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Why Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?

1. Zhangjiaije National Forest Park is the main part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area which was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992;

2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first national forest park in China. It is noted for more than 3000 quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks with striking beauty of landscape.

3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The most notable geographic features of the park are the pillar-like formations which can be seen through the park.

4. Inspiration for the Movie AVATAR, the well-known Hallelujah Mountain. It shows the real Pandora on earth.

5. Travelers can try a lot of featured activities like walking, hiking, photography to catch the best scenery of Zhangjiajie.


Main Attractions of Zhangjiajie Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the most beautiful place on earth, has been described differently, such as, majestic, eccentric, tranquil, delicate and wild. It is known for its odd-shaped peaks and rocks, exquisite forests, tranquil water, beautiful canyons, limestone caves and breathtaking views. It mainly includes Yellow Stone Village (Huangshi Village), Golden Whip Stream and so on. Taking a visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you won’t miss Golden Whip Stream and Huanshi Village.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Wulingyuan Scenic Map with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Huangshi Village (黄石寨)

Location: northeast part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, connected with Golden Whip Stream
Recommended Visiting Time: 2-2.5 hours
Hiking Time: about 1-2 hours to get up and 1 hour to get down Huangshi Village
Physical Needs: Moderate (It is suggested to take cable car to get up and down to save energy and time. Only 10 minutes is needed on the cableway.)

A saying goes “He who does not reach Huangshi Village does not pay a true visit to Zhangjiajie”. With an elevation of 1080 meters, Huangshi Village (Yellow Stone Village) presents the largest collection of marvelous spectacles and also provides the largest sightseeing platform in Zhangjiajie. From here, travelers can overlook the Precious Box for Hiding Sealed Book, the Magic Needle, South-Heaven Pillar, South-Heaven Gate, The Platform of Snatching Stars, Six Wonder Pavilion, the Ruin Piers and so on.

>> 4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Huangshi Village

Golden Whip Stream (金鞭溪)

Location: 500 m from the Entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Recommended Visiting Time: about 2-3 hours
Fitness Needed: relaxing pace, easy to walk

With a length of 7.5 kilometers, Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian Stream) is famous for its tranquil water, its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs and its serene valley. It is called “the most poetic valley in China”. Hence, Golden Whip Stream is suitable for 2-3 hours’ hiking. When walking along the pathway, you’ll appreciate flowers, trees and grasses, many green hills and colorful flora, hear song of the birds, and of course, pass many splendid scenery: Mother and Child Peak, Bajie Carrying His Wife on the Back, Golden Whip Crag, Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip, Journey to the West, Drunk Arhat, etc.

>> 4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Golden Whip Stream

Surrounding Scenic Areas of Zhangjiajie National Park

Yuanjiajie (袁家界)

Location: in the north of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
Fitness Needed: Moderate (It is suggested to take Bailong Elevator to get up and down Yuanjiajie.)

You must know the movie AVATAR. "Avatar makes its mark on China’s Zhangjiajie, floating Hallelujah Mountain featured in Hollywood blockbuster Avatar". The surreal world is Yuanjiajie. With an elevation of 1074 meters, Yuanjiajie is connected Golden Whip Stream in the east, Huangshi Village in the south, Tianzi Mountain in the west and Suoxiyu in the north. Yuanjiajie is a naturally formed platform mountain, surrounded by higher summits which are divided by deep valleys. The famous sights in this scenic area include: the First Bridge under Heaven, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Lost Soul Platform, Back Garden, Overlooking Bridge Terrace, etc.

There are two routes leading you to the top of Yuanjiajie. One is by Bailong Elevator. Take the sightseeing bus from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to the Elevator, only 15 minutes needed. By Elevator, you’ll get up in 2 minutes with grand scenery on the way. On the top, you can explore Yuanjiajie by visiting Back Garden, Lost Soul Platform, Hallelujah Mountain, First Bridge under Heaven and more sights which takes about 2 hours. The other way is by hiking from Luanchuan Slope in the middle of Golden Whip Stream to Back Garden which takes about 80 minutes along the way. It is very changeling your physical condition. It is suggested to visit Yuanjiajieby Bailong Elevator to save time and energy.

Learn more about Yuanjiaije Scenic Area >>

Tianzi Mountain(天子山)

Location: north of Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
Fitness Needed: Moderate

Tianzi Mountain is the one of the four scenic spots in Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Tianzi Mountain has four wonders: the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and the Snow in winter. Travelers can view different scenery in different seasons and even in different time of the day.

Tianzi Mountain takes the name from Xiang Dakun who was the leader of the Tu ethnic group during the last years of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Xiang led a revolution and avowed himself as Tianzi (Son of Heaven). Paying visit to Tainzi Mountain, traveler will find many sites related with Xiang Dakun. Among them, the most impressive sights are the Yu Bi Peaks, the Xian Nv San Hua and Shen Bing Ju Hui.

