Zhangjiajie Free Travel Guide | 10 Must-Visit Breathtaking Scenic Spots: Avatar's Filming Location & Asia's Largest Karst Cave!

Dubbed the "Fairyland on Earth," Zhangjiajie has become a filming location for the renowned sci-fi film Avatar due to its unique and imposing mountains and landscapes. The movie brought the breathtaking scenery of Hunan's Zhangjiajie onto the big screen, stunning audiences worldwide. Want to step into the magical world of Avatar? Kinnso editors have compiled a list of 10 must-visit attractions in Zhangjiajie with transportation tips, allowing you to feel as if you are on Pandora and experience the enchanting allure of nature.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is considered the prototype of Avatar, especially the floating mountains in the movie were inspired by it. Attractions such as Jinbian Rock and Misery Ridge within the park are awe-inspiring with their "odd, steep, beautiful, mysterious, and enchanting" landscapes. Visitors can take the Bailong Sky Ladder elevator or ride the world's highest tourist elevator - the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge elevator, to feel the wonders of nature amidst the misty clouds. Address: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City Ticket: 248 yuan during peak season, 168 yuan during off-season

Tianshan Mountain is known for its "grand, strange, dangerous, and picturesque" features. Its main attractions include Tianmen Cave, the Heavenly Path Avenue, and the Ghost Valley Plank Road. Among them, the 999-step Tianti (heavenly ladder) directly reaches the mouth of Tianmen Cave, known as "the Ladder to Heaven." Upon reaching the top, visitors can walk on a glass plank road overlooking the magnificent scenery that changes with every step. Tianmen Cave is located at an altitude of 1518 meters, spanning 30 meters wide, with three natural stone caves in total, undoubtedly a spectacle of nature. Address: Tianshan National Forest Park, Tianshan Township, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Ticket price: 261 yuan during peak season, 141 yuan during off-season

Spanning across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a fully transparent glass bridge, the world's longest and highest, measuring 430 meters in length with a bridge surface about 300 meters above the canyon floor. The bridge surface is paved with 99 pieces of transparent glass, offering a breathtaking view of the scenery beneath your feet. It's undoubtedly a thorough test of your courage! Combining mountains, water, glass, mist, and light, the glass bridge showcases a unique visual aesthetic that is awe-inspiring. Address: Wangcun, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Hunan Province
Ticket: 138 yuan (includes scenic area ticket and sightseeing bus fare)

Known as "The First Lake of Wuling", Baofeng Lake is surrounded by mountains, with mist and clouds swirling around it, resembling a breathtaking landscape painting. You can take a boat trip across the lake to get up close to the picturesque scenery on both sides. The reflection of the mountains in the lake sparkles, and when covered in clouds and fog, it adds an ethereal touch. Standing by the lakeshore, breathing fresh air, letting your thoughts drift with the lakescape and mountains, you can achieve complete relaxation. Address: Baofeng Lake, Wangcun Town, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Ticket: 96 yuan

The Ten-Mile Gallery is located within the Suxi Valley scenic area, composed of hundreds of uniquely shaped peaks and stones, forming dreamlike and surreal landscape paintings. The valley winds and turns, with steep cliffs carved by nature on both sides, gurgling streams, and lush greenery complementing each other. Walking along the paths in the scenic area, every step is a beautiful scene, breathtakingly stunning. Along the way, there are also attractions like the Elder Picking Medicine, King's Reading, and Divine Eagle Playing with Dragon, blending human culture and natural beauty. Address: Inside Helong Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Tickets: Free (included in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tickets)

Jinchuangxi is 5.7 kilometers long, with clear water flowing gently, towering cliffs on both sides, ancient trees standing tall, and beautiful scenery. It is known as "the most beautiful canyon in the world". In the morning, light mist shrouds the valley, and the sunrise casts a magical glow. In the evening, the sunset paints the sky red, adding to the valley's enchanting beauty. Walking along the path at the bottom of the valley, listening to the birdsong and insects, breathing fresh air, can cleanse both body and mind. Address: Inside Helong Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Ticket: Free (included in the ticket price of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

Huanglong Cave is the largest karst cave in Zhangjiajie. With stalactites everywhere and colorful lights illuminating them, it is a breathtaking sight. The cave has four scenic areas: Natural Art Palace, Eastern Art Palace, Huanglong Palace, and Dragon Palace. Visitors can take a miniature train deep into the cave to witness the wonders of nature. There is also a 2.8-meter-wide Huanglong Spring Eye with clear, sweet water that maintains a constant temperature of 16-18℃ year-round. Address: Sanjia Ma Road Intersection, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Ticket: 100 yuan

Yuanjiajie is the essence of Zhangjiajie, and the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar were inspired by it. The scenic area has famous attractions such as Husband and Wife Peak, Back Garden, and the World's First Bridge. Taking a cable car to the top, you can admire the magnificent Stone Forest Peaks from afar, making you marvel at the wonder of nature. At sunrise and sunset, morning mist and evening haze shroud the landscape, creating an enchanting fairyland scene that leaves visitors mesmerized. Address: Within the Yandongxi National-level Nature Reserve, Suxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Ticket: Free (already included in the ticket price of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

Tian Bofǔ is an ancient-style city showcasing the traditional culture of the Tujia people. The buildings, costumes, and cuisine within the city are all brimming with the distinct flavors of this minority group. Stepping into Tian Bofǔ, it's as if you've traveled through time, returning to a distant past. Visitors can enjoy ethnic dance performances here, savor authentic local delicacies, and purchase exquisite handicrafts. It offers a unique and exotic experience. Address: Guǎnlǐpíng Town, Yǒngdéng District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province Ticket Price: 68 yuan

Praised by New Zealand writer Louis Alley as one of the most beautiful towns in China, Phoenix Ancient Town is the best representation of Xiangxi characteristics. Phoenix Ancient Town is nestled amidst mountains and rivers, with Tujia stilt houses built along the riverbank. Red lanterns hang high, while small bridges cross flowing water, creating an ancient and elegant atmosphere. Stroll through the ancient alleys and savor the historical and cultural heritage of the town. Let the noise of the bustling city fade away with the flow of Tuojiang River, and find peace in your heart. Address: Phoenix Town, Phoenix County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province Ticket: 148 yuan

1. Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport: You can take the airport bus to the city center (¥20-25) or a taxi (about ¥100-120). 2. Zhangjiajie Train Station: You can take a direct tourist shuttle bus to Wulingyuan (¥10). You can also take a bus from the station to the bus terminal, then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus to the scenic area. 3. Zhangjiajie Bus Terminal: There are many buses that go directly to Wulingyuan (¥12), Tianmen Mountain and other scenic areas. 4. To get from the city center to major scenic areas, you can take a bus, a tourist shuttle bus, or a private car. It is recommended to hire a car when visiting Zhangjiajie, as it saves time and effort.