Entrance Gate→Bailong Elevator→Yuanjiajie→Yangjiajie→Wulong Village→Sky Garden (optional)→Daguantai→Tianzishan→Helong Park→Return Journey→Dinner→Leisure Massage
You must have a hearty breakfast because there aren't many good things to eat in the Forest Park and the prices are relatively high.
This is the east gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the most beautiful of its five gates, as its architectural style integrates elements of Tujia culture with modern design concepts, drawing on traditional symbols such as the flying eaves and upturned corners of Tujia stilt houses, making it highly recognizable, and it is also referred to as the 'Sign Gate'. With the development of Zhangjiajie's tourism industry, the Sign Gate has gradually transcended its function as a mere entrance, becoming one of the brand symbols of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the entire Wulingyuan scenic area. It frequently appears in promotional materials, films, and tourists' photography, and along with the Tianmen Mountain and Bailong Elevator, it forms Zhangjiajie's 'visual business card', reinforcing the dissemination and recognition of the name 'Sign Gate'. Here you can check tickets, conduct facial recognition, and register, after which you can freely enter and exit the forest park for the next 4 days and freely ride all the shuttle buses within the park. After entering, check your ticket on the right-hand side, and after checking, continue walking to the right to take the eco-friendly bus to the Bailong Elevator, which takes about 20 minutes, passing through two stops, Suoxi Lake and Shili Gallery, before arriving at the 'Bailong Elevator lower station'. Suoxi Lake and Shili Gallery are beautiful, but they are not part of our itinerary today; if you are interested, you can experience them on another day in the forest park. You can show this text to the driver, and he will determine if you are on the right bus— 'I want to go to the Bailong Elevator. Is this the right bus?' In English: I'm going to the Bailong Elevator. Is this the right bus? If you find yourself lost, please seek help from a staff member or someone who looks like a tour guide, as well as a confident-looking young person— 'Please tell me how to get to the nearest eco-friendly station.' In English: Please tell me how to get to the nearest eco-friendly station.
Price: One-way 65 yuan/person Known as the “world's first ladder,” it is currently the highest outdoor elevator in the world, included in the Guinness World Records, costing 120 million to build. It stands 326 meters tall, operates at a speed of 5 m/s, and takes only 1 minute and 28 seconds for a one-way trip. During the elevator's operation, passengers can enjoy the spectacular peak forest scenery of the “Gods’ Gathering” through the glass, especially at the moment the cabin bursts out of the mountain; the overwhelming visual impact will be an unforgettable experience. If you'd like to capture this moment, please use a device to record as the elevator begins its run. The Hundred Dragon Sky Ladder is not only a means of transportation but also a cultural landmark. Since 2022, high-altitude rope swinging challenges have been held continuously here, with ropes crossing a peak forest canyon of 691 meters and a vertical height difference of 335 meters, attracting extreme sports enthusiasts from around the world. However, this elevator is so famous that for this one and a half minute experience, you may need to wait for over an hour in line, so please try to arrive a bit earlier. What is “Gods’ Gathering”? This scenery refers to the “Forty-Eight Generals Peak” opposite the Hundred Dragon Sky Ladder. It is a signature peak forest landscape in the core scenic area of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, named for its shape resembling a formation of soldiers. When the elevator emerges from the mountain, it faces this group of peaks. If you walk from the elevator to the Mihun Platform viewpoint, you can overlook the panoramic view of the peaks and experience the majesty of the “Generals’ Formation.” Its name is closely related to the spirit of resisting oppression. Legend has it that around 1360-1400, the Tujia leader “Xiang Wang Tianzi” raised an army here against the Yuan, with his forty-eight valiant leaders occupying the core area of Wulingyuan and engaging the Ming army for years, eventually being defeated and perishing in Shentang Bay. These leaders all died in battle, willingly turning their souls into peaks to continue guarding Shentang Bay. This setting is closely linked to the traditional Tujia concept of “dying in battle as a honor.” The local people named these mighty stone peaks resembling military generals “Forty-Eight Great Generals” to commemorate the heroes in their hearts. These stone peaks are not only natural wonders but also carry the historical memory of the Tujia ancestors' resistance to oppression, serving as a bond of ethnic identity. The legend through the narrative of “ancestors - heroes - nature” reinforces the Tujia ethnic belonging, serving as “frozen history,” allowing descendants to transcend time and space to dialogue with their ancestors and maintain cultural continuity. This story has also given rise to a series of landscapes in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, such as “Tianzi Mountain,” “Fairy Presenting Flowers,” etc., which will be introduced to you one by one later.
