由 wangyuning21@gmail.com 
Zhangjiajie is truly a captivating destination. Its Avatar-like floating mountains, thrilling glass walkways, and rich ethnic minority culture are all experiences worth having firsthand. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate everything from pre-trip preparations to itinerary planning, ensuring you make the most of your Zhangjiajie adventure.
Zhangjiajie Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Essential Pre-Trip Guide
Visas and Entry
For short-term tourists, the most convenient option is to utilize the transit visa-free policy.
144/240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport has been approved to implement the 144/240-hour transit visa-free policy. Foreign travelers from 54 designated countries holding:
A passport valid for at least 3 months
A confirmed connecting ticket to a third country (region) within 240 hours
may apply for transit visa-free entry at Zhangjiajie Airport.
Tourist Visa (L Visa): If ineligible for transit visa exemption, a tourist visa must be applied for in advance.
Language & Services
Multilingual Assistance: Hunan Border Inspection provides multilingual consultation services at ports. Major attractions feature Chinese-English signage, with some sites offering multilingual guide maps.
Payment Convenience: Zhangjiajie actively enhances payment convenience for inbound tourism. It is advisable to carry some RMB cash for unexpected needs.
Essential Apps: We recommend downloading Google Translate, WeChat (Weixin), and a Chinese map app in advance.
Itinerary Planning Suggestions
Below is an overview of a 3-5 day itinerary for Zhangjiajie, helping you visualize your travel arrangements:
3-Day Classic Tour
Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Core Area
Morning: Enter the park through Wulingyuan East Gate. Arrive at Bailong Elevator early (before 7:00 AM to avoid peak queues).
Afternoon: Explore Yuanjiajie (inspiration for Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain), Yangjiajie (Natural Great Wall), and Tianzi Mountain (Imperial Brush Peak, Fairy Presenting Flowers). Descend via cable car.
Evening: Stay at a Wulingyuan area hotel and savor the local specialty dish “Three Pots”.
Day 2: Forest Park Highlights & Tianmen Mountain
Morning: Stroll along Jinbian Stream (7.5 km, approx. 2-hour hike), encounter wild macaques (do not feed); visit Huangshizhai.
Afternoon: Proceed to Tianmenshan National Forest Park. Take the Tianmenshan Cableway up the mountain, experience the Glass Walkway, and view Tianmen Cave.
Evening: Return to Zhangjiajie city center. Optional nighttime stroll along Xibujie Street.
Day 3: Grand Canyon & Departure
Morning: Visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and experience the Cloud Sky Glass Bridge.
Afternoon: Allow ample time to reach the airport/train station based on flight or train schedule.