Zhangjiajie
Embarking on a journey to Zhangjiajie, you'll be mesmerized by its towering sandstone pillars, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests, a breathtaking landscape that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar.
Zhangjiajie is a scenic area located in the Hunan Province of China. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and deep ravines. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the main attraction in the region.
The most distinctive feature of Zhangjiajie is its striking quartzite sandstone pillars, which are often referred to as the "Avatar Hallelujah Mountains" due to their resemblance to the floating mountains depicted in the movie "Avatar." These towering pillars are a result of millions of years of geological processes, and they create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The most famous pillar in Zhangjiajie is the "Southern Sky Column," also known as "Hallelujah Mountain," which served as inspiration for the movie.
Best Time to Visit
Zhangjiajie, known for its unique mountainous landscape and natural beauty, is a year-round destination, but the optimal time to visit largely depends on your preferences for weather and crowd size.
Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Zhangjiajie. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F). This season brings a vibrant color change in the foliage, with flowers in bloom and fresh greenery all around. It can rain quite often during this season, adding a mystical feel to the towering peaks, but this might also result in some foggy views.
Summer (June to August): Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F). This is also the peak tourist season due to school vacations, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. If you plan to visit during this time, try to start your day early to avoid the hottest part of the day and the biggest crowds. Frequent rain showers are common during summer, and the area can experience occasional typhoons.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is often considered the best time to visit Zhangjiajie. The weather is comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 27°C (80°F). Autumn colors add a stunning red and yellow hue to the landscape, making it even more picturesque. The weather is often clear, offering great visibility for sightseeing.
Winter (December to February): Winters are cold and damp with temperatures between -1°C (30°F) and 8°C (46°F), but the crowds are thinner. Snowfall is rare, but when it happens, it turns the park into a winter wonderland, offering an entirely different view of the sandstone pillars and mountains.
How to Get There
Getting to Zhangjiajie and navigating the area can be done through a variety of transportation methods.
Getting to Zhangjiajie:
By Air: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport is well-connected to many major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. There are also direct flights from a few international cities.
By Train: Zhangjiajie is connected by train to several cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The train station is located in the city center. Keep in mind that travel by train, especially long-distance, can take a considerable amount of time.
By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities such as Changsha and Fenghuang.
Getting Around in Zhangjiajie:
Public Buses: Zhangjiajie city has a network of public buses that can take you to various parts of the city and surrounding attractions. Bus Line 5 and Line 6 connect the city center to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of the city's main attractions.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Zhangjiajie and are relatively inexpensive. It's always a good idea to have your destination written in Chinese as most taxi drivers may not understand English.
Shuttle Buses: Inside the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, there are environmentally friendly shuttle buses that take visitors to various scenic spots within the park. The cost of these buses is included in the admission ticket for the park.
Cable Cars and Elevators: Some attractions in Zhangjiajie, such as Tianmen Mountain and Yuanjiajie, offer cable cars or elevators to reach the top. These provide a spectacular, bird's eye view of the area, but there's usually an additional cost for these.
Bicycle: Renting a bike can be a great way to explore the areas around the city center or your hotel. However, due to the hilly and mountainous terrain of the national park, biking is not a practical option there.
On Foot: Many of the attractions in Zhangjiajie, especially in the national park, are best explored on foot. There are numerous hiking trails that take you through the most scenic parts of the park.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Zhangjiajie, China
Top 10 Attractions in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring towering sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and dense forests. Here are some of the top attractions in Zhangjiajie:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its towering sandstone pillars that served as the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The park also features many natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls.
Tianzi Mountain: Located within the national park, Tianzi Mountain provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You can reach the top by cable car.
Huangshi Village: This is another excellent viewing area within the national park, providing panoramic views of the sandstone pillars.
Golden Whip Stream: This tranquil stream winds through the forest and rock formations, offering a serene hiking trail in the national park.
Yuanjiajie: This is another section of the national park, famous for the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge Under Heaven.
