Zhangjiajie Travel Information

Zhangjiajie Travel Guide, How to Plan a Trip to Zhangjiajie

Grace Wang
706 Words/3 Minutes, By Grace Wang, Updated January 31, 2024

Zhangjiajie is a combination of the beauty of Guilin, marvel of Mount Huangshan, the danger of Mount Hua and majesty of Mount Tai. This area consists of roads, bridges, caves, lakes and waterfalls. Thus, it is known as a broadened potted landscape and miniature fairy mountain.

Brief History

The history of Zhangjiajie can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, with evidence of human habitation found in the area. However, it was not until the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912) that the area began to flourish.

During the Ming Dynasty, the area was a major source of wood for building the Forbidden City in Beijing. The wood was transported along the waterways, which were a major means of transportation at the time. During the Qing Dynasty, the area became an important center for salt production, which was used to finance the imperial court.

In 1994, the park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2004, it was listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Today, Zhangjiajie is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the movie Avatar. It is a popular tourist destination both in China and around the world.

Attractions to visit

The Glass Walkway at Grand Canyon

Zhangjiajie, a stunning city, boasts a variety of breathtaking natural wonders, including the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, home to thousands of sandstone pillars and stunning waterfalls, the Glass Bridge, the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, Tianmen Mountain, with its spectacular cable car ride and cliff-hanging walkway, and the charming Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a natural wonderland with crystal-clear water, lush forests, and towering cliffs.

Top attractions in Zhangjiajie >>

Ineresting local cultural activities

Zhangjiajie offers visitors the opportunity to engage in various cultural hands-on activities, such as learning traditional Tujia embroidery techniques, making Miao silver ornaments, participating in ethnic minority dance performances, and attending local festivals and celebrations, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of the area.

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Hotels in Zhangjiajie, where to stay

Zhangjiejia

Zhangjiajie is home to a diverse range of hotels, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, all offering comfortable and convenient stays for visitors looking to explore the breathtaking scenery of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and other natural wonders of the region.

  • Top luxuy 5 star: InterContinental Zhangjiajie Resort
  • Standard luxury 5 star: Pullman Zhangjiajie

Best hotels in Zhangjiajie >>

Local food and restaurants

The food in Zhangjiajie is a reflection of the region's Hunan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors, featuring local specialties such as "spicy fish head," "stir-fried pork with sour cabbage," "stir-fried shredded potato," "stewed chicken with chili pepper," and "steamed rice cakes with sweet bean paste," as well as street food such as "stinky tofu," "grilled lamb skewers," and "rice noodle soup," providing a diverse culinary experience for visitors.

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Travel itineraries for Zhangjiajie

A recommended travel itinerary for Zhangjiajie might include exploring the stunning natural scenery of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, visiting the world's longest and highest glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, experiencing the thrill of a cable car ride to the top of Tianmen Mountain, and immersing oneself in the culture and history of the Tujia minority people at the Tujia Folk Customs Park.

Zhangjiajie Tour itineraries >>

When is the bes time to visit

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is from April to November when the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the park's breathtaking scenery; however, be prepared for large crowds during peak season, and it is recommended to visit in the fall months of September and October, when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, creating a picturesque backdrop for photos and a more comfortable hiking experience.

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie >>

Grace Wang

Hi, I’m Grace Wang, if you like my article, please share it with your friends. Any sugguestions on this article, please contact me. Thanks!

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