Zhangjiajie 4-Day 3-Night Travel Guide: Explore the Magical Landscape Wonderland

Day 1: Discover the Fantasy World of Tianmen Mountain. 💰Attraction Costs: For reference only Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Peak season 278 RMB/person, off-season 258 RMB/person (includes cable car, eco-bus, mountain escalator, etc. Glass walkway shoe covers require separate purchase at 5 RMB/pair). 🗓Itinerary: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park Morning: Arrive at the lower station of Tianmen Mountain Cableway (located in downtown Zhangjiajie). The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is the world's longest alpine passenger cableway, spanning 7,455 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape and gradually unfolding mountain scenery through the glass windows during the 28-minute ride. After reaching the upper station, head to Yunmeng Xian Ding, the highest point of Tianmen Mountain. On clear days, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Zhangjiajie city and the rolling mountains. Noon: Have a simple lunch at the mountaintop restaurant, trying local specialties like kudzu root powder or corn cakes to recharge. Afternoon: Glass Walkway: Tianmen Mountain features three glass walkways—Panlong Cliff, East Line, and West Line. Step onto the transparent glass and look down at the hundreds-of-meters-deep cliffs below. Tianmen Cave: Take the mountain escalator down to Tianmen Cave. The 12-section escalator is the world's longest alpine sightseeing elevator. Tianmen Cave is 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep, often shrouded in clouds. Visitors can climb the steep 999-step staircase to the top—take it slow and stay safe. Day 2: Marvel at the Spectacular Peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. 💰Attraction Costs: For reference only Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Ticket 227 RMB/person, valid for 4 days (includes eco-bus; Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain Cableway, Yangjiajie Cableway, Huangshi Village Cableway, and Ten-Mile Gallery sightseeing train require separate fees). 🗓Itinerary: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Morning: Take a 1-hour ride from downtown to the park's main entrance (Wulingyuan Ticket Station). Enter the park and take the eco-bus to Bailong Elevator. Known as the "world's tallest, heaviest-capacity, and fastest outdoor sightseeing elevator," it takes just 1 minute and 58 seconds to reach Yuanjiajie. Yuanjiajie: One of Zhangjiajie's core scenic areas, featuring the "Hallelujah Mountain" from *Avatar* (the "Qiankun Pillar"). Other highlights include Mihun Terrace and the First Bridge Under Heaven. Mihun Terrace is a viewing platform, while the First Bridge is a majestic natural stone bridge spanning two peaks. Noon: Dine at a nearby restaurant, savoring local Tujia smoked pork and wild vegetables. Afternoon: Yangjiajie: Take the eco-bus to Yangjiajie. Wulong Village, a former bandit stronghold, is a key attraction with steep terrain and narrow paths requiring climbing. Tianbo Mansion offers stunning views. Day 3: Stroll Through the Poetic Landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. 🗓Itinerary: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Morning: Golden Whip Stream: Re-enter the park and take the eco-bus to Golden Whip Stream. The 5,700-meter stream is flanked by towering peaks, including the iconic Golden Whip Rock. Along the stone path, spot sights like Eagle Protecting the Whip and Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother. Wild macaques are common—avoid feeding them to prevent scratches. Noon: Grab snacks like grilled corn or tea eggs from nearby stalls. Afternoon: Ten-Mile Gallery: Walk or take the eco-bus to this 5-kilometer scenic route. Ride the sightseeing train or hike to see attractions like the Herb-Picking Old Man, Three Sisters Peaks, and Longevity Greeting Guest. Day 4: Explore Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Challenge Your Limits. 💰Attraction Costs: For reference only Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Route A (canyon only) 91 RMB/person; Route B (canyon + glass bridge) 178 RMB/person (prices subject to change; discounts for seniors, children, and students with ID). 🗓Itinerary: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Morning: Drive 40 minutes from Wulingyuan or downtown to the canyon. Start with the Yuntiandu Glass Bridge—536 meters long and 260 meters high (equivalent to 90 floors). The transparent glass offers dizzying views, and "cracked glass" effects add thrills. Noon: Enjoy local farmhouse dishes like firewood chicken or bamboo-tube rice at the canyon restaurant. Afternoon: Hike deeper into the canyon to see sights like One-Line Sky, Waterfall Spring, Treasure Elevator, and Shenquan Lake. One-Line Sky is a narrow gorge with sheer cliffs. The Treasure Elevator, one of the world's tallest outdoor elevators, descends 126 meters for panoramic views. End with a boat ride on the lake, admiring the mirrored mountain scenery. Evening: Head to the airport or station as per your departure schedule, concluding your Zhangjiajie adventure. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations: ① Downtown: More options, convenient transport/dining, budget-friendly. Try Pullman Zhangjiajie Jingwu or Zhangjiajie Old Street Inn (prices vary by room type/season). ② Near Wulingyuan: Close to the national park. Recommended: Zhangjiajie Forest Inn, Hidden Mountain Retreat, Mountain Top Lodge, or Peak Dialogue Homestay—great value, clean rooms, and warm service. 📝Tips: ① Route planning: The park has one-way routes. Plan ahead and pace yourself (3–4 hours for full tours). ② Avoid crowds: Visit the glass bridge early to skip weekend/holiday rushes. ③ Attire: Wear anti-slip shoes for wet steps; bring rain gear for unpredictable weather. ④ Driving: Navigate to "Tianmen Mountain Cableway Co." or "Wulingyuan Main Entrance." Drive cautiously on mountain roads. ⑤ Prep: Check the weather 3–5 days ahead and review live scenic webcams. Pack rain gear, sunscreen, or warm layers.