Zhangjiajie offers two culinary highlights: fiery Hunan cuisine and exotic Tujia dishes, both of which feature bold chili heat, oily but umami taste, and a little sour flavor.
Remember to tell the waiter your preferred level of spiciness before ordering, but even so, the dishes may still be a bit spicy, given the locals' tolerance for it.
What to Expect with Hunan Cuisine and Tujia Food
Standard Zhangjiajie cuisineHunan cuisine (also known as Xiang cuisine, 湘菜) is known as one of the eight major traditional Chinese cuisines, with a preference for pickles over complex spice blends. Common cooking methods include stewing, frying, braising, and smoking.
The Tujia minority in Zhangjiajie adds more wild herbs, mountain freshness, and traditional preservation techniques for their exotic tastes, such as pickled vegetables and smoked meats.
Both cuisines follow Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, using hot and sour flavors to balance the region's humid climate.
Zhangjiajie local fish hot pot with green chilies- Is Hunan Cuisine Spicy? Is It Easily Accepted?
Authentic Hunan cuisine is indeed very spicy and oily, with a strong flavor profile.
However, as a tourist city, Zhangjiajie's restaurants have significantly modified their dishes to better suit the tastes of most customers. Furthermore, you can communicate with the server before ordering to adjust the spiciness.
If you need a break from local flavors, Western food is available at international hotels, and familiar chains like Kentucky and McDonald's can easily be found.
Need personalized dining arrangements? Our local travel experts can pre-arrange restaurant bookings, communicate your dietary needs to chefs, and ensure a worry-free dining experience.
Tips for Special Dietary Needs
- For Muslim Travelers: Look for establishments with "清真" (halal) signage or those associated with Xinjiang cuisine; some restaurants can even arrange a prayer space upon request.
- For Vegetarians: Restaurants may prepare vegetable-based versions of dishes. However, they may still use animal fats for cooking. For the best experience, consider asking your guide to help you with ordering or dining at your hotel and coordinating with staff in advance to ensure suitable options.
- For Travelers with Allergies: Inform restaurant staff beforehand, and it's better to carry a translation card with your allergens listed in Chinese to ensure safe dining.
Must-Try Dishes in Zhangjiajie
When visiting Zhangjiajie, you would encounter these signature dishes at local restaurants. Here's what to order with their Chinese names for easy reference:
- Sanxiaguo (三下锅, Three-in-One Mixed Pot): A hearty hot pot mixing bacon, offal, and vegetables in spicy broth. You'll smell the smoky aroma before it arrives at your table. Choose griddle-cooked or soup style according to your preference.
- Steamed Smoked Pork with Dried Green Beans (干豆角蒸腊肉): Savory smoked pork paired with chewy dried beans, showcasing Tujia's preservation techniques.
- Yan'er Stewed Chicken (岩耳炖土鸡): Local free-range chicken stewed with yan'er (rock ear fungus), a rare lichen harvested from cliffs. The broth is warm, silky, and hearty, prized for its Chinese medicinal properties.
- Dagu Pi (打鼓皮, Drumbeat Skin): A street snack favored by locals. Beef tendon and cartilage from the spine, braised until tender with a satisfying chewy texture, then seasoned with spicy and oily ingredients.
- Chinese Giant Salamander (娃娃鱼, Baby Fish): Farm-raised salamander (wild-caught is illegal) with delicate meat, available only at licensed restaurants. Common is cooked with braising.
Where to Eat in Zhangjiajie: 2026 Restaurant Recommendations
Master Tang's Xiangxi Famous Cuisine Restaurant (唐师傅湘西名菜馆)
- Location: No.463, Wuling Road, Wulingyuan District
- Average price: CNY 70/person (approximately US$10)
A long-standing Western tourist favorite, known for big portions, fast service, and cleanliness. You can choose between non, mildly, or extremely spicy levels, and vegetarian options are available.
Dadui Old Fishing Village 1973 (大队老渔村1973)
- Location: Opposite Yunxi Manor, Xiangzhang Road, Wulingyuan District
- Average price: CNY 90/person (approximately US$13)
Featured on variety shows, this restaurant offers a 1970s-style immersive fishing village atmosphere. Don't miss their signature braised Chinese giant salamander.
Suoxi Shanzhai (索溪山寨, Suoxi Mountain Village)
- Location: Intersection of Jundi Road and Tuofeng Road, Wulingyuan District
- Average price: CNY 70-90/person (approximately US$10-13)
A local favorite offering an authentic Tujia atmosphere with refined flavors suitable for those who prefer milder spice levels. The environment is also excellent with traditional Tujia decor.
Zhaizili Bobo Cai (寨子里的钵钵菜, The village's pot-boiled dishes)
- Location: No.396, Jundi Road, Wulingyuan District
- Average price: CNY 40-60/person (approximately US$6-9)
Experience Tujia-style stews served in traditional earthenware bowls. The presentation is unique, and the flavors are rich and comforting.
Rong'er Jia Xiaochao Guan (容儿家小炒馆, Rong'er's Stir-Fry Restaurant)
- Location: No. 53, Nanzhuang Road, Yongding District (Downtown Zhangjiajie)
- Average price: CNY 30-40/person (approximately US$4-6)
A cozy local eatery with smaller portions but excellent taste and a pleasant environment. Perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Zhu'naoke Cold Noodles (猪脑壳凉面, Cold noodles with pig head)
- Location: Intersection of Wuling Road and Tianzi Road, Wulingyuan District
- Average price: CNY 15-25/person (approximately US$2-4)
Don't be scared by the shop's name; not every bowl of noodles comes with pig brain.
Famous for bouncy potato noodles and cold noodles with savory toppings. Locals swear by adding pig ear for extra crunch. Their desserts, like red bean taro ice, are also popular.
Cili Rice Noodles / Liulongzi Noodle Shop (慈利米粉/刘聋子粉馆)
- Location:
- Cili Rice Noodles: Building 2, Guyong Courtyard, Wulingyuan District
- Liulongzi Noodle Shop: Intersection of Jiefang Road and Pedestrian Street, Yongding District (Downtown Zhangjiajie)
- Average price: CNY 10-20/person (approximately US$1-3)
Your top choice for breakfast in Zhangjiajie. Local chain restaurants serve Zhangjiajie-style rice noodles with unique toppings like beef, pig trotters, pickled vegetables, and mushrooms. The noodles are bouncy and mildly spicy, making them the perfect fuel for a day of hiking.
Guzhang Teppanyaki (古仗铁板烧)
- Location: No. 425, Yingbin Road, Yongding District (Downtown Zhangjiajie)
- Average price: CNY 30-40/person (approximately US$4-6)
Street-style teppanyaki featuring sausages, squid, and pork grilled with aromatic spices on a sizzling iron plate. Be sure to add some crisp, local pickled radishes for extra texture and flavor. Quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
Cha Yan Yue Se (茶颜悦色, cytea)
- Location: Intersection of Jundi Road and Wuling Road, Wulingyuan District
- Average price: CNY 15-25/cup (approximately US$2-4)
Hunan's iconic milk tea brand has unique Chinese-style flavors. A must-try for beverage lovers visiting the province, especially if you are not planning to visit another Hunan city.
Other national chains like Heytea are also available, but can be found elsewhere in China.
Touring Zhangjiajie with China Highlights
Food-wise and for many other reasons, in Zhangjiajie, it is better to travel with a local travel guide who can recommend restaurants and order dishes according to your requirements.
Our travel advisors can help you book hotels with the best dining options, and our guides can take you to the finest local restaurants and help navigate menus.
Please feel free to contact us if you need any assistance with your Zhangjiajie tour.
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