3–4 days recommended

Zhangjiajie 张家界

Q: Which park entrance should I use, and where should I stay?

Stay in Wulingyuan and use the East Gate, a short walk away. The eco-bus takes you to the Bailong lift and Yuanjiajie. The South Gate, at the Forest Park, is the one for Golden Whip Stream. Avoid staying in Zhangjiajie city, which is far from the park.

Q: How many days do I need in Zhangjiajie?

At least three days. Two for the national park, one for Yuanjiajie and Tianzi and one for Golden Whip Stream, and a third for Tianmen or the glass bridge. With four you can slow down and keep a spare day in case of fog.

Q: How does the park ticket work?

It is a pass for 4 days in a row with the eco-bus included, so you do not buy a ticket each day. The Bailong lift and Tianzi cable car are extra, and the lift is 65 yuan one way. The ticket is in your name, so always carry your passport.

Q: Tianmen or the national park?

They are two different places and both are worth it. The national park is the Avatar pillars, 2 days. Tianmen, by the city, is Heaven's Gate and the cliff walks, 1 day and 288 yuan. From 13 October 2026 the long cable car is closed, and you go up by gondola from the mountain gate.

Q: Is the glass bridge worth it?

If heights do not scare you, yes. It is at the Grand Canyon, about 40 minutes from Wulingyuan, and the ticket with the bridge is 178 yuan. You enter with your passport and it takes half a day. If you are short on time, put the national park first.

Stone pillars in the mist that inspired Avatar. Pure nature. Bring good shoes and allow at least three days.

How many days3–4

Where to stayWulingyuan, near the park gate

What you will see

Yuanjiajie and Tianzi MountainThe Avatar pillars. Go up in the Bailong lift

Golden Whip StreamAn easy walk among the pillars

Tianmen MountainHeaven's Gate and cliff walks. Book ahead

Grand Canyon and glass bridgeAbout 40 minutes from Wulingyuan

Our hotels in Zhangjiajie

BudgetManyuan ResortBy the Suoxi River, rooms with balcony and soaking tubFrom 46 € a night · 9.7 on Trip.com ComfortableFUNGEE S Landmark Gate300 m from the park gate, with courtyards and a poolFrom 89 € a night · 9.7 on Trip.com SpecialManson Joint ResortCountryside resort with infinity pool, terraces and soaking tubsFrom 190 € a night · 9.5 on Trip.com

Weather month by monthAverage high and low, °C

10°3°J

12°5°F

17°8°M

23°14°A

27°18°M

30°22°J

34°24°J

34°24°A

29°20°S

23°15°O

18°10°N

12°5°D

Green, pleasant. Blue, cold. Red, hot. Grey, many rainy days. 1991 to 2020 averages from the China Meteorological Administration.

Extras to add to your trip

National park with a guideThe best viewpoints without getting lost · Trip.com

Tianmen with ticket and ride upWith a booked time slot · Trip.com

Glass bridge with transferRound trip from Wulingyuan · Trip.com

More hotels in Zhangjiajie

Itineraries that include Zhangjiajie

12 daysZhangjiajie's Avatar peaks · Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai 15 daysChina in depth · Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai

Metro and bus in Zhangjiajie

There is no metro. To reach the parks, take a DiDi or bus. Inside the park there are park buses. Step by step

What to eat in Zhangjiajie

三下锅sān xià guōTujia three-in-one potA Tujia pot of braised meats and offal with chili, typical of Zhangjiajie.Very spicy

剁椒鱼头duòjiāo yútóuFish head with chopped chiliesSteamed fish head under chopped red chilies, the Hunan classic.Very spicyAt the end, ask for noodles to dip in the sauce.

干豆角蒸腊肉gān dòujiǎo zhēng làròuSmoked pork with dried long beansTujia-style cured, smoked pork steamed with dried long beans.Spicy

毛氏红烧肉Máoshì hóngshāoròuMao-style braised porkPork belly braised in a glossy, sweet sauce, Mao's favourite dish.Spicy

岩耳炖土鸡yán'ěr dùn tǔjīFree-range chicken stewGentle free-range chicken broth with a mountain lichen, no chili.Not spicyKid friendlyThe easiest choice for kids.

Allergies or vegetarian? You have cards in Chinese to show at restaurants in the My trip kit.

Questions about Zhangjiajie

Which park entrance should I use, and where should I stay?

Stay in Wulingyuan and use the East Gate, a short walk away. The eco-bus takes you to the Bailong lift and Yuanjiajie. The South Gate, at the Forest Park, is the one for Golden Whip Stream. Avoid staying in Zhangjiajie city, which is far from the park.

How many days do I need in Zhangjiajie?

At least three days. Two for the national park, one for Yuanjiajie and Tianzi and one for Golden Whip Stream, and a third for Tianmen or the glass bridge. With four you can slow down and keep a spare day in case of fog.

How does the park ticket work?

It is a pass for 4 days in a row with the eco-bus included, so you do not buy a ticket each day. The Bailong lift and Tianzi cable car are extra, and the lift is 65 yuan one way. The ticket is in your name, so always carry your passport.

Tianmen or the national park?

They are two different places and both are worth it. The national park is the Avatar pillars, 2 days. Tianmen, by the city, is Heaven's Gate and the cliff walks, 1 day and 288 yuan. From 13 October 2026 the long cable car is closed, and you go up by gondola from the mountain gate.

Is the glass bridge worth it?

If heights do not scare you, yes. It is at the Grand Canyon, about 40 minutes from Wulingyuan, and the ticket with the bridge is 178 yuan. You enter with your passport and it takes half a day. If you are short on time, put the national park first.

What if it is foggy? When is the best time to go?

Fog is part of the magic, as the pillars appear and vanish. The best months are April to May and September to October. Summer is rainier and busier. Go early, pack a rain jacket and keep a spare day. Avoid the first week of October.

Other cities

Your route, ready in two minutesWith every booking on the right day, in your local time.

Build my route