Top Things to Do in Zhangjiajie: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Many travel destinations impress you even before you arrive, and Zhangjiajie in China is definitely one of them. A single glance at photos of the giant rock pillars rising out of the mist is enough to understand why so many people associate this place with the legendary mountains from the film Avatar.
If you're wondering what to see in Zhangjiajie, you'll find a clear travel guide here to help you plan your trip. At Trip.com, we introduce the top sights in Zhangjiajie and provide tips on the best time to visit this destination, which truly feels like it's from another planet.
⭐ Top Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
⛰️ Visit Tianmen Mountain and Heaven's Gate ⭐
🌄 Exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ⭐
🏯 Discover the 72 Wonder Tower from £4.94 ⭐
🕳️ Discover the Huanglong Cave from £12.15 ⭐
🌉 Walk across the glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon from £6.51 ⭐
🗺️ What to Do in Zhangjiajie Based on Your Stay
Your experience visiting Zhangjiajie depends entirely on how much time you have. It’s not about how many days you should spend in Zhangjiajie, as the scenic area is vast, and every part offers its own unique, fascinating views.
Duration | 💑 Couple | 👨👩👧 Family | 👯 Friends | 🧍 Solo traveller |
1 day | Tianmen Mountain | Tianmen Mountain Cable Car | Glass bridge | Viewpoints at Tianmen |
2–3 days | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | Yuanjiajie + Bailong Elevator | Glass bridge | Hiking trails |
4–5 days | Avatar Mountains | Baofeng Lake | Grand Canyon | Hiking |
🎁 Get 5% off & save up to £2 on your first Zhangjiajie Attractions & Tours booking!
Must-see sights in Zhangjiajie
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12831 booked![Zhangjiajie National Forest Park One-Day Tour [Optional Park Admission + VIP Access on Eco-friendly Bus]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/10020h000000920dp9F12_C_568_320.jpg)
![[Easy travel] Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park 1-day tour optional route A VIP fast track](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353e12000ozw7vg2DEBD_C_568_320.jpg)
![1-day tour to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park + Furong town [10-person group/Tianmen cave/Furong town]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355v12000rbgkcic9A56_C_568_320.jpg)
![[VIP access] Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 1-day tour admission + eco-bus VIP](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352112000r116txa3AA3_C_568_320.jpg)
🏙️ Must-Visit Districts in Zhangjiajie
When planning your trip, the first question that often springs to mind is where to stay in Zhangjiajie. This is hardly surprising, as the region perfectly blends a relatively vibrant city with tourist areas located right on the doorstep of the nature parks.
Every area has its own unique vibe and perks. Some are perfect for getting around easily, while others are ideal for waking up to stunning mountain views. So, let’s take a look at the different neighbourhoods:
🏞️ Wulingyuan
Wulingyuan is undoubtedly the most important tourist area in Zhangjiajie. Many travellers choose to stay here to have the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park practically on their doorstep. You can simply step out of your hotel, walk for a few minutes, and find yourself right at the park entrance.
The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and geared towards visitors. You'll find hotels of every style, local restaurants, small agencies organising excursions, and shops where you can hire hiking gear if needed. And, of course, if your plan is to spend several days exploring China's famous Avatar Mountains, this area makes it especially easy.
What's more, getting around from here is usually a breeze, as many hiking trails and scenic routes start nearby. However, it's wise to book in advance during peak season. It’s one of the best areas in Zhangjiajie for visitors whose main goal is to explore the national park.
🏙️ Yongding
If you prefer a more urban vibe, the Yongding District is the heart of Zhangjiajie. This is where you'll find the airport, the railway station, and plenty of essential amenities.
From here, you can also reach the cable car that takes you up to Tianmen Mountain, one of the region's most spectacular attractions. It’s exactly for this reason that many travellers choose to spend their first night here.
Yongding has a distinctly different rhythm to Wulingyuan. You'll find more local restaurants, markets, cafés, and a more everyday atmosphere here. It’s not quite as close to the national park, but it’s very convenient for organising your trip or getting around using public transport.
⛰️ Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Area
If you’d love to wake up to views of the region’s most iconic landscapes, staying near the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a fantastic option. This is home to the towering sandstone pillars that made the park famous and served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
The atmosphere here is much more natural and peaceful. You’ll find fewer shops and less urban hustle and bustle, but in return, there are hiking trails, viewpoints, and panoramic routes practically right on your hotel doorstep. It’s the perfect spot for anyone keen to start hiking from the moment they arrive.
However, it’s worth checking the location of your accommodation carefully, as the park is huge and the entrances are quite far apart.