Usually, many travelers put Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie in a day. You can take sightseeing bus from Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain which takes about 1 hour. If time permits, you can stop at Shentang Bay and Nod-to-the-General Platform to have fantastic view, and then continue to visit Helong Park, Platform, Imperial Writing Brush Peaks, Fairy Maid Scattering Flowers (Xian Nv San HuA) Tainzi Ge (Son of Heaven Pavilion), the Mid-Air Farmers’ Cottage (Kong Zhong Tian Yuan), Heavenly Warriors Gathering, etc.

Ten Miles Gallery

Take mini train to travel through the gorgeous 5 kilometers scenic area. You won’t miss the sights Three Lady Peaks, Old Man Peak, Monkey Slope and so on.

>> 4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience

Yangjiajie(杨家界)

Location: northwest of Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Recommended Visiting Time: about 3 hours
Fitness Needed: Moderate

Yangjiajie is a newly developed area of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It is the least crowed area, with peaks, cliffs, waterfalls, streams, gullies and other natural landscape. The area is also abundant with plants and animals, such as white cranes, macaques, ancient trees and rare flowers.

Travelers can visit Yangjiajie after Yuanjiajie. Sightseeing bus from Yuanjiajie can transfer visitors to Yangjiajie with 10 minutes. Or you can visit Yangjiajie separately by cableway to get up and down. There are two routes for you to continue your visit. Try the right route first which you can visit Gate of Oolong Village, Tianbo Mansion (General Yang’s Family House), and then try the left route by visiting One Step to the Heaven, Corridor the Cliffs, Hawk Beak Peak, etc. Be careful when you are hiking the Yangjiajie for the road is narrow and slippery.

Baofeng Lake

Named Water Paradise, Baofeng Lake is typical scenery of Wulingyuan. Grotesque green peaks turn around clean water and water turn around peaks. There are two elegant small islands in the lake. Taking a boat in the lake is the wonderful experience where you could encounter the One Line Gorge, Hawk Nest Village, Guanyin Temple and Baofeng Waterfall.

Yellow Dragon Cave

Yellow Dragon Cave, also Huanglong Cave , is the underground-lost palace which praised as the most beautiful cave in the world by UNESCO Experts. With an area of 100,000 square meters, length of 7.6 kilometers, height of 140 meters, two underground rivers, four waterfalls, 13 caverns and 10,000 stalagmites and stalactites, it is a huge limestone cave. The Magic Needle and Chair of Dragon King are famous sights in the cave.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Yuanjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Bailong Elevator
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tianzi Mountain
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Nod-to-the-General Platform
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Yangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Baofeng Lake
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Yellow Dragon Cave

Recommended Visiting Route

Travelers should spend at least two days in Zhangjiajie. Most travelers would spend 3 to 5 days to explore most of the tourist attractions and see all the highlights.

If you have 3 days, you can go as following:

Travel Plan Itinerary Features Recommended Tour
Plan A Day 1: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge + Yellow Dragon Cave
Day 2: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain
Classic and most famous sites 4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge
Plan B Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Huangshi Village + Golden Whip Stream)
Day 2: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain
Two national forest park with exciting experience 4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience
Plan C Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Huangshi Village + Golden Whip Stream)
Day 2: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain
Day 3: Yellow Dragon Cave + Baofeng Lake
Most relaxing way 4 Days Leisure Zhangjiajie Nature Discovery

(Note: the above travel plans exclude the arrival in Zhangjiajie one day ahead. While, the recommended tours include the arrival day.)

Know more about How to Spend 3 Days in Zhangjiajie >>

For travelers who have more time, you can take a look at our How to Spend 4 Days in Zhangjiajie which is great for weekend trip to Zhangjiajie. If your time in Zhangjiajie is ample and want in-depth exploration, you can turn to How to Spend 5 Days in Zhangjiajie.


Photography in Zhangjiajie National Park

There are best sites and locations to shoot in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie. For the detailed information, please go and visit our Zhangjiajie Photography Guide & Tips.


Location & How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located north of Zhangjiajie, 35 km from downtown area. It belongs to one of the four parts of Wulingyuan Scenic Area which is situated in the northwest of Wulingyuan District.

Distance from Other Attraction in Zhangjiajie

Transfer to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

China Discovery offers worry free private car service to transfer you to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as well as surrounding Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Suoxiyu. If you are independent travelers, you can take taxi or take bus to Zhangjiajie Forest Park.

  • By Taxi: from Zhangjiajie Airport to the Park: around 100 Yuan; from Zhangjiajie Railway Station to the Park: 80-100 Yuan; from Zhangjiajie Downtown area to the Park: around 80 Yuan. It takes about 40 minutes.
  • By Bus: Zhangjiajie Bus Station provides short-distance buses to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It takes about 40 minutes, start every 15 minutes. For those want to stop at Tianzi Mountain, it takes about an hour, start every 20 minutes; for those who want to stop at Suoxiyu, it takes about an hour, start every 20 minutes for 34 km.

