The Avatar Mountains. That is how Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is being promoted across China and around the world. Giant sandstone pinnacles rise skyward from the valley floor, some up to 200m tall with tufts of evergreen shrubs clinching to their narrow summits. Thousands of these striking monoliths are eroded into the earth like a towering stone forest. Their powerful beauty is contrasted by its remote inaccessibility. This is a place of awe and humility. Somewhere that one would think had never had human eyes laid upon them. It is easy to see the comparison between Zhangjiajie’s mountains and those of the mythical Pandora. Buried deep in the Hunan province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the greater Wulingyuan Scenic Area, holds the esteemed title of being China’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When visiting the area, there are two main cities to be familiar with. Zhangjiajie city which is where Tianmenshan is and Wulingyuan city which is where the main entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is. I recommend staying one night at Zhangjiajie city to visit Tianmenshan, and the remainder of the nights at Wulingyuan, to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Generally, April to October is the best time to visit this area. From April to June especially, it is the rainy season which means there is a higher chance of viewing the sought after 'yun hai' - sea of clouds amongst the mountains.

Dishes in Zhangjiajie has characteristic of Hunan cuisine as well as local own flavor, with spicy food are mainly served. The sautéed and pickled dishes of Tujia people are also very special. Check the recommended Restaurants in Zhangjiajie.

There are different minority groups in Zhangjiajie, Miao, Tujia, Bai and other people. The Torch Festival held on July 25th is the biggest events for Bai minority groups, to celebrate the eradication of pests and protection of crops. In the evening of that day, every residence must ignite torches and then get together, forming a fire. People leap back and forth from the fire to pray for a good reap of the crop.

1)  You will have some hikings in Zhangjiajie. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and dress appropriately: for weather, activity level and to respect local customs. Your guide can advise you on suitable clothing in advance of your tour.

2) Be open-minded and respect the local culture. We hear this a lot, but what exactly does it mean? In a nutshell, it means understanding that things are likely going to be different than at home – and that’s OK. Travelers who spend their whole time in judgment of different customs and behaviors end up complaining more about their trip than enjoying it.

Zhangjiajie is world-famous for its otherworldly sandstone pillars and was the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar. The top attractions include:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, featuring Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain.
Tianmen Mountain, known for its thrilling glass skywalk, cable car, and 999-step stairway.
Baofeng Lake, offering tranquil boat rides surrounded by karst peaks.
Yellow Dragon Cave, one of China’s largest and most dramatic caves.
Insider timing tips:
Enter Zhangjiajie National Park before 8:30 AM to avoid queues at elevators and cable cars.
Visit Tianzi Mountain or Yuanjiajie on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Plan Tianmen Mountain in the early morning or after 3 PM for a quieter experience.
Professional Itinerary Suggestion:
Day 1: Tianmen Mountain (cable car round-trip + glass walkway)
Day 2: Yuanjiajie + Bailong Elevator + Tianzi Mountain
Day 3: Baofeng Lake + Yellow Dragon Cave (or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge)

Our Zhangjiajie small-group and private tours include several iconic and efficient local transportation features:
Bailong Elevator VIP access (World's highest outdoor elevator, 326m vertical ride)
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car (World’s longest cable car ride: 7.5 km, 30 minutes)
Private electric shuttles inside the National Forest Park
Glass Bridge access at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, with timing to avoid crowds
Upgrades & Comfort Services:
VIP fast track for the Bailong Elevator and Grand Canyon
Local SUV or business van transfers to handle mountainous roads comfortably
Daily disinfection of vehicles; bottled water and motion-sickness pills provided

Yes, our small group tours are designed with all ages in mind. We:
Adjust hiking intensity based on fitness levels
Offer cable cars/elevators instead of long stair climbing
Include child seats upon request and stroller-friendly stops
Provide guides trained in first aid and family care
Bonus: Elderly guests (60+) and students with ID get discounted tickets to most attractions. We help handle these at entrance.

