If you want to visit Zhangjiajie in 2025, the first thing you want to know is how to get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Here are some easy ways to get there:
International flights with domestic connections
First fly to a major city in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou.
Then transfer from these cities to Zhangjiajie Lotus Airport.
High Speed Train Alternative
If you are traveling from Beijing or Shanghai, you can take a high speed train to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (the journey takes about 5-7 hours and the ticket price is about 600-900 RMB).
After arriving at Zhangjiajie West Station, take a taxi to the Forest Park (about 40 minutes, cost about 80 RMB).
From the city center to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tourist line bus:
There is a bus every 30 minutes from the downtown bus station (e.g. Center Bus Station), the ticket price is 30 RMB, and it takes 1 hour to reach the east gate of the scenic spot directly.
Bus route:
Take the No. 14 bus (fare 2 yuan, ride about 1 hour), stopping at major downtown stations.
Taxi/Internet car:
It takes about 40 minutes from downtown to the east gate and costs 150-200 RMB.
Self-driving:
Use the navigation to go to “Forest Park East Gate (Wujiayu Ticket Station)” and drive along National Highway G241, about 30 minutes to arrive.
Why is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Famous?
World-class geological wonders:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is famous for its more than 3,000 quartz sandstone peaks and forests, which were formed hundreds of millions of years ago, making it a globally unique natural wonder.
It is a World Natural Heritage site with 98% forest coverage and fresh air, known as the “Natural Oxygen Bar”.
Iconic attractions include: Yuanjiajie’s “Qiankun Pillar” (the prototype of “Hallelujah”, the levitating mountain in “Avatar”), Tianmen Mountain’s natural cave through the mountain “Tianmen Cave” and the thrilling The glass stacks of Tianmen Mountain, and the crystal clear streams and wildlife of the Golden Whip Stream.
Rich cultural and ethnic experiences:
As a settlement of Tujia and Miao ethnic groups, visitors can experience unique ethnic cultures, such as Tujia song and dance performances (Pendulum Dance, Brocade Craft) and traditional architecture (Hanging Footstool Villages).
Diverse Adventure and Leisure Activities:
Ride the 335-meter-high Hundred Dragons Sky Ladder to the top instantly for a panoramic view.
Walk on the glass trestle and glass bridge on the cliffs to feel the heart-racing visual impact.
Easy hiking routes such as Ten Mile Gallery and Yellow Stone Village for families and nature lovers.
Recommended Nearby Attractions and Transportation
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park:
Features: glass trestle, Tianmen Cave, and the world’s longest cableway.
Transportation: take a taxi from the forest park to downtown Zhangjiajie (40 minutes, about 80 yuan), then transfer to the Tianmen Mountain Ropeway downtown.
Tour time: 6-8 hours, entrance fee 278RMB (including ropeway).
Huanglong Cave:
Features: Asia’s largest cave, underground river cruise.
Transportation: Take bus No.1 from Wulingyuan Bus Station to Huanglong Cave Station (fare 1 yuan, 15 minutes).
Visiting time: 2-3 hours, entrance fee 121 RMB.
Baofeng Lake:
Characteristics: Alpine lakes, canoeing and sightseeing.
Transportation: Take No. 2 bus directly from Wulingyuan Bus Station (fare 2 yuan, 10 minutes).
Tour time: 2 hours.
Fenghuang Ancient Town： (more distant but classic)
Features: Ancient town in western Hunan, night view of Tuojiang River.
Transportation: take a bus from Zhangjiajie Bus Station (4 hours’ drive, ticket price 80 RMB) or high speed train to Jishou East Station (1 hour, ticket price 70 RMB), then transfer to bus to Fenghuang (1 hour).
Cuisine Recommendation
Tujia specialties: three pots (bacon, tofu and vegetable stew), blood tofu (smoked pig’s blood tofu), fish in sour soup, chicken in tea oil, pan-fried pancakes.
Snacks: Zhangji Pickled Pepper Phoenix Claw (opposite the downtown cinema), Husband and Wife Radish (spicy pickled radish).
Trip Planning Suggestions
It is recommended to combine with appropriate adjustments according to individual circumstances
Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie, stay in a hotel near the Wulingyuan Sign Gate (recommended Xibu Street B&B), try the Sanxia pot for dinner.
Day 2: Visit the core attractions of the forest park (Yuanjiajie, Golden Whip Stream, Tianzi Mountain), take the Hundred Dragon Stairway (RMB 75 for one way), dinner at a farmhouse outside the scenic area.
Day 3: Day trip to Huanglong Cave + Baofeng Lake, return to downtown in the evening.
Day 4: Day trip to Tianmen Mountain, overnight in downtown.
Day 5: Optional Phoenix Ancient City in-depth tour (extra 1-2 days).
Attention
Wear non-slip sneakers, and carry raincoats during the rainy season.
Don’t expose food and avoid feeding in the monkey-infested areas of the scenic area.
Scenic environmental protection vehicles are free, but queuing is required during peak hours, so it is recommended to travel on a staggered schedule.
Phoenix ancient city bus last bus at 18:00, buy tickets in advance.
Scenic area signs are in English, but it is recommended to download the translation APP for better understanding.
Although WeChat/Alipay payment is common, it is recommended to prepare some cash.