Tianmen Mountain: Accessible by the world's longest passenger cableway, Tianmen Mountain is known for its glass skywalk, the 999-step staircase, and the impressive Tianmen Cave, a natural hole in the mountain.
Yellow Dragon Cave: Known as one of China's largest cave systems, the Yellow Dragon Cave is filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and large caverns.
Baofeng Lake: Set amidst the towering peaks, this beautiful lake is a perfect place for a peaceful boat ride.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: This is the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, offering a thrilling walk and stunning views of the surrounding canyon and waterfalls.
Fenghuang Ancient Town: About 220 km from Zhangjiajie, this well-preserved ancient town features stilted houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and a rich history, making it worth a day trip.
Top 12 Activities to do in Zhangjiajie
Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy in Zhangjiajie:
Hiking: Zhangjiajie offers numerous hiking trails that pass through the stunning natural landscapes of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, including routes to Tianzi Mountain and Huangshi Village.
Cable Car and Elevator Rides: Take a ride in the cable cars at Tianzi Mountain or the Bailong Elevator (the world's tallest outdoor elevator) in Yuanjiajie for panoramic views of the sandstone peaks.
Walking on the Glass Skywalk: The glass skywalk on Tianmen Mountain, dubbed the "Walk of Faith", offers breathtaking views of the mountains below.
Boating on Baofeng Lake: Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Baofeng Lake, surrounded by the towering peaks of Zhangjiajie.
Exploring Yellow Dragon Cave: Wander through this massive cave system, filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean rivers.
Crossing the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: Walk across this engineering marvel for a thrilling experience and great views of the canyon.
Photography: With its unique natural beauty, Zhangjiajie is a paradise for photographers. Capture the towering peaks, misty mountains, tranquil streams, and more.
Wildlife Spotting: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to a variety of animals, including macaques, giant salamanders, and numerous bird species.
Visiting Local Villages: Visit some of the local Tujia ethnic minority villages to learn about their culture and way of life.
Day trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town: Take a day trip to this well-preserved ancient town that's renowned for its stilted houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and rich history.
Tasting Local Cuisine: Try local Hunan dishes, such as Zhangjiajie's spicy tofu, sour fish soup, and "Sanxiaguo" (a dish cooked with local farm-raised meat and vegetables).
Visit Sandstone Painting Research Institute: Here you can explore a unique art form that takes inspiration from the region's magnificent landscapes.
Best Shopping
Zhangjiajie offers a unique shopping experience, where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and a variety of special products. Here are some of the best shopping places and items to look for in Zhangjiajie:
Zhangjiajie Night Market: Also known as the People's Square Night Market, it's a great place to sample local street food, buy local fruits, and shop for souvenirs. It's a bustling spot, especially in the evening, with many vendors selling a variety of items.
Tianmen Mountain Commercial Street: Located at the foot of Tianmen Mountain, this commercial street is filled with shops selling local products, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Xibu Street: This pedestrian street located near Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a combination of a shopping district, food street, and cultural site. Here, you can shop for unique local handicrafts, Tujia ethnic embroidery, sandstone paintings, and more.
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel Market: Located near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, this market has a wide variety of souvenir shops where you can buy local crafts, tea, and other local products.
Downtown Zhangjiajie: You'll find a number of shops and department stores in the city where you can shop for clothes, electronics, and other general items.
In terms of local products, look out for these items:
Tujia Brocade: Also known as Xilankapu, it's a traditional handicraft of the Tujia ethnic group with beautiful patterns and colors.
Dried Tofu: Zhangjiajie's dried tofu is a popular local product. It's often served stir-fried with chili and other spices.
Tu Minority Bamboo and Wooden Wares: You can find a variety of items made of bamboo and wood, such as utensils, furniture, and decorative pieces.
Mushrooms and other local produce: The region is known for its wild mushrooms, kiwis, oranges, and other fresh local produce.
Chinese Tea: Hunan province is known for its tea, and you can find several varieties in Zhangjiajie, including jasmine tea and green tea.
Remember to bargain in the markets to get the best price, and it's a good idea to compare prices in different shops before making a purchase.