We recommend packing:
Lightweight hiking shoes with good grip
Raincoat or small umbrella (weather changes quickly in the mountains)
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Camera or phone with ample memory
Snacks for hiking, motion sickness pills if needed
A reusable water bottle (our guide carries filtered water for refills)

To get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha, the most convenient and recommended way is by high-speed train. You can take a train from Changsha South Railway Station to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, which takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours and offers a comfortable and efficient journey with several departures throughout the day. If you prefer traveling by road, long-distance buses are available from Changsha West Bus Station to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, taking about 5 to 6 hours, though this option is slower and less comfortable than the train. Alternatively, private car transfers are available and can take about 4.5 to 5 hours, offering door-to-door convenience, especially for families or travelers with more luggage. There are no regular direct flights between Changsha and Zhangjiajie due to the short distance.

Wi-Fi is generally not available inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as the park is a vast mountainous area with limited infrastructure for public internet access. While some entrances, ticket offices, or major tourist service centers may offer basic Wi-Fi, the signal is usually weak or unstable. Most hotels and guesthouses in the nearby Wulingyuan area do provide Wi-Fi for guests, so it’s best to download maps or necessary information in advance. Mobile phone signal within the park can be spotty, especially in deep valleys or remote sections, so using a local SIM card with data might help but won’t guarantee stable connection throughout the park.

The distance between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient City is approximately 210?km by road, though the straight-line distance is closer to 176?km.If you drive directly, it typically takes about 4 to 4.5 hours on regular roads, or around 3 hours using highways. A faster and more comfortable option is to take the direct high-speed train from Zhangjiajie West to Fenghuanggucheng Station, which takes about 1 hour and costs around ¥80–90 for a second-class seat, followed by a short 20-minute shuttle or taxi ride into Fenghuang Ancient City

When visiting Zhangjiajie, the best place to stay depends on your itinerary and preferences, but most travelers choose between Wulingyuan Town and Zhangjiajie City Center. Wulingyuan is the most popular choice because it is located right next to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and offers convenient access to major attractions like the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, and Yuanjiajie. It has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and is ideal if you plan to spend more than one day exploring the park. Zhangjiajie City Center, near the train station and Hehua Airport, is a good option if you arrive late or leave early, and it is more convenient for visiting Tianmen Mountain. Some travelers also choose to stay near the cable car station for Tianmen Mountain to save time in the morning. If you have enough time, staying a couple of nights in Wulingyuan and one night in the city center can offer the most convenience and variety.

To fully experience the natural beauty and major attractions of Zhangjiajie, it is recommended to spend at least 3 to 4 days in the area. A typical itinerary would include one full day for Tianmen Mountain, where you can experience the world-famous glass skywalk, cliff-hanging road, and scenic cable car ride; two days in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to explore the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream; and an optional fourth day to visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and its glass bridge or to take a day trip to Baofeng Lake or Yellow Dragon Cave. Spending fewer than 3 days may feel rushed, especially considering transportation time and the vastness of the park, while spending more than 4 days allows for a more relaxed pace or exploration of less-visited areas.

You can travel from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train, with two main options:
Direct route: A direct high-speed train runs daily from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Zhangjiajie West, taking approximately 6.5 hours, and costs around CNY?769 (about US?$109) for a second-class seat .
Via Changsha transfer:
– Step 1: Take a high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Changsha South, taking about 3?–?3.5 hours, with fares ranging from US?$88 to $138 depending on seat class
– Step 2: Transfer to a high-speed train from Changsha South to Zhangjiajie West, which takes 2.5–3.5 hours with dozens of daily services .
In total, this route takes about 6 to 8 hours and typically costs CNY?728–804 (US?$103–113) for second-class overall .
Both options require passing immigration at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station before boarding. The direct train offers convenience, while the Changsha transfer route provides more schedule flexibility. Let me know if you’d like help booking tickets or arranging transfers!

Yes, you can take a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie directly. Multiple daily G-line trains operate between Guangzhou South (and North/Baiyun) and Zhangjiajie West, typically taking 5 to 7 hours depending on the specific service and stops. Fares for second-class seats range from around CNY?493–665 (approximately US?$67–90), first-class seats are about CNY?775–1,030, and some trains even offer business-class. For example, train G6080 departs at 09:36 from Guangzhou South and arrives at Zhangjiajie West at 14:53, taking 5h?17m with second-class tickets priced around CNY?554. There are about 14–16 trains per day, with the earliest departures at around 07:27 and the latest at 21:50. It's a very practical and scenic travel option—smooth, punctual, and ideal for convenient travel between Guangzhou and Zhangjiajie.

