How to Visit the Avatar Mountains: Things to Know to Visit Zhangjiajie 2024

The Avatar Mountains, located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China, are renowned for their towering pillar-like rock formations that inspired the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie “Avatar.” These floating Avatar Mountains are indeed a real place! (Albeit, a little different from the movie).

What many people may not know is that the scenic area is huge and includes many other sites that are spread out. Key attractions include Tianmen Mountain, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with its famous Glass Bridge. Each area offers unique experiences, from sandstone pillars to thrilling skywalks and scenic trails, making Zhangjiajie a diverse and must-visit destination.

Having visited Zhangjiajie in 2018 and recently again in 2024, I have firsthand experience navigating the park and can provide you with the best tips and insights to make your trip unforgettable. Here are some FAQs I get about where to stay, how many days to spend, how to plan an itinerary, and more.

If you’ve been wondering how to visit the Avatar Floating Mountains, here’s your comprehensive guide.

How to Get To Zhangjiajie?

By Air: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG). There are direct flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an.

By Train: High-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie with cities like Changsha, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. The train station is Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. See a full list of trains here.

By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities. The Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station is the main hub for these routes.

Major Areas of Zhangjiajie

There are several key areas to Zhangjiajie: first, Zhangjiajie City center, which is where the train station and airport are located, as well as Tianmen Mountain. Then there is Wulingyuan scenic area, and the Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge.

Once you arrive by train or plane to Zhangjiajie, the Avatar Mountains are actually still 40 minutes away by car or bus!

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain, located near the city center of Zhangjiajie, is one of the most iconic attractions in the region. Famous for its stunning natural arch known as Tianmen Cave and its exhilarating glass skywalks, Tianmen Mountain offers breathtaking views and thrilling experiences. Visitors can reach the summit via the world’s longest cable car ride, which spans over 7 kilometers from the city center to the mountaintop.

Costs:

Entrance Fee: 275 RMB (includes cable car and shuttle bus)
Glass Skywalk: 5 RMB (additional charge)

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses several key attractions, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, and Yuanjiajie. This area is known for its more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many of which rise over 200 meters. Wulingyuan is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering numerous trails and panoramic vistas.

This is the section that takes the most planning and map checking! The area has two primary entrances: the Wulingyuan gate to the east and the Zhangjiajie gate to the southwest. The Wulingyuan gate is typically more crowded due to its proximity to numerous attractions, so many visitors opt to stay in hotels within Wulingyuan town.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Costs:

Entrance Fee: 248 RMB (valid for 4 days)
Bailong Elevator: 72 RMB (one-way), 144 RMB (round-trip)
Tianzi Mountain Cable Car: 72 RMB (one-way)
Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain):
Included in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park entrance fee

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is home to the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, spanning 430 meters across the canyon and standing 300 meters above the ground. The Glass Bridge offers a thrilling experience and stunning views of the canyon below. In addition to the bridge, the Grand Canyon area features scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and boat rides, providing a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Costs:

Entrance Fee: 219 RMB (includes Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon)
Glass Bridge Only: 141 RMB

These major areas each offer unique experiences and showcase the natural beauty and geological wonders that make Zhangjiajie a must-visit destination.

What’s the Best Itinerary to See Zhangjiajie?

There are many ways to arrange your trip to Zhangjiajie, depending on the sites you want to visit and how long you want to stay. A recommended itinerary for first-time visitors to Zhangjiajie:

Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie, check into hotel near Zhangjiajie city center and Tianmen Mountain

Day 1: to Tianmen Mountain (including the glass skywalk and Tianmen Cave). In the evening see the Tianmen Fairy Fox show, then drive to Wulingyuan Scenic Area and check into a hotel.

Day 2: Go to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to explore the Yellow Stone Village and Golden Whip Stream.

Day 3: Stay in Wulingyuan Scenic area and go to Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain), Tianzi Mountain, and Yangjiajie

Suggested Routes for Wulingyuan: Many tour groups go from Wulingyuan Gate to the Bailong Elevator up and the Tianzi Cable Car down. Alternatively, you can take the Tianzi Cable Car up and the elevator down to avoid crowds.

Day 4: Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake

What’s the Budget?

Accommodation: $18-150 (100-1,000 RMB) per night, depending on the type of hotel.
Food: $10-30 (70-200 RMB) per day.
Entrance Fees: $20-50 (140-350 RMB) per attraction.
Transportation: $5-20 (35-140 RMB) per day within Zhangjiajie.

A mid-range budget would be around $500-700 (3,500-4,900 RMB) for a 3-4 day trip.

How Many Days to Spend There?

A 3 to 4-day trip is ideal to cover the main attractions. If you want a more relaxed pace or to explore additional areas like Fenghuang and Furong Villages, consider staying for 5-6 days.

Do You Need a Tour Guide for Zhangjiajie?

The short answer is no, you don’t need a tour guide. It’s possible to explore Zhangjiajie on your own. However, I highly recommend doing research in advance and familiarizing yourself with the park and routes beforehand to help maximize your time while you’re in the park.

Maps and guides can be found online, at your hotel, or at the park entrances. The one I share below is always useful!

I traveled Zhangjiajie solo in 2018 and was able to navigate the park, but it did take me some time to understand how the park was laid out and what buses in the park went where.

How to Navigate Around the Zhangjiajie National Park?

Shuttle Buses: Available within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and between major attractions.
Cable Cars and Elevators: Such as the Bailong Elevator and the Tianzi Mountain cable car.
Walking: Many trails offer close-up views of the scenery

The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is vast, so utilizing the free shuttle buses is essential for getting around. Upon entering through one of the gates, you’ll find bus stops that service different routes throughout the park, with the Wulingyuan gate offering the most extensive network. Bus destinations are typically displayed in both English and Chinese, but if you’re unsure which bus to take, feel free to ask for help. Having the Chinese names of your destinations handy can be very helpful.