📌 On Trip.com, it’s usually super easy to see if a hotel is located near one of the main entrances.
🌊 The Baofeng Lake Area
Then there’s the area around Baofeng Lake, which offers a completely different vibe. The landscape shifts here: lush green mountains surround a tranquil lake, perfect for a relaxing boat trip.
It’s a lovely area if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to wind down after a day in the national park. Plus, there are several nature trails around the lake, making it easy to explore the area without any steep climbs.
While this might not be the most central spot for hopping between the main sights, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a peaceful place to stay, surrounded by beautiful scenery and away from the tourist crowds.
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Our Top Picks
5 star
Outstanding3236 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|0.36km from city centre
This Huatian Hotel boasts an excellent location. The view facing the river, especially at night, is beautiful. It's very close to the Tianmen Mountain cable car, just a few minutes' walk away, making getting around extremely convenient. The room itself is generally spacious and clean, with comfortable bedding and decent soundproofing. Aside from being a bit dated, the hardware facilities are overall good. The staff were responsive, and the check-in and check-out process was smooth. The only downside was the breakfast experience, which was just average. There was a limited selection of dishes, and they weren't very appealing, with not much variety. Table clearing after meals was also not very prompt. Putting the breakfast aside, the overall stay was satisfactory, primarily due to its convenient location. It's a good choice for travelers mainly focused on visiting scenic spots, especially if you don't have high expectations for breakfast.FromIDR 1,059,779
Very Good1405 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|25.94km from city centre
This hotel offers incredible value for money, even more economical than some domestic chain hotels at the same time – quite surprising! I initially booked for two nights, had a great stay, and extended for another night in the same room. My child didn't want to leave and spent every day playing with other kids at the pool. Overall, it's an established five-star hotel. I booked a 2.7-meter king-size bed, which is perfect for families with children. The breakfast was plentiful, with everything you'd expect. While having breakfast, I noticed almost half the guests were foreigners, either families with kids or couples. There are plenty of restaurants right across the street, making dining very convenient. The 'Charming Xiangxi' theater is right next door, but we weren't interested in that type of show and didn't go – but it might appeal to others. We walked back to the hotel from the Landmark Gate (East Gate) once, and it was a bit far, so I'd recommend taking a taxi. Choosing Pullman this time was a very wise decision; it's an older hotel but very well-managed overall. Highly recommended! Friends can consider it based on their own circumstances.FromIDR 1,176,940
762 Reviews
Wulingyuan Cili|48.36km from city centre
Staying at Wotianju this trip was a delightful surprise! It's incredibly close to all the attractions, basically within ten minutes. We drove there ourselves, and the hotel itself is unbelievably huge – you even need to drive to get around inside! The front desk also gave us a free room upgrade, which made us really not want to leave. The hotel pays attention to details everywhere: the butler service is super responsive and on-call, the welcome fruit was chilled, and even a simple blanched lettuce at the Chinese restaurant was delicious. You can tell the chef really knows their stuff – it was fresh and not greasy. You could easily just stay at the hotel for all your eating, drinking, and entertainment needs. There's a huge lawn, and reading a book and having tea by the river under the trees was just incredibly relaxing; time just seemed to slow down. After dinner, we'd go swimming and then soak in the hot springs. Honestly, even though it's an outdoor hot spring, the cleanliness was excellent. Back where we're from, a hot spring of this quality for two people would cost about the same as a night's stay! I forgot my facial cleanser when we left, and the butler even arranged for SF Express to send it home – absolutely perfect! You can tell the owner put a lot of effort into the hotel's construction, design, and staff management. I would definitely come back to Zhangjiajie just for this hotel again. A hundred points!FromIDR 1,512,448
Excellent654 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|28.51km from city centre
We had a fantastic stay at Forest Homestay at Sunrise and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
The room was spacious, comfortable and spotlessly clean, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Waking up to the scenery each morning was a real highlight of our stay.
The food in the restaurant was excellent. We ate there multiple times and everything we ordered was fresh, delicious and very reasonably priced. It was a lovely place to relax after a long day exploring the park.
What really made our stay exceptional, however, was the staff. They were incredibly kind, patient and helpful from start to finish. Before we arrived, they helped organise our transfers to and from the hotel, making the journey completely stress-free. They also took the time to plan our itinerary for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, explaining the different routes and helping us make the most of our time there. Thanks to their advice, we managed to avoid the long queues and see all of the major highlights efficiently, making our visit far more enjoyable.
