Located in the Hunan Province of China is a city called Zhangjiajie, known for its natural landscapes and wonders. This gem is for hikers and anyone looking for something more off the beaten path but not too difficult for the average person. Under-rated and still unknown to the rest of the world, this is your ultimate guide to Zhangjiajie, China.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is peak season with many local Chinese families flying into Zhangjiajie to vacation. Because of that, it can get crowded with long, wait lines. To avoid that, visit in the spring or early fall.
How do you get to Zhangjiajie?
You can take a plane from one of the major international airports or the bullet train. Considering how massive China is, flying is your best option. The bullet train is if you have more time on your hands or want to experience a more scenic journey.
To fly from Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, you can easily book a domestic flight using a third party like Expedia or Travelocity. It may cost you a little more than booking directly with a Chinese airline but in my opinion, it’s less the hassle wandering into a site which you may not understand.
To take a train from Shanghai, the Shanghai Hongqiao Station offers a route to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station that includes multiple stops and takes approximately nine hours.
To take a train from Beijing, the Beijing West Railway Station offers a route to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station that includes multiple stops and takes approximately 11 hours.
where to stay?
Based on the proximities of the attractions, downtown Zhangjiajie or in the neighboring town called Wulingyuan are great locations if you wish to be close to a city or town.
Transportation
Because you will be in rural areas far in China, the language barrier can be high. So, your best bet for transportation is taxi through your hotel. To avoid bumps in the road, schedule your transportation from the airport to your hotel in advance before landing. Don’t be that person landing a red-eye flight to find the airport closing up for the night. Transportation for the remainder of your trip is safe enough to schedule the day of your activities.
What are must-see attractions?
Tianmen Mountain
Considered the tallest mountain in the Zhangjiajie region at 4,983 feet, Tianmen Mountain offers nature, sight-seeing, hiking, an incredible cable car ride, and if you’ve seen people walking on a glass bridge on social media before, this is the place! There’s also crazy, cliff-hanging walkways, and you will not want to miss this geological phenomenon called Stairway to Heaven, which is a gigantic hole through a mountain.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Ever seen the movie Avatar? Well, rumor has it that director James Cameron visited Zhangjiajie many years prior to the movie and was inspired by the geography. Go rewatch the movie and you will see the resemblance. With souring mountains and lush forests around you, this attraction is like no other you will ever experience in your lifetime. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage in 1992 and offers an abundance of outdoor activities that includes a 10-mile hike, an elevator on a mountain side, and nature-watching just to name a few. I would recommend at minimum 1-2 days on this 11,000-acre park.
Wulingyuan
This quant, little town called Wulingyuan has become a tourist attraction in the last couple of decades due to the eastern entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park being located here. You can still find rick-shaws and see the locals going about their day here. It definitely gives you a glimpse of a place where time is on their side.
Bai Feng Lake
Just two minutes outside of Wulingyuan is this hidden, green lake open to visitors for around $10 US. This attraction gives you a boat tour around the lake in addition to performances by minority Chinese groups living in the area. Definitely a surprise and totally worth the stop in my book.
Charming Xiangxi Theatre
Folk stories aren’t really my thang but throw in an outdoor theatre arena with mountains surrounding you, acrobatics, amazing performances, and you will walk away appreciating that you went. The theatre plays every day at various times and is easy to spot on the main street of Wulingyuan. Prices begin at $35 US.
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