Everything you need to know about visiting Zhangjiajie
The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures. These seasons offer clear visibility of the mountains and comfortable conditions for hiking. Summer (July-August) can be crowded and humid with occasional rain, while winter (December-February) is less crowded but can be quite cold with occasional snow, offering a different but equally beautiful landscape.
We recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Zhangjiajie to fully experience its highlights. This allows enough time to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (2 days), Tianmen Mountain (1 day), and perhaps the Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge (1 day). If you have more time, consider adding Yellow Dragon Cave or Baofeng Lake to your itinerary. For photography enthusiasts, adding an extra day or two will give you more opportunities to capture the scenery in different lighting conditions.
While it's possible to visit Zhangjiajie independently, hiring a guide is highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors. The park is vast with complex trail systems, and many signs are only in Chinese. A knowledgeable local guide can help navigate efficiently, provide cultural and historical context, recommend the best viewing spots, and assist with language barriers. This ensures you maximize your time and experience the best the park has to offer without getting lost or missing key attractions.
The most convenient way to reach Zhangjiajie is by flying into Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG), which has connections to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From the US, you would typically fly to one of these major hubs first, then connect to Zhangjiajie. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station from cities like Changsha, which itself has good international connections. Once in Zhangjiajie city, the national park is accessible by local bus or taxi.
For a trip to Zhangjiajie, we recommend packing:
When visiting Zhangjiajie and China in general, it's helpful to be aware of these cultural customs:
As of 2025, the main entrance fees are:
Note that additional fees apply for internal transportation within the parks (buses, elevators, cable cars). Consider purchasing combination tickets if visiting multiple attractions. Students and seniors may qualify for discounts with proper identification.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Zhangjiajie or anywhere in China. Always use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive throughout the tourist areas. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water in rooms. When hiking in the parks, bring sufficient water or purchase it at the various shops along the main routes. If staying for an extended period, consider bringing a portable water purifier.
Our team is ready to help you plan the perfect Zhangjiajie adventure