Top 9 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

This is one of the core scenic areas of Wulingyuan and definitely a must-visit place in Zhangjiajie. It covers an area of 130 square kilometers and consists of six parts such as Yellow Stone Stronghold, Golden Whip Stream and Yuanjiajie. Yellow Stone Stronghold is the largest viewing platform in the whole Forest Park and you can enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains surrounded by cloud and mist. Yuanjiajie was the setting place of the famous film Avatar. The most remarkable scenic spot of Yuanjiajie is the First Bridge with a height of more than 300 meters (980 feet), which is the highest natural stone bridge ever found in the world. What's more, the clear streams passing through the valleys in the Golden Whip Stream is one of the most beautiful sceneries in the park.

 See more about How to get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
 Recommended Tour:  Zhangjiajie 3 Days Tour

Situated in the northeast of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Suoxi Valley is near the Forest Park. The name Suoxi, literally rope stream, just vividly describes the rope-shaped creeks. The magnificent mountains and clear water are like a splash-ink landscape painting unrolling in the paradise. The mountains are not as dangerously steep as those in the forest park, but you can still enjoy the elegance of this place. There is the largest karst cave in China, Yellow Dragon Cave. Boating on the Baofeng Lake is one of the top things to do in Zhangjiajie. You can also see the steep Baizhang Gorge and picturesque Ten-Mile Gallery.

 Recommended Tour:  4 Days Itinerary in Zhangjiajie from $589

Visiting Tianzi Mountain is one of the best things to do in Zhangjiajie. Tourists can choose to take an eco-car to view the whole scenic area or hike along the way. Billions of years ago, Tianzi Mountain was still a vast ocean. Later, because of the complicated and long geological process, Tianzi Mountain gradually took shape. Various stunning and steep peaks are the highlights of the scenic spot. What’s more, the scenery will be more beautiful after rain. The mountains hiding in the mist and cloud will make you feel like in heaven.

 Recommended Tour:  Zhangjiajie 2 Days Tour Package from $309

Hiking in Yangjiajie is undoubtedly one of the top things to do, especially for backpackers and adventurous tourists. As one of the core attractions in Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yangjiajie is well known for its steepness and magnificence. Comparing to other areas, it is newly developed so that it is more original and less crowded. Oolong Village is the most dangerous and interesting scenic spot. It used to serve as a stronghold of bandits. The village is more than 300 meters high and surrounded by steep stone walls. The only way leading to the top is a 1,000-meter-long path, along which there are many natural barriers.

 Recommended Tour:   5 Days Shanghai & Zhangjiajie

Another must-see place in Zhangjiajie is the Grand Canyon. The canyon is lush with vegetation and the fresh air will make you feel like in a natural oxygen bar. The most remarkable site should be the terrific Glass Bridge. In addition to the deep gorges and cool mountain streams, Butterfly Spring Waterfall is also very spectacular. A Strip of Sky, located at the entrance of the canyon, is a narrow valley with cliffs which can only pass one person at a time. After experiencing the breathtaking cliff of A Strip of Sky, you cannot miss the Sky Ladder Plank Road. The plank is very narrow and stretches at a pretty steep slope where you can overlook the view of the Strip of Sky.

 Recommended Tour:   1-Day Grand Canyon Tour to Glass Bridge from $177

 Book a ticket for Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge.

One of the fun things to do in Zhangjiajie is to experience the second longest and highest glass bridge in the world. The bridge is located in the Grand Canyon, with a length of 430 meters (1,410 feet) and a height of 300 meters (985 feet). The bridge hangs over the valley and you can have an unforgettable experience to walk on it and enjoy the natural landscape in such a transparent high place. If you love some extreme sports, maybe you would like to challenge more heart-pounding activities such as the highest bungee jumping in the world.

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Tianmen Mountain is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Zhangjiajie. The name of the mountain comes from the natural karst Tianmen Cave on the top, which is 431 feet high and 187 feet wide, like a gate leading to heaven. Besides the grand cave, you will have a chance to experience the longest cable way in the world with a length of 7,455 meters (24,458 feet) and enjoy the full view of the mountain in the cable car within 30 minutes. Ancient trees and twining vines are ubiquitous in the whole scenic area. Besides appreciating the old-growth forest and Tianmen Mountain Temple, trying the transparent glass skywalks built along the cliff is also an exciting thing you can’t miss.

 Book a ticket for Tianmen Mountain.

After enjoying the beautiful landscape, it's time to appreciate the cultural relics of the city. One of the best things to do in Zhangjiajie is to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town where Miao and Tujia Nationalities live. Home to a prestigious Chinese writer Shen Congwen (1902-1988), the town was known for his novel Border Town. The town was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) with red sandstone walls and the streets were paved with flagstones. Tuojiang River flows through the town and there is a narrow wooden bridge across the river under the North Gate. Walking along the river to sightsee in the town is a good option. You can visit former residences of the celebrities and appreciate ancient buildings. Boating on the Tuojiang River to view the stilted buildings on both sides is also very enjoyable.

 Recommended Tour:  5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang from $839

 See also: How to Travel between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang

The Red Stone Forest must be added on the top things to do in Zhangjiajie because it is a karst spectacle and a great photogenic site. Its red color is pretty rare in all the karst landscapes. Especially in sunny days, various strange red rocks and graceful hills are shining under the sun. Making full use of your imagination, you will find some stones are like the humps of camels and some are like galloping horses. Besides the magnificent red stones, you can also view stone caves and natural bridges.