10+ Things to Know Before Visiting Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie Travel FAQs

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is generally during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and vibrant foliage, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C during this time, making it comfortable for exploring the attractions.

Spring, specifically April and May, is a popular time to visit Zhangjiajie as the mountains and forests come alive with colorful blossoms, creating a picturesque and enchanting landscape. It is also less crowded compared to the peak summer season.

Autumn, from September to October, is another favorable time to visit Zhangjiajie. The weather remains pleasant, and the foliage transforms into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold, providing breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

It's important to note that Zhangjiajie can experience some rainfall throughout the year, so it's advisable to bring appropriate rain gear regardless of the season. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid visiting during major Chinese holidays like the Labor Day holiday (May 1–3), the National Day holiday (October 1-7), summer vacation of July and August, when tourist crowds are at their peak. The low season is winter when there is snow on the mountains, offering a different scenery for you to explore.

1). Wulingyuan Scenic Area (World Heritage): The Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a World Geological Park, consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Usually, most of the trips to Zhangjiajie will cover both Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

a. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: China's First National Forest Park featuring Yuanjiajie's Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the Bailong Elevator (the world's tallest outdoor lift), Huangshizhai Village, and Jinbianxi Stream (Filming Location of "Monkey King").

b. Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve: Known as the Fairyland of the Chinese classic TV series "Journey to the West."

2). Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: Experience an adrenaline rush by walking on the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the canyon, waterfalls, and lush vegetation as you cross this architectural marvel.

3). Baofeng Lake: Take a scenic boat ride on this picturesque lake surrounded by lush mountains. Marvel at the crystal-clear water, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls as you relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.

4). Tianmenshan National Forest Park & Glass Walkway: Located near Zhangjiajie City, Tianmen Mountain features a stunning natural arch called Tianmen Cave, reached by the world's longest cable car ride. Enjoy panoramic views of winding mountain roads with 99 bends, a cliffside Glass Walkway, and the famous "Heaven's Gate Hole"(Tianmen Cave) rock formation.

5). Fenghuang Ancient Town (Phoenix Ancient Town): Fenghuang Ancient Town is a charming destination in Zhangjiajie known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, picturesque river views, and ethnic minority culture. Explore the narrow stone streets, admire the stilted houses along the Tuojiang River, and discover the town's history through its museums and temples.

Zhangjiajie is a city's name, and it is famous for the Hallelujah Mountain (Avatar Mountain) located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区).

Wulingyuan, situated in Zhangjiajie of Hunan Province, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and World Geological Park. The Wulingyuan Scenic Area consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Usually, most trips to Zhangjiajie will cover the most popular and iconic sections, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

1)."Avatar" Filming Locations - Visit sites that inspired the Movie Avatar

Perhaps the most notable of the Avatar filming locations is the stunning Yuanjiajie of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan) in the Hunan Province in China.

2)."Journey to The West" Filming Locations - Visit sites of Monkey King's Flower and Fruit Mountain

For Chinese people, especially the generation that grew up in the 1980s, the classic TV series "Journey to the West" holds cherished childhood memories. Zhangjiajie is the real-life fairyland that is described in the famous novel "Journey to the West."

Zhangjiajie is a small city but has many things to see and do. Travelers are highly recommended to spend at least 3 days in Zhangjiajie, and most of them prefer to spend 4 days, while some may even plan for 5 days in this Avatar destination.

The number of days to spend in Zhangjiajie depends on your interests and the activities you wish to engage in. However, to fully explore the highlights of Zhangjiajie and its surrounding areas, a recommended duration is around 3 to 5 days. This timeframe allows you to visit popular attractions such as the Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan), Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, and Tianmen Mountain.

Within 2 to 3 days, you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of both Wulingyuan (world heritage) and Tianmen Mountain. Within 4 to 5 days, you can also explore other nearby attractions, such as the glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the charming Fenghuang Ancient Town. Of course, if you have more time available, you can extend your stay to further immerse yourself in the region's beauty and delve deeper into the local culture.