I think we are all huge fans of the movie „Avatar – Departure to Pandora“. For me, this is mainly because of the breathtaking landscapes, but did you know that some of these landscapes really exist? The Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains, officially known as the Tianzi Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China, are a fascinating natural landscape made famous by its impressive quartz sandstone formations. The Zhangjiajie Mountains gained worldwide fame when they provided the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the James Cameron film „Avatar“ (2009). The film director and his team were inspired by the extraordinary landscapes found in Zhangjiajie and used them as a template for the visually stunning floating mountains in the movie. Since then, the mountains have often been referred to as the „Avatar Mountains“ and attract millions of tourists every year who want to experience the cinematic landscapes in reality.

And now? How do I get to Zhangjiajie?

There are many ways to reach the national park without your own car. To make your journey a little easier, here are the three best options.

First, the quickest (but not the most sustainable) way – flight and bus:

1. Many major cities in China offer direct flights to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. Flight times vary depending on the departure point, but most domestic flights take between 2 and 3 hours.
2. From there, you can take the city bus number 4 to the central bus station in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, cabs offer a more convenient but more expensive option and will take you to the central bus stop in around 20 minutes.
3. From Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, you can then hop on one of the special buses that go directly to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. These buses run regularly and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, cabs are also available here for a more comfortable journey.

If you’re not in such a hurry and would like to see a little more of this beautiful region, we recommend the combination trip by train and bus.

1. there are two railroad stations that can be reached: Zhangjiajie Railway Station and Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.
2. Once at the train station, there are several ways to get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: In addition to cabs, the direct buses from the train station to the national park can also be used.

For the adventurers who can’t say no to a particularly inexpensive adventure, there is also the option of choosing a long-distance bus to Zhangjiajie railroad station and then taking a direct bus or cab directly to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

There is an incredible amount to discover in Zhangjiajie. Here are the top highlights of my trip to give you a rough overview of the region.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park &  Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian Stream)

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear Zhangjiajie is definitely the beautiful mountains of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. If you recognize them from somewhere, stop pondering. These impressive sandstone pillars served as inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie „Avatar – Departure to Pandora“.

The park stretches over 4,810 hectares and offers dense forests, deep gorges and spectacular views. Visitors can hike amidst this breathtaking landscape and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. Particularly worth seeing are the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Tianzi Mountain and Huangshizhai, also known as Yellowstone Village. The view is incredibly beautiful, but take good care of your valuables… once you reach the top, you will also encounter a large number of somewhat tame monkeys. Entry to the park costs 245 CNY for a 4-day pass, which covers multiple entries.

If you want to see the breathtaking mountains from below, I highly recommend a walk along Golden Whip Stream, also known as Jinbian Stream. This picturesque stream flows through the park and is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs. The walking trail along the stream is about 7.5 kilometers long and offers a peaceful and scenic hike. Crystal clear waters, abundant flora and fauna and a tranquil atmosphere make this place a special experience. Access to the Golden Whip Stream is included in the park entrance fee.

Tianmen Mountain/Heaven´s Gate

Tianmen Mountain, also known as Heaven’s Gate, is famous for its breathtaking natural arch, known as Heaven’s Gate. This massive hole in the mountain is located at an altitude of 1,518 meters and is accessible via the longest cable car in the world (it’s 7.5 km long!). Highlights of the mountain include the Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), the Road of 99 Bends, the Cliff-Hanging Walkway and the Glass Skywalk.

The cable car ride and access to all the attractions on the mountain cost CNY 258. Probably the funniest thing about the whole thing is that you can climb a mountain without ever having to go up a lot of stairs or even walk uphill. Built into the mountain, you will find a seemingly endless number of escalators. Of course, if you really want to, you can still opt for the 999 steps to Heaven’s Gate instead.

Charming Fox Fairy show

The Charming Fox Fairy Show is an outdoor musical drama performed against the natural backdrop of Tianmen Mountain, telling a romantic story inspired by local legends. The performance is characterized by music, dance and impressive lighting effects. The spectacular setting, top-class performances and cultural insights make this show an unforgettable experience. I’m always a bit skeptical about shows, whether it’s really worth spending money on…but this show was simply incredible and touched me more deeply than any other show before. The ticket price is 238 CNY.

72 Wonder Building

Fancy a bit of a party? The 72 Wonder Building is a modern architectural marvel that combines contemporary design with traditional Chinese elements. The building is known for its unique structure and innovative design. Visitors can admire the architectural ingenuity, visit cultural exhibitions and enjoy breathtaking views. However, it is highly recommended to visit the building at night, when its lights can be seen from afar. The entrance fee was 60 CNY and this visit was definitely an unexpected highlight for me!

Charming Xiangxi Show

The Charming Xiangxi Show is a cultural performance showcasing the traditional arts of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups. The show includes dance, music and acrobatics and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Traditional costumes, lively performances and cultural immersion make this show a special highlight. To prove HOW interesting and diverse culture can be, let me share this learning with you: Did you know that in ethnic groups in the region, it is customary for a woman to cry for several weeks before her wedding? This crying is to say goodbye, but also to express gratitude for life with her parents. The entrance fee is 228 CNY.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town, also known as Phoenix Town, is a well-preserved town with a history of over 300 years. It is characterized by traditional Chinese architecture, cobbled streets and picturesque river views. The city combines natural beauty and historical charm. Highlights include the Tuojiang River, ancient city walls, unique pile dwellings and rich cultural heritage. Entry to the city is free, but certain attractions within the city may charge separate entrance fees. The city is really super beautiful and is also best admired in the evening so you can be enchanted by the city lights.

Things still on my bucket list

Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve

The Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve is a stunning nature reserve near Zhangjiajie, known for its picturesque landscapes and unique geological formations. The reserve covers an area of over 180 square kilometers and offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike through dense forests, walk along rivers and admire the fascinating karst formations that make this region so special. Particularly worth seeing are the „Ten Miles Gallery“, a beautiful gorge with spectacular rock formations, and „Baofeng Lake“, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. The entrance fee is 118 CNY.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is an impressive nature park that offers a breathtaking gorge, crystal-clear rivers and dense forests. Visitors can hike through the canyon on well-maintained trails, enjoy the breathtaking scenery and discover various waterfalls and natural pools. The highlight of the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, which spans the gorge and offers a spectacular view of the landscape below. The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is 118 CNY.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, also known as the „Bridge of Courageous Hearts“, is one of the longest and highest glass bridges in the world. The bridge stretches over 430 meters and hovers 300 meters above the floor of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Visitors can walk across the transparent glass panels and enjoy the spectacular view of the canyon below. The bridge offers an exciting and unique experience that gives many visitors a thrill. The entrance fee for the glass bridge is 138 CNY.

Summary

Overall, Zhangjiajie offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences and exciting adventures. The breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the impressive geological formations of Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve make it a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. The impressive Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon offer unforgettable experiences for all visitors. With a variety of sights and activities, Zhangjiajie offers a fascinating journey into the nature and culture of China.

As you can see, there is simply so much to see in and around Zhangjiajie. I hope we have been able to give you a brief overview of the sights and the cost of a trip to Zhangjiajie.

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