📜 Introduction.
Visiting Zhangjiajie feels like walking through the clouds. Misty mountains, glass bridges, and dizzying trails make it one of those places that seem from another planet.
After the chaos of Chongqing, my one-month trip across China continued in Zhangjiajie. Here I found breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and a slower, more authentic side of China.
Follow my 3-day itinerary below for a real journey through the clouds.
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Day 1: Pizza and Relax.
My three days in Zhangjiajie were slow and peaceful. Even though I walked around 10–12 km daily, escaping the city chaos felt refreshing.
I arrived in the late afternoon at Zhangjiajiexi (West) Station. After checking in, I took a short walk around the hotel area and did some laundry. After so many days of Chinese food, I found a tiny pizzeria — and yes, I tried it. It wasn’t great, but I’ve definitely had worse (even in Europe).
- h 17.56 – Arrival at Zhangjiajiexi (West)
- h 20.00 – Pizza
Day 2: a Stairway to Heaven.
I woke up early and took a DiDi (Chinese taxi app) to Tianmen Mountain at 7:00 a.m. After about 20 minutes, I arrived at the entrance and bought my ticket, which included the cable car ride to the start of the 999 steps leading to the Heaven’s Gate.
The stairs are steep but doable. Along the way there are resting areas with benches where you can stop and enjoy the view. Even early in the morning, it was already crowded.
At the top, the view was absolutely stunning. Inside the cave, the Heaven’s Gate arch reflects beautifully in a small pool of water.
I skipped it, but I recommend walking the Glass Walkway, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge.
Back in the city, I had lunch in a local restaurant and then tried a foot massage, a local tradition and a true treat after so many stairs.
- h 07.00 – Drive to Tianmen Mountain
- h 08.00 – Cable car ride
- h 09.30 – Visit Heaven’s Gate
- h 11.00 – Glass Walkway
- h 13.00 – Scenic bus down the 99 Bends Road
- h 14.00 – Lunch
- h 15.00 – Foot massage
Day 3: Avatar Mountain and Crazy Building.
I spent the whole day among the rock formations that inspired Avatar.
A DiDi ride took about 35 minutes to reach Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of the most impressive places I’ve ever visited.
For the morning, I recommend this route: Bailong Elevator, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain and Golden Whip Stream.
In the afternoon, visit the Hallelujah Mountains, the famous “floating pillars” from Avatar.
Back in town, I explored the 72 Strange Building, a fascinating complex of illuminated towers with a giant hole in the center. You’ll find shops, food stalls, small restaurants, and street performances with music, lights, and fire shows.
- h 08.00 – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- h 13.00 – Lunch
- h 14.00 – Hallelujah Mountains viewpoint
- h 18.00 – Evening at 72 Strange Building
🛏️ Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie.
I stayed three nights in Zhangjiajie before catching my early-morning train to Guilin.
My hotel, Tianmen Mountain Yuyuan Theme Hotel, cost only €55 with breakfast. It’s clean, spacious, affordable, and centrally located.
The only downside? Breakfast was very local: spicy food and no milk or coffee.
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🍜 What to Eat in Zhangjiajie.
Most dishes in Zhangjiajie are spicy, which I didn’t love. Near my hotel, though, I found a small restaurant that made non-spicy noodles just for me. And yes, I also tasted that Chinese pizza I mentioned earlier.
At the 72 Strange Building, I tried all kinds of Chinese snacks and street food, and loved it!
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.
I bought all the entrance tickets on site. Since these are natural parks, they rarely sell out.
Here are the approximate prices:
- Heaven’s Gate: about €34
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: about €28
- 72 Strange Buildings: about €11
💡 Travel Tips.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is huge. For this reason, your ticket is valid for four consecutive days. Plan at least two full days to explore it properly.
For the 72 Strange Building, go in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset framed by the giant hole in the structure.
🎈 Conclusion.
Zhangjiajie reconnects you with nature and makes you feel small in front of such vast beauty.
Misty peaks, hanging bridges, and surreal landscapes gift something extraordinary.
If you love breathtaking views and a touch of adventure, you must take this journey through the clouds in Zhangjiajie.
💬 And you? Would you climb all 999 steps to Heaven’s Gate — or take the shortcut? Tell me in the comments!
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