In addition to buses, the park features several cable cars that provide convenient and scenic transportation between key points. For example, the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car offers breathtaking views as it ascends to the mountain, and the Bailong Elevator provides a quick and stunning ride up a cliff face. By combining buses and cable cars, you can efficiently explore the diverse and sprawling beauty of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Useful Zhangjiajie Locations and Their Names in Chinese

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – 张家界国家森林公园 (Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán)
Wulingyuan Scenic Area – 武陵源风景名胜区 (Wǔlíngyuán Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū)
Tianmen Mountain – 天门山 (Tiānmén Shān)
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Yuanjiajie) – 袁家界 (Yuánjiājiè)
Tianzi Mountain – 天子山 (Tiānzǐ Shān)
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon – 张家界大峡谷 (Zhāngjiājiè Dàxiágǔ)
Glass Bridge – 张家界玻璃桥 (Zhāngjiājiè Bōlì Qiáo)
Bailong Elevator – 百龙天梯 (Bǎilóng Tiāntī)
Baofeng Lake – 宝峰湖 (Bǎofēng Hú)
Yellow Dragon Cave – 黄龙洞 (Huánglóng Dòng)
Wulingyuan Gate – 武陵源门 (Wǔlíngyuán Mén)
Zhangjiajie Gate – 张家界门 (Zhāngjiājiè Mén)
Tianmen Fox Fairy Show – 天门狐仙表演 (Tiānmén Húxiān Biǎoyǎn)

Having these names in Chinese will help you navigate and communicate more effectively while visiting Zhangjiajie.

Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie?

Where you stay depends on what area of Zhangjiajie you will be in. For my first visit, I spent two nights near Wulingyuan scenic area, then moved hotels to have one night near Tianmen Mountain. Here are some ideas for where to stay in different areas of Zhangjiajie:

Wulingyuan Area: Convenient for accessing Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Luxury: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel – Offers modern amenities and is close to the park entrance.
Mid-Range: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel – A comfortable stay with good service and facilities.
Budget: Zhangjiajie 1982 Chujian International Youth Hostel – Affordable and friendly, ideal for backpackers.

Zhangjiajie City: Better for transportation and dining options, and close to Tianmen Mountain

Luxury: Harmona Resort & Spa Zhangjiajie – Provides a luxurious experience with a variety of amenities.
Mid-Range: Sunshine Hotel Zhangjiajie – A well-located hotel with good services and reasonable prices.
Budget: Zhangjiajie Bajie Youth Hostel – Budget-friendly with a cozy atmosphere.

Near Grand Canyon Glass Bridge:

Luxury: Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan – High-end hotel with excellent facilities and service.
Mid-Range: Yichen Huatian Hotel – Comfortable and reasonably priced, close to the Grand Canyon.
Budget: Zhangjiajie Zhongtian International Youth Hostel – Budget accommodation with good reviews and essential amenities.

Boutique Hotels and Hostels: Available near major attractions.

Mountain Retreat Hotel: Offers scenic views and a unique stay experience in Wulingyuan.
Tianzi Mountain Inn: A cozy place to stay with easy access to Tianzi Mountain scenic spots.
Baofeng Lake Guesthouse: Perfect for those wanting to explore Baofeng Lake and its surroundings.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Zhangjiajie?

Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Autumn (September-October): Clear skies and colorful foliage.
Avoid National Holidays: Especially the first week of October (Golden Week) due to crowds.

What Kind of Clothing and Shoes to Wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes: Essential for hiking and walking long distances! I cannot stress enough how much walking you will be doing in outdoor settings. So make sure you are comfortable!
Layered Clothing: Weather can change quickly; bring a light jacket even in summer.
Rain Gear: Especially during the rainy season (April-June).

How to Book Fairy Fox Show Tickets?

The Fair Fox Show is an exciting outdoor performances nearby the base of Tianmen Mountain. It features a love story, exciting dances, performances, light shows and more! There are Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese on the screen, so there is no need to worry about language barrier.

Ticket Price: 238-688 RMB, depending on seat selection

Online: Purchase through official websites or travel platforms like Ctrip or Klook.
Hotel Concierge: Many hotels can arrange tickets for guests.
At the Venue: Buy tickets directly at the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show Theater.

Other Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie as a Foreigner

Bring your Passport: Bring your passport for hotel check-ins and ticket purchases.
Pack snacks! Even though you will be able to find food on top and around the park areas, I’m always glad I packed snacks in case I was far out from a shop.
Monkeys: Be aware that there are monkeys everywhere. Keep your belongings secure and avoid feeding them.

Language Barrier: Learn basic Chinese phrases or use an offline translation app to help communicate with locals. Carry a card with your hotel’s name and address written in Chinese!
Cash and Payments: While larger hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, many places only take cash or mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Carry enough cash (RMB) for daily expenses if you haven’t connected your foreign bank card to Alipay.
Local Cuisine: Try local Hunan cuisine, which is known for its spicy flavors! If you’re not used to spicy food, ask for dishes to be made less spicy (“bu la” 不辣).
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and theft.

Visit the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie

Visiting Zhangjiajie is a journey into one of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes on Earth. With its diverse attractions, from the towering Avatar Mountains in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area to the thrilling heights of Tianmen Mountain and the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the region offers something for every traveler. Now that you’re armed with the FAQs, you’re now ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to this stunning corner of China!

Where should you go next? Combine your trip to Zhangjiajie to two of Hunan’s most famous and beautiful villages!

Rachel Meets China