Zhangjiajie Travel Guide: Best Time and Highlights
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Zhangjiajie in Hunan province is famous for thousands of sandstone pillars rising out of the forest, the landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. Here is how to make the most of a tour.
When to go
- April to May: fresh green forest and comfortable temperatures, with some rain and the chance of mist around the peaks.
- June to August: warm and green, but the wettest and busiest months, especially during Chinese school holidays.
- September to November: often the clearest weather of the year, with autumn colours from late October.
- December to February: cold and quiet, with occasional snow on the peaks and some walkways closed in icy weather.
Highlights most tours include
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China's first national forest park and part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area
- Yuanjiajie and the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint, among the most photographed pillars in the park
- The Bailong Elevator, an outdoor lift that climbs a cliff face to the viewpoints above
- Tianzi Mountain, with wide views across the peaks, and the gentle Golden Whip Stream walk below
- Tianmen Mountain, reached by a long cable car, with the natural arch of Heaven's Gate at the top of 999 steps, and cliffside glass walkways
- The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge, suspended high above the canyon
Mist, crowds and photos
Mist can hide the peaks one hour and lift the next, so a day with low cloud is not a lost day. Early starts help beat the crowds at the most popular viewpoints, and your tour leader times visits around queues for the lifts and cable cars.
Many itineraries also visit Fenghuang Ancient Town, a riverside town of stilt houses that is especially pretty when lit up at night. Dressing up in Miao costumes for photos by the Tuo River is a favourite with our groups.
How to prepare
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip: there are many stairs and paths can be wet.
- Bring a light rain jacket or poncho in every season.
- Carry your passport each day; park entry and some attractions check it.
- Glass walkways and bridges may ask you to wear shoe covers and may not allow high heels or large bags.
- Tell us about knee, heart or mobility concerns when you book, so we can suggest a suitable pace.