Avatar Mountains Trip: Complete Zhangjiajie Travel Guide & Itinerary

An Avatar Mountains trip takes you to the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province. This Avatar Mountains travel guide itinerary covers routes from the UAE, tickets, transport, accommodation, tours, and a practical schedule for exploring the park.
The landscapes of China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are widely associated with the floating peaks in Avatar. However, Zhangjiajie was a source of visual inspiration, not a filming location.

Where is the Avatar Location in China?

The Avatar Mountains, China, are situated in Wulingyuan, Hunan Province. More precisely, Hunan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Wulingyuan, not the national forest park alone, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers approximately 26,400 hectares and contains more than 3,000 narrow quartz sandstone pillars and peaks, many exceeding 200 meters.

The floating mountains (Avatar) refer to the scenery around Zhangjiajie, especially Yuanjiajie. There is no real floating mountain in China suspended in the air, but the mist around the tall pillars creates a floating appearance.

And reaching them is easy:

• By train: Trains to Zhangjiajie run from many cities across China, such as Shanghai or Changsha.
• By plane: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) is the closest airport. Travelers from Dubai or Abu Dhabi will normally connect through another Chinese city because there are no direct UAE-Zhangjiajie flights. Check current flight schedules before booking.

UAE citizens holding valid ordinary passports can travel to mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. UAE residents travelling with other passports must follow the rules for their nationality. Check the latest requirements with the Chinese Embassy in the UAE.

How to Travel to Zhangjiajie and Reach the Park

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Getting from Zhangjiajie City to the national forest park is straightforward. You have several convenient options depending on which park gate you're heading to and what your budget is.

By Bus (Most Affordable Option)

Tourist buses run regularly from Zhangjiajie city to the park. They depart from the Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, which is located right next to the (old) railway station.

• To the South Gate: Direct buses depart every 10-30 minutes from 06:30 to 17:30-18:00. The journey takes 30-50 minutes, and a ticket costs approximately 10-13 yuan.
• To the East Gate: There are no direct buses to the East Gate. First, you need to get to Wulingyuan Bus Station (buses run every 5-10 minutes, 40-50 minutes, 12-13 yuan), and then walk for about 15 minutes to the park entrance.

Important: tickets are sold at the bus station ticket offices, and payment is accepted in cash, via WeChat Pay, or Alipay. During peak season, buses depart as soon as they are full.

By Train (Zhangjiajie West Railway Station)

If you arrived in Zhangjiajie by high-speed train, you can get to the park from a special tourist distribution center right next to the station.

• To the South Gate: A direct bus runs every 40 minutes or so. The journey takes 30 minutes, and a ticket costs about 12 yuan.
• To the East Gate: First, take a bus to Wulingyuan Station (40 minutes, 13 yuan), then continue on foot. Alternatively, you can hop on city bus No. 6, which will also take you to the transfer hubs.
• Taxi: A taxi ride from the West Railway Station to the South Gate will cost 50-60 yuan (20 minutes), and to the East Gate—60-70 yuan (30 minutes).

Pro tip: You can book China train tickets online on Trip.com before even reaching China and save time at long queues at the destination.

From the Airport (Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport)

The easiest way to get there from the airport is to first head to the Central Bus Station, and from there, take a bus to the park.

• Bus: Hop on the city bus No. 4, which will take you to the Central Bus Station (about 1 hour). From there, just follow the route described above.
• Taxi: A ride from the airport to the park's East Gate will take about 40 minutes and cost 90-100 yuan, while the trip to the South Gate takes 35 minutes and costs 70-80 yuan.
• Shuttle buses: If you exited through the South Gate but your hotel is near the East Gate, shuttle buses are running between them (about 20 minutes, 8 yuan), or you can grab a taxi for 50-60 yuan.

Also, keep operating hours in mind. The last buses from the city depart by 5:30-6:00 PM. If you're arriving late, it's best to grab a taxi or spend the night in the city.

Entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The park has 5 gates, but tourists most often use the South Gate (closer to the Golden Whip Stream hiking trail) and the East Gate (near the entertainment and hotels in Wulingyuan).

• The East Gate (东门 / East Gate) is also known as the Wulingyuan Entrance. This is the most popular and busiest entrance. Nearby is the town of Wulingyuan, with its hotels, restaurants, and evening shows. It's a convenient starting point for routes to the Bailong Elevator, Tianzishan, and the Ten Mile Gallery (Shili Hualang).
• The South Gate (南门 / South Gate) is also known as the Forest Park Entrance. This is where the Golden Whip Stream (金鞭溪) trail and the cable car to Huangshizhai begin. It's a less crowded, very scenic entrance.
• The North Gate (北门 / North Gate) is the entrance from the Tianzishan side (Tianzishan Entrance). It's perfect for those who want to head straight to the summit without taking the cable cars.
• The West Gate (西门 / West Gate) is the entrance from the Yangjiajie side (Yangjiajie Entrance).
• The Middle Gate (中门 / Middle Gate) is the Zimugang entrance.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Map and Internal Transport

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

A Zhangjiajie National Forest Park map helps you plan journeys between Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Golden Whip Stream, Huangshizhai, and Ten-Mile Gallery. Eco-buses connect designated stops, while the Bailong Elevator, cableways, and sightseeing train usually require separate tickets.

