Zhangjiajie
Walk Among the Floating Mountains That Inspired Avatar
Why Visit Zhangjiajie
Avatar Mountains
Stand among the 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars that rise impossibly from misty valleys — the real-life inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron's Avatar.
Heaven's Gate
Scale the 999 steps to Tianmen Mountain's magnificent natural arch — a 131.5-meter hole through the mountain known as "Heaven's Gate." The winding 99-bend road below is one of the world's most dramatic drives.
Record-Breaking Glass Bridge
Cross the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, suspended 300 meters above Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. At 430 meters long, walking on transparent glass above the abyss is both terrifying and exhilarating.
Underground Wonderland
Explore Yellow Dragon Cave, one of China's largest karst caves, filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and vast caverns lit with colorful lights — a subterranean world of natural artistry.
Top Attractions
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China's first UNESCO Global Geopark and the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Take the Bailong Elevator — the world's tallest outdoor lift — up to Yuanjiajie for views of the "Southern Sky Pillar" (now renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain). The Golden Whip Stream trail offers a gentler perspective from the valley floor.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Set Guinness World Records for both height and length when it opened. The transparent glass panels look straight down 300 meters to the canyon floor. For thrill-seekers, there's also the world's highest bungee jump (260m) available on site. Book tickets well in advance during peak seasons.
Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate Mountain)
Take the world's longest cable car (7.5 km) from downtown Zhangjiajie to the summit. Walk the thrilling cliff-hanging glass walkways including the "Walk of Faith" — a 60-meter glass skywalk. The 999-step staircase to Heaven's Gate is said to bring good fortune to those who climb it.
Baofeng Lake
A serene, emerald lake nestled deep in the mountains, surrounded by sandstone peaks and dense forest. Take a traditional wooden boat ride while local Tujia singers serenade you from the shore. The reflection of peaks in the still water creates perfectly symmetrical photographs.
Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Dong)
One of China's most impressive show caves with 15 km of explored passages. Highlights include the Dragon Palace — a cavern so large it could fit three football fields — and the "Magic Needle," a 19.2-meter stalagmite insured for 100 million yuan. Boat rides take you along the underground rivers.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr-May)
Beautiful weather (15-25°C) with fresh green foliage and blooming azaleas. Misty mornings create the quintessential "floating mountains" effect photographers dream of. Rain is common but usually brief.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The most comfortable season — crisp, clear days (15-25°C) and lower humidity. The autumn foliage turns the mountains gold and red. September-October is peak photography season with the best visibility for panoramic views.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm (25-33°C) and humid with frequent rain. The upside: waterfalls are at their most powerful and the mist creates dramatic atmosphere. Weekends and Chinese holidays bring crowds — arrive at park gates at opening time.
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Cold (0-8°C) with occasional snow. Snow-covered pillars are a rare and spectacular sight. Significantly fewer visitors and lower prices. Tianmen Mountain's snow-dusted walkways and icicle-covered cliffs are breathtaking. Some glass walkways may close in icy conditions.
Sample Tours Featuring Zhangjiajie
Hunan Discovery Tours
Explore Zhangjiajie's floating peaks alongside Fenghuang Ancient Town — one of China's most beautiful riverside villages — and the spicy culinary capital of Changsha. Multiple itineraries from 4 to 8 days.
View ToursPrivate Zhangjiajie Adventure
Custom itinerary with your own guide — sunrise at the Grand Viewing Platform, skip-the-line Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain sunrise hike, Tujia village homestay, and a sunset cable car descent over the 99 bends.
Plan My TripStep Into Pandora
Walk among the floating peaks, cross the glass bridge, and discover a world beyond imagination.
Plan Your Journey