Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Travel Guide and Tickets Booking

Brief Introduction to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, is the first national forest park in China. Covering a total area of 4,810 hectares, it is a world-famous scenic spot renowned for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform, which was officially named “Zhangjiajie Landform” by UNESCO, a rare landform type named after a region globally. In 1992, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO, filling the gap of no world natural heritage in China.
Known as “3,000 bizarre peaks and 800 beautiful streams”, the park boasts more than 3,000 dense and intact sandstone pillars within 398 square kilometers, among which 243 are over 1,000 meters high. Surrounded by lush forests and abundant water sources, it is home to a large number of endangered flora and fauna, with a forest coverage rate of 98%, making it a “natural botanical and zoological garden” and an ideal eco-tourism destination with high negative oxygen ion content. It is also the prototype of the floating mountains on Pandora in the movie Avatar, as well as the filming location for many classic films and TV dramas such as Journey to the West and A Dream of Red Mansions.

Introduction to Major Scenic Spots

2.1 Yuanjiajie

Yuanjiajie is the filming location of “Hallelujah Mountain” in the movie Avatar, where visitors can explore the magical world of floating mountains depicted in the film. The most iconic attractions here include the Qiankun Column (the prototype of the floating mountain in the movie), the Lost Soul Terrace (an ideal viewing platform with hundreds of stone peaks standing around, presenting a magnificent momentum), and the First Bridge Under Heaven, a natural stone bridge spanning between two mountains with a vertical drop of 357 meters. It is the core scenic spot of the park and a must-visit for every tourist.

2.2 Tianzi Mountain

Known as “After visiting Tianzi Mountain, one need not look at other mountains”, Tianzi Mountain is famous for its original natural beauty and various strange geological landscapes. The main attractions include the Imperial Brush Peaks (a group of stone peaks shaped like writing brushes), Fairy Scattering Flowers, the Command Platform, the Hanging Pasture, and the Immortal Bridge. After rain or in the morning, the mountain is shrouded in mist, creating a fairyland-like scenery. In winter, the snow-covered peaks are even more charming.

2.3 Huangshizhai

There is a saying in Zhangjiajie: “If you don’t climb Huangshizhai, you haven’t been to Zhangjiajie”. As the best viewing platform in the park, Huangshizhai is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush green trees, with mist often lingering on the top of the village. Climbing to the top of Huangshizhai, you can overlook the entire quartz sandstone peak forest and experience the pride of “seeing all mountains small”. The main attractions here include the Five-Finger Peak, the Star-Picking Platform, and the Misty Sea Golden Turtle.

2.4 Golden Whip Stream

Golden Whip Stream is the earliest developed area in the scenic spot, with a clear stream flowing through the valley and towering peaks on both sides, presenting a lush green scene everywhere. It is also one of the filming locations of the classic version of Journey to the West, where fans can see classic scenes such as the Water Curtain Cave and Saving Mother by Splitting the Mountain. The stream is 7.5 kilometers long with a flat path, making it suitable for walking and enjoying the natural scenery along the way.

2.5 Yangjiajie

Yangjiajie is famous for its primitive natural beauty and steep terrain, which is deeply loved by backpackers and adventurers. The main attraction here is Wulong Village, a magical place where Xiangxi bandits once lived, later renamed after the TV series Wulong Mountain Bandit Suppression. The village is built against the mountain, with only one road up and down, requiring visitors to use both hands and feet to climb to the top. The Natural Great Wall here is also a must-see, presenting a spectacular scene of continuous stone ridges.

2.6 Suoxiyu (Shili Gallery)

Suoxiyu, also known as Suoxi, gets its name because the stream in the scenic spot is shaped like a rope. Unlike other steep areas of the park, it is surrounded by mist all year round, with clear streams flowing all year round and beautiful peaks everywhere. Shili Gallery is the essence of Suoxiyu, a 5-kilometer-long canyon with fragrant wild flowers and strange peaks and rocks. Walking through it is like walking into a natural landscape painting, with iconic attractions such as the Medicine-Gathering Old Man and the Three Sisters Peaks.

