Attractions · Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China's first national forest park, known for its distinctive quartz sandstone peak-forest landform. Yuanjiajie, Huangshizhai and Golden Whip Stream each have their own character. Highlights include Yuanjiajie (an Avatar filming location) and Tianzi Mountain. Tip: allow 2–3 days. Practical info: located on Jinbian Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province; ticket ¥228 (includes shuttle bus, valid four days); opening hours 07:00–18:00. Best season: spring (Apr–Jun) has pleasant weather; autumn (Sep–Nov) sets the forest ablaze with colour. Combine with Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Yellow Dragon Cave for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: Allow 2–3 days. The Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie saves energy.

• Address: Jinbian Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
• Ticket: ¥228 (includes shuttle bus, valid four days)
• Opening: 07:00–18:00

Tianmen Mountain is the highest mountain in Zhangjiajie. Tianmen Cave is a natural through-cave in the mountain, and the 99-bend road winds steeply below it. The glass walkway hangs over the sheer cliff, thrilling and exciting. Highlights include Yunmeng Xianding. Tip: go early and take the first cable car to avoid the crowds. Practical info: located on Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province; ticket ¥261 (includes cableway); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: spring (Apr–Jun) has pleasant weather; autumn (Sep–Nov) sets the forest ablaze with colour. Combine with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Yellow Dragon Cave for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: Go early and take the first cable car to avoid the crowds.

• Address: Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
• Ticket: ¥261 (includes cableway)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

The Grand Canyon glass bridge was once called the world's longest and highest pedestrian glass bridge; its deck is about 300 metres above the valley floor and entirely paved with transparent glass. Walking on it, the bottomless canyon is underfoot — thrilling and exciting. Highlights include the Yuntiandu glass bridge, waterfalls and springs, and the cliff walkway. Tip: buy tickets in advance; queues are long in peak season. Practical info: located at Sanguansi Township, Cili County, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province; ticket ¥138; opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (Apr–Jun) has pleasant weather; autumn (Sep–Nov) sets the forest ablaze with colour. Combine with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and Yellow Dragon Cave for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks; if carrying luggage or children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: Buy tickets in advance; queues are long in peak season.

• Address: Sanguansi Township, Cili County, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
• Ticket: ¥138
• Opening: 08:00–17:30

Yellow Dragon Cave is the largest cave in Zhangjiajie, with stalactites of every shape and a winding underground river. The Dinghai Shenzhen pillar is 19.2 metres high and the most spectacular sight in the cave. Highlights include the Dragon Palace, the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Waterfall and Tianxian Water. Tip: it is cool inside, so bring a jacket. Practical info: located at Suoxiyu, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province; ticket ¥100; opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (Apr–Jun) has pleasant weather; autumn (Sep–Nov) sets the forest ablaze with colour. Combine with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks.

Tip: It is cool inside, so bring a jacket. The full visit takes about 2 hours.

• Address: Suoxiyu, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
• Ticket: ¥100
• Opening: 08:00–17:30