The genuine warmth and hospitality of everyone at the hotel made us feel very welcome. We would happily stay here again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.FromIDR 4,215,151
Outstanding2381 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|15.74km from city centre
This is by far the best hotel I've stayed at in Zhangjiajie, no contest! Absolutely delightful. The pool water was super clean, and there were several lifeguards – it's the most responsible setup I've ever seen.
The room was spacious with a balcony, which I loved. Before this, we'd been hopping from hotel to hotel. The ones near the scenic spots were either ridiculously expensive if they were decent, or felt like we were fleeing for our lives rather than vacationing if they were cheap. Not a single one made us feel at ease until this place.
Before we even checked in, the hotel called to confirm our arrival time. When we got there, a butler even opened our car door and helped with our luggage – truly five-star service! And we only paid around 400 yuan.
The lobby decor is incredibly luxurious and grand, and the rooms are beautifully decorated too. The service is top-notch! The breakfast is simply unbeatable – great ambiance, excellent hygiene, and a wide variety of dishes.
In short, this is a hotel that genuinely cares about hospitality. They put a lot of effort into everything, and I highly recommend them. We'll definitely be back. Don't let the distance from the scenic area deter you; it's only about a 10-minute taxi ride. We used to think booking hotels close to the attractions was better, but that's what made our trips feel like an escape. It wasn't until we stayed here that we truly understood what a Zhangjiajie vacation should be like!FromIDR 969,245
Outstanding1283 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|6.38km from city centre
I had an outstanding stay, and Alex truly made the difference. From the moment I arrived, Alex was welcoming, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Whether it was a local tip or a small request, Alex handled it with warmth and efficiency. Thanks to Alex, my experience was seamless and memorable. Five stars all the way!FromIDR 998,535
Business travel
Excellent22895 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|0.84km from city centre
This hotel truly became one of the most special parts of my trip.
My entire trip was dedicated to celebrating my birthday. Even though a few days had already passed since my actual birthday, the hotel team still made such an effort to make me feel special. When I entered my room and saw what they had prepared for me, I honestly burst into tears. They had made a beautiful birthday cake out of towels — and, believe it or not, it was the first birthday cake I saw during my entire trip. It was such a simple but incredibly thoughtful gesture, and it touched me more than they probably realize.
They also upgraded my room for this special occasion, which I truly appreciated. The entire staff was exceptionally kind, warm and welcoming, and the breakfast was absolutely incredible — extremely rich and with an amazing variety of food, with several large tables filled with different options.
I also had an issue with a taxi during my stay, and this is where I especially want to mention Jessica, the manager. She personally came out to help me, and she was absolutely wonderful. I sincerely hope the hotel management knows how valuable she is. She is incredibly hardworking, professional and genuinely caring, and she has a special ability to make guests feel welcome, comfortable and cared for — almost like they are at home, even when they are thousands of kilometres away.
This hotel didn’t just provide me with a room; they created a beautiful memory that I will carry with me from this trip.
I will definitely come back to this place, and without a doubt, I will stay at this hotel again. Ten stars would still not be enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️FromIDR 1,017,175
Excellent6191 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.34km from city centre
We could not have chosen a better hotel to stay In zhangjiajie, they helped us with so much they gave us a map of Zhangjiajie that was printed by their own hotel brand the hotel staff guided us on how and which trail to use for each of the days that we were staying there. This helped us navigate through the park much easier and took out some of the anxiety that we had out of the unknown, because we did not take a tour. Breakfast was adequate enough and gave us enough energy to complete our trails for each of the day. Hotel location is perfect. There is a small road that guides us to the entrance of the national park. Takes about 15 minutes walk to get there. Lots of restaurants, every place is walkable location is extremely fantastic. The hotel is very clean and acceptable.FromIDR 865,397
Very Good1177 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.33km from city centre
Absolutely adorable. It's incredibly cute and picturesque, the place is clean and in good taste. Very chill mountain vibes. Special highlight to the owner of the inn, she's the SWEETEST most adorable person ever and was incredibly helpful. She helped us plan our itinerary through the park and saved us after we made some mistakes. Hotel staff is helpful and accommodating. Wish we could stay longer. If I'm ever able to visit Zhangjiajie again, I will book my stay here. Very well located, close to the east entrance of the park and close to the river. It's not the most modern hotel room but it was just right for us.FromIDR 439,356
Very Good280 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|21.56km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel and would definitely recommend it. The host was incredibly kind and helpful. Always available on WhatsApp and even upgraded my room to a better one, which I really appreciated. He also helped plan my visit to the national forest park and personally drove me to the entrance.