Scenic Area Map Overview

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is composed of several connected scenic zones, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Suoxiyu, and Yangjiajie, all linked by internal shuttle buses, hiking trails, and cable cars. The park has 5 ticket entrances for visitors to choose from:
  • East Gate (Wujiaoyu Ticket Station): The most convenient entrance, close to Wulingyuan Town, with complete supporting facilities such as hotels and restaurants.
  • South Gate (Forest Park Ticket Station): Close to Golden Whip Stream and Huangshizhai, suitable for visitors who want to start their tour from these two scenic spots.
  • West Gate (Yangjiajie Ticket Station): Directly leading to Yangjiajie Scenic Area, suitable for visitors who focus on exploring Yangjiajie.
  • North Gate (Tianzi Mountain Ticket Station): Close to Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, with convenient access to the Tianzi Mountain Cableway.
  • Middle Gate (Zimugang Ticket Station): A relatively quiet entrance, suitable for visitors who want to avoid crowds.
Free official maps are provided at all major ticket entrances, which are regularly updated and include detailed information on scenic spots, roads, shuttle bus routes, and cableway locations. Visitors can also obtain electronic maps by scanning the QR code on the official platform “Zhangjiajie One-Click Tour”.

Recommended Tour Routes (1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day)

4.1 1-Day Tour (Compact Version, Suitable for Visitors with Limited Time)

Route: East Gate (Wujiaoyu Ticket Station) → Shuttle Bus → Bailong Elevator (one-way, 65 yuan) → Yuanjiajie (visit Qiankun Column, Lost Soul Terrace, First Bridge Under Heaven, 2 hours) → Shuttle Bus → Tianzi Mountain (visit Helong Park, Imperial Brush Peaks, Fairy Scattering Flowers, 1.5 hours) → Tianzi Mountain Cableway (one-way, 72 yuan) → Shuttle Bus → Shili Gallery (take a small train or walk, 1 hour) → Shuttle Bus → East Gate.
Tips: This route covers the core scenic spots of the park, focusing on the most iconic landscapes. It is recommended to start early (before 8:00 AM) to avoid crowds. Prepare dry food and water as there are limited dining options on the mountain.

4.2 2-Day Tour (Balanced Version, Recommended for Most Visitors)

Day 1: East Gate → Shuttle Bus → Bailong Elevator → Yuanjiajie (2.5 hours) → Shuttle Bus → Yangjiajie (visit Wulong Village, Natural Great Wall, 2 hours) → Shuttle Bus → Tianzi Mountain (stay at a hotel near Tianzi Mountain for the night).
Day 2: Tianzi Mountain (watch the sunrise in the morning if the weather is good, visit the Command Platform, Hanging Pasture, 1.5 hours) → Shuttle Bus → Shili Gallery (1 hour) → Shuttle Bus → Golden Whip Stream (hike 3-4 kilometers, 1.5 hours) → Shuttle Bus → East Gate.
Tips: Staying on the mountain allows you to avoid the trouble of going up and down the mountain twice, and you can enjoy the quiet morning scenery of the peak forest. The hiking intensity is moderate, suitable for most people.

4.3 3-Day Tour (In-depth Version, Suitable for Visitors Who Love Hiking and Nature)

Day 1: South Gate → Big Oxygen Bar Square → Golden Whip Stream (hike the whole line, 7.5 kilometers, 2.5 hours) → Water Winding Around Four Gates → Shuttle Bus → Yuanjiajie (2 hours) → Stay at a hotel near Yuanjiajie.
Day 2: Yuanjiajie → Shuttle Bus → Yangjiajie (visit Wulong Village, One Step to the Sky, 3 hours) → Shuttle Bus → Tianzi Mountain (2 hours) → Stay at a hotel near Tianzi Mountain.
Day 3: Tianzi Mountain → Shuttle Bus → Huangshizhai (take the cableway up and down, visit the top loop, 2 hours) → Shuttle Bus → Shili Gallery (walk the whole line, 1.5 hours) → Shuttle Bus → East Gate.
Tips: This route covers all major scenic spots in the park, with in-depth exploration of each area. It is suitable for visitors with good physical strength. You can adjust the hiking distance according to your own situation, and don’t forget to wear non-slip shoes.