After coming out of the elevator at the Hundred Dragons Sky Lift, walk down to the left to reach the viewing platform. After a brief visit, you can return to the original place, walk along the main road on the right, and after 5 minutes you will arrive at the parking lot of Yuanjiajie. Take an eco-friendly vehicle for a few minutes to reach the parking lot of Mihun Terrace. This is the core area of Yuanjiajie, where you can hike to nearly twenty or thirty attractions. There are multilingual signs, and you can explore on your own. We will focus on introducing Mihun Terrace, Hallelujah Mountain, and the First Bridge Under Heaven.
According to legend, during the Later Tang Dynasty (923-936 AD), a Yuan surname general from the Huang Chao uprising hid here with his subordinates to avoid capture, cultivating the land and naming it after his surname, forming the name 'Yuanjiajie'. The Huang Chao uprising is one of the most significant peasant uprisings in Chinese history, its process described as an epic filled with violence and bloodshed, killing millions, nearly exterminating all members of the royal family and central power, completely shaking the rule of one of the most powerful dynasties in Chinese history, the Tang Dynasty, and indirectly leading to the downfall of the Tang Dynasty. We have detailed information on this in 'Dreams of a Prosperous Age,' which you can explore if you travel to Xi'an. Yuanjiajie is an important component of the Wulingyuan core scenic area in Zhangjiajie, known for its quartz sandstone peak forest landform and fantastical scenery. These quartz sandstone peak forests formed during the late Paleozoic Devonian period (400-250 million years ago), shaped by millions of years of river erosion, differential weathering, and gravitational collapse, eventually creating the magnificent landscape of 'three thousand odd peaks,' where geological wonders and cultural legends deeply intertwine, forming a unique tourist experience. The forest coverage here is over 95%, and the concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air is 500 times that of ordinary environments, earning it the title of 'natural oxygen bar.' The environmental vehicle service from the Yuanjiajie parking lot runs frequently (every 10-15 minutes), operating from 7:00 to 19:00. Recommended visiting time: 1.5-2.5 hours.
To the Yuanjiajie Visitor Base parking lot, take the eco-friendly bus from here, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the next station—the Yangjiajie Scenic Area Eco-Bus Station
Yangjiajie is located in the northwest part of the Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area, belonging to the quartz sandstone peak forest and canyon landform, known for its unique peak wall wonder, it is said that the descendants of the Yang Family Generals from the Northern Song Dynasty once settled here, which led to this place being called “Yangjiajie.” The descendants of the Yang Family Generals still live here today, and the genealogical record of the Yang family and several ancestral graves from the Ming and Qing Dynasties are preserved here. Many attractions in Yangjiajie are related to the Yang Family Generals, such as “Liulang Bay,” “Qilong Bay,” “Zongbao Bay,” and “Tianbo Mansion,” and these names were given by the descendants of the Yang Family Generals to commemorate them, which have been unchanged for more than a thousand years. The attractions here are relatively scattered, with the Natural Great Wall, Sky Corridor, Tianbo Mansion, One Step to Heaven, etc., all located on different branches; each attraction usually requires some backtracking. Most independent travelers and tour groups only sample a few sites, so please assess your physical condition to decide which attractions to visit. Recommended visiting time: 1-2 hours, visiting 2-4 attractions. Among them, Wulongzhai and Tianbo Yangfu have steep terrains, and they may be closed due to maintenance or weather reasons. Please consult the staff about whether they are open today before you go. You can show this text to the staff: “Are Wulongzhai and Tianbo Yangfu open today?” What is the “Yang Family Generals” The Yang Family Generals was a real military family during the Northern Song Dynasty in China (AD 960-1127). Their stories blend historical facts with folklore, occupying