FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and Glass Bridge?

They are three completely separate scenic areas in Zhangjiajie:
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The original “Avatar Mountains” with thousands of quartz sandstone peaks. It is large, requires 1–2 full days, and includes Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, etc.
  • Tianmen Mountain: A single mountain famous for Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), long cableway, glass skywalks, and steep cliffs. It usually takes 4–6 hours.
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: A thrilling glass-bottom bridge over a canyon. It is a separate spot and takes about 2–3 hours to visit.
They are not connected and require driving between each other.
 
 

2. How many days do we need to visit Zhangjiajie properly?

For a classic and comfortable tour, 3 to 4 days is the best.
  • 3 days: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (2 days) + Tianmen Mountain (1 day)
  • 4 days: Add Glass Bridge or Fenghuang Ancient Town
     

    One day is too rushed, and two days can only cover the most important highlights.

 

3. Can we visit Tianmen Mountain and Glass Bridge in one day?

Technically yes, but it will be extremely tight and tiring.
The two spots are about 1.5 hours’ drive apart. You will have to start very early, rush through attractions, and have little time to enjoy the scenery. We do not recommend this arrangement, especially for families with elders or kids.
 
 

4. Is Tianzi Mountain the same as Tianmen Mountain?

No, they are completely different places.
  • Tianzi Mountain is part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for wide mountain views and sea of clouds.
  • Tianmen Mountain is an independent scenic area near downtown Zhangjiajie, known for the natural cave and cableway.
     

    They are about 40 minutes’ drive away from each other.

 

5. Which Tianmen Mountain route is better: A, B or C?

Due to maintenance of the upper section of the main Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the routes are currently adjusted. The main cableway only runs halfway (from Downtown to Middle Station), and you must take a shuttle bus to reach Tianmen Cave. The Express Cableway (short cableway) is used for the final descent.

Route A

Downtown → Main Cableway (halfway only) → Shuttle Bus up 99-Bend Road → Tianmen Cave → Escalator to Mountain Top → Explore → Express Cableway down → Shuttle back to city
 
Pros
  • Experience part of the famous 7.5km main cableway
  • Most complete sightseeing experience
Cons
  • Extra shuttle transfer due to cableway maintenance
  • More crowded during peak seasons
  • must enter the park during your booked time slot. You cannot enter earlier, but you may enter later if you arrive behind schedule.
 

Route B

Mountain Gate → Express Cableway up → Tianmen Cave → Escalator to Mountain Top → Explore → Shuttle Bus down 99-Bend Road → Main Cableway down to Downtown
 
Pros
  • Less crowded than Route A
  • Enjoy the long main cableway on the way down
  • Reverse route, different views
  • no strict time slot control—you can enter anytime on the day of your tour.
Cons
  • No city-to-mountain cableway at the start
 

Route C

Mountain Gate → Express Cableway up → Tianmen Cave → Escalator to Mountain Top → Explore → Express Cableway down → Shuttle back to city
 
Pros
  • Fastest and most convenient
  • No long cableway (good for those afraid of heights)
  • Fewer transfers
Cons
  • Misses part of the iconic 7.5km main cableway 
  • no strict time slot control—you can enter anytime on the day of your tour.
 
 

6. Is Zhangjiajie suitable for elders or young children?

Yes, but we need to arrange an easy itinerary.

 

Most scenic areas offer cable cars, elevators, and shuttle buses to reduce walking. We can avoid steep stairs and long hikes. The tour can be slow-paced with plenty of rest time. Just let us know your group’s physical condition in advance.

 
 

7. Do you handle all tickets and entry reservations?

Yes, we take care of everything in advance:
  • Entrance tickets
  • Time-slot reservations
  • Cableway tickets
  • Necessary bookings
     

    You only need to bring your passport and follow your guide. No need to queue or book online yourselves.

 
 

8. Do we need to bring our original passport?

Yes.
All scenic spots in China require original passport verification for entry. Copies, photos, or digital versions are usually not accepted. Please keep your passport with you during the whole tour.
 
 

9. What if an attraction closes due to bad weather or maintenance?

If any spot is closed for safety reasons:
  • We will fully refund the closed attraction’s ticket fee
  • If the whole day’s plan is affected, we will also refund the corresponding car and guide service fee
     

    We cannot reschedule if your schedule is fixed, but we will ensure you get a fair and clear refund.

 
 

10. What is included in the tour price?

Normally included:
  • Private car and driver
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • All entrance tickets and cableway fees
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Route planning and arrangement
 
Not included:
 

Hotel accommodation

  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver (voluntary)
 
 

11. Is tipping required?

No, tipping is not compulsory.
Zhangjiajie is a national tourist city, and part of the local guides’ and drivers’ income comes from tips.
You may tip them if you are satisfied with their service; it is a nice way to show your appreciation.
 
 

12. Is this a private tour or a group tour?

All our tours are private tours, not shared groups.
You will have your own private car, driver, and English guide exclusively for your party. The itinerary is flexible, and you can adjust the pace and time freely.
 
 

13. Can we change or customize the itinerary?

Yes, we accept customized tours.
You can add/remove attractions, change visiting time, adjust transportation, or create a completely new route. However, some changes may cause a price difference, and tight changes may make the schedule rushed.
 
 

14. What is your cancellation policy?

  • Free cancellation 7 days or more before arrival
  • Partial charge if cancelling within 3–6 days
  • Higher charge if cancelling within 48 hours
     

    Detailed terms will be clearly listed in your tour confirmation to avoid misunderstanding.

 
 

15. Is Zhangjiajie safe for foreign tourists?

Yes, very safe.
Zhangjiajie is a well-developed international tourist city. The public security is good, locals are friendly, and your private guide will stay with you throughout the tour to ensure safety and convenience.
 
 

16. What’s the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best.

 

The weather is mild, the mountains are green, and the visibility is excellent for photography. Summer is hot but green; winter can be cold but sometimes offers beautiful snow views.

 
 

17. Can we pay by credit card?

Most large hotels accept credit cards, but small hotels and family inns usually do not. Most shops and street vendors also do not accept international credit cards.
 
However, Alipay and WeChat Pay are extremely convenient and widely accepted everywhere in Zhangjiajie. You can use them for almost all payments. Cash is also welcome and easy to use.
 
 

18. How far is Fenghuang Ancient Town from Zhangjiajie?

Distance: About 220–240 km (137–149 miles) by road.
By car: 3.5–4 hours.
By high-speed train: Only ~50–60 minutes from Zhangjiajie West Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town Station
Many visitors add a 1-day or 2-day trip to Fenghuang after Zhangjiajie. It is a historic ancient town by rivers, very popular among foreign tourists.