THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Zhangjiajie - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

Things to Do in Zhangjiajie, China - Zhangjiajie Attractions

Things to Do in Zhangjiajie


Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




What travelers are saying

  • Zuhair T
    3 contributions
    This is one of the best places to visit if you are in China. The mountains are just incredible, and also the world’s longest elevator which has 326 floors. YOU MUST COME HERE!!! or you have wasted your life
    Written August 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Coastal784487
    61 contributions
    An absolutely incredible experience. We went on Sunday 25th June, and were concerned it would be extremely busy as the Dragon Boat Festival public holiday had just finished but we got the first cable car up at 7.30am and felt like we had the place to ourselves for a couple of hours. Even by 11am it was busy but not terrible - we never had to queue for any of the transport, glass walkways etc and there were only a couple of times on the walkways when it felt too crowded.

    It's very well managed with signs in English so even if you don't know any Chinese, you will be able to get around easily. I would recommend doing a little reading before to understand what there is to see and the best route to take. From our experience I would suggest ticket A - get the cable car straight up and work your way down.

    There are so many incredible views on the ride up and once you get to the top, we spent hours just walking around the circuit at the top of the mountain and taking photo after photo. It is quite controlled - this isn't Zhangjiajie Forrest Park where you can wander off and find a trail. You are walking either way in one big circle through very set pathways that don't have much room for maneuvering or taking a different route.

    The glass walkways were not for the feint of heart but an amazing experience. Definitely better at the start of the day when you practically have them to yourself.

    In total it took us almost exactly 6 hours from arriving at the cable car station at the bottom to getting the bus back to the same place. We did the full loop around the mountain though and all the glass walkways, then took the escalator down to see Heavens Gate, the smaller cable car after that to take you half-way down, and then finally the bus back to the point we started at the bottom. You could do it quicker if you are in a real rush but its somewhere special that should be savoured.

    We bought tickets after arriving in China using the Alipay app - this and WeChat are absolutely essential if you are coming to China. It took a bit of work trying to get the translation right but it's manageable as its hard to buy tickets anywhere else, and if you do they will be more expensive. If you struggle then most hotels can make the booking for you.

    An unforgettable experience that I would urge everyone to experience if they visit China - just arrive early and avoid busy periods and from our experience, you'll be fine.
    Written June 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zuhair T
    3 contributions
    You’ve gotta come here, the cable car is absolutely mesmerizing, even though I recommend that you don't come at summer bcuz it is too hot and the queue is tooooooo long but anyway you must come here
    Written August 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nan y
    San Francisco, CA122 contributions
    Absolutely stunning views. Very accessible. Late to post this review after visiting in 2018. But totally worth a visit.
    Written September 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jenn S
    Los Altos, CA57 contributions
    Definitely take the cable car up to the top, the views from the ride are fantastic. At the top, theres many observation areas, souvenir shops, even a giant McDonald's. It is quite crowded with tour groups in the middle of summer, I found the locals not very helpful with directions. It was cool even in summer. We took the 2 hr hike back down to ten mile gallery. It is very shady, but bring your own water and snacks. I believe you can hike down to south gate too, but was told that path isn't as scenic.
    Written July 23, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveller_Oldie
    Charleston, SC281 contributions
    The glass bridge is impressive, and there are enough “solid” areas to walk on if you suffer from heights. Very much the area for fun, with a 260m Bungee jump, a slide across the canyon and other activities. The marble slides are a lot of fun. Finish your day with a walk along the beautiful stream. You only need a morning or afternoon for this place, so good to combine with another activity.
    Written April 10, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian Anderson
    Shanghai, China159 contributions
    Huangshi village is an older development than Yuanjiajie (to its North) but in my view better as it is less crowded with people and food stalls but with equally breathtaking panoramas of Zhangjiajie's iconic karst scenery. The circuit takes about two hours, leaving enough time to take in the views, and is not too tough on the legs/knees! Go to Scenic Area South Gate, then short walk, then short bus ride to cable car, also a spectacular 10 minutes. There is food at/near the cable car station.
    Written July 5, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jenn S
    Los Altos, CA57 contributions
    So this hike can be very long, from the bus dropoff point with millions of people, you can walk to oxygen bar 7.5km away. It is a flat, paved walk right along the river though with nice views of the stones above. You need to walk a bit jn to really get away from the tourists, many kids play in the stream. The water is crystal clear and full of fish and crabs. About 1hr in, there is the steep 2000 step turnoff to the top of mountain. I don't think there are any vendors selling water on the hike up. On our way back, on the same path, we saw many many wild monkeys. They brazenly steal food and walk right in front of you. Kind of cool but also scary.
    Written July 23, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • worldnomad_01
    Los Angeles, CA1,634 contributions
    It is perhaps the most photogenic area of the entire, huge, Zhangjiajie National Park.
    The views are absolutely amazing and the stone peaks and columns look out of this world. A place not to be missed.
    Written July 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian Anderson
    Shanghai, China159 contributions
    This was my second cave visit in Hunan (the other was near Fenghuang which is less cavernous more cave like) and very enjoyable. The typically Chinese coloured lighting might be a little too glitzy for some but it does help to show up the stalagmites, which are amazing, and the scale of the caverns is awesome. The walkways are well constructed and lit there are only a few places where you have to duck your head but take note that the tour will be arduous for anyone who is unfit or has weak knees as there are many, many steps and some long climbsup and down. There is also a short boat trip. Headsets are handed out at the start but commentary is only available in Chinese. The garden area between the road and the cave entrance is rather pleasant and I was very pleased to find a small coffee stall near the entrance - up to Starbucks quality! Very close to Wulingyuan town
    Written July 5, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John and Deb K
    Karratha, Australia647 contributions
    This is a wonderful place to take in the splendour of this park. Deffinately worth the time to visit, plan to take at least one day - two if you can. Wear good shoes and have hat, sunscreen and water.
    Written October 13, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SonnyAng
    Shanghai, China261 contributions
    This is the best show in Zhangjiajie rivaling the Lijiang mountain show and Yangshou lake show.

    The stage is carved out of the mountain and the show uses lights / water / cinema - really memorable
    Written July 6, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carla R
    Apex, NC132 contributions
    At the time of the visit it was a rather cold and misty day - and to be frank this actually made the experience even more magical. We took a boat ride that was amazing - so well managed and fitted into the area very tastefully
    Written February 24, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • iristaletta
    Beijing, China1,455 contributions
    We let the shuttle drop us up here and fist we tough we were at the wrong place as we were completely alone, but as we kept walking we found the most amazing views. This is also said to be the best place to see the sunset. We did not make that but wish we would.
    Written November 28, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Circumnavigator
    Brussels, Belgium343 contributions
    The trip on the lake is a nice activity for elders 60+ 70+ of age, but not for younger people. Apart from water and the same green rocks that can be better viewed in Zhangjiajie National Forest there is nothing to see.

    HOWEVER, at just 50 m from the ticketing boot there is a magnificant waterfall, which made the trip worth the effort.
    Written June 21, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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