Zhangjiajie Wonderland 4-Day Tour

Tour Overview

Step into a landscape that inspired the floating mountains of James Cameron’s Avatar. Zhangjiajie’s towering sandstone pillars, draped in mist and ancient pines, create one of Earth’s most otherworldly sceneries. This 4-day adventure takes you through the UNESCO-listed national park, up the world’s longest cable car to Tianmen Mountain, and across the heart-stopping Glass Skywalk suspended 1,400 meters above the valley floor.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie

Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, take an optional evening stroll through Xibu Street, a recreated ancient town with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Yuanjiajie

Full day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest park and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Take the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator at 326 meters, up to the Yuanjiajie scenic area.

Walk among the towering sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains. Visit the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (formerly Southern Sky Column), the First Natural Bridge, and the Back Garden. Descend via the Tianzi Mountain cable car for different perspectives of the pillar forest.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (park restaurant)

Day 3: Tianmen Mountain - Glass Skywalk

Morning ride the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, the world’s longest passenger cableway at 7,455 meters, ascending from the city center to the mountain summit. The 30-minute journey offers breathtaking views of the city, countryside, and dramatic cliffs.

At the summit, walk the cliff-hanging Glass Skywalk, a transparent walkway attached to the sheer cliff face 1,400 meters above sea level. Visit Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), a massive natural arch through the mountain that requires climbing 999 steps known as the Stairway to Heaven.

Descend via the mountain road with its famous 99 hairpin turns, or take the cable car back down.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (mountain restaurant)

Day 4: Golden Whip Stream - Departure

Morning leisurely hike along Golden Whip Stream, a 7.5-kilometer trail following a crystal-clear brook through a canyon of towering peaks. This relatively flat walk offers a different perspective of the park, with lush vegetation and wildlife including wild monkeys.

Transfer to Zhangjiajie airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel)

Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip for mountain trails
• Weather can change quickly; bring a light rain jacket
• The Glass Skywalk requires shoe covers (small fee) to protect the glass
• Avoid peak Chinese holidays when parks are extremely crowded
• Morning visits often have clearer views; afternoon mist adds atmosphere
• The Bailong Elevator and cable cars may close in severe weather
• Bring snacks and water as park restaurants have limited options
• Those with fear of heights may find the Glass Skywalk challenging
• Best photography during or after rain when mist swirls around peaks