Zhangjiajie, China - Travel Guide

Zhangjiajie is renowned for its surreal, towering sandstone pillars, lush valleys, and dense forests, which inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. It offers breathtaking natural landscapes, unique geological formations, and stunning hiking trails for an unforgettable adventure.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

WulingyuanTianmen MountainAvatar MountainsHunanChina National Forest Park

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Zhangjiajie is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons and high humidity.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jul
Aug
Cold Season: Dec
Feb
Monsoon Season: Apr
Jul
Floods: Jun
Jul

Getting There

Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou (2
4h, \~$100
300)
High
speed rail to Zhangjiajie West Station from Changsha (3h, \~$30) or other major cities
Long
distance buses from surrounding provinces are also available

Getting Around

Taxis are readily available
Didi (ride
sharing app) works
Local buses connect attractions and the city
Private car hire with a driver is common for exploring the national park

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio) recommended
Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid recommended
No specific altitude sickness concerns for most areas, but Tianmen Mountain and some peaks are high
Consult doctor for specific advice

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available in China through local providers
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the main networks
Airalo and Nomad eSIM can work, but a local SIM is often more reliable for extensive use

Local Cuisine

Three in One Pot (Sanxiaguo) regional_speciality

This is one of Zhangjiajie's most distinctive Tujia cuisines, often served as a dry or wet pot. It is known for its spicy, numbing, and savory flavors

Zhangjiajie Stinky Tofu street_food

A local variation of the popular fermented tofu dish, this snack is characterized by its strong pungent aroma and spicy seasoning. Despite the smell,

Chicken Stew with Shi'er must_try

This prized stew features tender chicken and a flavorful broth with a unique aroma, incorporating Shi'er (rock ear), a precious healthy food material.

Tujia Steamed Pork (Kourou) regional_speciality

This dish features steamed pork belly that, when savored slowly, leaves a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth. It is a very popular dish offered

Tujia Smoked Meat with Bracken Jelly regional_speciality

This unique delicacy combines the fragrant and glutinous bracken jelly which absorbs the savory flavor of cured (smoked) meat. The result is a rich an

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entry Tickets Attraction

Book at least 1 week in advance, especially for peak season

Advance booking is recommended to guarantee availability, skip the lines, and is often required for the real-name entry system.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Bailong Elevator and Tianzi Cablecar Tickets Transport

Book at least 1 week in advance or upon arrival for busy days

These attractions within the park often have long queues; advance booking can secure your spot and reduce waiting time during busy periods.

Fun Facts

1. The unique quartz sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park served as the real-world inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar."
2. Zhangjiajie is home to the Bailong Elevator, which holds the Guinness World Record for the "Highest Outdoor Elevator," rapidly ascending the sheer cliff face.
3. The area features a humid subtropical monsoon climate, meaning the warmth and humidity that cultivate its unique ecosystem can cause a significant temperature drop between the mountain peaks and the valleys.
4. Zhangjiajie City boasts the world's longest cable car ride, transporting visitors up Tianmen Mountain to see the famous 'Heaven's Door' cave formation.

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