Zhangjiajie 张家界
Sandstone pillars, cliff walkways and cable cars
Good forNature
Suggested stay3–4 days
Best timeApril–May and September–October
A mountain area in northwest Hunan known for thousands of tall quartz-sandstone pillars in the Wulingyuan UNESCO site. Visitors come to hike and ride lifts between viewpoints. Plan at least two full days in the parks.
Highlights
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — multi-day ticket with in-park buses; passport required
- Yuanjiajie and the Bailong (Hundred Dragons) cliff elevator
- Tianzi Mountain viewpoints
- Golden Whip Stream — flat walk along a valley floor
- Tianmen Mountain — long cable car from the city, cliff walkways and Tianmen Cave
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge
Food to try
- Tujia-style smoked pork (larou)
- Sanxiaguo (three-pot dry hotpot)
- Hunan chilli dishes
- Rice tofu
Getting there
Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG). About 3 hours by high-speed train from Changsha.
Train times are typical; check current timetables on 12306 or Trip.com.
When to go
Best: April–May and September–October. Avoid or plan for: Golden Week and summer holidays (long queues for lifts and buses); rainy June–July; icy paths in winter.
Good to know
- Wulingyuan (the national park area) is about 40 minutes from Zhangjiajie city; many visitors stay near the park gates.
- Park tickets are real-name and linked to your passport; first entry may use facial verification.
- Low cloud and fog are common and can hide the views.
Visa notes
- Visa-free entry: citizens of 79 countries can visit China for up to 30 days or more without a visa. Check your passport →
- 240-hour transit: Zhangjiajie is inside the area you may visit on China's 240-hour visa-free transit (for 57 nationalities, flying on to a third country).