Youβve probably seen it in the background of Avatar movies , but nothing can prepare you for the epic beauty of traveling in ZhangJiaJie .
Upon arrival visitors will be impressed by its air of mystery, elegance and primitive simplicity. The scenic spots in this world are dominated by the colour green. The mountain slopes are covered with green foliage, the fields are green and even the Tuo Jiang River reflects the greenery. The bridges over the water and unique houses built on stilts display a harmony that is so often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain.
Pandora is indeed a unique world full of man-made marvels and natural wonders. It is not far away and it is a great place to discard the avatar in us. There is no place like Zhangjiajie.
Top 6 things to do in ZhangJiaJie
- ZhangJiaJie National Forest Park
This is one of the core scenic areas of Wulingyuan. It covers an area of 130 square kilometres and consists of six parts such as YellowStone Stronghold, Golden Whip Stream and Yuanjiajie. YellowStone Stronghold is the largest viewing platform in the whole Forest Park and you can enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains surrounded by cloud and mist. Yuanjiajie was the setting place of the famous film Avatar. The most remarkable scenic spot of Yuanjiajie is the First Bridge with a height of more than 300 meters (980 feet), which is the highest natural stone bridge ever found in the world. What’s more, the clear streams passing through the valleys in the Golden Whip Stream is one of the most beautiful sceneries in the park.
2. ZhangJiaJie Glass Bridge
One of the fun things to do in Zhangjiajie is to experience the second longest and highest glass bridge in the world. The bridge is located in the Grand Canyon, with a length of 430 meters (1,410 feet) and a height of 300 meters (985 feet). The bridge hangs over the valley and you can have an unforgettable experience to walk on it and enjoy the natural landscape in such a transparent high place. If you love some extreme sports, maybe you would like to challenge more heart-pounding activities such as the highest bungee jumping in the world.
3. Cable Car in Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area
Visitors can take a cable car to see these charming peaks. The minimum running time is six minutes and twenty-two seconds for a single trip during which visitors can keep the wonderful scenery of the Tianzi Mountain in view.
4. FengHuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town is where Miao and Tujia Nationalities live. Home to a prestigious Chinese writer Shen Congwen (1902-1988), the town was known for his novel Border Town. The town was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911) with red sandstone walls and the streets were paved with flagstones. Tuojiang River flows through the town and there is a narrow wooden bridge across the river under the North Gate. Walking along the river to sightsee in the town is a good option. You can visit the former residences of the celebrities and appreciate ancient buildings. Boating on the Tuojiang River to view the stilted buildings on both sides is also very enjoyable.
5. Tianmen mountain
Tianmen Cave: The Portal to the Heaven
Tianmen Cave is a grand karst cave 431 feet high, 187 feet wide and 197 feet deep spanning under the mountain. Looking from afar, the cave looks like a way up to heaven, hence the name, Tianmen, meaning Heavenly Door. The cave is shrouded by the year-round dense mist. Sometimes, cloaks of clouds gather at the cave’s opening, with the sun glowing through it, forming magical scenery.
6. Bailong Elevator
Bailong Elevator is the highest, fastest, fully exposed outdoor double-decker sightseeing elevator with the largest capacity in the world. Bailong Elevator goes up and down very fast which can finish a height of 326 meters (1,070 feet) within 1 minute and 58 seconds. It connects Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream and other main scenic areas together, leaving more time for tourists to enjoy the beauty of Zhangjiajie.
ZhangJiaJie National Forest Park Entrance Fee
Entrance fee | March to November: RMB 225 for adults / RMB 160 for children (1.3 – 1.5 meters) December to February: RMB 115 for adults / CNY 85 for children (1.3 – 1.5 meters) Free entry for children below 1.3 meters but they need to pay RMB 65 for the battery car. 1. With the validity of three consecutive days from March to November and four consecutive days from December to next February, the admission fee includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area and the battery car. 2. Tourists can pay CNY 3 to buy the insurance. |
Fees for elevator and cable car
| Items | Fees |
| Bailong Sightseeing Elevator (Single Trip) | RMB 72; RMB 43 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m. |
| YellowStone Village Cable Car | Single Trip: RMB 65; RMB 40 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m.Round Trip: CNY 118; CNY 70 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m. |
| Tianzi Mountain Cable Car (Single Trip) | CNY 72; CNY 43 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m. |
where to stay
Cassidy Enjoy Hotel
It is a budget friendly hotel in Changsha , and the Changsha Ecological Zoo is a short distance away. Cassidy Enjoy Hotel features room service and baggage storage, to help make your stay more enjoyable. While staying at Cassidy Enjoy Hotel, if you are feeling bored, there are a variety of choices of shops to go just a short distance away from the hotel. The staff at Cassidy Enjoy Hotel looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.
