I've been to Zhangjiajie in the off-season, and I don't recommend visiting in April-May because...

✨April in Zhangjiajie is when spring flowers bloom and greenery flourishes🌳 With average temperatures between 15-25°C, the pleasant climate makes it the most beautiful time of the year. Not only can you enjoy spectacular scenery, but accommodation, dining, and transportation are also more cost-effective, maximizing your travel experience! This guide covers pre-trip preparation, attraction introductions, itinerary planning, accommodation, and food recommendations. Remember to like and save it! ✨Pre-trip Preparation • Clothing: April days are comfortable for short sleeves and light shirts, but bring a light jacket for significant temperature differences between morning and evening. Choose comfortable sneakers for hiking. • ID Documents: Bring your ID card. Also bring student ID or military ID if you have them for discounts at some attractions. • Medicine: Pack cold medicine, motion sickness pills, digestive medicine, and mosquito repellent just in case. • Others: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, umbrella (April has frequent rain), power bank, selfie stick. ✨Recommended Attractions 1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: A must-visit! The 4-day pass gives you access to unique peaks, streams, and waterfalls. With "three thousand peaks and eight hundred streams," this park features Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Yuanjiajie, crystal-clear waters of Golden Whip Stream, and magnificent peak forests of Huangshi Village. 2. Tianmen Mountain: Take the world's longest cable car ride up the mountain, experience thrilling glass walkways, view the 99-bend road, and explore the mysterious Tianmen Cave. The scenery is spectacular, though tickets are a bit pricey. 3. Grand Canyon: Features an impressive glass bridge that creates the illusion of walking on air. The canyon offers beautiful scenery with boat rides and zip lines, but it's far from downtown, so reserve a full day. 4. Baofeng Lake: Known as the "Heavenly Pool on Earth," featuring emerald waters. Take a boat ride to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery while experiencing ethnic minority culture. It's close to Wulingyuan and only needs half a day. 5. Yellow Dragon Cave: Features unique karst cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites. Since similar cave attractions can be found elsewhere, visit if time permits. ✨3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Golden Whip Stream) • Arrive at noon, check in to hotel near the Forest Park, take a short rest. • Visit the South Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the afternoon, stroll along Golden Whip Stream. See the crystal-clear water, playful monkeys, and enjoy scenery like "Golden Whip Rock" and "Divine Eagle Protecting Whip" along the stream path. Takes about 2-3 hours. Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie - Yangjiajie) • Enter through the East Gate, take the eco-friendly bus to Bailong Elevator, reach the summit in 66 seconds, visit First Bridge Under Heaven, Lost Souls Platform, and Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Yuanjiajie. • Visit Yangjiajie in the afternoon to see the Natural Great Wall and unique peak forest landscapes. Stay near the Forest Park again. Day 3: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park → Return • Head to Tianmen Mountain in the morning. Buy tickets and cable car passes online in advance. Take the cable car up and challenge the glass walkway (remember to rent shoe covers). • Visit Ghost Valley Plank Walk and Tianmen Cave. The cave has 999 steps - climb them if you're energetic, or take the mountain escalator. • Arrange departure based on your return schedule. 🏣Accommodation Tips • Prefer staying near Forest Park: Convenient for early park entry, saves time, and avoids peak crowds. Choose chain hotels for guaranteed quality, and check reviews carefully for guesthouses. • Avoid downtown: It's far from main attractions. Not recommended if focusing on the National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain. 🥮Food Recommendations • Three-Sauce Pot: Must-try local specialty! Stewed cured meat, pork trotters, pork stomach with various vegetables - spicy and delicious. Try local established restaurants. • Rock-ear Mushroom Chicken Soup: Rock-ear is a local delicacy, stewed with free-range chicken for a nutritious, flavorful soup. • Mugwort Rice Cake: Made with mugwort and glutinous rice flour, soft with unique herbal fragrance, available at street food stalls. 💡Tips: • Book tickets and hotels online in advance to avoid peak season shortages. • The scenic area is large with scattered attractions. Plan your route ahead or hire a local guide for convenience. • Stay safe while hiking, follow park rules, and stick to designated paths. Have a wonderful trip to Zhangjiajie with plenty of beautiful scenery and happy memories🌄