4 Days Zhangjiajie Travel Itinerary, Plan a 4-Day Trip to Zhangjiajie

Highlights of Zhangjiajie Can't Miss

No. 1: The Hallelujah Mountain in Movie: Avatar

The Hallelujah Mountain in Movie Avatar

The floating mountains in the movie Avatar were filmed in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie. From the viewing platform in Yuanjiajie, within the Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area, you can see thousands of majestic stone peaks and pillars, which closely resemble the scenes in the movie.

No. 2: Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Bungee

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is a breathtaking marvel of engineering, spanning 430 meters across the canyon at a height of 300 meters, making it the longest and highest glass bridge in the world. It offers visitors thrilling panoramic views of the canyon beneath their feet, with its transparent glass floor providing a heart-pounding experience. Opened in 2016, the bridge has become a must-visit attraction, combining stunning natural beauty with a sense of adventure. In addition to walking across the bridge, visitors can enjoy activities like bungee jumping and zip-lining for added excitement.

The Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, 430 meters long

Glass Bridge Bungee Jumping Platform

The world's highest bungee jump up to 260 meters, about RMB 2000 Per Trip

Best Local Dishes

Rock Fungus Stewed Chicken

Tujia Bacon

Charming Xiangxi Show

This dynamic show blends music, dance, and acrobatics, highlighting the diverse ethnic groups in the area, including the Tujia and Miao minorities. Spectators can enjoy stunning visuals, colorful costumes, and traditional performances like fire dancing and Tujia weddings. The show provides a fascinating insight into the local culture and is a popular evening activity for visitors to Zhangjiajie.

Charming Xiangxi Show in Wulingyuan

Comfortable Hotels

Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

Wangyunju Residence Boutique Homestay Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Pullman Hotel

If you have 4 days and are unsure how to plan your Zhangjiajie itinerary, you can refer to the routes we’ve explored and that our guests have experienced. You might find them helpful!

Typically, you may arrive in the morning or depart in the afternoon, so you can schedule a half-day trip to Tianmen Mountain, or spend half a day at Yellow Dragon Cave, Baofeng Lake, or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

260 Meters Bungee Experience

If you arrive in the afternoon a day earlier, you can plan for two full days at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with a half-day tour for the remaining time.

Additionally, you may consider adding Fenghuang Ancient Town and Furong Ancient Town to your itinerary, which would just require an extra night at each location.

Usually, a Zhangjiajie trip must include at least two days at the National Forest Park, or one day visiting Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain.

Tip: Tianmen Mountain is located in downtown Zhangjiajie, while Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is in Wulingyuan, about a 30-minute drive from the city center, 20 minutes from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, and about 10 minutes from the city center to the railway station. After visiting Tianmen Mountain, you can head directly to Wulingyuan Forest Park for convenient access to the next day's trip.

Charming Xiangxi Show in Wuliangyuan

So, here is our recommendation for a 4-day itinerary if you arrive in the afternoon:

Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan and check into your hotel. It's recommended to stay at a hotel near the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Some good options include Zhangjiajie Pullman Hotel, Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, Wangyunju Residence Boutique Homestay Zhangjiajie, Wyndham Ruijingmanshan Hotel, and Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. In the evening, take a stroll along Wuling Road to Xibu Street.

Evening Shows: Charming Xiangxi Show and Zhangjiajie Qian Gu Qingjing Qu.

What to eat and where: Try local dishes such as Sanxia Guo (a local hotpot dish), smoked bacon, and black fungus chicken. More information available >>

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Day 2: Spend the day visiting Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain. Start at the East Gate (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance), then take a 20-minute scenic shuttle bus ride to the Bailong Elevator (get your camera ready for video, as the elevator ascends quickly and isn't ideal for photos). Afterward, take a short scenic shuttle ride (around 5 minutes) to Yuanjiajie and explore sites like the First Bridge under Heaven, the Floating Bridge, Mihun Stage, and the Rear Garden. Then, take another short shuttle ride (5-10 minutes) to Yangjiajie to visit scenic spots such as One Step to Heaven, Wulang Worship Buddha, Air Corridor, and the Natural Great Wall.

From Wulong Village, take the shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain and visit scenic spots such as the Western Plum Peak Forest, Helong Park, Fairy Presenting Flowers, and Imperial Brush Peak. After exploring, take the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car back to the East Gate.

Optional: If you’re in good physical condition, consider walking from Wulong Village restaurant to One Step to Heaven. Then, continue to the Air Corridor, which has fewer tourists and beautiful views. After visiting the Air Corridor, if you have time, turn back and head down to explore a gated area with unique scenery.

Tips: This day involves a lot of stairs, approximately 15-20 kilometers of walking, so it’s physically demanding. Be prepared for long lines when taking the scenic shuttle buses, especially during peak holiday seasons like July-August, May Day, and National Day. The wait can be up to 2-3 hours during holidays, but otherwise, it’s typically 20-30 minutes. VIP fast-pass services are available for scenic shuttles, elevators, and cable cars (even with VIP, you may wait 30-60 minutes during holidays). Consider negotiating VIP services with your guide to save time depending on the crowd size.

For lunch, it’s recommended to bring your own, or try Jiahe Tianzi Mountain Ecological Restaurant near Helong Park. The food and prices are reasonable.

Golden Whip

Day 3: Spend the day exploring Huangshizhai and Golden Whip Stream. From Wulingyuan city center, it’s a 20-minute drive to the South Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Walk about 10 minutes to the Oxygen Bar Square and take the scenic shuttle bus, then ride the Huangshi Cable Car up to Huangshizhai Scenic Area for exploration. Afterward, hike along Golden Whip Stream and visit the Ten-Mile Gallery, where you can also take a small train (additional charge).

It’s recommended to bring snacks, as there are no full restaurants inside, just small snack stands.

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

Day 4: Half day tour of the Grand Canyon. In the morning, head to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, about 30 minutes' drive from Wulingyuan. Start with a walk on the Glass Bridge, the highest glass bridge in the world. You can also try the highest bungee jump in the world (260 meters), which costs around 2,000 RMB per jump. Afterward, try Via Ferrata (iron path) climbing or slide down the mountain. The hike through the Grand Canyon takes about 2 hours.

In the afternoon, return to Zhangjiajie city and depart by train or flight.