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Zhangjiajie in 2 Days: Avatar Mountains and Glass Bridge

Tianmen Mountain · Qilou · Avatar Mountains · Glass Bridge

Zhangjiajie is one of China's most spectacular natural destinations, famous for the rock formations that inspired the scenery in the film Avatar. The region combines dramatic mountains, suspended walkways, panoramic cable cars and some of the most unique landscapes in the country.

In two days, it is possible to explore the main attractions of Zhangjiajie, including Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate), Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge — a complete itinerary through nature, adventure and cinematic scenery.

2-day Zhangjiajie itinerary: what to do day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

  • Day 1 — Tianmen Mountain and Heaven's Gate (panoramic cable car, walkways and mountain views)
  • Day 2 — Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Avatar Mountains and Glass Bridge (evening: 72 Strange Buildings and illuminated architecture)

Day 1 — Tianmen Mountain and Heaven's Gate

Heaven's Gate natural arch formation on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
Heaven's Gate — natural arch carved into the cliffs of Tianmen Mountain
Glass walkway on the slopes of Tianmen Mountain with valley views in Zhangjiajie
Glass walkway on the slopes of Tianmen Mountain with vertiginous views of the valley

Morning

Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
One of the world's longest cable cars, connecting the city to the mountain summit with panoramic views of the mountains, forests and winding road below.

Heaven's Gate (Tianmen Cave)
The famous "Gate of Heaven" — an enormous natural cave carved into the mountain, accessible via a long stairway. One of Zhangjiajie's most iconic landmarks, with impressive views of the valley.

Afternoon

Tianmen Mountain Walkways
Walkways built along the mountain slopes, including glass sections that provide an immersive experience with vertiginous views of the landscape.

Tianmen Mountain Road (99 Bends)
The famous road with tight hairpin bends climbing the mountain, creating one of the most dramatic and photographed scenes in China.

Day 2 — Avatar Mountains and Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Avatar Mountains sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Sandstone pillars of the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge suspended glass walkway over the canyon
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge spanning the Grand Canyon

Morning

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
National park with thousands of sandstone pillars covered in vegetation, forming unique landscapes that inspired the film Avatar.

Bailong Elevator
Panoramic elevator built into the rock, considered one of the world's tallest, offering quick access to the summit with impressive views.

Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains)
The most famous area of the park, with iconic rock formations including the mountain that inspired the Avatar film landscapes, along with viewpoints with panoramic views.

Afternoon

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
One of the world's highest and longest glass bridges, crossing the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with vertiginous views of the landscape below.

Evening

72 Qilou illuminated at night with laser show in Zhangjiajie
72 Qilou illuminated with light and laser show at night
View from below of the 72 Qilou complex with illuminated Tujia architecture in Zhangjiajie
Illuminated Tujia architecture of the 72 Qilou complex seen from below

72 Qilou (72 Strange Buildings)
Area with illuminated traditional buildings inspired by Tujia architecture, creating a unique and photogenic atmosphere — the perfect way to end the day.

Attractions