Ticket Booking Rules

  • Booking Channels: Tickets can be booked in advance through the official e-commerce platform “Zhangjiajie One-Click Tour” (WeChat QR code), official website, or authorized third-party platforms (such as Ctrip, Fliggy). On-site ticket purchase is also available at the ticket windows of each entrance, but it is recommended to book in advance during peak seasons (March-May, September-November) to avoid long queues.
  • Advance Booking Requirement: Visitors who book tickets more than 10 days in advance (excluding 10 days) need to consult the Zhangjiajie Scenic Area Ticket Management Center (Tel: 0744-5718833) or the Visitor Service Center (Tel: 0744-5712345) for relevant procedures.
  • Real-Name Registration: Ticket booking requires real-name registration, and visitors need to provide valid documents (ID card, passport, etc.). The name on the ticket must be consistent with the document used for registration.
  • Peak Season Reminder: During peak tourist seasons, the number of tickets is limited, and booking is on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended to book 3-7 days in advance.
  • Cancellation Policy: Tickets booked online can be cancelled 24 hours before the scheduled visit date for a full refund; no refund will be given if cancelled within 24 hours or if the visitor fails to enter the park on time.

Ticket Usage Methods

  • Entry Verification: Visitors need to bring the original valid document used for booking and the electronic ticket (or printed ticket) to the ticket entrance for verification. For online bookings, they can also enter the park by scanning the QR code on the electronic ticket.
  • Validity Period: The general ticket and the combination ticket (including shuttle bus) are valid for 4 consecutive days from the date of first entry. During the validity period, visitors can enter the park through any of the 5 ticket entrances multiple times.
  • Scope of Use: The single ticket only includes the park entry right, excluding internal transportation (shuttle bus, cableway, elevator) and other paid projects. The combination ticket includes the park entry right and the use of internal shuttle buses (excluding cableway and elevator).
  • Special Reminder: The ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable after entry. Visitors need to keep the ticket properly during the tour.

Ticket Prices

All prices are in RMB (yuan), and 3-yuan insurance is optional for all tickets.

7.1 Single Ticket (Excluding Internal Shuttle Bus)

  • Regular Ticket: 165 yuan/person, valid for 4 consecutive days.
  • Preferential Ticket: 83 yuan/person, valid for 4 consecutive days. Applicable to: students with valid student IDs (full-time undergraduate and below), seniors aged 60-64 (with valid ID), and teenagers aged 14-17 (with valid ID).
  • Free Ticket: Applicable to: children under 14 years old (with valid ID), seniors aged 65 and above (with valid ID), disabled persons (with valid ID), active military personnel, military dependents, veterans, and on-the-job civilian personnel of the military (with valid ID). One accompanying person for severely disabled persons (Level 1-2) is also eligible for a free ticket.

7.2 Combination Ticket (Including Internal Shuttle Bus)

  • Regular Combination Ticket: 236 yuan/person, valid for 4 consecutive days.
  • Preferential Combination Ticket: 119 yuan/person, valid for 4 consecutive days. Applicable to the same groups as the preferential single ticket.

7.3 Annual Ticket

310 yuan/person/year, including the park entry right and the use of internal shuttle buses, valid for one year from the date of activation. 3-yuan insurance is optional.

7.4 Additional Charges (Optional)

  • Bailong Elevator: 65 yuan/one-way.
  • Tianzi Mountain Cableway: 72 yuan/one-way.
  • Huangshizhai Cableway: 65 yuan/one-way.
  • Shili Gallery Small Train: 76 yuan/round trip, 40 yuan/one-way.

Notes

  • The park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM all year round. Please arrange your tour time reasonably.
  • The internal shuttle buses are free and run regularly, with the last bus at around 6:00 PM. Please pay attention to the departure time to avoid missing the bus.
  • The temperature difference in the mountain is large, so please bring a thin coat even in summer. Wear non-slip shoes as the roads in the scenic area are steep in some places.
  • Do not feed the macaques in the park to avoid being attacked. Do not climb over railings or enter unopened areas for safety.
  • There are several restaurants in the park (such as McDonald’s at Yuanjiajie), and Alipay/WeChat payment is accepted. It is also recommended to bring your own dry food and water for convenience during the tour.