Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most famous natural destinations in China, located in the north of Hunan Province. Known worldwide as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, the park offers surreal sandstone pillars, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.
With its unique landscapes, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure travelers.
More beautiful landscapes in China:
- Where is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
- How to get to Avatar Mountains
- By Plane
- By Train
- By Bus / Tour
- Tickets & Entrance
- Best time to visit
- What to see in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
- Bailong Elevator
- Tianzi Mountain
- Golden Whip Stream
- Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
- Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Where to stay in Zhangjiajie
- Zhangjiajie city
- Wulingyuan Town
- Travel tips
- Suggested itinerary (1–2 Days)
- Is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park worth visiting?
Where is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
The park is located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China, about 330 km from Changsha, the provincial capital.
- Nearest airport: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (~30 min from the city)
- Nearest train station: Zhangjiajie Railway Station
How to get to Avatar Mountains
By Plane
- Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu.
- From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle bus to Zhangjiajie city center or the park entrance.
By Train
- High-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie to Changsha, Chengdu, and other major cities.
- From the railway station, take a taxi or bus to the park.
By Bus / Tour
- Many travelers take organized tours from nearby cities like Changsha or Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Tickets & Entrance
- Entrance fee: 248 CNY (subject to seasonal changes)
- Cable cars and scenic elevators: additional cost (~80–100 CNY per ride)
- Recommended: purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season (April–October)
Best time to visit
- Spring (March–May): mild temperatures, blooming flowers
- Autumn (September–November): clear skies, vibrant autumn colors
- Summer (June–August): warm, but can be crowded
- Winter (December–February): fewer tourists, cold weather, some areas may close
What to see in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
- Famous sandstone pillars inspired the movie Avatar
- Best viewpoints: Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and the Golden Whip Stream area
- Sunrise and sunset offer spectacular lighting for photography
Bailong Elevator
The world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator (~330 meters), ot offers panoramic views of the mountains and forest
- Quick way to access Yuanjiajie area – and better way to use it from down to the top! Not from the top to bottom!
Tianzi Mountain
Known as the “Monarch of the Peak Forest”， it offers stunning views of peaks, clouds, and valleys
- Cable car available to reach the summit
Golden Whip Stream
- A scenic walking path along a clear river
- Perfect for hiking, surrounded by towering sandstone pillars
- Easy to moderate difficulty, suitable for families
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
This is the heart of the “Avatar Mountains” experience. Famous viewpoints: First Bridge under Heaven, Laowang Peak
- Best for capturing iconic floating mountain landscapes
Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Not inside the park, but nearby (~40 km)
- One of the longest and highest glass bridges in the world
- Thrilling experience for adventure seeker
Where to stay in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie city
- Budget to mid-range hotels available
- There are more restaurants, transport options in the city
- Esy to get there – airport and railway stations are located nearby
- Farther from park entrances (~30 min drive), so if you
If you plan to see Tianmen Mountain you should go the Zhangjiajie city – it is not far from the city center and this location is separated from Avatar mountains.
Wulingyuan Town
- Closest town to park entrances
- Ideal for staying overnight before early park visits
- Hotels and guesthouses range from budget to mid-range
- Recommended: stay 1–2 nights
Travel tips
- Wear comfortable shoes — expect lots of walking and stairs
- Bring water and snacks for hikes – many locations are far from the shops, and prices are higher then in the city nearby
- Start early to avoid crowds – the best option is to arrive 15 min before the park opens
- Weather can change quickly; bring a light rain jacket
- Use the cable cars to save time and energy
- Respect local rules — stay on marked trails
Suggested itinerary (1–2 Days)
Day 1:
- Morning: Enter via Golden Whip Stream
- Afternoon: Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie
- Sunset: Tianzi Mountain
Day 2:
- Morning: Explore Yuanjiajie fully
- Optional: Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Afternoon: Return to Wulingyuan or Zhangjiajie City
Is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park worth visiting?
Absolutely — it’s one of the most iconic landscapes in China and a bucket-list destination for international travelers. Its unique combination of towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and cinematic vistas make it unforgettable.
