Zhangjiajie 张家界

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Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie City has an airport but is also easily accessible by train. Minibuses and taxis then travel to the National Park in just over an hour. Note that the park opens its doors very early in the morning and closes late at night. The entrance is paying. There is the possibility to spend the night near the park, including Wulingyuan which offers many hotels.As soon as you enter the park, you will be picked up by buses that will take you to one of the park’s main sites that you can visit on foot. Inside the park you will need to take minibuses to move from one site to another or on foot if you like beautiful hikes.The Zhangjiajie Nature Reserve is probably one of the densest in all of China. The karstic peaks stand against the treasures of the forest, caves and waterfalls of all kinds. The highlight of this park is Mount Wulingyuan. Rivers meander between peaks. The landscape is sumptuous. Lovers of hiking and all outdoor activities will be delighted. There are also some traditional villages dotted here and there.This natural park is at the origin of the inspiration of the landscapes that appear in James Cameron’s film Avatar, which has contributed to its popularity in recent years.Note that it is possible to fly over Zhangjiajie by helicopter. Contact us for more practical information and rates.

Useful Informations

Plan 2 or 3 days for the visit.

Chinese name : Zhangjiajie 张家界 The easiest way to get there is to take a minibus from Zhangjiajie Bus Station to Wulingyuan for 20 yuan. Once in Wulingyuan it is very easy to walk to the park entrance. If your accomodation is in Zhangjajie city, don’t hesitate to pay a visit, at night, to the new 72 Strange Buildings (72 Qilou).

Ticket price: 248 ¥ for 4 days. Note that some attractions inside the park are also charged. It will take for example 72 ¥ to take the glass elevator …

Opening time : The park is open from 7:30am in the morning.Tips: Wear good hiking shoes to walk inside the park. Watch out to not to slip on worn stone stairs.

Video of Zhangjiajie National Park

Best Periods to Avoid Crowds at Zhangjiajie National Park

Zhangjiajie National Park, famous for its spectacular karst peaks and Avatar-inspiring landscapes, attracts millions of visitors each year. However, avoiding crowds is essential to fully enjoy its mystical trails and breathtaking panoramas. Here is a detailed guide to the optimal periods and strategies for exploring this natural gem in serenity.

Seasonal Analysis: Advantages and Disadvantages

Winter (December to February): Solitude and Snowy Landscapes

Winter is the least crowded period, with a 60-70% reduction in visitors compared to summer. Temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C, and the sandstone peaks are sometimes adorned with snow, creating a fairytale setting. Although some trails may be slippery, cable cars and elevators (such as the Bailong Elevator) remain operational. Misty mornings add a mystical atmosphere, ideal for photography.

Highlights:

• Almost no tourist groups, especially in January and February (excluding Chinese New Year holidays, which vary annually).
• Reduced accommodation rates (up to 40% cheaper than in high season).
• Unique experience of misty forests and snow-dusted rock formations.

Precautions:

• Avoid the Lunar New Year week (late January/early February), a period of intense domestic travel.
• Pack warm clothes and non-slip shoes for icy trails.

Spring (March to May): Natural Rebirth and Moderate Crowds

Spring, particularly April and May, offers a balance between pleasant weather (15–25°C) and reasonable crowds. The rejuvenating vegetation colors the landscapes in vibrant green, and April rains enhance waterfalls like the Golden Whip Stream.

Crowd-Avoidance Strategies:

• Avoid the first week of May (Labor Day), when all sites and park access become crowded.
• Favor weekday visits and start early (opens at 7:30 AM) to beat the groups.

Weather: Expect sporadic showers (average rainfall of 150 mm in April). Morning mists, which are frequent, usually dissipate before noon, revealing the panoramas.

Autumn (September to November): Ideal Climate and Last Tourist Waves

September and October are often cited as the best months for combining pleasant weather (20–28°C) and golden landscapes.

Optimal Period:

October: Crowds significantly decrease after the National Day holiday (October 1–7), with still mild temperatures (10–20°C). Autumn colors peak in late October, especially around Tianzi Shan.

Practical Tips:

Avoid Yuanjiajie between 10 AM and 3 PM, peak hours for tourist buses. Opt for morning hikes on the Moon-View Platform or Golden Whip Stream, where tranquility reigns before 9 AM.

Summer (July and August): Avoid or Visit with a Local Guide

Summer, marked by high temperatures (up to 35°C) and stifling humidity, sees an influx of Chinese families during school holidays. Wait times for internal transport (buses, cable cars) can sometimes exceed 2 hours. If you visit with a guide from our agency, they can help you avoid long queues by selecting the least congested access point in real-time.

Alternatives:

• If constrained to this period, favor remote areas like Laowuchang or Huangshizhai, less popular with tour groups.
• Stay hydrated and wear light, covering clothing to avoid sunburn.

Year-Round Visiting Tips

Smart Timing

Arriving at opening time (7:30 AM in winter, 6:45 AM in summer) allows you to enjoy key sites (e.g., Hallelujah Mountain) without crowds. Evenings (after 4 PM) are also favorable, as groups leave the park before closing.

Trail Selection

Avoid marked circuits like Bailong Elevator → Yuanjiajie → Tianzi Shan, which are extremely crowded. Favor hikes like Yellow Stone Village → Yaozizhai or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where tourist density is 50% lower. Have a local guide who can advise on the most crowded areas of the site in real-time.

Combination with Secondary Sites

Tianmen Mountain: Accessible by cable car from Zhangjiajie, its crowds are less dense on weekdays. Furong: A beautiful village perched on a cliff, overlooking a waterfall. Fenghuang (4-hour drive): This ancient town, less crowded outside of summer, offers a cultural break with its Ming-dynasty stilt houses.

Smart Accommodation

Wulingyuan: Close to the park entrance. Inside the park: Rare inns allow for nighttime or early morning walks, away from tourist presence.

For a peaceful experience at Zhangjiajie, here is the optimal calendar:

• November: Cool climate, autumn colors, and minimal crowds post-National Day.
• April (excluding May 1–7): Flourishing nature and moderate tourist flow.
• January–February (excluding New Year): Winter solitude and snowy landscapes, despite the cold.

By scrupulously avoiding national holidays and adopting a morning logistical approach, Zhangjiajie reveals all its magic, far from the usual bustle.

360 ° photo of Zhangjiajie

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