To get to Zhangjiajie from Guilin, your best option is the direct high-speed train (D3968) departing around 14:38 from Guilin or Guilin North and arriving at Zhangjiajie West approximately 7 to 7.5 hours later, with a second-class ticket costing about CNY?345–400 (˜US?$47–57) . Alternatively, you can take a morning high-speed train from Guilin to Changsha South (2.5–3.5 hours, ˜CNY?185), followed by a transfer to another train from Changsha South to Zhangjiajie West (about 3–3.5 hours, ˜CNY?262–289) — this combined route typically totals around 7 hours with fares under CNY?475. Another option is to take a train to Changsha, then a bus to Zhangjiajie, but this can take around 8.5 to 9 hours and cost between CNY?290 and 360 .

The train journey from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie typically takes about 9 to 10 hours by high-speed train, with direct trains departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arriving at Zhangjiajie West Station; for example, train G1369 departs around 12:41 and arrives at 21:56, taking approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes. Ticket prices vary by class, with second-class seats costing around CNY 758 and business class seats higher. There are also slower conventional trains from other Shanghai stations, but these usually take longer and are less convenient. Overall, taking the high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao is the most efficient and comfortable option for reaching Zhangjiajie by rail.

The train journey from Beijing to Zhangjiajie typically takes approximately 11 hours by high-speed train. The direct high-speed train G689 departs from Beijing West Railway Station at 09:20 and arrives at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station at 20:34, covering the distance of about 2,168 kilometers . Ticket prices for this train range from CNY 1,040 for second-class seats to CNY 1,676.5 for first-class seats . Alternatively, there are overnight trains available, such as Z295, K267, and K473, which take approximately 18 to 24 hours, depending on the specific train and route . These options may be suitable for travelers preferring to travel overnight or seeking more economical fares.

There are currently no direct flights from Singapore to Zhangjiajie. Travelers typically need to transfer via major Chinese cities such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, Changsha, or Shanghai. The most common route involves flying from Singapore to one of these cities, then taking a connecting domestic flight to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. It’s recommended to choose a transfer city with good connection times and confirm baggage handling policies between international and domestic segments.

Yes, the local cuisine in destinations like Zhangjiajie and other parts of China generally suits Malaysian travelers quite well, especially for those who enjoy bold flavors, rice-based dishes, and a variety of vegetables and meats. While the level of spiciness may vary—some dishes in Hunan Province, for example, are known to be quite spicy—your guide can help customize restaurant choices according to your dietary preferences and spice tolerance. Halal or vegetarian options can also be arranged in advance upon request.

There are currently no direct flights from Malaysia to Zhangjiajie, so travelers will need to make at least one transfer within China. Common transit cities include Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, or Changsha, which offer connecting flights or high-speed train options to Zhangjiajie. We recommend flying into Changsha as it has frequent connections to Zhangjiajie by air or rail, and it’s a convenient and scenic gateway to start your journey.

Flight durations range from 5–10 minutes to 20, 30, even 60 minutes, depending on the route you choose. From the air, you can enjoy stunning views of major attractions such as Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Huangshizhai — a landscape that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.

Each helicopter seats up to 3 passengers, with a minimum of 2 people required for takeoff. Seats are assigned by the pilot for weight balance and safety, so you can’t choose them. That said, all seats offer great views.

In case of bad weather (heavy rain, thick fog, or strong wind), flights may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons. The operator will typically offer rescheduling or a full refund, depending on the situation that day.

Yes, phones and cameras are allowed. It’s recommended to use a wrist strap or safety tether to prevent dropping them during the flight. Helicopter windows remain closed throughout the flight — please follow all pilot instructions.

The standard price includes the flight, insurance, and airport pickup/drop-off. Photo or video services may cost extra if offered. We suggest confirming all inclusions when booking.

Zhangjiajie’s helicopter operators are professionally licensed, with experienced pilots and regularly maintained aircraft. The flights are short and smooth, suitable for most people, including seniors and kids. Those with serious heart conditions or a fear of heights should consult a doctor or reconsider.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays. The latest you can book is about 1 hour before departure.

Most people do not feel air sick as the flight is smooth and short. It’s best to eat a light meal beforehand and wear comfortable clothing. If you have a history of motion sickness, taking medication in advance may help.