Experience the surreal sandstone peaks in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain on epic Zhangjiajie tours, discovering floating Avatar Mountain and thrilling glass sky walks, and connecting with local Tujia ethic people along the way. Here are top 7 things to do in Zhangjiajie for friends, families with kids, and couples traveling to Zhangjiajie.
Take the Bailong Elevator Straight up to Yuanjiajie and Discover Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain
The 326-meter-high Bailong Elevator is the world’s tallest outdoor elevator. And it takes only 1 minute and 28 seconds to reach the top of the peaks in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Here you will find the peculiar quartz sandstone pillar-like peaks, which inspired the “Hallelujah Mountain” in the Avatar movie. Not far away is another natural wonder of Zhangjiajie, the First Bridge under Heaven.
Challenge zhangjiajie’s Glass Sky Walks
For thriller seekers, you will love the 60-meter long Tianmen Mountain glass walkway, suspended from a 1,400-meter cliff. Or challenge the world’s highest and longest glass bridge spanning the 300-meter-high Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Experience the thrill and excitement of sky walking.
Climb to Tianmen Mountain and visit Tianmen Cave
Take the world’s longest cable car (7.5 kilometers) up to the mountain, overlooking the 99 curves of the “Avenue to Heaven”. Climb the 999 steps to explore the Tianmen Cave, a giant natural cave that opens to the heavens. There is also the mysterious Tianmen Temple, the Ghost Valley Trail on the cliff, and the elevator through the mountain. Tianmen Mountain is an explorer’s paradise and a must-see on your China tours to Zhangjiajie.
Hike the Mountains and Valleys of Zhangjiajie
For hiking enthusiasts, Zhangjiajie has several of China’s top hiking trails. In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Golden Whip Stream Hiking trail is 7.5 kilometers, where you may encounter wild macaque herds. Hike the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Trail through forests, streams and waterfalls for a natural adventure and fresh air. Hike the peaks and forests of Tianzi Mountain and take pictures of the sunset at the Royal Pen Summit.
Watch West Hunan Tujia Ethnic Show
For tourists who like to watch shows, don’t miss the Tianmen Mountain Fox Fairy Show, a large-scale live-action landscape show with the Tianmen Mountain as the backdrop. Learn about the local legends and stories, enjoy the original Tujia singing and dancing performance, which is complemented by the ultimate sound, light and music. Feel the passion and cultural charm of the Chinese ethnic minorities.
Zhangjiajie Photography Tour
Zhangjiajie’s peaks, such as Avatar Mountain and Royal Pen Peak, are breathtaking in the mist and light, making Zhangjiajie a paradise for photographers.
Taste Authentic Zhangjiajie Cuisine
Zhangjiajie cuisine is a typical Xiangxi (West Hunan) flavor, with a salty and spicy taste. The signature dishes include dry pot Three times (cured meat, fat intestines and pig’s stomach) and Blood Cake Duck (glutinous rice filling duck soup). The local rice wine is also worth a try.
There are more things to do include white water surfing, Yellow Dragon Cave exploration, and Baofeng Lake boat ride.
