Essence of Zhangjiajie
4-Day Zhangjiajie Tour
See the most beautiful attractions of Zhangjiajie, featuring pristine natural scenery of grotesque peaks, clear water, and dense forests. Grasp the chance to visit the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge- the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. We will help you make the best use of your time and energy to see the essence of this World Heritage Site, and see in person why it inspired Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain.
Tour Highlights
- Peculiar sandstone peaks - the closest thing on earth to the Hallelujah Mountains
- Newly discovered Yangjiajie Scenic Area with a mountain fort
- The world's longest cable car to Tianmen mountain top
- Glass walkway suspended at 1,430 meters high
- Enjoy a relaxing boat ride at crystal-clear Baofeng Lake
- Visit the world-record-holding Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge!




98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
We had a wonderful time in Hunan. All sites we visited were spectacular. The Nature around Zhangjiajie is perhaps most beautiful on the Planet. The trip was prepared perfectly, and we were very lucky with the weather. Our personal guide, ToNy, was perfect: he is a very nice person, very responsive, with full head of ideas of making the trip nicer than in the itinerary. I would recommend him as a personal guide to everybody. more
May 2023,
Pawel from Warsaw
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Zhangjiajie magic
Our tour guide Tony was very friendly and enthusiastic about sharing his magical hometown. We really enjoyed our trip with him, and especially appreciated his ordering recommendations at lunch (which were all delicious), taking us to the ‘secret’ quiet spots, great photography skills and sharing facts about the local people and customs. We would recommend a trip to Zhangjiajie with China highlights and Tony to other travellers. more
Apr 2023,
Rhiannon E
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Spectacular landscapes
Our guide David from China Highlights was awesome and showed us the best spots and also some secret spots off the beaten track. He was always helpful with restaurant recommendations and make sure we have a pleasant stay. Thanks David. more
Mar 2023,
Steffen Wet
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CNY in Zhangjiajie
We are a family of four. My 10 year old twins really enjoyed the scenary and overall atmosphere in Zhangjiajie. David was very helpful and accomodating. He even took time to teach us how to make dumplings. more
Jan 2023,
Leticia D
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Great experience
We did a private tour to Zhangjiajie with China Highlights in July and had a great time! It was hot, but our tour guide Chris was awesome at making sure we went to the best places at the best times to avoid the heat and lines. He obviously knows the area inside and out! We got to see some amazing (and completely empty) parts of the park that didn’t seem to be on any other tourists radar - and they weee STUNNING. We’re so glad we did this tour! Thanks Chris!! more
Jul 2022,
clschomaker1
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Spectacular Scenery- great family trip!
Everything was so smooth and easy with them- they knew our flight had been changed (we traveled during a low season) even before we did! Everybody in our family enjoyed the stunning scenery and breathtaking/scary glass sky walks- recommend this trip for adults and families alike. Having a tour guide is best- we would have wasted a lot of time with logistics otherwise. Ann knew the best times and methods of getting around everywhere and made good recommendations on everything from food to timing. We especially appreciated that we never felt like we were being fleeced because we were tourists- nobody steering us toward overpriced junk souvenirs. We also especially enjoyed Ann’s sharing of local culture, stories, and songs (bonus: Ann has a beautiful singing voice!) more
Jun 2021,
christinajeanne
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A “Must Do” for nature lovers
It’s true what others have posted about the Chinese tourists literally pushing their way through for things, and huge queues. I’m an early riser, so I was shocked that Tony suggested we start at 10am most days; however, his logic was sound. All the Chinese tour busses are up and heading out at 730/8am and then in they are in the queues. If we had gone at that time, I would have been standing for hours for the elevator or cable cars instead of using the hotel gym or having a leisurely breakfast. more
May 2021,
MusicMandy
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DO NOT MISS Zhangjiajie
This has got to be the most beautiful place in China! It was an amazing trip! I was nervous to travel alone with two young children, but Ann made it so easy and fun! She is an excellent guide! She took us to some delicious restaurants. She even sang us some beautiful, traditional Chinese songs! more
Apr 2021,
lacallis
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Touring ZJJ with Tony !