The hotel offers a free pickup and drop-off service, which made everything very convenient. My room had an amazing view, and I honestly had the best sleep there. The pillows were so comfortable. Waking up to that view the nextmorning made my stay even more special.FromIDR 1,326,055
Perfect1715 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|25.24km from city centre
This guesthouse is excellent! The owner is incredibly kind. We arrived at 10 PM on the first day, and knowing we hadn't had dinner, the owner thoughtfully arranged for the restaurant to make us rice noodles. We were so touched! The breakfast had a great variety and everything tasted delicious – you can really see the care put into it. The owner also helped us plan our outings and provided shuttle service to and from attractions. The guesthouse is very close to the scenic spots, making everything super convenient and stress-free. The view from our room window was beautiful, with a small stream where kids could play. Having traveled every year, this is the most satisfying guesthouse I've ever stayed in. You can tell the owner puts a lot of heart into running it. Highly recommend!FromIDR 641,725
186 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|21.45km from city centre
We stayed for 4 days , our room was clean and very comfortable. We had not organised ourselves very well , but Tim organised and book our tickets for the Forest park , the Tianamen mts and the Canyon. We were given good advice when to start our day . The hotel has a great breakfast and laundry . We had a sl problem with a Didi payment and Robert immediately sorted the payment . It was great to have so many English speaking staff. Chelsea from the front desk was helpful with everything right down to providing umbrellas. The proximity to the park and peaceful surrounds makes this hotel feel like a home away from home . A phone call to the hotel was answered by Tim and my request to book my tickets was done even before we arrived. Service at that level is priceless. We thank the team for making our stay soo comfortable. The score I give is 20 out of ten .we requested a tour guide for the day and Sasa was the English speaking guide excellent knowledge .FromIDR 1,113,034
Family friendly
Excellent2380 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|0.6km from city centre
Great location: Super close to tianmen cable way. Front desk also allowed us to check in quite early! They also provided us complimentary drop off service to zhangjiajie west train station. The restaurant next to the elevators was exceptionally good, definitely recommend it , and there were loads of local and fast food restaurants nearby.
Only down side was the construction noises one level above, I could hear it throughout the night but there is a notice slip inside the room that apologizes for the noise and disposable air plugs are provided. The room itself isn’t very sound proof, I can hear people in the hallway pass by and talk- there was also an open gap at the bottom of the door frame which is likely the culprit for poor sound proofing, I’m not sure if all rooms are like that or just ours.FromIDR 617,761
Excellent1086 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|20.64km from city centre
If you want a quiet place with exceptional service, this is the place to stay. We spent 5 nights here. They provide personalised trip planning, discount ticket booking for all attractions in the Zhangjiajie area, and a free shuttle to the South gate entrance. The shuttle is free back and forth (up to 3km one way) for any reason - dinners near the gate, for example. The breakfast is served to you and was delicious, they also accommodated my vegetarian requests.
This is a small hotel - but with a homestay or B&B vibe. A lot of care and detail has been put into the design of the entire facility. There is an elevator. There is a natural spring with a dipper in the lower level - excellent drinking water! We refilled our water bottles there several times. Our room had the forest view with a terrace. It was great to have the extra space to relax in. This comes up as a Didi location, so it was easy to schedule our rides to and from the airport and train station.
We took a Didi back from the east gate one day - so crazy there and noisy in that area! If you like huge hotels and a party atmosphere, stay there. Otherwise, choose the Qiquan.FromIDR 963,920
Excellent6495 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|0.44km from city centre
An exceptional stay from start to finish. The room featured the largest, most comfortable bed I have ever experienced — the quality of rest alone made this hotel stand out. Breakfast was outstanding, with an extensive range of options to suit every preference. The hospitality was truly first-class; the hosts were attentive and gracious, going so far as to launder my clothes without hesitation. I was generously upgraded to the largest room, and while it did not offer a view, every other aspect of the experience was faultless. My only minor observation — offered as feedback rather than criticism — is that the in-room Bluetooth was not functional; had it been, the room would have been flawless. A remarkable stay overall, and one I will not hesitate to book again.FromIDR 556,517
916 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|0.32km from city centre
Excellent | Surprisingly Convenient and Peaceful
This stay far exceeded my expectations! The hotel's location is truly unbeatable. I timed it myself: about 20 minutes to the high-speed rail station, 15 minutes to the airport, and only about 10 minutes to the bus/train station. Getting a ride was super easy, making it a true gem for business travelers or anyone needing to catch a train/flight.
