Welcome to Zhangjiajie, a city in the northwest of China’s Hunan province! Famous for its towering sandstone peaks, scenic landscapes, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zhangjiajie has much to offer to visitors. This guide will take you through the top 10 things to do in Zhangjiajie, immersing you in a city full of natural beauty and cultural richness.
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What's the most popular attraction in Zhangjiajie?
The most famous attraction in Zhangjiajie is undoubtedly Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its towering sandstone and quartz cliffs that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
Is there anything fun in Zhangjiajie?
Absolutely! Whether you’re into nature, hiking, photography, or local culture, Zhangjiajie has fun and engaging activities for all ages. Here are a few options:
- Explore the National Forest Park – Zhangjiajie is renowned for its natural beauty. Trek the many trails and soak in the stunning views.
- Experience the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car – Enjoy breathtaking views as you ride the world’s longest cable car up Tianmen Mountain.
- Discover Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge – Test your nerve on the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge.
- Explore the many traditional villages in the area, where you can experience the culture and lifestyle of the local people.
How many days are enough for Zhangjiajie?
As with any destination, the number of days needed to explore Zhangjiajie can vary based on your interests and the pace at which you like to travel. However, spending at least 3-4 days is usually a good amount of time to see the main attractions and soak up the city’s natural beauty.
The Top 10 Things to do in Zhangjiajie
1. Visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its towering sandstone peaks, the park offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
2. Ride the Bailong Elevator
The Bailong Elevator is a glass elevator built onto the side of a huge cliff in the Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie. It is the highest outdoor elevator in the world and offers an exciting ride with a fantastic view.
3. Experience Tianmen Mountain and its Cable Car
Ride the world’s longest cable car to the top of Tianmen Mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. At the mountain’s peak, don’t miss the chance to walk across the Skywalk, a glass walkway clinging to the side of the mountain.
4. Visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, walk across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. As the world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, it offers a unique and thrilling perspective of the canyon below.
5. Explore Yellow Dragon Cave
Known as the “underground magic palace”, the Yellow Dragon Cave is one of the largest karst caves in China, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.
6. Discover the culture at Tujia Folk Customs Park
This park offers a fascinating insight into the life, culture, and architecture of the Tujia ethnic group, one of the 55 ethnic minorities in China. For more information.
7. Hike the Golden Whip Stream
The Golden Whip Stream trail offers a leisurely hike through the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie. Along the trail, you’ll pass crystal clear streams, verdant forests, and towering peaks, as well as a variety of wildlife.
8. Visit the Phoenix Ancient Town (Fenghuang County)
A few hours from Zhangjiajie, the Phoenix Ancient Town is a well-preserved ancient town renowned for its unique stilt houses, old bridges, and narrow lanes. Its natural beauty coupled with a rich history and culture makes it a must-visit site.
9. Experience the Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake is located in the mountains in Wulingyuan Scenic Area. A boat tour on the lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills, waterfalls, and the pristine water.
10. Explore Wulingyuan Scenic Area
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its quartzite-sandstone formations, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. It offers numerous trails for hiking and sightseeing, providing ample opportunities to take in the scenic beauty.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie is a city best enjoyed outdoors, and its natural beauty can be appreciated year-round. However, the best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is typically most pleasant. To fully experience the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie, consider hiring a local guide who can lead you along the best trails and explain the area’s history and geology.
What are the Must-Try Local Dishes in Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie’s local cuisine features a variety of unique flavors. Don’t miss out on “San Xia Guo,” a traditional Hunan dish that includes three main ingredients usually consisting of meat, vegetables, and tofu. Another must-try is “Tuannian Dish,” a festive dish made of glutinous rice, chestnuts, dates, and meat. Finally, for something sweet, try “Tianmen Fox Fairy Floss,” a traditional cotton candy that melts in your mouth.
Final Thoughts on Zhangjiajie
In conclusion, Zhangjiajie is a city teeming with natural wonders, cultural richness, and adventure. From its awe-inspiring mountain peaks to its vibrant local culture and delicious food, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. With this guide to the top 10 things to do in Zhangjiajie, you’re well on your way to creating unforgettable memories in this magnificent city. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure-seeker, history buff, foodie, or just a lover of beautiful places, Zhangjiajie is a city that will exceed all expectations.