Top 10 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie for a Memorable Vacation
Last updated:June 9th, 2025

Zhangjiajie is a stunning place with amazing landscapes and rich culture. It’s best known for the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, with their towering rock pillars and breathtaking views, but there’s more to explore! 
Experience the local culture of Tujia ethnic minorities, or stroll through the ancient streets of Fenghuang and Furong Towns, where history comes alive in beautifully preserved architecture.

Top Attractions in ZhangjiajieTop Attractions in Zhangjiajie

Whether you love nature, history, or adventure, Zhangjiajie has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the top ten things to do in Zhangjiajie and plan an unforgettable Zhangjiajie trip!

1. Visit the Filming Location of Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains

The beautiful view of Avatar mountains on a sunny dayThe Avatar mountains on a sunny day

Located in Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the iconic location of Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains, is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Here, you can marvel at the thousands of sandstone pillars that reach over 1,000 meters into the air.

It can get chilly in the Hallelujah Mountains, so bring a jacket in the spring and autumn and dress warmly in the winter. Good shoes are also a must. The Hallelujah Mountains are very popular and tend to get crowded during the July and August high season, so plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds if you travel during this time.

2. Discover the Iconic Tianmen Cave - the Heaven's Gate

Heaven's Gate on Tianmen MountainHeaven's Gate on Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate, is the highest naturally formed arch in the world and one of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a stunning spot to admire sunsets and soak in the beauty of nature. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds.
Don’t miss the Tianmen Mountain Cableway—the longest cable car ride in the world, stretching 7,455 meters. It offers breathtaking views of Tianmen Mountain National Park and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The ride is incredibly scenic, so keep your camera ready.

3. Challenge the Breathtaking Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand CanyonThe Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Brave visitors will want to check out the incredible glass bridge over Zhangjiajie's Grand Canyon, which looks down over 1,300 feet into the depths. This bridge is not for the faint of heart; it's the highest and longest bridge in the world.

The bridge is perfectly safe, and the views are excellent. It's open between 9 am and 3:30 p.m., and it costs 178 RMB to visit the Glass Bridge and the Grand Canyon. Since only 800 people are allowed on the bridge at once, it's wise to book your ticket three days ahead of your visit. We can help you with the logistics.

4. Experience the Bailong Elevator, the World's Highest Cliffside Elevator

Bailong, the highest cliffside elevatorBailong, the highest cliffside elevator

Seeing the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains is an experience you must have, and taking the Bailong Elevator is another. This elevator is the tallest outdoor one on the planet and can zip you up to the top for some great panoramic views in two minutes. It's open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and tickets cost 65 RMB each way. You can buy a package ticket that includes the Bailong Elevator ride at the park's entry gate.

If you visit in the off-season or on non-holidays, the Bailong Elevator has shorter lines. However, the elevator sometimes doesn't run in bad weather, so be prepared with a backup plan if it's stormy outside.

5. Stroll Along the Golden Whip Stream

Our travel consultant at the Golden Whip StreamOur travel consultant at the Golden Whip Stream

Also known as Jinbianxi, the Golden Whip Stream is a popular part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and is full of impressive scenery and animal life. Spots like Golden Whip Rock, Jumping Fish Pool, and Zicao Pool are naturally occurring phenomena that make it one of the most beautiful parks on the planet. It's seven-and-a-half kilometers long and will surely be one of the most memorable strolls of your vacation.

As this area is part of the greater Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you don't need an additional ticket beyond your park admission (227 RMB). It's important to remember not to interact with the wildlife and stay on the marked trail for your safety. This area is open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

6. Immersion in the Culture of Tujia Ethnic Minorities

Our clients are trying Miao costumesOur clients are trying Miao costumes

Zhangjiajie is a very diverse area, and you can experience the cultures of the Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities while you’re there. The “Charming Xiangxi” show, offering an authentic cultural feast of Tujia and Miao minorities, is one of the top highlights in Zhangjiajie. Ticket prices vary depending on where you sit, and range from 158 RMB to 268 RMB. 
You can also find impressive, and unique souvenirs in Zhangjiajie, like handicrafts from the Miao community, such as embroidery and silver items. For a more immersive experience, you can even rent traditional minority costumes, staff will help with makeup and take beautiful travel photos for you to remember your visit.

7. Capture Panoramic Mountain Views at Huangshizhai

One of the cliffs in Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkOne of the mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

This UNESCO heritage site is a fantastic observatory where visitors can see the best of Zhangjiajie National Forest. Visiting Huangshizhai is included in your park ticket, and it's open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The best time to visit is between May and November, when the weather is nicest and you can see natural features like Five Finger Peak and the Pavilion of Six Wonders. There's also a cliff edge walk if you dare.

8. Explore Yellow Dragon Cave

View of Yellow Dragon CaveView of Yellow Dragon Cave

The Yellow Dragon Cave is a fantastic example of the underground natural world, with rock columns and an underground river. A light show complements its beauty, making walking through the Cave a unique and magical experience that combines nature with modern technology.
Yellow Dragon Cave costs 60 RMB per person, and you’ll need to pay an extra 36 RMB for the boat ride. There are discounts for children and seniors. As the cave contains many stairs it can be challenging for some and it’s a good idea to wear shoes with a good grip on them. 

9. Admire the Night Views of Fenghuang Ancient Town

Night view of Fenghuang Ancient TownNight view of Fenghuang Ancient Town

Head to nearby Fenghuang Ancient Town for some of the best night views in the area. This town is free to enter, but you will pay to get into certain attractions, and dates back to 1704. It's a charming place full of historic buildings like Yang's Ancestral Hall, the Former Residence of Xiong Xiling, and picturesque bridges like the Phoenix Hong Bridge, but the views are splendid at night when lit up.

10. Discover Furong Ancient Town's Breathtaking Waterfalls

Night View of Furong Ancient TownNight View of Furong Ancient Town

Furong Ancient Town, also known as the "Millennium Town Hanging on a Waterfall," is located about 80 kilometers from Zhangjiajie. Its highlight is a stunning series of waterfalls that run through the town. You can even walk behind the falls into a natural “water curtain cave” for an up-close experience.

When night falls, the ancient town lights up, and the glowing lanterns combined with the flowing waterfalls create a dreamlike, almost magical atmosphere. The best time to visit is during the rainy season (June to August), when the waterfalls are most impressive. Staying overnight is highly recommended to enjoy the magical night view.

Experience the Best of Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is a beautiful mixture of natural wonder and culture, and at China Odyssey Tours, we can help make the most of your time there with a customized itinerary. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started today.

Quick Question
Your Trip Ideas:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Your Name:

Send Inquiry

What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.
CONTACT A TRAVEL EXPERT
1-to-1 Service | Reply within 24hrs | Expert's Advice

Get Started