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Zhangjiajie Attractions - Things to Do

From Nov. 6, 2025 on, the upper section of Tianmen Mountain Grand Cableway has been suspended for maintenance until further notice. The lower section from the mountain foot to middle station runs as usual. After reaching the middle station, tourists can take the shuttle bus and transmountain escalator to the mountain top.

Zhangjiajie has become a world-renowned tourist destination in recent years thanks to its rich natural landscapes: the quartz sandstone peak forests of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park can rarely be seen elsewhere on the earth, inspiring Floating Mountain in the famous movie Avatar; karst landforms - Tianmen Cave on the ground and Yellow Dragon Cave underground are equally stunning; canyons, streams, lakes, and abundant negative oxygen ions in the air make it also a hiking resort.

Other than various views, the city also boasts some world’s No.1s in terms of tourist facilities: the fastest and highest outdoor sightseeing elevator - Bailong Elevator, the longest passenger cable way - Tianmen Mountain Cable Way, and the highest and longest glass bridge - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, offering unique experiences to visitors.

Besides, the cultural attractions in Zhangjiajie, such as the fantastic 72 Strange Buildings, allow you to immerse yourself in the traditional life of the Tujia, Bai, and Miao ethnic groups, day or night.

You can choose preferred destinations from the following attractions based on your interests, expectations, time, and physical stamina.

Zhangjiajie Attraction Map

Top 5 Zhangjiajie Attractions

1Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Highlights:

Top 1 attraction in Zhangjiajie, ranking on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List
Gathering vast and dense quartz sandstone peak landforms, with canyons, streams, and forests
You can either take a stroll or hike up the mountain step by step.
Cableways save energy while providing incredible perspectives.

2Tianmen Mountain

Highlights:

Home to Tianmen Cave, a natural karst cave with the highest altitude in the world
Reach the core scenic area from downtown by one of the longest cableways in the world
It’s challenging to climb steep and continuous 999 staircases and walk on the glass-bottom walkway built on cliffs.

3Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge & Grand Canyon

Highlights:

Listed as “11 Most Spectacular Bridges in the World” by CNN. A good option for Adventurous travelers: the bridge made of transparent glass is 300 meters (985 feet) high above the valley.
Thrilling high-altitude bungee jumping, via ferrata, flying rope, and cliff slides
The Grand Canyon, with breathtaking scenery of cliffs, streams, and waterfalls, is a must-visit for hiking lovers.

4Bailong Elevator

Highlights:

Lift you directly to the top of a 335-meter-high (1,099 feet) cliff from the foot of the mountain in 66 seconds
Be amazed by dozens of quartz sandstone peaks through transparent glass as soon as you rush out of the shaft hidden in the mountain

5Yellow Dragon Cave

Highlights:

An underground karst cave that has existed for 200,000 years
Integrating underground rivers, giant cave halls, dense stalactites, and suspended waterfalls
The temperature inside the cave remains at 16℃ (60.8℉) all year round, making it a great place to escape the summer heat and frequent rain.
It’s really fascinating to admire the cave by boat on the underground river.

More Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

Find the prototype of Hallelujah Mountain, overlook the vast and magnificent peak forests at Tianzi Mountain, and take panoramic photos of Zhangjiajie Forest Park at Huangshizhai. Family tourists with elderly and children are advised to hike along the flat Golden Whip Stream , where you can enjoy fresh air and encounter cute wild monkeys.

The journey doesn’t stop as night falls. It’s a good choice to watch the authentic Tianmen Fox Fairy Show, learn about the culture and customs of the Tujia ethnic group at the bustling illuminated 72 Qilou, and taste local cuisine at the night market.

Read More: Top 10 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Tianmen Fox Fairy Show

Other Attractions in Zhangjiajie

If you prefer a quiet trip, go to Sky Garden, rarely visited by tourists, to admire towering sandstone pillars, or take a boat tour of enchanting Baofeng Lake. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the pristine Yangjiajie landscape with sufficient energy; adventure lovers might as well challenge via ferrata at Seven Star Mountain.

Side Trip Destinations from Zhangjiajie

After exploring the physically demanding mountainous Zhangjiajie, you may want to slow down and visit ethnic minority towns with a slower pace of life—Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town—to relax your body. The two are just a half-hour and one-hour high speed rail ride away from Zhangjiajie city, respectively.

Waterfalls and rivers wind through the towns, with clusters of stilted houses neatly arranged along both banks. When the lights come on in the evening, the scenery gets particularly enchanting. Residents and even tourists in traditional Miao and Tujia attire can be seen everywhere. Savor local delicacies, enjoy traditional folk performances, and join a night boat ride without thinking of anything.