By Emma, an outdoor enthusiast from London
As someone who’s obsessed with “Avatar,” I’ve always dreamed of visiting Zhangjiajie—said to be the inspiration for Pandora’s floating mountains. Today, that dream turned into a surreal reality. My day started at 7 AM with a scenic bus ride to Tianmen Mountain, and the first stop? The Bailong Elevator, or “Hundred Dragons Elevator”—a glass elevator built into a cliffside. As it shot up 326 meters in just 66 seconds, I held my breath: one second I was staring at valley floors, the next I was above the clouds, surrounded by jagged quartz sandstone peaks. The view was so breathtaking, I forgot to take photos for a full minute!
Next was the Tianmen Mountain Glass Plank Road, a 60-meter walkway clinging to the mountain at 1,430 meters above sea level. I’ll admit I was nervous at first—looking down through the glass felt like walking on air. But then a Chinese hiker beside me laughed and said, “Look up, not down!” He was right; the panoramic view of mist-wrapped mountains made my nerves vanish. We chatted briefly (he used a translation app to tell me about his weekend hike) and took a photo together—one of my favorite trip memories so far.
Lunch was at a small mountain restaurant run by a local family. I tried spicy pork with wild mushrooms and stir-fried bamboo shoots—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for fueling the afternoon hike. The owner told me that many of the ingredients were picked that morning from the mountains. After lunch, I followed a narrow trail to Tianmen Cave, a natural archway 131.5 meters high. Climbing the 999 steps to the cave felt like a challenge, but the view from the top—sunlight streaming through the arch, mist swirling below—made every step worth it.
As dusk fell, I sat on a rock and watched the mountains turn pink and orange. Zhangjiajie isn’t just a “movie backdrop”—it’s alive with sound (birds chirping, wind through pines) and warmth (locals sharing stories, fresh mountain food). I went to bed exhausted but grinning, already replaying the day’s magic in my head.
Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Zhangjiajie
1. Transportation: Getting Around Zhangjiajie
- From Zhangjiajie Railway Station to Tianmen Mountain: Take bus No. 4 or 5 (10 yuan, 20 minutes) or a taxi (about 30 yuan, 15 minutes). Avoid unlicensed taxis—they often overcharge.
- Within Tianmen Mountain: Use the combination of cable car, elevator, and shuttle bus (included in the entrance ticket). The cable car from the foot of the mountain to the top is 7.5 kilometers long—enjoy the aerial view!
2. Tickets: Skip the Lines with Timed Reservations
Tianmen Mountain tickets include the entrance fee, cable car, and Bailong Elevator. Book online 3 days in advance via the official WeChat mini-program “Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area” (English version available) or authorized platforms like Ctrip.
Key tip: Choose a “time slot” (8:00-10:00 AM, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, etc.) when booking. Arrive during your slot to avoid long waits for the cable car or elevator.
3. Hiking & Gear: Prepare for the Outdoors
- Shoes: Wear non-slip hiking boots—trails can be wet and rocky, especially after rain.
- Clothing: Zhangjiajie is cooler than lowland areas—bring a lightweight waterproof jacket (even in summer, mist and sudden rain are common).
- Supplies: Carry a small backpack with water, snacks (energy bars, nuts), and sunscreen. There are few shops on the trails.
4. Food & Lodging: Authentic Mountain Experiences
- Food: Look for family-run restaurants near the scenic area entrance. Try “stone pot chicken” (tender chicken cooked in a stone pot with herbs) and “fermented tofu” (a local condiment with a unique flavor).
- Lodging: Stay in Zhangjiajie City (more affordable, with many hotels) or near Tianmen Mountain (convenient for early morning visits). “Zhangjiajie Mountain View Inn” has great views and English-speaking staff.
Top Photo Spots
- Bailong Elevator: Take photos from the elevator (or the viewing platform below) to capture the elevator against the cliff and peaks.
- Glass Plank Road: Ask a fellow hiker to take a full-body shot of you with the mountains in the background—use the mist for a dreamy effect.
- Tianmen Cave: Shoot from the bottom of the 999 steps to capture the archway and the sky above.