an important position in Chinese culture, comparable to the “Robin Hood” or “Knights of the Round Table” in Western culture, groups of heroes with both real foundations and legendary colors. The core figure of this family is Yang Ye, who was originally a general of the Northern Han regime. Later, he surrendered to the Northern Song Dynasty and was appointed as the military commander of the northern border because of his expertise in cavalry warfare, responsible for defending against the invasion of the Qidan (later known as Liao). Yang Ye was brave in battle; during the battle at Yanmen Pass, he led a small force to ambush the enemy and achieved a great victory against the Liao army, making the Qidan tremble in fear and even calling him “Yang Invincible.” Yang Ye’s sons inherited their father’s military talent, the most famous being his eldest son Yang Yanzhao. He was stationed at the Hebei border for a long time and once set an ambush in the frozen moat during the cold winter, repelling the Liao army's attack. Because of his bravery and strategizing, the people of Liao believed he was the reincarnation of the “Sixth Star” among the Big Dipper, specifically restraining the Liao state, so the people referred to him as “Yang Liulang”—this is also one of the origins of the name “Liulang Bay” in Yangjiajie. Even more commendable are the women of the Yang family who participated in the cause of defending the country. Yang Ye’s daughter-in-law, Mu Guiying, is a legendary female general; she was originally a bandit leader but later married Yang Ye’s grandson, Yang Zongbao, becoming an important general of the Yang family army. According to legend, when she was 50, she took the initiative to lead the female generals of the Yang family into battle, breaking the traditional notion that “women cannot go to battle.” This image of “women being no less than men” has made the story of the Yang Family Generals more captivating. The reason the story of the Yang Family Generals has been passed down for thousands of years is inseparable from their spirit of “loyalty and valor throughout the family.” Historical records show that during a battle, Yang Ye was captured by the Liao army because reinforcements were delayed. He refused to surrender and starved himself for three days until he died; Yang Yanzhao’s son Yang Wenguang continued to defend the border, spending his life resisting external enemies. Folklore further amplified this tragedy—for example, the story of “Seventh Brother Being Harmed” tells that Yang Ye's seventh son, Yang Yansi, was shot to death by a rain of arrows due to offending a treacherous minister; “Twelve Widows Expedition West” narrates that after almost all the male generals of the Yang family were injured or killed, the female relatives resolutely took up arms to go to battle. Although these plots have artistic processing, they stem from people’s value recognition of “loyalty, bravery, and family responsibility.” Since more than a thousand years ago, the stories of the Yang Family Generals have been transmitted through storytelling, opera performances, and other forms. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (about 400 years ago), they were written into novels, such as “The Yang Family Generals,” with increasingly rich details. In modern society, their stories have been adapted into TV dramas, movies, cartoons, and even incorporated into games and comics. For instance, the 1990s TV series “Yang Family Generals” sparked a viewing frenzy across China; Disney even created an animated short film based on Mu Guiying, bringing the image of this Eastern female general to the world. The reason people love the stories of this family is not only because of their military achievements, but because of the spirit they represent: loyalty to the country, unity of the family, and resilience in the face of adversity, which has become a symbol of “heroic spirit” in Chinese culture. Note that Yangjiajie is the place where the descendants of the Yang Family Generals reside, while the historical residence of the Yang Family Generals was located in Kaifeng, Henan, where the original building no longer exists. Now, if you go to Kaifeng, what you see is a scenic building restored in 1994 near the ruins of the Yang Family Generals’ former residence.
