Last updated: June 2026
Zhangjiajie was one of the places that impressed me most in all of China, and what nobody tells you is just how big it is. I arrived by train in the morning and went straight to Tianmen Mountain that same day; the next day I dedicated the whole day to the national park, the Avatar Mountains, and the glass bridge. I stayed two nights in the city of Zhangjiajie, which is a good base, but to be honest: two days is too little.
If I could, I'd have stayed at least four days, because the park is enormous and has far more viewpoints and trails than fit into two. I was lucky enough to get a clear, blue sky, which made everything even more striking, but I'll say upfront that the logistics here require planning. I'll tell you how I did it and what I'd do differently.
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 Qilou and illuminated architecture)
Day 1: Tianmen Mountain and Heaven's Gate
Morning
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
For me, the cable car was an attraction in itself, not just a way up. The views during the ascent are impressive and it was one of the most beautiful parts of the visit. It's one of the longest cable cars in the world, connecting the city straight to the mountain summit.
Heaven's Gate (Tianmen Cave)
The "Gate of Heaven" is a giant natural cave in the mountain, reached by a 999-step stairway. And here's the tip that helped me most: there are different ticket types and each one does the visit in a different order. I chose the option that goes up by cable car from the city to the top and then descends towards Heaven's Gate. That way, instead of climbing the 999 steps, I went down them, which made everything much easier. There are three main routes: up by cable car and down via Heaven's Gate (the most popular), the reverse route, or an option combining the bus along the 99-bend road with internal cable cars. It's worth checking at the time of purchase, because the order of the visit changes depending on the ticket.
Afternoon
Tianmen Mountain Walkways
I did the glass walkways along the mountain slopes. They give a different feeling, especially for those who aren't keen on heights, but they're worth it for the vertiginous views of the landscape.
Tianmen Mountain Road (99 Bends)
A road famous for the 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
Morning
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The highlight of the trip. I was lucky to get a clear sky, and the sandstone pillars stood out sharply, you immediately understand why the region inspired the scenery of Avatar. It was one of the places that impressed me most in all of China. Just a heads-up: the park is huge, with viewpoints and trails spread out, so set aside plenty of time.
Bailong Elevator
I used it and it was worth it to save time, because the park is enormous. It costs around ¥65 (~$9) per ride. There was a queue, but nothing excessive. As my time was short, I preferred to spend energy in the park rather than climbing trails, and the elevator solved that nicely.
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 offering panoramic views.
Afternoon
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
I'll admit it made me a little nervous at first, especially looking down. I arrived in the last time slot of the day and the bridge was practically empty, which made the experience even better. It's not frightening to the point of putting you off, and it's worth it for the scenery and for crossing one of the most famous glass bridges in the world.
Evening
72 Qilou (72 Strange Buildings)
I ended day 2 here, and I highly recommend including it in the evening. They're illuminated buildings inspired by Tujia architecture, with a light show that makes everything more beautiful and photogenic, a very different atmosphere from the rest of the city. Even though it's a well-known spot, when I went it wasn't crowded, which made the experience even better. After a full day in the park, it was a great way to end things.
Practical tips for visiting Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is a destination of intense nature, with trails, cable cars and landscapes that impress from day one. Good footwear and comfortable clothing are essential, the park demands a lot of walking.
Getting around
- Inside the park, internal buses connect the main areas
- Cable cars and chairlifts are part of the experience, included with the ticket
- Heaven's Gate is outside the main park and requires a separate trip
Tickets
- The national park ticket covers several days of access; I had to show my passport at the entrance
- Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate): separate ticket, with cable car included; each ticket type changes the order of the visit
- Buy tickets online or at the entrance, the park is paid and well organised
Best time
- Morning is the best time, less haze and natural light on the mountains
- Avatar Mountains: go early to avoid the crowds; with clear skies, the pillars look sharp
- Heaven's Gate: morning sun is ideal for seeing the opening clearly
Best views
- Elevated platforms of the Avatar Mountains: aerial view of the sandstone columns
- Heaven's Gate: the opening in the rock is one of the most unique sights in China
- Glass Bridge: vertiginous view of the gorge below