What was most surprising is that despite such a convenient location, the hotel's surroundings were exceptionally quiet, completely undisturbed by traffic noise. I slept incredibly soundly at night and could even hear birds chirping in the morning. The service was also very friendly.
I highly recommend this hotel to travelers who value both convenient transportation and a peaceful environment for rest! I will definitely choose to stay here again next time.FromIDR 473,972
Outstanding6416 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|1.42km from city centre
The Thousand Hotel in Zhangjiajie offers a decent, reliable stay that delivers good value for money.
The rooms are surprisingly spacious, giving you plenty of space to unpack and unwind after a full day of hiking through the national park. You will find all the basic amenities and standard comforts you would expect for the price point, including clean bedding, a functional private bathroom, reliable hot water, and stable Wi-Fi.
While it is not a luxury establishment, the hotel covers all the fundamentals effectively. It serves as a practical, comfortable, and budget-friendly base for exploring Zhangjiajie without any unexpected surprises.FromIDR 689,655
Excellent5537 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.29km from city centre
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Zhangjiajie.
Even before our arrival, the staff were incredibly kind, proactive, and helpful. They first contacted us through Trip.com and later on WeChat, assisting us with every aspect of our stay and helping us organize our visits to the main attractions in Zhangjiajie. They even booked all of our attraction tickets directly for us, and everything was arranged perfectly. This made our trip much easier and completely stress-free.
The hotel itself is located in a very peaceful area and offers all the comforts you could need. One of the highlights is the incredible view over the river, which becomes especially beautiful at night thanks to the light, fountain, and evening shows nearby.
The location is also extremely convenient for visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is literally around a 15-minute walk from the hotel. This was a huge advantage, as we could easily reach the park at our scheduled entrance time without having to rely on taxis.
Another service we found extremely convenient is the possibility of arranging luggage delivery directly to the airport. This is especially useful if you have a flight later in the day and still want to spend your last few hours visiting attractions without having to carry your bags around or return to the hotel to collect them. It is a small detail that makes the whole travel experience much easier and more comfortable.
We also highly recommend the Chinese restaurant next to the hotel. It was a fantastic surprise and, in our opinion, a much better and more authentic choice than many of the tourist-oriented restaurants in the area.
Our room was perfect in every aspect: the bed was extremely comfortable, the room was spacious, and everything was clean and well maintained.
What truly made our stay exceptional, however, was the staff. Their kindness, attention, and willingness to help went far beyond our expectations. They made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we booked until the end of our stay.
For us, this hotel deserves the highest possible rating. It is beautiful, peaceful, incredibly convenient for exploring Zhangjiajie, and run by an outstanding team. We would absolutely stay here again and recommend it without hesitation.FromIDR 769,538
Breakfast
Excellent704 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|21.53km from city centre
It took a while for the resort to respond to my suggestion of communication by wechat through Trip.com. But when it did, communication was in full flow until my arrival at the hotel. Nick to whom I've been communicating with was great all throughout. He arranged all ticket entries for me into the Grand Canyon, Yuanjiajie and Tianmen. Even suggested a local guide to which I happily utilised. I enquired about pick-up and drop-off and was advised that that was additional fees. I requested to go ahead with the arrangements and there was someone waiting for me upon my arrival with my name on a card.
The resort is a 40 minute drive away just outside the Zhangjiajie National Park and very close to the middle gate.
I was upgraded to a larger room upon my arrival which exceeded my expectation.
There is a self laundry area downstairs which I happily used with Nick's help. Someone was currently using the washing machine as I took down my laundry and Nick advised to leave the laundry basket there and he and his staff would keep an eye on things and bring up my clean laundry to my room later. That was a very helpful suggestion as I was extremely tired and wanted a decent night sleep before the next morning of hiking. I awoke to clean laundry outside my room door the next morning. Customer service at this resort is just great.
Breakfast came with the room and it was wonderful. Great variety too!