Some online route descriptions refer to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Line A as a suggested journey through the park. It is not a single fixed public bus line. Routes and shuttle connections can vary, so check the current park map and signs when you arrive.

The Structure of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a vast area covering 48.1 km², which is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park consists of several main scenic zones, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Must-see sights in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Top Locations: Where to Find "Avatar"

The areas most closely connected with the Avatar Zhangjiajie scene are around Yuanjiajie. The landscape influenced the visual design of Pandora, but it was not a conventional filming set.

The national forest park, Tianmen Mountain, and Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge are separate attractions. Each requires its own journey and, in most cases, a separate ticket.

Hallelujah Mountain, China (Yuanjiajie)

Yuanjiajie

Mountain climbing

4.7/5: Outstanding

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Yuanjiajie is home to the very rock formation that served as the direct inspiration for the floating mountains of Pandora.

• Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: In January 2010, one of the peaks, previously known as the "Southern Sky Column," was officially renamed in honor of the film. It is a 1,080-meter-tall quartzite pillar. The creators of "Avatar" have revealed that these very landscapes inspired them to create the world of Pandora.
• Mihun Platform: The central viewing deck of Yuanjiajie, offering the best views of dozens of stone pillars rising into the mist. This place looks exactly like it does in the movie—especially in the morning fog.
• The First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥): A natural stone bridge spanning 2 peaks. The bridge towers about 300 meters above the abyss. When shrouded in mist, it truly looks like a bridge to the heavens.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tours on Trip.com

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tours can include a guide, hotel transfers, park admission, and selected internal transport. Check the listing before booking.

An Avatar Mountains trip package may cover only the national forest park or combine it with Tianmen Mountain and the glass bridge. Confirm the attractions, tickets, transfers, and meals beforehand.

Recommended Restaurants Near the Park Entrance

Tickets and Opening Hours

The park is currently listed as operating from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours may change by season, weather, holiday period, or maintenance schedule.

Admission generally includes the internal eco-buses and remains valid for four days. Elevators and cableways usually cost extra.

Where to Buy Zhangjiajie Tickets

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Natural scenery

Mountain climbing

From AED 131
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UAE visitors can compare available tickets on Trip.com. Bookings normally require passport information, and the traveller’s name should match the passport.

Avatar Mountains Trip Itinerary

A 3-day Avatar Mountains trip itinerary allows enough time for the main park areas without rushing.
Day 1: Visit Yuanjiajie, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the First Bridge Under Heaven, and the Bailong Elevator.
Day 2: Explore Tianzi Mountain and the Ten-Mile Gallery.
Day 3: Walk along Golden Whip Stream or visit Huangshizhai.
This route can also be saved as an Avatar Mountains trip map before departure. Add a separate day for Tianmen Mountain or Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge because neither attraction is inside the national forest park.

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain is near central Zhangjiajie and requires a separate ticket from the national forest park. Most visitors allow a full day for its cableway, mountaintop paths, Tianmen Cave, and 999-step staircase.

Compare current ticket packages on the Trip.com Tianmen Mountain page. Prices, routes, operating hours, and transport inclusions can change.

Tips for visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Plan on spending at least 3-4 days to leisurely explore the park, Tianmen Mountain, the glass bridge, and other nearby attractions.
• After 10-11 AM, the tourist crowds become huge. The best time to start is 8:00-9:00 AM.
• You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to pack some comfy, waterproof shoes.
• Free eco-buses run inside the park (the cost is included in your ticket), and there are also funiculars and the famous Bailong Elevator (these require a separate fee or can be purchased as part of a combo ticket).
• If you're ready to do a lot of walking, you can skip the paid cable cars. The Golden Whip trail leads to the most beautiful cliffs and is often uncrowded.
• There’s a KFC and other cafes at the summit of Tianmen Mountain, so you won’t go hungry. Still, it’s a good idea to bring some water and snacks along with you.
• There are lots of wild monkeys in the park. They might snatch food right out of your hands or bags. Please don't feed them, and make sure to keep your backpacks and bags zipped up tight.

An Avatar Mountains trip is best planned over 2 or 3 days, with additional time for Tianmen Mountain or the glass bridge. UAE travellers can fly through a major Chinese city, continue to Zhangjiajie, and stay in Wulingyuan for easier park access.

Use this Zhangjiajie travel guide to compare routes, tickets, accommodation, and tours, but check live schedules and prices before booking.