Book a private car with driver in Zhangjiajie for Wulingyuan, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and Changsha transfers.
About Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, in Hunan Province, is home to the otherworldly quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron's "Avatar." The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (UNESCO Global Geopark) features 3,000+ towering peaks, while Tianmen Mountain offers the world's longest cable car and a thrilling glass skywalk. A private car with driver is essential — the park spans 480 sq km, and the main scenic areas (Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Grand Canyon) are 30-60 minutes apart by road.
Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The "Avatar Mountains" — 3,000+ quartz-sandstone pillars. Visit Yuanjiajie (Hallelujah Mountain), Tianzi Mountain (peak views), Golden Whip Stream (easy valley walk), and Ten-Mile Gallery. 4-day pass. Full day minimum.
Tianmen Mountain
"Heaven's Gate Mountain" with the world's longest cable car (7,455m), a 99-bend mountain road, and the natural Tianmen Cave arch. Walk the glass skywalk (1,430m high). 30min from city center. Half to full day.
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
World's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge (430m long, 300m high). Walk across the transparent bridge over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, then hike down through the canyon. 50km from city, 1hr drive. Half day.
Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain
The most iconic viewpoints in the Forest Park. Yuanjiajie's Hallelujah Mountain (Avatar inspiration) and Tianzi's "Imperial Pen Peak" and "Sea of Clouds." Connected by the Bailong Elevator (world's tallest outdoor elevator, 326m).
Golden Whip Stream & Baofeng Lake
Golden Whip Stream is a flat 7.5km valley walk through the park, perfect for families. Baofeng Lake is a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by peaks, with boat rides and waterfall views. Both are easy, low-altitude options.
Yellow Dragon Cave
One of China's largest karst caves, with 13km of passages, underground rivers, and the 20m-tall "Dragon King" stalagmite. A 2-hour guided tour includes a boat ride on the underground river. Great for rainy days.
Suggested Zhangjiajie Itineraries
1-Day Tianmen Mountain
Morning: Hotel pickup → Tianmen Mountain cable car (30min ride) → glass skywalk → Tianmen Cave (999 steps)
Lunch: Local Hunan cuisine at the mountain base
Afternoon: Tianmen Temple → 99-bend road bus descent → Tujia Customs Park (optional) → return
Evening: "Charming Xiangxi" cultural show (optional)
2-Day Zhangjiajie Classic
Day 1: National Forest Park → Yuanjiajie (Bailong Elevator up) → Tianzi Mountain → Golden Whip Stream → stay inside park
Day 2: Ten-Mile Gallery → exit park → Tianmen Mountain afternoon → transfer to airport/HSR
3-Day Complete Zhangjiajie
Day 1: Tianmen Mountain full day
Day 2: National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie + Tianzi + Golden Whip Stream)
Day 3: Grand Canyon Glass Bridge + Yellow Dragon Cave → transfer to Fenghuang Ancient Town or airport
Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
Spring (Apr-Jun): Best season — lush green, waterfalls full, 15-25°C. April-May is ideal for clear peak views. May can be rainy.
Summer (Jul-Aug): Hot (28-35°C) but the park is cooler at altitude. Thunderstorms are common but create dramatic sea-of-clouds effects. Crowded in July-August.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Excellent — 12-22°C, clear skies, and autumn foliage in October-November. Fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold (0-8°C), possible snow on the peaks. The snow-covered pillars are stunning but some areas may close. Very few tourists.
Zhangjiajie Travel Tips
- Airport & HSR: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) is 5km from city (15min). Zhangjiajie West HSR Station connects to Changsha (3hr), Guangzhou (5hr), and Guiyang (3hr).
- Forest Park: 4-day pass ¥228 (includes shuttle buses). Bailong Elevator ¥72 one-way, Tianzi cable car ¥72, Yangjiajie cable car ¥76. Book the park entry in advance during peak season.
- Tianmen Mountain: Ticket ¥278 (includes cable car + bus). Must book 1-3 days in advance — it sells out. Choose cable car up / bus down for the full experience.
- Glass Bridge: Ticket ¥138 (bridge only) or ¥219 (bridge + canyon). Must book in advance. Max 8,000 visitors/day. Not for those afraid of heights.
- Food: Try Hunan's "Three-Course Hot Pot" (sanxiaguo), Tujia cured meat, wild mushrooms, and kiwi fruit. Hunan food is spicy — ask for "not spicy" if needed.
- Extensions: Continue to Fenghuang Ancient Town (2.5hr drive), Changsha (3.5hr), or Wulingyuan for a longer Hunan itinerary.
What's Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver
- Hotel / airport / HSR pickup
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Driver waiting time at attractions
- Bottled water
- 24/7 English coordinator (WhatsApp/WeChat)
Not Included
- Entrance fees (Forest Park ¥228, Tianmen ¥278)
- Cable cars & elevators (¥72 each)
- Glass Bridge ticket (¥138)
- Meals & beverages
- Tour guide / interpreter
- Gratuities (optional) & travel insurance
Zhangjiajie Car Service Rates
| Vehicle | Seats | Airport | City Charter | Zhangjiajie NP | Tianmen Mountain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Passat | 4 | $45 | $85 | $100 | $70 |
| Audi A6L | 4 | $65 | $130 | $145 | $100 |
| Buick GL8 | 6 | $65 | $130 | $130 | $100 |
| 14-seat Minivan | 14 | $85 | $145 | $160 | $115 |
| 19-seat Van | 19 | $100 | $170 | $185 | $130 |
| 35-seat Coach | 35 | $145 | $215 | $245 | $170 |
| 45-seat Coach | 45 | $160 | $245 | $270 | $200 |