I would highly recommend this resort because of the location and great customer service.FromIDR 1,674,877
Very Good407 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|1.13km from city centre
Fantastic, family run small hotel. The lovely couple that owns the place is super friendly. They checked us in early with no problem. Great value for money, the bed was extremely comfy and the pillows too. Honestly all you need from a hotel. And well communicated too, close to all amenities and only a short cab drive from the airport. Well recommended.FromIDR 303,555
Excellent1143 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.4km from city centre
This was our first stop in Zhangjiajie, and the hotel's location is super convenient, right on Wuling Road, very close to the East Gate – just a few minutes away. There are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets behind and to the left of the hotel, offering a great selection of local specialties. Across the road is a river, perfect for a stroll along the bank in the mornings and evenings; the gentle breeze is really pleasant. At night, the lights along the river are beautiful, and sometimes there are drone shows, which you can even see from the hotel. All the rooms have balconies with plenty of hangers, so you can easily dry clothes or just relax and sit outside. The hotel staff are very service-oriented; if you call the front desk for water or towels, they respond really quickly. All the front desk staff are very friendly, especially a young man surnamed Li – he's very clever and has a great attitude. It's definitely worth coming back here again.FromIDR 971,908
Very Good903 Reviews
72 Wonder Tower/Dayong Ancient City Zhangjiajie|2.83km from city centre
This is a newly built hotel with excellent facilities. Parking is convenient, and the front desk staff are warm and friendly. We accidentally navigated to the cable car station instead of the hotel initially. Upon returning, the staff were even more welcoming and went out of their way to assist us. The room was clean, the bed was very comfortable, and we had a view of the Lishui River, the mother river of Zhangjiajie, from our window. It was a very pleasant experience.FromIDR 545,866
Excellent1632 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.8km from city centre
Perfect stay! The highlight were the 2 girls at the reception that made our stay!! They speak amazing english, are super nice and extremely helpful regarding tickets, routes and how to plan for the park visits. We got the tickets with them via WeChat before we left our country and was absolutely easy and the price was also below the official one. Recommend it 200%, don’t think twice about doing it with them for the park, Tianmen mountain etc.. The location is 5 min walking from the east gate, the street is very lively in the evening, full of restaurants and a nice massage place in front.
The rooms were nice and big, beds confy and nice shower.
As improvement, I think the hotel is below its potential. They have a coffee zone that isn’t used, they could also serve breakfast and make a better use of the facilities and also renovate them. But well that’s just my personal opinion.
Wouldn’t doubt staying here againFromIDR 660,365
Very Good15 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|2.32km from city centre
Next to the airport, under the flightpath, 12 minute taxi ride to city. BUT, that's why you get this insane UNOBSTRUCTED view of Tianmen mountain from the cool useable swimming pool. And, you're among real local families. The kids next door are adorable and insisted on showing me where to eat 😊 the host is kind and extremely helpful but will not disturb you otherwise and will leave you to do your own thing. If you have a problem, just wechat her and she'll be there. Just a tatami mat matress but a very useable, practicle, clean, room and even provide a bathmat and facecloths. Short taxi ride to the cable car entrance. A lovely stay and Tianmen mountain is awesome :)
BTW, the didi taxi drivers will use a trick to get more money out of you by way of adding a parking fee. Just take a screenshot of the booking page with the taxi license plate number, and the host will absolutely insist on helping you get the money back - it's very easy.FromIDR 569,831
Gym
Good3203 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.6km from city centre
The room facilities are quite new, and the design is simple yet stylish. However, there's a peculiar smell, I'm not sure if it's from the furniture or insecticide. The breakfast restaurant has a good ambiance, and the rice noodles are delicious. My only complaint is that it takes too long to get coffee; they should consider adding another coffee machine, especially with so many foreigners who surely have a high demand for coffee. It's super convenient that the East Gate of Forest Park is just a 2-minute walk away, and there are plenty of restaurants and massage parlors nearby.FromIDR 974,571
Outstanding1996 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|25.76km from city centre
My stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Zhangjiajie Nabeli exceeded my expectations during this trip to Zhangjiajie. The hotel kindly upgraded my room upon check-in, and the room was spacious, airy, clean, and very comfortable. The hotel also helps guests book tickets for Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, offering exclusive discounts that save the hassle of buying tickets yourself. The hotel is quite large, with grand and open public areas. The breakfast selection is incredibly rich, and with multiple dining areas, there’s no crowded queuing, which is great for guests heading out to attractions early. It's not far from the Wulingyuan East Gate, making it very convenient for sightseeing. The staff are friendly and attentive. This hotel is definitely a top choice for anyone visiting Wulingyuan.FromIDR 1,629,610
844 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|0.13km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, very close to the Tianmen Mountain cable car station. The room was spacious, and the breakfast was delicious with quick refills of hot dishes. The hotel staff were also very enthusiastic.FromIDR 473,972
Good589 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|1.99km from city centre
I traveled with my family and chose this hotel. The accommodation experience was absolutely amazing. I have to give it a five-star rating! The moment you step into the hotel, you will be infected by its elegant and grand atmosphere. When checking in, the staff was not only extremely efficient, but also patiently answered our various questions about nearby tours. Their attitude was as friendly as old friends who had not seen each other for a long time. The room is very warmly decorated, spacious and bright, with great lighting. As soon as you open the window, you can see the beautiful city view, and your mood will instantly improve. The bed was clean and comfortable, and even the pillows were at just the right height, allowing my family and I to have a good night's sleep. The bathroom is also very user-friendly, and they provide toiletries specifically for children, which is very thoughtful. The hotel's supporting facilities are also quite complete, and the children had a lot of fun. The equipment in the gym is new and diverse, meeting my daily exercise needs. The catering is even better. The breakfast is rich and varied, from local snacks to Western cakes, each one is delicious. The restaurant environment is also very elegant, the waiters are warm and polite, and the dining experience is excellent. This stay left us with a deep and wonderful impression, both in terms of service and facilities. Next time we travel, this hotel will definitely be our first choice, and we also recommend it to friends who are looking for high-quality accommodation!FromIDR 463,320
Very Good526 Reviews
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie|26.68km from city centre
This hotel was our most frequent stay these past few days, for three consecutive nights, but the experience wasn't as good as the hotel near Tianmen Mountain. First, parking at night during a heavy downpour was a real struggle; it took us ages to find a spot, probably because so many guests were checking in and parking.
