Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan Province, China, is renowned for its stunning landscape of towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and mist-shrouded peaks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site gained international fame as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar."

Basic Facts

Established: 1982 (China's first national forest park)
Area: 11,900 acres (4,810 hectares)
Elevation: 1,300-3,540 feet (400-1,080 meters)
Notable features: Unique quartzite-sandstone formations, diverse flora and fauna

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 

Ticket Price and Validity

• Standard ticket: CNY 225
• Valid for 4 consecutive days
• Includes entry to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Tianzi Mountain
• Note: Additional fees apply for internal transportation (cable cars, elevators, etc.)

Opening Hours

• Peak Season (March 1 - November 30): 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Low Season (December 1 - February 28/29): 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What to Do at Zhangjiajie National Forest

• Explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, home to the "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain"
• Hike the Golden Whip Stream for stunning views and potential wildlife sightings
• Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor lift
• Visit Tianzi Mountain for panoramic vistas
• Explore the Ten Mile Gallery, a picturesque valley with unique rock formations
• Hike in Yangjiajie Scenic Area for less crowded but equally beautiful landscapes

Bailong Elevator

Tianzi Mountain

Ten Mile Gallery

Best Time to Visit

• April to October for pleasant weather and lush scenery
• September to November for fall colors and clearer skies
• Avoid Chinese national holidays (especially Golden Week in early October) due to crowds

Nearby Attractions

• Tianmen Mountain and its famous glass walkway
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
• Baofeng Lake
• Yellow Dragon Cave
• Fenghuang Ancient Town (about 4 hours drive)

Yellow Dragon Cave

Travel Tips

• Plan for at least 2-3 days to explore the park thoroughly
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers for changing temperatures
• Use the park's shuttle buses to save time and energy
• Bring cash, as some areas may not accept credit cards or mobile payments
• Be prepared for crowds, especially at popular viewpoints
• Bring snacks and water, though there are food vendors in the park
• Check weather forecasts, as fog can obscure views (but also create mystical scenes)
• Book accommodations in Wulingyuan town for easier park access
• Consider purchasing a park map or downloading a digital version

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers a unique and awe-inspiring natural experience. With proper planning and these tips, foreign tourists can fully appreciate the park's otherworldly beauty and create unforgettable memories.