Last updated: June 2026
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is one of the highest and longest glass bridges in the world, suspended over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It's over 430 metres long and around 300 metres high, with a fully transparent surface and the canyon visible right beneath your feet. I'll admit it made me a little nervous at first, especially looking down, because it's high up between the valleys.
It's an intense experience and hard to forget. I visited it on my Zhangjiajie itinerary and, even with butterflies in my stomach, it was well worth it for the scenery and the unique feeling of crossing one of the most famous glass bridges in the world.
Is the Glass Bridge worth visiting?
Yes, especially for those doing a full Zhangjiajie itinerary. The bridge offers a perspective of the Grand Canyon that no trail or viewpoint can replicate. For those with a fear of heights it can be a challenge, but the structure is controlled and safe; in the end, the nerves pass and the scenery stays with you.
Where is the Glass Bridge?
The bridge is located within the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, in Cili County, a separate area from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain. The Grand Canyon is around 60 km from central Zhangjiajie, approximately one hour by car. Plan the visit as a standalone block in your itinerary.
How to get to the Glass Bridge
- Bus, departs from Wulingyuan Bus Station every 40 minutes from 7:20 AM, costs ¥12 per person and takes 40 to 50 minutes
- Taxi, faster and more direct, costs between ¥100 and ¥150 (~$14–$21)
- Private transfer or organised tour, the most comfortable option, ideal for combining with other attractions on the same day
Tickets
There are three ticket options:
- Grand Canyon only: ¥60 (~$8), access to the canyon without the glass bridge
- Grand Canyon + Glass Bridge: ¥178 (~$25), the most popular option; there is no standalone bridge-only ticket
- Combo with 5 adventure activities: ¥298 (~$42), includes the bridge plus activities such as zip line, slideway and others
The bridge is limited to 800 people at a time and 8,000 visitors per day, book at least 3 days in advance in normal season and 5 days in peak season. Purchase via Trip.com or the official website to guarantee entry.
How the visit works
Access to the bridge is managed by timed entry slots. Before crossing, everyone has to put on shoe covers (provided at the entrance) to protect the glass; they're mandatory, I put mine on over my trainers. Backpacks and professional cameras aren't allowed on the bridge, but there are lockers to store your belongings before you go on.
The crossing is done on foot, from one side to the other, with stops for photos. A tip from my own experience: I arrived in the last time slot of the day and the bridge was practically empty, with no one around, which made the experience much better for photos and for enjoying it without the crowds. The downside was that little time was left: I only had about 2 hours in the park, so I only managed to cross the bridge, without doing the canyon's other activities. If you can, arrive with more time, or at the end of the day if you want the bridge empty.
What to do at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Beyond the bridge, the canyon has more to offer:
- Sky Strip Trail, a 4 km downhill trail with views of the canyon walls
- Shenquan Lake, a lake at the valley floor, accessible by boat
- Zip line and slideway, optional adventure activities (included in the ¥298 combo)
- Bungee jump, available from the central platform of the bridge, separate ticket at ¥3,000 per person
How long to spend
Allow around 40 minutes if you only want to cross the bridge (that's what I managed, with 2 hours in the park), or 2 to 4 hours to explore the canyon at a relaxed pace, including the trails and activities. If you want to do the zip line, the slideway or the Sky Strip Trail, plan far more time than I had.
Best time to visit
- Early morning, shorter queues and better light for photos
- Weekdays, significantly fewer visitors
- Avoid national holidays (1–7 October and 1 May), the site becomes extremely crowded
Practical tips
- Book tickets in advance, daily capacity is limited
- Bring only your phone and wallet, backpacks are not allowed on the bridge
- Wear comfortable footwear for the canyon trails
- The visit is not recommended for pregnant women, elderly visitors with limited mobility, or those with high blood pressure or epilepsy