Zhangjiajie Travel Guide: attractions, itinerary, hotels, food, things to do, etc.

Zhangjiajie is a combination of the beauty of Guilin, marvel of Mount Huangshan, the danger of Mount Hua and majesty of Mount Tai.Thus, it is known as a broadened potted landscape and miniature fairy mountain.it is located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, China. Hunan is bordered by several provinces: to the north by Hubei, to the southeast by Guangdong, to the south by Guangxi, to the west by Guizhou, and to the northwest by Chongqing.Zhangjiajie's unique geographical position places it amidst the scenic beauty and rich cultural tapestry of the Wuling Mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Breif culture

Zhangjiajie, a major tourist destination in Hunan Province, is one of China's key travel cities.The history of Zhangjiajie can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, with evidence of human habitation found in the area. However, it was not until the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912) that the area began to flourish.During the Ming Dynasty, the area was a major source of wood for building the Forbidden City in Beijing. The wood was transported along the waterways, which were a major means of transportation at the time. During the Qing Dynasty, the area became an important center for salt production, which was used to finance the imperial court.

Now Zhangjiajie is famous for Wulingyuan Scenic Area ranked on UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, the floating pillars shooting straight up just like in “Avatar film, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tian Men Mountain Zhangjiajie, Grand Canyon Zhangjiajie Scenic Area.Zhangjiajie is also home to some ethnic minorities such as the Tujia, Miao and Bai, who still live in a traditional way and with different cultural. Every year, Zhangjiajie attracts countless domestic and international tourists.

Best time to visit Zhangjiajie

Tianzi Mountain in zhangjiajie

When is the best time to travel to Zhangjiajie?

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is from April to October. During this optimal period, the climate in Zhangjiajie is pleasant, with suitable temperatures in the mountains, so you won't feel extremely hot. The natural landscape is at its most beautiful, making it the best time to visit Zhangjiajie.

But in winter time sometimes the parks are covered with snow also very pretty in the Zhangjiajie national park, if you would like to see the beauty of rime ice, winter time also is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie.

Attractions to visit

Attractions in zhangjiajie

One of the most popular travel regions in China is Zhangjiajie with so many amazing natural parks surrounded by unique scenery. There are some attractions you must to know it, a stunning city, boasts a variety of breathtaking natural wonders, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park,including the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, home to thousands of sandstone pillars and stunning waterfalls, the floating pillars shooting straight up just like in “Avatar film,the Glass Bridge, the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, Tianmen Mountain, with its spectacular cable car ride and cliff-hanging walkway, and the charming Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a natural wonderland with crystal-clear water, lush forests, and towering cliffs.

Cultural experiences, hands-on activities

Zhangjiajie not only offers breathtaking perfect natural scenery but also boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage that is well worth exploring. As you know, Zhangjiajie is rich in cultural heritage, home to diverse ethnic groups including the Tujia and Miao, whose traditions and customs have been preserved for centuries. In the ethnic village, experiences Mountain tea culture, you can visiting a less known tea plantation, learn how to pick tea leaves from an experienced worker. hands-on cultural activities that allow visitors to experience and learn about the region's traditional culture and customs. example: Paper-cutting, Tujia embroidery, Cooking classes.learning traditional Tujia embroidery techniques, making Miao silver ornaments, participating in ethnic minority dance performances, and attending local festivals and celebrations, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of the area.

Top activities in Zhangjiajie>>

Best places to visit

The Glass Walkway at Grand Canyon

Zhangjiajie is a high tourist place among the top highlights and sceneries of China. The diverse typography of the place erected it as one of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world. The best places to visit in Zhangjiajie is not only the wulingyuan area Scenic has unforgettable views, but also in center of the City, there are famous Tianmen Mountain looks like a gateway to a fairy land, The Huanglong Cave with charming stalactite,and the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge challenge yourselves.

There are another best place to visit is The ancient town of Fenghuang makes you feel like you are stepping back in time.

Local Cuisines and food

stone ear chicken in zhangjiajie

if you visiting Zhangjiajie, besides breathtaking scenery you won't to miss the unique local cuisine and experience with the Tujia ethnic food culture. Xiang Cuisine, is one of the 8 Famous Cuisines in China. Below are some most well-known cuisines: Zhangjiajie Stinky Tofu, Tujia Smoked Meat,Tujia San Xia Guo,stone ear chicken,Xiangxi Wild Mushroom Hotpot ect.

More local cuisines and food information>>

Where to stay, hotels and boutiques

Zhangjiajie is divided into two main areas: Wulingyuan Scenic Area and Zhangjiajie City. If you plant to see Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, Huangshizhai, and Huanglong Cave, it is recommended to stay near the Wulingyuan Scenic Area as it is large and the tickets are valid for three days. The drive from Zhangjiajie City to Wulingyuan is quite far, so it is advisable to choose hotels near the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, if you goning to visit Tianmen Mountain, Grand Canyon, you can choice the hotel in Zhangjiajie City.

Hotels in Zhangjiajie City: Sunshine Hotel & Resort Zhangjiajie
Hotels in Wulingyuan: Hangjiajie Creek Hotel
Hotels in Fenghuang: Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hot Springs Fenghuang

Zhangjiejia

Local culture and custom

Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan Province, China, is not only renowned for its stunning natural landscapes but also for its rich and diverse local culture. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities, each with their own unique customs, traditions, and art forms. Such as Crying Marriage ,Hand-Waving Dance Gannian Festival .

What are the best local souvenirs or specialties worth buying as gifts?

When visiting Zhangjiajie, there are several local souvenirs and specialties that make great gifts:Tujia Smoked Meat a type of meat that is smoked over a wood fire for several days, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor.Mountain tea Rare teas are exquisite treasures among teas.Ear of rock, grows on the sandstone cliff in Wuling mountains region. It looks like fungus, wood ear or tree ear.Miao Silver Jewelry,Tujia Embroidery ect.

Transportation, how to get to and leave

By Air

Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, which is located at Hehua (Lotus) Village, Yongding District, 5km (3 miles) to Zhangjiajie City, by air it has offered over 50 air routes to not only inland Chinese cities but also Hong Kong and Macau. here are direct flights from Zhangjiajie to Hong Kong, Beijing, Changzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shantou. Wuhan, Xiamen, Yichang, Zhuhai, and Changsha. Flights leave for Changsha and Guangzhou leave daily.

By Train

There are two railway stations in Zhangjiajie. One is a small station located in Cili County which is used for local traffic. The other is the main Zhangjiajie Railway Station located in Yongding District 12 kilometers from the city center. There are regular trains to Zhangjiajie from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Nanning, Guiyang, Yichang, Zhanjiang, Zunyi etc, but it is important to note that China currently does not have a high-speed train directly to Zhangjiajie, you can only take it to Changsha.

Travel Tips and taboos

Avoid joining low-cost tours, especially those focused on shopping.
Do not walk in remote, unlit areas at night.
Do not trust strangers who approach you with unsolicited offers or enticements.
Do not climb unmarked mountain paths on your own.

Customize Your Unique Zhangjiajie Tour

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Zhangjiajie tour, please visit our Zhangjiajie Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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