Hidden Gems
Hunan, ChinaThousands of stone pillars in the clouds
Zhangjiajie is a landscape of tall sandstone pillars, thickly covered with trees and often wrapped in mist. Wulingyuan, the larger scenic area that contains the national forest park, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992.
In 2010, one of the pillars, the Southern Sky Column, was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, after the film Avatar, whose floating mountains were partly inspired by the area.
It is not only about views. You can ride the Bailong Elevator, a glass lift up a cliff, take cable cars to high viewpoints, and walk out on glass bridges and walkways.
What to see
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: the pillar renamed in 2010, in the main Forest Park area.
- Bailong Elevator: a glass lift built into the cliff, about 326 metres high, opened in 2002. It is called the world's tallest outdoor lift.
- Tianzi Mountain: one of the best viewpoints over the pillars, reached by cable car.
- Tianmen Mountain: a separate mountain with a famous road of 99 bends and a natural hole in the rock called Heaven's Gate.
- Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: a glass-bottomed bridge 430 metres long and 300 metres above the canyon, opened in 2016.
Check what is open before you plan. Reports in 2026 say the upper section of the Tianmen Mountain cable car has been closed for rebuilding, and its cableways have had several maintenance closures. Look at the park's official channels or ask your hotel.
Two days in the park
Do not try to see everything in one day. Split the Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain over two days, and book tickets in advance.
- Day 1, early morningGo into the Forest Park as soon as it opens. Take the Bailong Elevator up and see Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.
- Day 1, afternoonTake a cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for the big views.
- Day 2, morningGo to Tianmen Mountain early. Tickets are for a time slot and are booked in your name.
- Day 2, afternoonSee the glass walkway and Heaven's Gate. If you have time, add the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.
- EveningEat in Wulingyuan or in Zhangjiajie city.
Where it is and how to get there
Zhangjiajie is in Hunan province, in central China. The park is roughly 35 to 50 km from the main airport and train stations.
- By plane Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport has flights from many Chinese cities. From Changsha the flight takes about 70 minutes.
- By high-speed train Trains go to Zhangjiajie West station. From Changsha the trip takes roughly 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the train, so check the timetable.
- To the park Neither the airport nor the train stations are in Wulingyuan. Expect a transfer of 35 to 50 km by taxi or shared coach.
- Tickets In 2026, a 4-day Forest Park ticket costs roughly ¥225 to ¥240 in peak season, depending on the source. Tianmen Mountain is about ¥278 and the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge about ¥178. Cable cars and the elevator cost extra, and tickets are linked to your passport details.
Visa: many travellers need a visa for China, and the rules differ by passport. Some countries have 30-day visa-free entry under a scheme that runs to the end of 2026, but not every country is on the list. Check with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you book flights.
Where to stay: Wulingyuan or Zhangjiajie city?
Wulingyuan
The town at the park entrances. Hotels and guesthouses are close to the gates, so you can start early.
Best for: being first in the parkZhangjiajie city
More choice and restaurants, and close to the main train station, but a longer ride to the park.
Best for: more choice and lower pricesWhen to go
- Spring April to May. Fresh green forest, mild weather and frequent mist.
- Summer June to August. Warm and green, but humid and rainy, and busy in the school holidays.
- Autumn September to October. Clear days and good colours. Avoid China's National Day holiday in the first week of October, when the park is very crowded and prices jump.
- Winter December to February. Cold and quiet, and sometimes snowy. Some paths and cable cars may close.
Our tips for Zhangjiajie
- Book tickets ahead. Entry is limited and linked to your passport. Book before you arrive, especially around holidays.
- Go in the early morning. The paths and the elevator fill up by mid-morning.
- Guard your food. Wild monkeys live in the park and will grab snacks.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There are many steps, even if you use the cable cars.
- Check what is open. Cable cars and sections can close for maintenance. Check the day before.
Don't make these mistakes
- Trying to see everything in one day. The park is huge, and Tianmen Mountain is a separate trip. Give it two days if you can.
- Going in the first week of October. It is one of China's busiest holidays, and the park is packed.
- Staying far from the park. The transfer takes time. A hotel in Wulingyuan saves you an hour or more.
- Not checking visa rules. Many passports need a visa before you travel.
- Forgetting your passport. Tickets are checked against it.
Quick answers
How many days do I need in Zhangjiajie?
Two days covers the Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain. Add a third day for the Grand Canyon and a slower pace.
Is this really the Avatar mountain?
One of its pillars was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in 2010. The film's floating mountains were partly inspired by the area.
How much do tickets cost?
Roughly ¥225 to ¥240 for a 4-day Forest Park ticket in peak season, about ¥278 for Tianmen Mountain, and about ¥178 for the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, plus cable cars. Prices change, so check before you go.
Do I need a visa?
Many travellers do. The rules differ by passport and have been changing, so check with a Chinese embassy or consulate.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn. Avoid the first week of October.
A note on prices: fees, opening hours and timetables change, and we update them every year. The details in this guide were checked in autumn 2026 and may be different by the time you travel, so please confirm them on the official website before you book.