Wulongzhai was originally named 'Heilongzhai', which was once a place where bandits lived. Later, in order to attract tourists, the local tourism bureau renamed it Wulongzhai based on a Chinese old movie titled 'The Fight Against Bandits in Wulong Mountain'. It is built against the mountains, located in a remote and dangerous pass, surrounded by cliffs on all sides, with only one road up and down, making it a formidable position, as they say, 'one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open it'. To reach here, you must pass through three 'ghost gates': The first gate is 'one step is hard to walk', where rocks protrude at a sharp bend in the path, requiring people to closely follow the rock wall and turn slowly, otherwise, it is easy to fall into the cliff; the second gate is 'who can not bow their head', where the stone path is slanted and winding, requiring people to bend down to proceed; The third gate is 'one man pass', where the nearly vertical steep slope is almost upright, and the stone path passes between two giant rocks, requiring people to turn sideways to ascend slowly. At the top of Wulongzhai, there are old wooden buildings with dark black tiles and a dilapidated facade, displaying rifles, cannons, spears, and sabers used by the bandits back in the day, as well as some old farming tools, and in one room, there is a shrine for the recognized leader of the Tujia people, Xiang Dakun, who is the prototype of 'Xiang Wang Tianzi'. Starting from the top of Wulongzhai, crossing a swaying suspension bridge, and climbing to the top of Tianbo Mansion, you can see four naturally formed stone walls, rows upon rows, standing like a military formation, lined up like soldiers, towering like a city wall, magnificent and graceful. It is said that this was the site of the Yang Family's 'Tianbo Mansion' back in the day, with dozens of cliffs interwoven, uneven and staggered, creating a grand and tragic scene, resembling remnants of walls from afar, hence the name. This is one of the best photography spots in the Yangjiajie scenic area. To reach the next station, you need to return to the Yangjiajie scenic area environmental protection bus station and then take the environmental protection bus.
Compared to other popular attractions in Zhangjiajie, this pastoral scenery located on a high mountain sees fewer tourists, retaining its original poetic charm. From Yangjiajie, take a bus to get off at 'Sancha Junction', the official vehicle to Aerial Farm is not included in the ticket price and requires an additional payment of 65 yuan, taking about 15 minutes round trip. Suggested visiting time is 1-2 hours. In the 1980s, local mountain people cultivated this terraced field on steep peaks for survival, planting rice to solve their food and clothing issues. The process of reclaiming the terraces was filled with hardships. Without modern mechanical assistance, the villagers used rudimentary tools to cultivate the land on steep slopes, each step gathering sweat and effort. Facing cliffs and steep walls, they were undaunted by danger, tirelessly farming for generations, transforming barren land into fertile fields that could sustain their families. This spirit of hard work and resilience vividly embodies the Chinese saying of 'persevering and never giving up' in the face of difficulties. This field, located at an altitude of over 1000 meters, sits atop cliff peak forests; below lies a deep valley. The farmland presents a sloped terrace shape, surrounded by lush peaks and towering trees, shrouded in mist year-round. The mist sometimes drapes like a veil over the tips of rice, sometimes pours down like a waterfall, pairing with the changing light of dawn and dusk to display different beautiful scenes every minute— Spring: The flooded terraced fields resemble mirrors, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, refreshing and pleasant; Summer: The verdant rice fields sway with the wind, resembling the rural scenes in 'My Neighbor Totoro', full of vitality; Autumn: Orange-yellow rice ears intertwine with red maple leaves, turning nature's color palette upside down, creating a stunning golden autumn picture; Winter: Thin snow covers the terraced fields, creating a black and white ink painting ambiance, making one feel immersed in a classical Chinese landscape painting. The Aerial Farm is not only a natural landscape but also a living display of farming culture. Every year during the autumn harvest season, villagers hold traditional activities such as rice cutting competitions, showcasing the farming culture of the Tujia ethnic group. This allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery while feeling a strong festive atmosphere. You can see the distant view of the Bailong Elevator and the close-up views of several peaks. There are many viewing platforms, and the scenery changes with every step, making it very worthwhile. If you visit each viewing platform, it takes about 2 hours and is also a favorite photo spot for Korean tourist groups.
Get off at the environmental bus stop at Sancha Kou, head east to reach "Daguantai". Standing on Daguantai and looking far and wide, you can see over two thousand of the more than three thousand unique peaks in the Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area, making the view extremely broad, hence the name “Daguantai.” Daguantai is one of the four wonders of Zhangjiajie (sunrise, peak forest, winter snow, sea of fog) and a great place to watch the sunrise. In summer, the sunrise is around 5:10, and in winter, it is around 7:00. As the sun slowly rises from the peaks, golden sunlight bathes the peak forest, creating a magnificent scene of “gold-plated peak forest.” In addition, the sea of clouds here is ever-changing, with mist swirling around the peaks, sometimes like a raging sea, sometimes like a light veil, making one feel as if they are in a fairyland. If you want to appreciate this wonder, you might consider staying nearby. There are many hotels and guesthouses around Sancha Kou, such as “Dingxiangrong Village,” but the accommodation resources at the mountain top are relatively tight, so it is necessary to book in advance.
