Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers otherworldly scenery with its 3,000+ towering sandstone pillars piercing misty valleys. Perfect for couples seeking romantic vistas, adventure activities, and cultural immersion without breaking the bank.
Best time to visit Zhangjiajie
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for blooming wildflowers, Autumn (September-November) for clear skies
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) with frequent mist creating fairy-tale atmosphere
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) but perfect for swimming in Baofeng Lake
🍁Autumn: Crisp air (18-25°C) with autumn foliage painting the mountains
❄️Winter: Fewer tourists but colder (5-12°C) with occasional snow on mountain peaks
Arriving and leaving Zhangjiajie
Electric buses (¥2-4), shared minivans (¥5-8), and budget taxis (¥8 starting fare). Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenience
Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport [Recommended]
10km from city center with taxi service (¥50-70, 30 mins). Connects to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu
Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
New high-speed rail hub with connections to Changsha (4.5 hours) and Chongqing (3 hours). Taxi to city costs ¥40-60
Where to stay in Zhangjiajie: Best Neighborhoods
Wulingyuan District
Closest to National Park entrances with budget hotels (¥150-300/night) and guesthouses
Yongding District
City center with budget chains like 7 Days Inn and budget-friendly local hotels
Top Things to do in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Explore 800-year-old giant sal trees and hike through Avatar: The Way of Water's Pandora-inspired landscapes
Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk
Walk on 60-meter cliffside glass path overlooking endless mountain ranges
Tuo Tuo Ancient Village
Experience traditional Tujia ethnic minority architecture and culture in this riverside village
Tips
Wear non-slip shoes for hiking, book tickets online in advance
What to eat: Zhangjiajie Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Tujia Cuisine Restaurant
Authentic local dishes with nightly ethnic dance performances
2. Mountain Breeze Noodle House
Famous for hand-pulled noodles and budget-friendly set meals
Signature Dishes
1. Sanxia Guo (Three Bowls)
Tujia-style hotpot combining meat, vegetables, and rice noodles in one clay pot
2. Hehua Fish
Freshwater fish cooked with lotus flowers and mountain herbs
Zhangjiajie itinerary 5 Days for couples
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Mountain Breeze Noodle House:Try local hand-pulled noodles with pickled vegetables