China
Zhangjiajie Travel Guide
Towering sandstone pillars and glass skywalks — the cliffs that inspired Avatar
Nature & Outdoors
About Zhangjiajie
Home to China's first national forest park, where thousands of quartz-sandstone pillars rise from subtropical mist. The surreal scenery helped inspire the floating mountains of Avatar and now draws walkers to its cliffside paths and glass skywalks.
Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie
Highlights included in EME itineraries
Architecture1h
Bailong Elevator
The world's tallest outdoor lift — a glass car climbing 326 m up a sheer quartzite cliff in under two minutes.
water2h
Baofeng Lake
A jade-green clifftop lake cruised by small boats, with folk singers calling across the water from hidden coves.
Music & Nightlife2h
Charming Xiangxi Show
A folk stage night of western-Hunan legend — Tujia wedding rites, drum dance, and the haunting song of the ghost city.
water4h
Furong Ancient Town
A 2,000-year-old Tujia town built over a thundering waterfall — stilted houses glowing gold at night.
water3h
Golden Whip Stream
A clear brook winding 7 km along the canyon floor between the pillars — the park's gentlest, shadiest walk.
Nature & Outdoors2h
Heaven's Gate Cave
A vast natural arch punched through Tianmen Mountain, reached by 999 steps up the Stairway to Heaven.
Planning Your Zhangjiajie Itinerary
Zhangjiajie is one of China's most compelling destinations, known for its Nature & Outdoors. Use EME's free itinerary builder to plan day by day — add Zhangjiajie to a multi-city route, set your interests, and get a personalized schedule with attractions and travel times built in. No paywall, no sign-up to start.
Currency
CNY
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Visa
Tourist (L) visa required for most nationalities; visa-free transit available in major cities. Check entry requirements.
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