Tony is an amazing guide! He speaks good English and is a local who shares his growing up experience in the forest and daily life with us. Thanks to his great grasp of time, we were able to tour Zhangjiajie with very little crowd and having a quiet enjoying private tour ? thank you for your friendship and see you next time! --gomell ,Singapore more
Jan 2020,
gomell
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The Most Spectacular part of our 17-day China trip
We had doubts about going to this location because generally... not big fans of landscapes and pictures and also we had quite a long whole day road to reach this place, but it turned out that it was totally worth it. These natural parks are truly amazing.We already had had high expectations about the main Zhangjiajie park and it didn't let us down at all - very unique peaks there. We were expecting this park to outshine other attractions in this area, but it came to our surprise that it didn't.For instance, Tianmen Mountain is absolutely amazing too. We understood it right after we got on the shuttle bus which goes to the top - take a look at the road itself - it is one of the most picturesque mountain road I've been to. You won't understand how huge the hole in the mountain is from the pictures - need to see it with your eyes. Also it is not only the hole itself which is beautiful there, but actually the park above the cave - and they have built some sort of scary and exciting hanging bridges on the rocks, which create even better views of the area. Also the cave near Zhangjiajie park felt like a highlight too - nor only it is absolutely huge naturally with a deep river inside, which you can move along by boat but also it is well overhauled inside with huge stairways and lights - looks like some sort of magical castle (strangely it didn't have many tourists and to us it was offered as optional - but we found it to be on par with the main parks and also a nice location to see for a change). Thanks to our lovely guide Carrie, who's got very nice and soft personality, which goes along with the mountains) She also was very kind to gift us postcards of the parks, which is good since no one prints photos anymore and now I've got something to put on the worktable. --punkloire,Moscow, Russia more
Nov 2019,
punkloire
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Amazing trip to Zhangjiajie with our guide Niki (Tan Qi)
We are halfway with our 27 days Journey to China and I think Zhangjiajie is over the top. Zhangjiajie is just amazing, from Tianzishan, the Hallelujah Mountains, Bailong Glass Elevator, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake and of course the majestic Tianmenshan. Mt. Tianmen is just amazing, from the Cable Car Ride, Glass Walkway and Heaven’s Gate. Our local guide Niki (Tan) made our 4 days in Zhangjiajie very memorable. She picked us up at the train station, was with us everyday and checked us in at the airport for our next destination, Shanghai. Niki navigated for us the complexities of going through the sites of Zhangjiajie National Park and Mt. Tianmen. She changed our itinerary as she saw fit, so we avoid the rush hour and the tons of group tours. Our queue for every site was shortened because of her efficiency. Her English is excellent and her knowledge of Zhangjiajie is vast. She comes from the minority group of Tujia. We were able to visit the highlights of Zhangjiajie because of Niki. She introduced us to Hunan Cuisine which is very delicious, we end up requesting for lunch everyday. Niki went out of her way to book us reservations to watch Charm (Xian Xi) about the culture and traditions of the minority groups of Zhangjiajie (Tuija, Bai, Miao and Han). Niki was always looking out for us, so we won’t have any problems. I highly recommend to book your Zhangjiajie trip with China Highlights and request for Niki as your guide if she’s available . You are lucky if you can find a person who speaks English, so having a local guide will make your trip more enjoyable and trouble free. --oesca, US more
Oct 2019,
oesca
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Ann can sing too
What a lovely time we had seeing the incredible national parks with our guide Ann. So personal and caring. She even entertained us with traditional songs. Can’t say enough good things about her. Terrific guide and person. --Robert D, U.S more
Oct 2019,
Robert D
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A must for aventurers! Zhangjiajie
A must for aventurers! ZhangjiajieWe spent 4 incredible days at the mountains, visited 3 different places. Each one more impressive and amazing than the previous one!! Amber was our tour guide, she was very friendly, helpful and took great pictures of us. I would definetly book my next trip with China Highligths, congratulations for your excellent customer service and the great tour guides --Bea Damm,Mexico more
Oct 2019,
Bea Damm
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What a great 3 day trip in and around Zhangjiajie with our wonderful guide Ann from China Highlights! Ann was informative, funny and very caring making our trip memorable in so many different ways. Our trip went without a hitch but for the fog and high mountain mist. Loved Tianmem Mt cable car, the spires from Zhangjiajie National Park where the scenery inspired the movie Avatar. Ps - Ann has a great voice and sings local traditional songs. --CristinaDug more
Oct 2019,
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Suggested Itinerary
Most flights land in Zhangjiajie in the evening. Upon arrival your local tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport with a name plate. If you arrive by train, your local tour guide will meet you with a name plate at the exit of the train station.
