajie.
Visitors can explore a plethora of street food options here, such as Xiangxi Smoked Pork, grilled fish, and local snacks. It's an ideal place to indulge in authentic local street food flavors.
This traditional market is a treasure trove of local produce, meats, and spices. It's an excellent spot to sample Tujia Bacon and buy fresh ingredients to cook with or take home as souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Zhangjiajie, it is important to show respect towards elders by addressing them using appropriate titles and gestures.
It is customary to maintain a level of quiet and respect when visiting public spaces such as temples and parks in Zhangjiajie.
Visitors are expected to show reverence for the natural environment in Zhangjiajie, and littering or damaging the landscape is considered highly disrespectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Zhangjiajie with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Zhangjiajie
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Zhangjiajie, China. It is not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi services.
Payment in Zhangjiajie, China is mostly done using cash, especially in small shops and markets. Larger establishments may accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand. Mobile payment services like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Zhangjiajie.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Zhangjiajie with pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and lush greenery
Warm weather, popular for hiking and outdoor activities, but crowds of tourists
Cool and comfortable weather, beautiful fall foliage, great for hiking and photography
Cold weather, fewer tourists, possibility of snow-covered landscapes, and unique winter charm
Zhangjiajie at Night
Hiking in Zhangjiajie
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for its stunning sandstone pillars, this national park offers various trails with breathtaking views and rich biodiversity.
Features a famous glass skywalk and scenic hiking trails, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area includes karst landscapes and numerous hiking paths through lush vegetation and unique rock formations.
Offers a picturesque hiking experience with trails around a tranquil lake and stunning mountain views.
Known for its less crowded trails, this area provides unique geological formations and beautiful vistas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Zhangjiajie through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Zhangjiajie by plane.
The main airport serving Zhangjiajie, providing domestic and limited international flights.
Located approximately 300 km from Zhangjiajie, this is the primary international airport in Hunan Province.
About 500 km from Zhangjiajie, this airport serves various domestic and international routes.
Located approximately 600 km away, this is a major international airport in Yunnan Province.
Around 800 km from Zhangjiajie, Chengdu's airport provides extensive domestic and international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in China, comprising over 90% of the population in Zhangjiajie.
An indigenous ethnic group known for their unique culture, language, and traditions, prevalent in the Hunan province.
Another ethnic minority, the Miao people are known for their vibrant festivals and traditional clothing, although they make up a smaller percentage of the demographic.
The Yao ethnic group is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and diverse languages, residing in various mountainous areas of Hunan.
Includes various smaller groups, such as the Dong and Bai, contributing to the cultural mosaic of the region but numbering fewer individuals.
The Soul of Zhangjiajie
Discover the essence of Zhangjiajie through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is extremely popular among the youth in Zhangjiajie, with many schools and community courts available for play.
Soccer has a significant following, with local leagues and teams competing regularly in the area.
As a national sport in China, table tennis is widely played in Zhangjiajie, often in schools and community centers.
Badminton is a favored sport for both recreation and competition, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Given the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Zhangjiajie, hiking is a popular outdoor activity for both locals and tourists.
The unique rock formations of Zhangjiajie provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhangjiajie.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Zhangjiajie's cuisine predominantly features meat-based dishes, many restaurants offer vegetable stir-fries, tofu-based dishes, and steamed greens as vegetarian and vegan alternatives. It's advisable for vegetarian and vegan visitors to communicate their dietary preferences clearly when dining out.
Gluten-free travelers can opt for rice-based dishes such as Fenghuang Rice Noodles, and also communicate their dietary needs to restaurant staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Zhangjiajie with these cultural adventures.