Take the eco-friendly bus from Daguan Platform for about 30 minutes to reach the eco-friendly bus station at Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area.
Originally named Qingyan Mountain, it got its name due to the dense green stones. In the early Ming Dynasty (around 1360-1400), Tujia leader Xiang Dakun led a rebellion here, calling himself 'King Xiang Tianzi', and later died here, hence the name Tianzi Mountain. The high peaks, large peaks, and numerous peaks are a major feature of Tianzi Mountain, earning it the title 'King of Peak Forests'. There are many uniquely shaped stone peaks, like columns, towers, and bamboo shoots, some measuring several dozen meters, while others reach hundreds of meters high, sculpted into various forms, resembling humans and objects, such as Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Offering Flowers, which appear vivid and lifelike. Additionally, it also gathers three other wonders besides sunrise—Moonlit Night, Cloud and Mist, and Winter Snow—— Moonlit Night When the moon is bright and the stars are few, and all is silent, the peak forest is draped in a layer of 'mystic veil' under the hazy moonlight, like magical shadows standing in the valley, the sounds of birds and beasts adding to the air of mystery. Cloud and Mist Cloud and mist are the most common celestial phenomena at Tianzi Mountain, presenting various forms such as fog, cloud seas, cloud waves, cloud waterfalls, and clouds. After a long rain and brief sunshine or amidst fine drizzle, it first manifests as dense fog, which then transforms into white clouds, swirling and floating. Sometimes, clouds and mist gush from the creek, climbing over the peaks, and then pouring down in an overwhelming force, forming cloud waterfalls, resembling a thousand galloping horses, with peaks appearing and disappearing in the boundless sea of clouds, creating a spectacular sight. Winter Snow After the winter arrives, Tianzi Mountain is draped in silver, with green pines and peaks covered in heavy snow, ice pillars standing upside down, and ice flowers scattered everywhere, the entire scenic area turns into a pure white snow world, resembling a fairyland from a tale. To see the above scenes, it largely requires luck; I hope you can fulfill your wishes.
Arrive at the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car upper station, then take the cable car directly to the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car lower station. The Tianzi Mountain Cable Car is 2091 meters long, with a height difference of 692 meters, and a maximum running speed of 6 meters per second, with the fastest one-way trip taking 6 minutes. After exiting the cable car, head to the environmental bus station to return to the Wulingyuan landmark gate.
After a day of exploration, while your eyes have had their fill, I'm sure your stomach must be very hungry. Let's happily feast together! What is 'Three-Down-Pot'? 'Three-Down-Pot' is a very distinctive traditional dish from the Zhangjiajie area in Hunan, China, and is a classic delicacy of the Tujia ethnic group, known for its unique local flavor in preparation and ingredient pairing. Legend has it that its origins are related to military rations during the Ming Dynasty (around 400-600 years ago). At that time, soldiers fought in the Zhangjiajie area, and due to the busy war conditions, they often mixed various ingredients and stewed them in one pot, saving time while quickly replenishing energy. This practice later spread to the civilian population, gradually evolving by combining local Tujia dietary customs, becoming a special dish for festivals, guests, or everyday meals. Traditional 'Three-Down-Pot' centers on three main ingredients, with the early selections often being common local meats like pork, lamb, and beef (or offals like pig stomach, pig intestines, pig trotters, etc.), paired with side ingredients like radishes, potatoes, tofu, and dried chili peppers. Nowadays, the ingredients are more flexible, allowing for the addition of chicken, cured meat, vegetables, etc., but the essence of 'mixed in one pot' remains unchanged. First, blanch the main ingredients to remove the fishy smell, then stir-fry them in hot oil, adding doubanjiang, chili, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings to create aroma, before adding water and stewing until tender and flavorful. The taste is relatively spicy and rich, in line with the eating habits of the people from Xiangxi who favor spicy food. Traditional 'Three-Down-Pot' is similar to the Northeast 'Iron Pot Stew', and now has derived into a 'Dry Pot' format—after the ingredients are cooked, they are transferred to a dry pot to be heated and eaten, preserving heat while intensifying the flavor. It is not just a dish; it also reflects the simple culinary culture of the Xiangxi region and the life wisdom of the Tujia people—using local materials, combining meat and vegetables, and utilizing simple cooking methods to create delicious and fragrant dishes. Today, 'Three-Down-Pot' has become a signature cuisine in areas like Zhangjiajie, a must-try for visitors to experience local flavors. In every recommended restaurant in Zhangjiajie, you can almost always order 'Three-Down-Pot', and the taste is quite good.
