What are the Best Places to Visit in Zhangjiajie? Zhangjiajie City is one of the popular tourist cities of China, especially renowned for its grand mountain scenery. Where to visit in Zhangjiajie? Travel with us, you will have chance to experience its unique mountain view in Wulingyuan Scenic Resort. Take a visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, you will know, Avatar is far, but Zhangjiajie is near.
Located in the southern n part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Zoon, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first national forest park of China, with a forest coverage rate up to 98%. Renowned for its numerous sheer peaks, clear streams, secluded valleys and primary forest, this park also rich in biology resource, wild animals play freely in the primeval forests. The scenic zone is like a fairy land with the beauty of wild nature.
Golden Whip Stream
Located in the east of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, named after the 380-meter high Golden Whip Rock, Golden Whip stream meanders 5,710 meters. It flows between steep grotesque peaks and luxuriant trees. Here, the meandering streams, the crystal-clear waterfalls, exotic plants and rare animals co-exist and constitute the extraordinarily beautiful, tranquil and natural ecological environment. No wonder it is called "the most beautiful valley in the world" and "the most poetic stream".
Huangshi Village
Huangshi Village, named after a hermit Huangshi, is 1080m above sea level. It is higher on the south and elevated by stiff cliffs, covering an area of 16.5 hectors. It provides the largest collection of marvelous spectacles and also provides the larges sightseeing terrace above sea level in Zhangjiajie. The chief scenic spots include Treasure Box of Heavenly Books, the Magic Sea-suppressing Needle, the South Pillar of Heaven, the Golden Tortoise Watching the Sea and so on.
Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve enjoys a reputation of “grand potted landscape, mini fairyland”. Its wild primary scenery is the masterpiece of nature. There are four scenic wonders there, namely Cloud Billows, Moon Brightness, Sun Glow and Winter Snow, you would not wanna miss.
Located in the northwestern part of Wulingyuan Scenic Zone, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve boasts rocky peaks in grotesque shapes and shrouded in drifting mist. The highest peak is 1,260 meters (4,130ft) above sea level and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Waterfalls, bridges, stone forests and caves are found throughout the mountains. There are not just beautiful landscapes, but also simplicity, peculiar folk custom and local folk food of special flavor awaiting the arrival of visitors.
West Sea Stone Forests
Situated in the west of Suoxiyu Valley, it is a basin-like landform with a collection of peaks and woods. In this sea, numerous peaks stand with different shapes and poses, covered with lush vegetation. Therefore, it is called sea of trees and sea of peaks. In spring or summer or a clear day immediately after a rain in autumn, the clouds are surging and rolling like waves, covering the whole sky and earth. The view is so magnificent that it is called sea of clouds.
Shentang Bay (divine shrine)
Shentang Bay is also named Shentang Fort. It is a gorge shaped like a huge basin walled by lofty precipices. The bottom of the gorge is veiled in mists and clouds all day, adding to its mysteriousness. As the saying goes, the most beautiful scene is seen from the most perilous peak. There are almost no roads to Shentang Valley, only a quite dangerous flight of stairs that is as wide as a foot being available. What peculiar is that visitors can hear sounds of gongs and drums, neighs of battle steeds and shouts of men echoing from the bottom. Nobody can give a reasonable answer to this mystery. Therefore, Shentang Valley was a forbidden place in Wulingyuan and a puzzle for hundreds of years.
Yangjiajie is located in the southwest Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is one of the must-see attractions in Zhangjiajie City, next to the Tianzi Mountain. Thanks to its splendid natural scenery, it is a sacred scene that enjoyed the same fames of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley and Tianzi Mountain.
Yangjiajie consists of three parts: Xiangzhi Stream, Longquan Valley and Baihou Valley, in which there are altogether over 200 scenic spots. At Xiangzhi stream, one sees undulating peaks extending into the distance and limpid brooks winding along the deep gullies, and hears birds and cicadas singing in the dusk along the ancient roads, it is a land of peace indeed!
Five-color Flower in Liucui Stream, King of Vine in Old Vine Bay, Cliff Pine Tree, Dragon Spring Waterfall and White Crane Lawn are the 5 major attractions in this scenic area.
Located between Tianzi Mountain and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve is the geographic and scenic center of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Characterized by a basin-like terrain encircled by steep peaks, dense forests, sparkling streams, and mysterious caves, the Suoxiyu area encompasses six major scenic zones: Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake, Shuiraosimen (Four Streams Converging), Ten-Mile Gallery, West Sea, and Baizhang Gorge.
Huanglong Cave
Praised as “the wonder of karst caves in the world,” Huanglong Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in China. The cave stretches for over 20 kilometers and features an impressive layout of four layers—two dry and two with water—containing a labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, stone waterfalls, and echoing halls. A highlight is the Dragon Palace Hall, which dazzles with towering formations illuminated in ambient lighting. Visiting here often includes a boat ride on the underground river, which glides beneath glittering rock canopies.
Baofeng Lake
Tucked high in the mountains of Suoxiyu, Baofeng Lake is often dubbed the “Jade Pool in the Human World.”Formed by damming mountain springs, the lake rests at over 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mirrored by lush peaks. Visitors can take a serene boat ride on the emerald waters, enjoy the quietude, and admire the reflections of mist-wrapped pinnacles.
Ten-Mile Gallery
Known as a natural art corridor, this 5-kilometer path features a dense array of uniquely shaped peaks and rock formations that resemble animals, people, and legendary figures. Visitors can walk or take a sightseeing mini-train through the gallery, marveling at the stunning formations rising beside them. Shrouded in mist and surrounded by chirping birds, the Ten-Mile Gallery feels like a moving Chinese landscape painting.
The four major scenic areas—Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain, and Yangjiajie—are all part of the Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area. Only one main entrance ticket is needed (approximately RMB 228 during peak season), which is valid for four consecutive days. However, some attractions inside the park such as Baofeng Lake, Yellow Dragon Cave, cable cars, and the Bailong Elevator require separate fees.
Classic Travel Route in Wulingyuan
Wulingyuan is very large, so most visitors spend 2 to 3 days exploring. The following route is one of the most popular and classic itineraries:
Tianmen Mountain is another must-visit attraction besides Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Located in the downtown area of Zhangjiajie City, it is very convenient to access—less than 20 minutes by car from the airport, and within a 15-minute walk from both the train station and bus station. Visitors usually plan one full day to explore this area. It is home to the famous Tianmen Cave, the world’s longest mountain cableway, cliff-hanging glass skywalks, and winding mountain roads.
Tianmen Mountain Tourist Routes
Tianmen Mountain has two classic sightseeing routes—Route A and Route B—both including the famous cableway and scenic spots along the mountain. The Route A is generally recommended for first-time visitors.
Both routes cover the same attractions. It’s best to visit on clear days between April and October for optimal views. Allow 5–6 hours for a full visit, and bring an extra layer—temperatures at the summit are noticeably cooler than in town.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is one of the most thrilling and iconic landmarks in the region. Officially opened in 2016, it holds the title of the world’s longest and highest glass-bottom bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor. Spanning 430 meters across two cliffs, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lush valley, waterfalls, and steep cliffs beneath your feet—if you dare to look down through the transparent glass panels.
Beyond the bridge, the Grand Canyon itself is a scenic wonder filled with natural beauty. You can hike down a narrow gorge via the famous “A Strip of Sky,” descend steep stairs, slide down a marble chute, and finish with a tranquil boat ride at the bottom of the canyon. The full hiking experience takes about 3–4 hours, and the glass bridge can be visited on its own or as part of the canyon hiking route.
More famous attractions in Zhangjiajie please click Zhangjiajie Attractions
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