Entertainment & Nightlife
While Zhangjiajie is known for its natural beauty, it also offers a variety of nightlife and entertainment options for visitors. Here are some ways you can spend your evenings in Zhangjiajie:
Xibu Street Night Market: This bustling street comes alive at night with numerous food stalls, bars, and shops. You can also enjoy traditional performances such as Tujia dances and folk music here.
Charming Xiangxi Show: This cultural show is a great way to immerse yourself in the local Tujia and Miao ethnic cultures. It involves singing, dancing, and acrobatics, as well as a mock traditional wedding.
Bars and Nightclubs: While not as plentiful as in bigger Chinese cities, there are still several bars and nightclubs in Zhangjiajie where you can relax and enjoy some music. These are mostly concentrated in the downtown area.
Tianmen Fox Fairy Show: This is the world's first real-scene musical drama with the high mountains and deep valleys as the stage background. The show tells a love story between a fox fairy and a woodsman, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy local folklore in an outdoor setting.
Enjoy a Leisurely Walk: The city of Zhangjiajie is beautifully lit at night, and taking a leisurely walk around the city center or along the Lishui River can be a delightful experience.
Nighttime Photography: The sandstone peaks, whether illuminated by city lights or under the starlit sky, make for amazing nighttime photography opportunities.
Traditional Tea Houses: Zhangjiajie has several traditional tea houses where you can relax and enjoy a variety of Chinese teas.
Remember that since Zhangjiajie is more of a nature-focused destination, the nightlife here is not as bustling or late-into-the-night as in bigger cities. However, the cultural shows and serene surroundings can make for a uniquely enjoyable evening.
Local Cuisine
Zhangjiajie, located in the Hunan province of China, offers a distinctive culinary tradition known for its bold flavors, particularly the hot and spicy tastes. Here are some of the local specialties you might want to try when you visit:
Zhangjiajie Tujia Pot: Also known as "Sanxiaguo", this is a traditional Tujia dish that consists of local farm-raised meats (like chicken, fish, or frog) and vegetables cooked in a spicy broth.
Tujia Sour Fish: This is a specialty of the Tujia ethnic minority. The fish is first marinated with ginger, garlic, and chili, then stir-fried with tomatoes, pickled red pepper, and other seasonings, creating a sour and spicy flavor.
Stinky Tofu: Don't let the name deter you! This fermented tofu dish, fried and served with a spicy sauce, is a popular street food with a unique flavor.
She Meal: Another traditional Tujia ethnic dish, it is a type of thick pancake made from glutinous rice flour and filled with different types of fillings like black sesame, bean paste, or pork.
Cured Smoked Pork: This is a traditional Hunan dish. The pork is marinated, smoked, and then stir-fried with peppers and other vegetables. It's a common dish in local households.
Tuannian Dish: It's a traditional dish made of sticky rice, red beans, dates, and chestnuts. It's usually eaten during the Tujia New Year.
Hot and Sour Rice Noodles: These are rice noodles served with a tangy and spicy broth, a popular breakfast dish in Zhangjiajie.
Chinese Kiwi Fruit Juice: Zhangjiajie is known for its kiwi fruits, and a fresh kiwi fruit juice is a refreshing way to beat the heat during your explorations.
Accommodations
When choosing a place to stay in Zhangjiajie, it's essential to consider your travel plans, as the city and its surrounding attractions are quite spread out. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
Wulingyuan District: This area is near the entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and other key attractions like Yellow Dragon Cave and Baofeng Lake. It's a great place to stay if you want to be close to nature and plan to spend most of your time exploring the park. The district offers a range of accommodation options from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Zhangjiajie City Center: If you want to be close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and city amenities, staying in Zhangjiajie City Center could be a good option. It's about a 40-minute drive from the national park, but it's close to Tianmen Mountain and its attractions.
Yongding District: This area is home to Zhangjiajie's main train station and several modern hotels. It's also close to Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.
Near Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport: If you have an early flight to catch or arrive late at night, you might want to consider staying near the airport. There are several hotels and guesthouses in this area, and it's about a 10-minute drive from the city center.