Related Reading:

>> Zhangjiajie Airport to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

>> Zhangjiajie Railway Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

For more detailed transfer info, please feel free to contact our experienced travel consultants who are here ready to help and give useful suggestions.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Location
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Map

Useful Tips to Travel in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

1. Best Time to Visit

Different scenery presents in different seasons. In spring, all flowers on mountains blossom and mountains are luxuriantly green. In summer, the forests flourish and are strongly fragrant. In autumn, the mountain slowly turns yellow and red with a sense of poetry at this time. In winter, travelers can marvel at the evergreen trees among the snowy landscape. The rainy season of the year falls in June and lasts until the beginning of July. To avoid the coldness and rainy days, the best times for you are April to May, August to October.

2. What to Pack

  • Be sure to bring boots or shoes with good soles for you may need to take some hiking along the paths and trails in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and other scenic area.
  • Pack and prepare some necessary medicines.
  • Take an umbrella or rain coat for the weather changes a lot during one day.

Check for more details at What to Pack for a Zhangjiajie Tour.

3. Admission Fee

A ticket (224/ person during March to November and CNY 144 during December to next February) includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiaie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie and Suoxiyu Nature Reserve (part). It is valid for 4 days. Insurance (CNY 3/person) is not included, while the sightseeing bus, which charges 60/person, is included. For who want to visit for a week, buy ticket 298 Yuan. It is valid for 7 days. The sightseeing bus is included in the fee.

  • Huangshi Village Cableway: 65 Yuan per way; 118 Yuan round trip;
  • Bailong Elevator: 72 Yuan per way; 144 Yuan round trip;
  • Yangjiajie Cable Car: 76 Yuan per way;
  • Tianzi Mountain Cable Car: under construction, not available yet;
  • Ten-Miles Gallery Mini Train: 38 Yuan per way; 52 Yuan round trip;
  • Yellow Dragon Cave: 100 Yuan per person;
  • Baofeng Lake: 96 Yuan per person.

4. Main Entrance to Wulingyuan Scenic Area

There are five entrance gates for Wulingyuan Scenic Area, among them, the most used three are Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Gate, Wulingyuan Gate, Tianzi Mountain Gate. For those who want to explore sights in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you’d better enter into from Zhangjiajie Naitonal Forest Park Gate.

5. Sightseeing Bus Sections

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Huangshi Village Cable Station (Lower Station)
  • Bailong Elevator (Upper Station) – Yuanjiaije Back Garden
  • Yuanjiajie Parking Lot – Tianzi Mountain Parking Lot
  • Tianzi Mountain Helong Park Parking Lot – Tianzi Mountain Cable Station (Upper Station)
  • Yangjiajie Entrance Gate - Longfeng Temple
  • Wulingyuan Station – Tianzi Mountain Cable Station (Lower Station) – Ten Miles Gallery – Shui Rao Si Men
  • Shui Rao Si Men – Bailong Elevator (Lower Station)

6. Queue

The peak season of Zhangjiajie is between May and September. Especially during the holiday, Labor Day Holiday May 1 to May 3, National Holiday October 1 to October 7 and Chinese Spring Festival are very crowded. You may need to line up fore more than 1 hour to take sightseeing bus, cable car, elevator. During the peak season, you’d better book the tickets in advance.


Travel Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with China Discovery

Are you planning a tour with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park but do not want to arrange the complicated things like transportation, accommodation, tour guide, etc.? Travel with us China Discovery, and we will arrange local travel guide and driver who will escort you from your hotel to the attraction with comfortable licensed private vehicle by China Discovery, so you can pay more attention to the highlights on the way. Moreover, our guide will give professional and interesting introduction of all the highlights during your trip to ignite your travel experience. Furthermore, our travel expert will help you customize your own tour to visit more places in Zhangjiajie and other popular destinations in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Hong Kong, Guilin, Chengdu, Guizhou, Huangshan, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Yunnan, Yangtze River, Lhasa, etc. with professional and helpful suggestions. If you are interested, please feel free to tell us directly.

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Zhangjiajie for the past few years. Among them Mr. Elie & his wife from Belgium enjoyed 5 days in Zhangjiajie during their 69 days China trip customized with us and shared us their travel story. Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Zhangjiajie trip memories!

Recommended Zhangjiajie Tours

Top 3 Zhangjiajie tours chosen by most customers to explore Zhangjiajie in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Bernhard’s group from German - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge

Zhangjiajie

Dileeni from Canada - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
5 Days Zhangjiajie Ultimate Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain

Zhangjiajie

Yannick's Group from Belgium - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience

Zhangjiajie

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip

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2018-09-25 18:59
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