Zhangjiajie

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Walking and Hiking

Sections

1. Transportation to Zhangjiajie

Getting to Zhangjiajie involves a combination of air, train, or bus travel depending on your starting location.

By Air

  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG): The airport is located about 5 km (3 miles) from Zhangjiajie city center. It has direct flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiโ€™an. There are also limited international flights from Southeast Asia.
  • Transportation from the airport:
    • Taxi: Costs around 20-30 RMB to the city center.
    • Airport Shuttle Bus: Available to the city center for about 10 RMB.

By Train

  • Zhangjiajie Railway Station: Well-connected to major cities like Changsha, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. High-speed trains are available to nearby cities like Changsha, where you can transfer to Zhangjiajie.
  • Transportation from the train station:
    • Taxi: Costs around 15-25 RMB to the city center.
    • Bus: Local buses (1 RMB) connect the station to various parts of the city.

By Bus

  • Long-distance buses connect Zhangjiajie to nearby cities like Changsha, Fenghuang, and Guilin. The bus station is located near the train station.

2. Transportation Within Zhangjiajie

Once in Zhangjiajie, youโ€™ll need to navigate between the city, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and other scenic areas.

Public Buses

  • Local buses are affordable (1-2 RMB) and connect the city center to nearby attractions.
  • Bus routes to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Wulingyuan Scenic Area are available and cost around 10-15 RMB.

Taxis

  • Taxis are widely available and cost around 10-30 RMB for short distances. Always ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate a price beforehand.

Private Transfers

  • Many hotels and tour operators offer private car services to the park entrances. Costs vary but typically range from 100-200 RMB depending on the distance.

Shuttle Buses in Scenic Areas

  • Inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Wulingyuan Scenic Area, free shuttle buses operate between major attractions and trailheads. These are included in the park entrance fee.

3. Costs Involved

Park Entrance Fees

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Scenic Area):
    • Entrance Fee: 248 RMB (valid for 4 days, includes shuttle buses within the park).
    • Discounted Tickets: Students, seniors, and children may qualify for discounts (bring valid ID).
  • Tianmen Mountain:
    • Entrance Fee: 275 RMB (includes round-trip cable car ride).
  • Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon:
    • Entrance Fee: 228 RMB (includes the glass bridge and canyon access).

Additional Costs

  • Cable Cars and Elevators:
    • Bailong Elevator: 72 RMB (one way).
    • Tianzi Mountain Cable Car: 72 RMB (one way).
    • Yangjiajie Cable Car: 76 RMB (one way).
  • Food and Water:
    • Snacks and water are available at trailheads and scenic spots but are more expensive than in the city. Bring your own supplies to save money.

4. Procedures for Accessing Hiking Trails

Step 1: Choose Your Entrance

There are several entrances to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

  • Wulingyuan Entrance: The most popular and closest to many hotels.
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance: Near the city center.
  • Tianzi Mountain Entrance: Ideal for accessing higher-altitude trails.

Step 2: Purchase Tickets

  • Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online (recommended during peak seasons). Bring your passport for ticket purchase and entry.

Step 3: Use Shuttle Buses

  • After entering, use the free shuttle buses to reach trailheads. Maps are available at the entrance, and signs are in both Chinese and English.

Step 4: Follow Trail Markers

  • Trails are well-marked with signs in English and Chinese. Stick to designated paths for safety and to protect the environment.

5. Popular Hiking Trails

Zhangjiajie offers a variety of trails for all fitness levels. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Easy Trails

  • Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi):
    • Length: 7.5 km (4.7 miles), 2-3 hours.
    • Highlights: A flat, scenic walk along a stream surrounded by towering sandstone pillars.
    • Tips: Ideal for families and beginners.

Moderate Trails

  • Tianzi Mountain:

    • Length: Varies depending on the route, 3-5 hours.
    • Highlights: Panoramic views of the sandstone peaks and valleys.
    • Tips: Take the cable car up and hike down to save energy.

  • Yangjiajie Scenic Area:

    • Length: 3-4 hours.
    • Highlights: Less crowded, with unique rock formations and lush forests.
    • Tips: Bring sturdy shoes as some sections are steep.

Challenging Trails

  • Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Yuanjiajie):

    • Length: 4-5 hours.
    • Highlights: Inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
    • Tips: Start early to avoid crowds.

  • Tianmen Mountain:

    • Length: 6-8 hours (or shorter with cable car).
    • Highlights: The famous glass skywalk, Tianmen Cave, and stunning views.
    • Tips: The hike is strenuous, but you can use the cable car or escalators to shorten the journey.

6. Local Considerations and Tips

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March-May): Mild weather and blooming flowers.
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool temperatures and vibrant foliage.
  • Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays (e.g., Golden Week in early October) due to large crowds.

What to Wear

  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
  • Layers for changing weather conditions.
  • Rain gear, especially during the rainy season (April-June).

What to Bring

  • Water and snacks (available in the park but expensive).
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
  • A map or download offline maps (cell service can be spotty).

Cultural Tips

  • Respect local customs and avoid littering.
  • Be patient in crowded areas, especially at popular viewpoints.
  • Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app for easier communication.

Safety Tips

  • Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
  • Watch your step on steep or slippery sections.
  • Avoid feeding wildlife.

7. Additional Attractions

  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge: A thrilling experience for those unafraid of heights.
  • Baofeng Lake: A serene spot for a boat ride surrounded by mountains.
  • Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Dong): A massive karst cave with stunning formations.

Zhangjiajie is a hikerโ€™s paradise with its otherworldly landscapes and well-maintained trails. With proper planning and preparation, youโ€™ll have an unforgettable experience exploring this natural wonder!