The shower gel and shampoo bottles in the bathroom were tiny. Other hotels usually provide larger bottles, so seeing these small ones felt a bit stingy. My biggest complaint is about the hairdryer; it would stop working after just a short while. Drying my hair took several attempts.
Other hotels usually offer complimentary breakfast for accompanying children, but this one charged 28 per person for breakfast.
The only good thing is its proximity to the Forest Park and the bus station; both are within walking distance.FromIDR 460,658
Very Good931 Reviews
Downtown Area Zhangjiajie|1.52km from city centre
The hotel environment is quite good and spacious. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in town. It's very clean and I really like it. It was a good experience.
They also have breakfast, and there's a wide variety to choose from, you can eat as much as you like.
Self-service freshly ground coffee in the lobby: ✅
Complimentary Zhangjiajie Meicha tea/fruit: ✅
I'll definitely come back in the future.FromIDR 718,946
⭐ Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Zhangjiajie
When it comes to visiting Zhangjiajie, you’re talking about landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. This region in China is famous for its imposing rock formations, mountain trails, and viewpoints where you can simply pause and admire the surroundings. If you’re wondering what to do in Zhangjiajie, these are some of the highlights that almost every traveller includes in their itinerary.
⛰️ Tianmen Mountain and Heaven's Gate
To start with, Tianmen Mountain is often one of the most impressive sights when arriving in Zhangjiajie. And for good reason. It’s home to the famous Tianmen Mountain cable car, one of the longest in the world. It stretches for over 7 kilometres from the city to the summit, offering ever-changing views as you ascend through the mountains.
The most iconic highlight has to be the so-called 'Heaven's Gate', a colossal natural rock arch that you can reach by climbing a staircase of 999 steps. This isn't just a random figure; in Chinese culture, the number nine symbolises eternity, which is why it holds such deep significance. Once at the top, you'll also find viewing platforms and glass walkways that hug the cliff edges, offering truly breathtaking views.
📌 Trip.com tip: If you can, arrive early in the morning. The cable car usually opens around 7:30 or 8:00 am, and queues build up quickly, especially during peak season.
🌄 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is arguably the most iconic spot in the entire region. It’s here that the famous sandstone pillars tower into the sky, the very ones that inspired the floating mountains in the film "Avatar". One of the most well-known peaks has even been officially renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain".
The most popular area is Yuanjiajie, home to some of the most spectacular viewpoints. It also boasts a truly unique attraction: the Bailong Elevator, a panoramic lift built directly into the cliff face that whisks you over 300 metres up in just a few minutes.
The park is huge, so we recommend setting aside at least a full day to explore it. Many travellers even spend two days here to discover the different areas. There’s something truly special about wandering among the mist-covered sandstone pillars.
📌 Handy tip: Shuttle buses run within the park, connecting the various points of interest. Using them will save you a lot of time.
🏯 72 Wonder Tower
But Zhangjiajie has so much more to offer than just untouched nature. The 72 wonder tower is one of those places that is truly enchanting in the evening. It is a cultural complex inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, impressing visitors with its wooden towers, illuminated streets, and cultural performances.
It’s interesting by day, but the atmosphere changes completely at night. The red lights, the old lanterns, and the performances give the place a truly special charm.
