Zhangjiajie张家界

Overview

Zhangjiajie is famous for its rare quartz sandstone peak forest, with 3,000 pillars rising from the earth, wreathed in mist like a fairyland. The floating mountains in Avatar were inspired by this landscape. The Tianmen Mountain glass walkway and Bailong Elevator offer thrilling experiences that draw visitors from around the world.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

China's first national forest park, 3,000 quartz sandstone pillars rising from mist like floating mountains, inspiration for Avatar

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Cave is the world's highest natural arch, glass walkway clings to cliffs, 7km cable car is the world's longest

Bailong Elevator

World's tallest outdoor elevator, 326m vertical rise, 66 seconds to the top with panoramic views of Yuanjiajie

Baofeng Lake

Alpine lake with mirror-like water surrounded by peaks, boat tours with Tujia folk songs

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

World's highest and longest glass bridge, spanning 300m across a canyon with fully transparent walkway

Food & Snacks

Sanxiaguo (Three-in-One Pot)

Zhangjiajie's most famous dish, stewing cured meat, tofu and radish in one pot, savory and rich, a Tujia tradition

Tujia Cured Meat

Tujia winter smoked meat, slow-smoked over pine and cypress branches for months, firm texture with rich smoky aroma

Kudzu Root Powder

Western Hunan specialty made from wild kudzu root, translucent when brewed, cooling and refreshing

Pickled Radish

Iconic Zhangjiajie street snack, white radish pickled in sour brine, tangy and crunchy

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (1992) — Comprising Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu, Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie, with over 3,000 quartz sandstone pillars, inscribed as World Natural Heritage in 1992
• Tujia Baishou Dance (2008) — The most solemn traditional dance of the Tujia people, performed in circles during festivals, depicting hunting and farming scenes

Practical Tips