After meeting your tour guide, he/she will take you by private van and driver to your hotel. Have a good rest and be ready for the next day's adventure!
Good to know
To avoid waiting in long queues, our tour guide will suggest the best time to start the day, and might suggest you get up early or alter your attraction schedule. Please kindly understand and cooperate.
Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Wulingyuan Scenic Area, where Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located, to visit its two most classic and popular attractions.
Take a cable car up to Tianzi Mountain, and you will see large areas of grotesque peaks thrusting up. Walking along the steps spectacular views unfold in front of you from different angles.
Lunch in the moutain area is simple and in Chinese-style arranged at a local restaurant. There is a McDonald's near Tianzi mountain, if you prefer western style we can have lunch there, for a good rest indoors with air-conditioning.
In the afternoon, ride a public shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, whose mountains are said to be the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain. This area is the most visited area due to its fame. It takes about 1 hour to walk the tourist trails, before you take the shuttle bus for the cable car down the mountain.
There is another option for getting down the mountain - Bailong Elevator. This glass elevator was built on the side of a cliff, and it claims to be the world's highest of its kind. It takes only 2 minutes, but at peak times you might need to queue one or two hours to take it. If you are interested in taking the elevator, tell your guide in advance, so that he/she can arrange beforehand to avoid the long queues.
Retire to a hotel near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, to save time on transportation and avoid morning crowds on day 3.
Good to know:
Evening free time recommendation: The Xibu Ancient Streets are a Tujia minority culture and tourist area. They contain a local snack street, a folk culture souvenir street, and a bar street. About 2 km from the hotels area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, it is a convenient place to explore in your evening free time. Besides, street barbecues are very popular in Zhangjiajie. Try sitting down and enjoying the barbecue and local beer like a local!

Breakfasts offered at the hotels are usually Chinese-style, with not much choices. If you prefer, your guide can pack you some bread, instant coffee, and fruit for an alternative breakfast.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a recently developed natural wonderland. It incorporates mountains, streams, caves, cliffs and forest. The world's longest & highest glass-bottomed bridge is located in this area. Walking along this glass bridge 300 meters above ground-level will be one of the coolest experiences of your tour!
If you prefer not to walk on the bridge, we'll take another route to visit the area.
Then drive to Baofeng Lake that is in a basin in the middle of this mountainous area. You need to walk about 20 minutes to reach the lake; then you'll enjoy a 30-minute ride in a wooden boat. It is a leisurely experience as you cruise on the clear water, view hills of various shapes, and enjoy the entertainment of local minority people singing their traditional songs.
Good to know:
The world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, started trial operation on Aug. 20th, 2016. During the trial operation, entrance tickets can only be obtained by reservation, and travel agencies have first priority for ticket purchase. Tickets are limited to 8,000 per day. Book with us as soon as possible and seize the opportunity!