There are also frequent small musical performances and stalls serving local food. So, if you want to experience a cultural side of Zhangjiajie, be sure to set aside some time for this.
🕳️ Huanglong Cave
Another surprise this destination has in store is the Huanglong Cave, one of the largest karst caves in China. Once you step inside, you’ll immediately understand why. The interior is filled with colossal stalactites, subterranean lakes, and natural passageways, all softly illuminated.
What makes it particularly exciting is that part of the tour even takes place by boat on an underground river. Drifting through a cave surrounded by massive rock formations feels like something straight out of a movie.
Depending on your pace, the entire tour takes about one to two hours. The path is largely well-maintained, making for a very comfortable sightseeing experience.
🌉 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
And then there's the glass bridge in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, one of the region's most famous attractions. When it opened in 2016, it was the longest and highest glass bridge in the world.
💡 The bridge spans a canyon at a height of over 300 metres and is more than 400 metres long.
Walking across the transparent floor while seeing the abyss below is an experience that stays with you for a long time. The area around the Grand Canyon also offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and beautiful viewpoints, so many travellers combine crossing the bridge with a hike through the valley.
📌 Trip.com tip: If you want to cross the bridge in peace, try going early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It tends to get very crowded around midday.
⛰️ Zhangjiajie, the mountains that inspired Avatar
When people talk about the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie, it’s not just a poetic description of the landscape. The connection to the film is quite direct.
In fact, James Cameron's team of artists used these sandstone pillars as the inspiration for creating the floating mountains of Pandora. Standing right in front of them, you understand it immediately. They are incredibly tall rock columns, some over 200 metres high, which seem to emerge from the forest and float amidst the wisps of mist.
The landscapes of Zhangjiajie are truly something special. Formed over millions of years by erosion and geological shifts, these formations are now part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s remarkable to see how each rock pillar has its own unique shape, almost like natural sculptures.
If you're looking to take in the most breathtaking viewpoints, you'll generally want to focus on three main areas. Yuanjiajie is home to the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, which is arguably the most iconic sight in the entire park.
Then there’s Tianzi Mountain, famous for its panoramic views of hundreds of pillars rising out of the mist. Finally, there’s the Golden Whip Stream, a hiking trail that winds through the valley between the formations, offering a perspective from below that creates a completely different impression.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is a year-round destination, with the landscape transforming dramatically with the seasons. At times, mist blankets the mountains, creating a scene straight out of a movie, while at others, the skies clear to reveal the peaks in breathtaking clarity.
For a quick overview, here’s the climate in Zhangjiajie:
Season | Climate | Important Information | Things to do |
🌸 Spring | 10–20°C | beautiful, lush green nature | Hiking |
☀️ Summer | 22–30 °C | lush vegetation | Viewpoints |
🍁 Autumn | 12–22°C | better visibility | Photography |
❄️ Winter | 0–10 °C | snow-covered landscapes | leisurely sightseeing |
- Spring (10–20 °C): This is one of the most pleasant times of year to explore the park. After the rains, the vegetation is incredibly lush and green, and the mist swirling between the rock pillars creates that almost magical landscape for which Zhangjiajie has become so famous.
- Summer (22–30°C): The weather is warm and quite humid, but nature is at its most lush. It’s common practice to rise early to enjoy the viewpoints with fewer crowds and to escape the midday heat.
- Autumn (12–22 °C): For many travellers, this is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie. The temperatures are mild, the visibility is usually clearer, and the forests turn spectacular shades of red and gold, which look particularly impressive from viewpoints like Tianzi Mountain.
- Winter (0–10 °C): The park has a charm all of its own. Sometimes it’s blanketed in snow, which completely transforms the landscape. Plus, there are usually fewer visitors at this time of year, making for a particularly peaceful and relaxing experience.
✈️Cheap flights to Zhangjiajie
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🚄 Day Trips from Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is famous for more than just its national park. After a few days spent exploring the mountains, you'll often find yourself wanting to see what else the surrounding area has to offer.
The region in Hunan Province is packed with breathtaking landscapes and fascinating villages. So, if you're wondering what to see near Zhangjiajie, here are some highly popular destinations for a day trip:
🏞️ Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Traditional architecture by the river
- Historic Bridges
- Old streets and wooden houses
⛰️ Tianzi Mountain
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Panoramic views from viewpoints
- Nature trails nestled between the mountains
🌄 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Duration: 1 hour
- Glass bridge
- Scenic routes through the canyon
✈️ Book your flight + hotel in Zhangjiajie at the best price on Trip.com and plan your route through the national park before you even set off.
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❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
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