Fengting International Hotel
If you are looking for a hotel near the Phoenix Ancient Town, try for the Fengting International Hotel. It is a great place to stay when visiting the Fenghuang County and is near a scenic area. The rooms offer air conditioning and allow you to rest and refresh with ease. Fengting International Hotel provides room service and baggage storage. You could also enjoy a sauna as a valued Fengting International Hotel guest.
Shanshui Zhongtian Hotel
It provides an ideal of value, comfort and convenience. The hotel offers a flat screen Tv, air conditioner, a kitchenette and free wifi in every rooms. Shanshui Zhongtian Hotel provides services like a 24 hour front desk and facilities such as a fitness center and a restaurant. These will help to make your stay plenitude and special. There is also a popular option of restaurants near the Shanshui Zhongtian Hotel, feel free to walk within small distance to look for a place to eat or stay in this hotel as it not only offers food but also all local flavour of ZhangJiaJie, Changsha.
Hunan Zeyun Hotel
It is located near to a train station and you could easily reach the Avatar scenes. There are popular attractions nearby like the Change Poem Wall and easily found restaurants and shopping malls. The staff here are friendly and professional and the hotel has a theme of ancient China which could allow you to feel the elegance and classic of the country.
the best times to visit
- The best months: AprilβMay / SeptemberβOctober
- The ideal time: end of October to mid-November
- The peak seasons: summer and autumn
- The low season: winter
- The busiest times: July, August, LaborDay holiday (May 1β3), National Day holiday (October 1β7)
Spring in ZhangJiaJie
- From March to May
- The temperature of 15 to 25Β°C and is warming up
- The perfect season for taking photographs
- Not the peak season for travelers
- What to wear: jacket / long trousers / long sleeves / raincoat / hoodie
Summer in ZhangJiaJie
- From june to august
- Average highs are from 28 to 33Β°C. It is hot in the daytime and cool in the evenings
- Rainy season
- What to wear: T-shirt / shorts / light coat / sunglasses / mosquito repellant / rain gear / sun cap
- The peak season which having the heaviest crowds and the cost of hotels is high
Autumn in ZhangJiaJie
- From september to november
- Average highs from 18 to 28Β°C and there is less rain
- Less rainfall and the scenery is at its best
- What to wear: light sweater / hoodie / trousers
- Golden period for travelling after the National Day Holiday, there will not be as many people in the area and the scenery is still stunning
Winter in ZhangJiaJie
- From december to february
- Average temperature ranges from 3 to 10Β°C which is snowy or icy
- Snow scenery in the mountains is from mid-january to late february
- What to wear: warm and windproof clothing / gloves / mask / non-slip footwear
- It it the off-season which there will be fewer tourist and the prices of hotels are lower than in the peak season
- Some attractions and transportation will be restricted and unavailable
Currency
Chinese Yuan, Renminbi ( RMB / LOGO ) in which RMB 1 = (Ringgit Malaysia)RM 0.59 and (United States Dollar)USD 0.14 (February 2020) . It is easy to exchange money at a bank or at a money exchanger. You could also find ATMs in China but itβs best to make withdrawals beforehand just in case.
visa
Visitors must apply approximately a few weeks before their trip; they will not be granted a visa at the port of entry. It will takes four working days to get your China Visa in Kuala Lumpur .
OVERALL
The WANDERLUST of ZhangJiaJie had brought us an interesting journey to explore the beautiful culture of the Chinese tradition and its history. We hope that this travel guide would be the one which leads you to your desire of exploring the world.
BY: Angelina Alexis, Ryoko Yeo
I love coffee and homework 