How Long to Spend in Zhangjiajie: A Complete Travel Guide

Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan Province, China, is known for its stunning karst landscapes, unique rock formations, and the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The park is often associated with the floating mountains seen in the movie Avatar, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. But how long should you spend in Zhangjiajie? This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of what you can do in Zhangjiajie depending on the time you have, including a 2-day itinerary, a 3-day itinerary, and an extended 4 to 5-day stay. Each itinerary will focus on maximizing your experience while balancing relaxation and exploration.

2-Day Itinerary: A Quick Glance at the Essentials

If you are short on time and only have two days to spend in Zhangjiajie, it’s essential to prioritize the highlights. A two-day trip is enough to give you a brief but exciting experience of the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie. Here's how you can spend your time:

Day 1: Arrival and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Morning: Arrive at Zhangjiajie and check in to your accommodation. Most people arrive by train or flight, so take some time to settle in.
• Late Morning: Head directly to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of the main highlights. Spend your first few hours walking along the trails and admiring the stunning pillar-like formations. Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor lift, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Afternoon: Explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where you'll encounter some of the park's most iconic sites, including the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Spend time wandering around the viewpoints and taking pictures. This area is also home to the famous First Bridge Under Heaven, a natural stone bridge that connects two mountain peaks.
• Evening: After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel in the city. If you have the energy, explore the local night markets and enjoy some traditional Hunanese cuisine.

Day 2: Tianmen Mountain

• Morning: On the second day, visit Tianmen Mountain, which is famous for its Tianmen Cave (also known as the Heaven’s Gate) and the glass skywalk. Start by taking the world's longest cable car ride, which will take you from the city to the top of the mountain. The views along the way are absolutely breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the winding road below.
• Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the top of the mountain. Walk along the famous glass-bottomed skywalk, which is not for the faint-hearted. This transparent walkway is suspended hundreds of meters above the ground, providing a thrilling view of the steep drop below.
• Late Afternoon: Conclude your tour by descending the mountain via the winding 99-Bend Road or by taking the cable car back down.
• Evening: Departure from Zhangjiajie or spend the night to catch an early morning train or flight.

3-Day Itinerary: A More Comprehensive Exploration

A three-day trip to Zhangjiajie allows you to explore the key areas while taking your time to soak in the magnificent landscapes. The extra day provides an opportunity to discover some lesser-known sites and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Morning: Start with the same plan as the two-day itinerary by visiting the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Focus on exploring the most beautiful spots, such as Golden Whip Stream, which is a peaceful, scenic trail lined with towering cliffs. Walk through this serene area and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and occasional sightings of wildlife.
• Afternoon: Continue to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Avatar Mountains.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel and enjoy some downtime after a day of exploration.

Day 2: Tianzi Mountain and Ten-Mile Gallery

• Morning: Visit Tianzi Mountain, which is known for its majestic peaks and panoramic views. The mountain provides excellent opportunities for photography and offers some of the most spectacular views in Zhangjiajie.
• Afternoon: Head to the Ten-Mile Gallery, which is a picturesque valley filled with unusual rock formations that resemble animals, humans, and mythical creatures. You can either walk along the trail or take a small train that runs through the area, making it a great choice for those who want a more relaxed experience.
• Evening: Return to the city and perhaps enjoy some local entertainment or live performances that highlight traditional Chinese culture.

Day 3: Tianmen Mountain

• Morning: Devote your last day to Tianmen Mountain, as outlined in the two-day itinerary. However, with the extra time, you can explore more of the mountain and even hike some of the longer trails that offer amazing views of the surrounding area.
• Afternoon: After completing your visit to Tianmen Mountain, spend the afternoon exploring the city. You might want to check out Zhangjiajie’s Grand Canyon and the Glass Bridge, another thrilling experience for adventurers.
• Evening: Departure or one last night in the city before heading home.

4 to 5-Day Itinerary: A Deep Dive into Zhangjiajie

For travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and culture of the region, a 4 or 5-day stay is ideal. This extended itinerary gives you plenty of time to relax, explore lesser-known areas, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking, boat rides, and visiting local villages.

Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Spend the entire first day exploring the vast Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, but at a slower pace. Allow time to take in the views, hike different trails, and capture the serene atmosphere without rushing from one viewpoint to another.

Day 2: Tianzi Mountain and Wulingyuan Scenic Area

• Delve deeper into Tianzi Mountain, exploring some of the more remote trails that offer even more spectacular views. Then, head to the nearby Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses many of the park's most iconic formations.

Day 3: Baofeng Lake and Yellow Dragon Cave

• Morning: Visit Baofeng Lake, a stunning body of water surrounded by dramatic peaks. Take a boat ride across the lake, which offers a different perspective of Zhangjiajie’s famous mountains.
• Afternoon: Afterward, head to Yellow Dragon Cave, one of China’s most famous karst caves. The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites and offers a cool retreat from the heat.

Day 4: Tianmen Mountain

• Spend the fourth day revisiting Tianmen Mountain in more depth, as mentioned in the earlier itineraries. You may want to explore more of the glass walkways, or hike the trails that lead to more remote areas of the mountain.

Day 5: Optional Activities and Departure

• Use your final day to revisit any favorite spots or explore other nearby attractions. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing at a spa or hot spring to unwind before your departure.

No matter how long you stay, Zhangjiajie offers an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty, adventure, and culture. From the iconic peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to the thrilling heights of Tianmen Mountain, every day here is sure to be packed with stunning vistas and unique experiences.