Off-season Zhangjiajie has returned | Really don't recommend going in April-May | Because……
| Really don't recommend going in April-May | Because....[!][!] Zhangjiajie is a famous tourist destination in Hunan Province, China, known for its unique sandstone peak forest landforms and magnificent natural landscapes. It is listed as a World Natural Heritage Site. Here's a travel guide to Zhangjiajie, covering major attractions, itinerary suggestions, and practical information:
Recommended Main Attractions 🏔
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area)
- Must-see attractions:
- Yuanjiajie: The filming location for *Avatar*, check in at "Southern Sky Column" (Hallelujah Mountain).
- Tianzi Mountain: Overlooking the spectacular peaks and forests, visit "Imperial Brush Peak" and "Fairy Scattering Flowers".
- Huangshi Village: "You haven't been to Zhangjiajie if you haven't been to Huangshi Village," suitable for viewing sunrise and sea of clouds.
- Golden Whip Stream: Hike through the valley, monkeys abound along the way, and the air is fresh.
- Tickets: CNY 228 (valid for 4 days, including shuttle bus).
2. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
- Highlights:
- Tianmen Cave: 999 steps or an escalator lead directly to it, experience the natural wonder.
- Glass Skywalk: Suspended in the air, not for the faint of heart.
- Cable Car: The world's longest high-altitude cable car (about 30 minutes), overlooking the winding mountain road "99 Bends".
- Tickets: CNY 278 (including cable car, divided into lines A/B/C, line A is recommended).
3. Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (Yuntiandu)
- The world's highest glass bridge, 430 meters long and 300 meters high, thrilling and exciting.
- Tickets: CNY 128 (reservations required).
4. Yellow Dragon Cave
- A spectacle of caves, with underground rivers and stalactites, the tour takes about 2 hours.
- Tickets: CNY 100.
5. Baofeng Lake
- A high-altitude lake, you can take a boat tour, the scenery is picturesque.
- Tickets: CNY 96.
---
✅ Classic Itinerary
3-Day Highlights Tour
- Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain, stay in Wulingyuan).
- Day 2: Forest Park (Huangshi Village + Golden Whip Stream) → Watch the "Charming Xiangxi" show in the evening.
- Day 3: Tianmen Mountain (Glass Skywalk + Tianmen Cave) → Return trip.
5-Day In-depth Tour
- Day 3-4: Add Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Yellow Dragon Cave, or Baofeng Lake.
- Day 5: Fenghuang Ancient Town (about 3 hours by car from Zhangjiajie).
---
🚙 Transportation Guide
- Main Transportation:
- Airplane: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, about 5 km from the city center.
- High-speed Rail: Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, direct trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities.
- Local Transportation:
- Shuttle buses between scenic areas (e.g., Forest Park → Tianmen Mountain, about 40 minutes), taxi fares are negotiable.
---
🏩 Accommodation Recommendations
- City Center: Suitable for visiting Tianmen Mountain, choose near the train station or Tianmen Mountain cable car.
- Wulingyuan District: Suitable for visiting the Forest Park, convenient for dining and shopping.
- Mountaintop B&Bs: Such as near Tianzi Mountain, convenient for watching the sunrise (need to confirm luggage transportation in advance).
---
‼️ Important Notes
1. Weather: Rainy in spring and summer, bring rain gear; there may be rime in winter, but some sections of the road are closed.
2. Safety:
- Monkeys will grab food, do not provoke them.
- Shoe covers are required on the glass skywalk, and sharp objects are prohibited.
3. Ticket Discounts: Students and seniors enjoy discounts with valid IDs. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance on the official website.
4. Avoid Pitfalls:
- Refuse "unlicensed tour guides" soliciting customers at low prices.
- Prices for goods inside the scenic area are high, bring your own snacks and water.
---
🥘 Food Recommendations
- Sanxia Guo: Local hot pot, recommended combination of bacon and tofu.
- Tujia Bacon: Smoked flavor, suitable for stir-frying or steaming.
- Sour Soup Fish: Xiangxi sour and spicy flavor.
- Recommended places: "Hu Shifu Sanxia Guo" in the city center, "Suoxi Stockaded Village" in Wulingyuan.
🌸 Best Season:
April-October (summer is good for escaping the heat, autumn has colorful foliage), avoid National Day and May Day holidays for a better experience.
Clothing Recommendations: Large temperature difference in the mountains, bring a jacket even in summer.