Your heart will beat fast at Tianmen Mountain on the world's longest cable car, the suspended glass walkway almost a mile (1,430 meters) above the ground, and the '99 Bends' mountain road.
Tianmen Mountain is regarded as the 'soul' of Zhangjiajie, its highest mountain. The views include graceful ancient trees, karst hillocks and long roads that are carved from the sides of the cliff. The cable car takes 30 minutes from the city center to the mountain top and is the longest cable in the world.
Tianmen Cave (literally 'Heaven's Gate Hole') is a 30-meter-high hole formed naturally in the mountain like a doorway, well-known for being glided through by a world-class stuntman in a wing suit. To reach the hole, you can climb for about half an hour up the 'Stairway to Heaven'.
After the trip we will send you to the airport and wave goodbye.
Good to know:
Tianmen Mountain is adjacent to Zhangjiajie city, so we put it in the last day of the tour, when its convenience for the airport / train station is most useful.


Trip Notes
1. Customizing the Tour - according to your needs
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest, and schedule.
You can extend it with an extra day to Fenghuang Ancient Town, where the daytime is picturesque and charming, and the night is lively; or with an extra day to the city of Changsha; or add one more day to discover more at the National Park (the entrance ticket is valid three days). If your time is limited, shortening by one day can also be arranged.
For a multi-city tour, we would recommend combining Zhangjiajie with Guilin (mountain and water scenery), Yangtze River cruise (relaxing cruise on the Yangtze River) or Guizhou (ethnic minority villages). Feel free to tell us your interest and idea.
Weekend Travel Idea for EXPATS, business people, etc.
If you live in China and have very limited time, but still want to explore Zhangjiajie, here is a suggested concentrated itinerary:
Friday night: Most flights land in Zhangjiajie in the evening, so you can take an evening flight after work. Cities with direct evening flights to Zhangjiajie: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, and Kunming.
Saturday: See the highlights of Zhangjiajie: Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain.
Sunday: Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie departure
2. Guiding Service
Your personal tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing guiding service and local knowledge. He/she is ready and willing to help you solve problems while on the tour.
3. Accommodation
Star-rated hotels in Zhangjiajie might not be up to the standard of those in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Most hotels in Zhangjiajie opened over 10 years ago and have not undergone renovation, so the facilities might not be very new. For example, 4-star hotels in Zhangjiajie might only compare to economy standard hotels in cities like Shanghai. The hotels we use in the tour are carefully selected based on criteria like hotel environment, location, service, and previous customer feedback. Breakfast at a 4-star hotel at Zhangjiajie is very basic, and 5-star hotels breakfast is usually Chinese style mixed with some western choices. We suggest you bring your own toiletries and towel, and if you meet any problems in your hotel, our tour guide will help you arrange with the hotel to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
If you have other hotel choices or wish to book hotels by yourself, feel free to tell us your idea.
4. Food
Restaurant and cuisine choices are very limited in the national park. We will find the best available, but it is also suggested that you bring some snacks. Local villagers sell water and food like fruits and corn on the mountains, which are good to try while you climb the steps.
As for dinners (not included in the tour), you will have better and more choices while you are down the mountain. Feel free to ask your tour guide for recommendation of restaurants and dishes to try.
There are no vegetarian restaurants available in Zhangjiajie. For vegetarian travelers, please tell us your meal requirements in advance, so that we can make relevant arrangement for you.
5. How the Weather Affects the Scenery and What to Bring
It is foggy/rainy for over 200 days per year in Zhangjiajie, but the mists make Zhangjiajie mysterious. It might rain or be foggy (obscuring some of the view), but even then the scenery is beautiful.
A pair of comfortable walking shoes with good grip is a must.
Clothing: In summer, bring mosquito repellant, sunglasses, sun block and hat. Prepare an extra light coat for the cool early mornings and evenings. Bring warm clothes for winter, but you will get warmer climbing the mountains, so layers are recommended for flexibility.
Tour Price
Price includes:
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