Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkZhangjiajie National Forest Park
🏛️ What It Is
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China’s first national forest park and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Over 3,000 quartz sandstone peaks and pillars rise from the canyons, creating a fairy-tale-like scene when shrouded in mist. The real-life inspiration for the “Hallelujah Mountain” in *Avatar*—the Qiankun Pillar—is located right here. The Bailong Elevator (326 meters, the world’s highest outdoor elevator) offers a unique way to enter the park.
✨ Why Visit
No place on Earth is quite like Zhangjiajie. The stone pillars that shoot straight up from the canyon floor toward the sky will make you doubt your own eyes. Be sure to wait for the sea of clouds—the view with clouds and without is like two completely different worlds.
Tips for Visitors
Plan for at least 2 days
The park is very large. You can’t see all the main attractions in a single day. We recommend 2–3 days.
Don’t be disappointed if it rains
Zhangjiajie’s sea of clouds only appears after it rains—and that’s actually when it’s most spectacular.
Watch out for monkeys
There are many wild macaques in the scenic area. Do not reach out to feed them, and do not carry plastic bags (the monkeys will snatch them).
Common Mistakes
❌ If you’re only planning to spend one day there
You might think you can see everything in a day.
Consequence: You’ll only be able to skim the surface and see one or two spots. The park is really huge.
Ticket Information
- Price
- 225 yuan (valid for 4 days)
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Same price
- Student Discount
- ✅ Yes
- Booking
- ✅ No Booking Needed
- Book in Advance
- Book 1 days in advance
Location
Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City
Opening hours
Open 7:00–18:00, daily
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–November. The scenery is most spectacular just after a rain shower (when the sea of clouds appears). Avoid the National Day and May Day holidays.