- The glass bridge over the Grand Canyon, first. It's a separate ticket with a time slot, and it sells out, so book a few days before. Tickets →
- The national park, over 2 or 3 days. Cable cars, the Avatar pillars, and Golden Whip Stream, a flat walk along the river full of monkeys. Hide your snacks. Tickets →
- Sunset in the park. Stay for it and take the last bus down, but check what time it leaves before you go up. I almost got stuck up there.
- Bailong Elevator, one of the highest outdoor elevators in the world: 326 m straight up the cliff. Totally worth it.
- 72 Wonders at night, the colorful building that lights up. There's a show with police officers dancing, it's hilarious.
- Tianmen Mountain, the gate to heaven, about 40 minutes from Wulingyuan. Go at opening and book a time slot. Tickets →
Things to do in Zhangjiajie
These are the Avatar mountains, thousands of stone pillars rising out of the forest, often in the mist. In real life they're even bigger than in the photos.
In the order I'd do it
Good to know
- The park ticket is valid 4 days, but you reserve each visit. Bring your real passport, not a photo of it: the gates check it and scan your face.
- Skip the glass bridge on a windy or rainy day, it closes.
- Go in early September, right when school starts again in China. The park is almost empty.
Where to sleep
In Wulingyuan, by the park gate. These are the hotels I'd pick.
Quick answers
How many days do you need in Zhangjiajie?
At least three days in the park, so four nights.
Do you need to book the glass bridge?
Yes, a few days before. It has its own ticket with a time slot, and it sells out.
When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?
Early September, right when school starts again in China. The park is almost empty.