After dinner, you may already be feeling completely exhausted, so let us try a uniquely Chinese way to relieve fatigue—foot massage. This is a magical craft, known in the West as foot reflexology. It is considered a relatively expensive body care treatment there. But in China, it is a very common folk leisure activity with a history of 4,000 years. It is also one of the most popular ways for modern people to relax. It can help you quickly restore your energy, relieve sore legs and feet caused by long periods of walking, and it also has health benefits. First, the therapist will bring you a large basin of hot water. You can take off your shoes and socks and put your feet into the basin, which will make you feel extremely comfortable and relaxed. Of course, if the water is too hot, you can tell the therapist, and they will adjust it to a suitable temperature. You can say “Too hot!” (tai re), and they will add cool water until you feel comfortable. Generally speaking, though, I recommend using the water as hot as you can tolerate, because it will feel better. After soaking your feet, the foot massage will begin. During the massage, you may feel pain, because according to traditional Chinese medicine, the ideal state of the body is when the flow of qi and blood is smooth. If there is any blockage somewhere, pain will occur. The therapist will apply pressure to those blocked areas to help the body clear them, which can relieve physical fatigue and sub-health conditions. If it is really too painful, you can also ask the therapist to be gentler. You can say: “Gentler” (qing dian) In any case, by the end, you will have an unforgettable experience. If you can use the Dianping app, you can buy group deals for far less than the listed price. This is very common in China, so we recommend that you install Dianping. For foot soaking, you can choose ginger juice, Chinese herbs, milk, mugwort leaves, rose, black tea, or bath mud. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that soaking the feet with these different plants has different health-preserving effects, but in fact we recommend choosing ginger juice or mugwort leaves; the effects of the other soaking ingredients are not very noticeable.
As night falls and the lights come on, this fantastical day is about to come to an end. What unforgettable memories will you take away? Is it the moment when the Bailong Elevator rises, abruptly switching between the earthly realm and the clouds, a collision of technology and a fairyland? Is it the moment when 'Hallelujah Mountain' appears and disappears in the mist, where the phantoms of the Na'vi and the flying eaves of stilted houses overlap in memory? Or is it the hidden dangers among the treacherous steep steps of Wulong Village? That pastoral scene in the sky floating above the clouds, resembling the Tujia culture? Or perhaps when you are at the Great Viewing Platform, touching the sea of clouds that flows over your fingertips; climbing up the Tianzi Pavilion to review the mountains, experiencing this blend of legend and reality; the marvelous sensation of the mirage behind you and the human world in front of you as you descend by cable car? On this day, we are both the audience of 'Avatar' and the continuators of Tujia legends. The most magical thing about Wulingyuan is not the names 'Qian Kun Pillar' or 'Hallelujah Mountain,' but that every visitor becomes a dream maker — when the mist rises again over the ridge, perhaps our stories are quietly sung by the mountain wind. Good night. If you are satisfied with today's itinerary, please do not hesitate to give us a good review. This will be very helpful for others who are considering traveling to China. Of course, if there is anything you are not satisfied with, please let us know in time. This can urge us to continuously improve our services. Thank you very much.
1. How to get to Zhangjiajie: Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have direct flights to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. If you prefer taking the high-speed train, you can first head to Changsha. As the capital of Hunan Province, Changsha has a lot of delicious food and interesting activities; you can enjoy yourself here before taking a high-speed train for 2-3 hours to Zhangjiajie.
2. It is recommended to choose a hotel near the eastern entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as this area is suitable for exploring the Grand Canyon, Huanglong Cave, and the forest park. If you wish to explore these areas thoroughly, it is necessary to stay there for 3-4 days. Today's itinerary will also be based on your stay in this area.
