Just when I thought China couldn’t get any crazier, Zhangjiajie had other plans!
Tucked away in Hunan Province, this corner of China is famous for the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. But on my second day here I swapped the pillars for something a little more adrenaline-fuelled: a giant glass bridge, a zip-line, a slide down the side of a canyon, and then a trip up Tianmen Mountain to see one of the most extraordinary natural wonders I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Here’s everything you need to know to do it yourself! Want more China travel tips? Of course you do!
Read: Your Ultimate China Travel Guide: Best Places, Activities, and Travel Tips
Zhangjiajie at a glance
- Where: Hunan Province, China
- Best for: Nature lovers, scenery chasers and anyone who loves a bit of adventure
- How long to spend: At least two to three full days if you want to see the Avatar Mountains, the Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain
- How I travelled: On a private tour with Odynovo, with a local guide and driver, which made everything (including the language barrier) incredibly easy
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Zhangjiajie’s Grand Canyon is one of those places that almost doesn’t look real. Think dramatic cliffs, lush green forest, waterfalls and winding waterways, all shaped by nature over millions of years. Photos genuinely don’t do it justice.
If you’re wondering how it compares to the Grand Canyon in the USA: it’s a completely different experience. The drop is still incredibly dramatic, but this canyon is far more accessible, with loads of activities that get you in, on and around it.
Walking the glass bridge
The iconic glass bridge is the first big moment of the day. At its middle, you’re roughly 300 metres above the canyon floor. I was totally fine, but if you’re funny with heights, this might very well be your worst nightmare. Take your time, look up as well as down, and enjoy one of the most unique views in China.
The zip-line
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, why walk when you can zip line? This one is really easy. There’s no full harness set-up. You simply sit in a seat, pop your bag at the front and away you go. It’s a fun, quick way across and a highlight of the day.
Sliding down the canyon
And why take the stairs down when you can slide? The canyon has a long slide that takes you down the mountainside, and it is pure, silly fun. This is exactly why I love travelling in China. You get to feel like a big kid all day long.
Tip: Don’t let fog put you off. My morning started with very low visibility and it was still a brilliant day out.
Getting to Tianmen Mountain
From the Grand Canyon, it’s around an hour and a half by car to Tianmen Mountain. Having a dedicated driver made this transfer completely stress-free.
Tianmen Cave: 999 steps or the escalator?
Tianmen Cave is the star of the show, and it was my favourite thing I saw in Zhangjiajie. To reach it, you’ve got two options:
- The 999 steps. Nine is a significant number in China, linked to forever. As my guide explained, climbing the 999 steps is said to bring you happiness forever.
- The escalators. A series of 12 escalators carved into the mountain takes roughly half an hour to reach the top.
I took the escalator, and when I saw people almost crawling up the final stairs, I had zero regrets. (And yes, I checked: taking the escalator also means you’re happy forever.) It’s a brilliant option for older travellers or anyone who’d rather save their legs.
The cave itself is a huge natural arch in the mountain. It looks almost man-made, but it’s completely natural, which is wild to see in person.
A note on crowds
Tianmen Mountain is popular for good reason, and it gets busy. The day I visited was considered a quiet day, and it was still packed around the main viewpoints. If you’re visiting in peak season, especially in summer on a clear day, prepare yourself for a lot of people. It’s still absolutely worth it.
Tianmen Mountain’s adventure side
Tianmen Mountain is also known as a place for extreme sports. It’s hosted car races on its famous zigzag road, cliff climbing and, most famously, a wing suit competition that brings flyers from around the world, usually in September.
How to book your Zhangjiajie trip
I travelled through Zhangjiajie with Odynovo, my third trip with them, and I can’t recommend them highly enough for China. They handled the hotels, itinerary, transport and everything in between, and my guide Fang was knowledgeable, organised and so much fun. (She even taught me how to order my coffee in Chinese.)
Use code PHOEBEODYNOVO for $100 off a private tour with Odynovo! Book here.
Essentials for travelling in China
- eSIM: Get connected the moment you land here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBE for a discount!
- VPN: Essential for using your usual apps in China here
- Hotels: Find and book your stay in Zhangjiajie here
- Flights: Search flights to Zhangjiajie here
Planning your first trip to China? Watch my video, Everything I Wish I Knew Before Travelling China for the apps, payments and tips you need before you go
Watch Part 1
Don’t miss the first part of my Zhangjiajie adventure, where I climbed the terrifying Sky Ladder and explored the Avatar Mountains:
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