Day Trips from Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is famous for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landscape and rich natural resources, making it a holy place for many travel enthusiasts. Here’s a well-prepared one-day tour guide for Zhangjiajie to help you experience the charm of this magical land as much as possible in a limited time.

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一. Itinerary

1. Morning: huangshizhai scenic area

Departure time: It’s recommended to leave around 7 AM to avoid peak crowds and have enough time to enjoy the sunrise.

Activity: Huangshizhai is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise in Zhangjiajie. You can take a cable car or hike to the top to enjoy the spectacular sunrise view. After that, stroll along the trails in the scenic area to get up close with the breathtaking natural stone pillars. Huangshizhai not only has beautiful scenery but is also relatively less crowded, perfect for a peaceful visit.

2. Noon: jinbian stream

How to get there: After descending from Huangshizhai, you can choose to hike or take an eco-friendly vehicle to the entrance of Jinbian Stream.

Activity: Jinbian Stream is known for its crystal-clear waters and dense vegetation on both sides. As you walk along the stream, you’ll see many oddly shaped stones, as if crafted by nature itself. The air here is fresh and the environment is quiet, making it a great spot for photos. It takes about 1-2 hours to complete the tour.

Lunch recommendation: There are many small restaurants near Jinbian Stream offering local specialties like wild vegetables and free-range chicken, which is a great opportunity to experience authentic Zhangjiajie cuisine. Be sure to try some local snacks like Sanxia Guo and kudzu root powder.

3. Afternoon: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

How to get there: After lunch, it’s suggested to drive to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which is one of the core areas of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Activity: Take the Bailong Elevator to reach the top of Yuanjiajie, then start your hiking journey. Iconic spots in Yuanjiajie include the First Bridge Under Heaven and the Enchanting Platform. These spots not only have high viewing value but also allow you to learn more about Zhangjiajie's geological structure and natural scenery. It’s recommended to set aside at least 2-3 hours to fully explore this area.

二.Transportation Guide

By plane: After arriving at Zhangjiajie Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center, then transfer to a direct bus to the scenic area.

By train: From Changsha, it takes about 3 hours by train to reach Zhangjiajie West Station. After exiting, you can take a bus directly to the core scenic area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or Wulingyuan District.

By car: From Changsha, it takes about 5 hours by car to reach Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station or Wulingyuan Bus Station, then transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus to your destination.

三.Accommodation Suggestions

Near Tianmen Mountain: If you plan to visit Tianmen Mountain, you can choose to stay near the Tianmen Mountain cableway in the city for convenience the next day.

Near Wulingyuan scenic area: If you plan to visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area, it’s recommended to stay nearby. Although the price is slightly higher, it saves time for back and forth trips to the scenic area.

With the tips above, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty and unique charm of Zhangjiajie in just one day. Whether it's watching the spectacular sunrise, strolling by the quiet Jinbian Stream, or exploring the mysterious landscapes of Yuanjiajie, it will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Zhangjiajie.