3. The ticket for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is valid for four days. In fact, it takes 2-3 days to explore here, so it is advisable to purchase the 238 yuan 'Three Cables and One Elevator' four-ride joint ticket, which is valid for four consecutive days and allows access to the Tianzishan Cableway, Yangjiajie Cableway, Huangshizhai Cableway, and Bailong Elevator. One-way counts as one ride, while round trip counts as two, saving you at least 40 yuan compared to separate purchases. According to our itinerary, you only need to purchase the 238 yuan four-ride ticket; if you have additional needs, you can also buy the 298 yuan unlimited ride ticket.
4. After purchasing this itinerary, it is also recommended to buy another one: 'Crossing Huangshizhai - Jinbian Stream - Shili Gallery, watching “Charming Western Hunan”, and tasting local delicacies.' These two itineraries will cover all the important scenic spots in the forest park.
5. There is a small shop at the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park East Gate where you can store your luggage. The price is about 10 yuan for a suitcase and 5 yuan for a backpack, with closing hours from 5:30 to 6:30. They are generally reliable and safe.
6. Be sure to have a hearty breakfast, as the food in the scenic area is definitely not as good as outside. Breakfast options can refer to other itineraries' dining suggestions.
7. There are food sales at the main scenic spots and cableway stations in Zhangjiajie Forest Park, and the prices are generally 20%-30% higher than down the mountain, with 15 yuan being enough to fill you up. There's no need to bring too much water and dry food.
8. Please wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking today.
9. Try to carry a portable charger to ensure your phone is online.
10. Please be sure to bring your passport.
11. Try to leave early, as there may be long queues at Bailong Elevator; arriving early helps reduce waiting time.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 9 reviews from app travelers
Les enfants n'arrêtaient pas de regarder — la montagne Hallelujah fait partie de ces endroits qui donnent envie de croire à la magie du cinéma. L'ascenseur Bailong a été leur plus beau manège jamais vu. Nous avons marché sur les sentiers du bord de Yuanjiajie et les vues sur la forêt de piliers étaient infinies. Le déjeuner du plat des trois pots était consistant et adapté aux familles. Une journée d'émerveillement.
La conexión con Avatar atrae multitudes, pero la geología se las merece: miles de pilares de cuarzo-arenisca, nubes tejiéndose entre ellos. Subimos en el ascensor Bailong — el ascensor de cristal en el acantilado ya es una experiencia — y caminamos por Yuanjiajie. El plato de las tres ollas después fue la mejor comida de mi estancia en Zhangjiajie. Un día salvaje y maravilloso.
장자제의 돌기둥은 소개가 필요 없죠 — 아바타가 이름을 알렸지만 — 구름이 그 사이를 스치는 모습은 완전 다른 세계입니다. 바이룽 엘리베이터는 짜릿하고, 위안자제의 산책로는 쉽고 아름다워요. 그리고 삼겹솥 요리, 매콤하고 감칠맛 나는 마무리였습니다. 장자제 첫날인데 벌써 최고였어요.
Стоять под горой Аллилуйя — тем самым пиком из «Аватара» — с лифтом Байлун, поднимающимся рядом, было сюрреалистично. Смотровые Юаньцзяцзе объяснили, почему съёмочная группа приехала именно сюда. А обед «три котла»: бурлящий глиняный горшок с мясом и овощами — остро и согревает. День фантазии и вкуса.
Renaming Heaven’s Pillar to Hallelujah Mountain is surreal enough on its own. When the Bailong Elevator rose into the clouds with stilt houses and sci-fi aircraft overlapping — as an urban planner I was genuinely stunned. You can’t plan this. Nature stacked its own layers.
As a graphic designer, I'm all about visuals, and this place... it's simply unreal. I felt like I'd stepped right into the movie Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains in Yuanjiajie are breathtaking, these massive pillars of rock just floating in the mist. Getting up there on the Bailong Elevator, a glass lift clinging to the side of a cliff, was an adrenaline rush in itself! This tour was so well-organized, which was a relief because the park is enormous and I wouldn't have known where to start. We covered so much ground, from the stunning views at Tianzi Mountain to the slightly terrifying Wulong Village. The day ended with a fantastic local meal called "Sanxiaguo" (Three-pot dish). It was a hearty, flavourful stew that was the perfect way to refuel after a day of walking and having my mind blown by the scenery. Absolutely incredible.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour