Zhangjiajie travel guide
Updated 9 November 2026
Thousands of sandstone pillars rising out of the mist — the scenery that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Plan at least two full days in the park.
Time needed3 days
Best timeApril–June, September–November
Chinese name张家界
240-hour transitYes — approved port
Visa-free entry to Zhangjiajie
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: Hunan Province.
Check your passport for Zhangjiajie →
Top things to do
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan). Multi-day ticket; highlights include Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain and the Bailong glass elevator.
- Tianmen Mountain. Long cable car, cliff-side glass walkways and the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge. Glass-bottomed bridge over a deep canyon.
Getting around
Stay at Wulingyuan for the Forest Park entrance. Hehua Airport (DYG) is a 240-hour transit port; high-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie West to Changsha and beyond.
Where to stay
- Wulingyuan — Next to the main park entrance
- Zhangjiajie city — For Tianmen Mountain and the airport
Hotels in Zhangjiajie that accept foreigners Affiliate link
Day trips
- Fenghuang ancient town (a long day or overnight)
What to eat
- Tujia-style cured meats
- Hunan spicy dishes