Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Top attractions & Travel Tips

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the top reasons people visit Zhangjiajie. A must-visit for nature lovers, and fans of the Avatar movies. The Hallelujah Mountains, with their unique sky-high spires featured in Avatar, are one of the park's key features. Beyond these iconic peaks, the park offers a variety of stunning landscapes, including the Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Golden Whip Stream.

Aerial view of Zhangjiajie National Park

Plus, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China's first of its kind, created in 1982, so it's also very historically relevant. Read on to explore the best ways to see this iconic natural space.

Basic Information of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Map of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is less than an hour from Zhangjiajie, and you can travel by bus, shuttle, or car. It's part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a vast natural space that the Forest Park is one part of.
There are five entrances to the scenic area: Wulingyuan Ticket Station (East Gate), Forest Park Ticket Station (South Gate), Yangjiajie Ticket Station (West Gate), Zimugang Ticket Station (Middle Gate), and Tianzi Mountain Ticket Station (North Gate). We recommended entering the park through either the South Gate or the East Gate.

You can purchase a pass valid for four days for 227 RMB, which includes shuttle transportation, and visit the park between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you're short on time, the park’s highlights can be seen in one day. For a more immersive experience, we recommend spending two days exploring the park. 

Highlights of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Since Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is enormous and has attractions for people of different skill levels and needs, it's a good idea to put together an itinerary in advance before you visit.

1. Marvel at Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains in Yuanjiajie

The Hallelujah mountains in Zhangjiajie

Anyone who has seen the movie Avatar will want to head to Yuanjiajie for the Hallelujah Mountains, sky-high sandstone pillars that look like they're from another world. These pillars stretch up to 1,074 meters, and you can get a great look at them from the Bailong Elevator.

The Bailong Elevator is the tallest outdoor elevator on the planet. It costs 65 RMB to ride, and the ride lasts about two minutes. The ride offers fantastic panoramic views of the Hallelujah Mountains. This attraction is very popular, so you'll want to arrive early to avoid the lines.

2. Experience the Majestic Beauty of Tianzi Mountain

The Tianzi Mountain

This 1,262-meter mountain is one of the most magnificent parts of the park and an excellent place to see the sunrise or get panoramic views of the changing leaves. It's a wonderful place to visit during the fall. Make sure you visit Helong Park, which honors General Helong, while you're up there, and look over Xiannvsanhua, small peaks that make a beautiful photograph.

3. Trek Through Yangjiajie

The mountains in Yangjiajie

If you want to avoid the crowds and do some serious trekking or hiking, Yangjiajie is an excellent spot to do it. This area doesn't get as many tourists, but you'll find plenty of interesting things to see while on the trail, including sharp rock peaks and lush forests. You'll also find some of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area's most exciting points of interest, like the Natural Great Wall and One Stride Ahead of Heaven, which give you a great view of the area. You'll need to climb a long metal staircase to reach One Stride Ahead of Heaven, so good shoes are important.

4. See Scenic Huangshizhai

The winter view of Huangshizhai

Located right in the middle of the Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Huangshizhai is a lovely place where you can trek over a flat, high-altitude area and get fantastic views of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It's one of the best places in the park to take pictures. Some sights you'll see include Five Finger Peaks and Wuhajingui, a turtle-shaped rock formation. This area is charming to visit at sunset.

5. Hike Along the Golden Whip Stream

Trekking along the Golden Whip Stream

Golden Whip Stream, also known as Jinbianxi Stream, is an excellent place to see various wildlife, including wild macaques and amazing scenery. It stretches for 7.5 kilometers and takes about 2 to 3 hours to walk from end to end. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate. As you stroll alongside the crystal-clear stream, it feels like walking through a living painting. The air is rich in negative oxygen ions, making each breath feel like a gift from nature.  

6. Ride the Sightseeing Train through the Ten-Mile Gallery

Ten-Mile Gallery is often referred to as the Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area’s "natural Art gallery", it stretches for about 5 kilometers. Along the way, you'll find dramatic rock formations shaped like birds, beasts, and other figures—formed entirely by nature. It’s a great choice for visitors who enjoy a relaxed hike and have a bit more time. The area is also home to plenty of wildlife, and you’re likely to spot some monkeys along the way.
You can see this gallery in two ways: by foot, or by taking the sightseeing train for 38 RMB per person. If you plan to go by foot, you’ll be hiking for about 1 hour.  

Insider Tips for Visiting

Scenery of Zhangjiajie National Park

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a must-see spot, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind when you visit:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and don’t forget to bring water.
• Golden Whip Stream requires a fair amount of hiking, so it’s best to skip it if you’re not up for a longer walk.
• Give yourself plenty of time to explore. A 2-day itinerary is usually enough to revisit the park and see its main highlights at a relaxed pace. Our knowledgeable local guides know every corner of this scenic area, and can ensure that you have a perfect Zhangjiajie trip. 

Make the Most of Your Trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

No trip to Zhangjiajie is complete without a visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and at China Odyssey Tours, we can help design a personalized itinerary that will help you have a great adventure. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com to talk to us about your needs today.