One-Day Tour Guide to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

🌈 Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is renowned for its quartz sandstone peak forest landform, featuring the unique landscape of "3,000 bizarre peaks and 800 beautiful streams." Key attractions include the Hallelujah Mountain (prototype of Pandora's floating mountains in Avatar), Lost Soul Terrace, and the First Bridge Under Heaven in Yuanjiajie; the Imperial Brush Peaks and Fairy Scattering Flowers in Tianzi Mountain; as well as the canyon streams of Golden Whip Brook and the scenic fusion of mountains and water at Water Winding Around Four Gates. The Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, ascends 326 meters vertically in just 1 minute and 28 seconds, offering a breathtaking aerial view. 🕐️ Opening Hours: Summer (June) opening hours are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last eco-bus departing at 6:00 PM. The Bailong Elevator operates from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car runs from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM during peak season. 🏝️ Recommended Itinerary: Classic & Efficient Route (East Gate Entry & Exit): 1. 07:30-08:00 Enter through the East Gate (Wulingyuan Entrance), take the eco-bus to the lower station of Bailong Elevator (approx. 25 minutes). 2. 08:00-08:30 Ride the Bailong Elevator (CNY 65 one-way) to Yuanjiajie. 3. 08:30-10:30 Explore Yuanjiajie’s core area: Lost Soul Terrace (panoramic view of the peak forest) → Hallelujah Mountain → First Bridge Under Heaven. 4. 10:30-11:30 Take the eco-bus to Tianzi Mountain (30-minute ride), visit He Long Park, Imperial Brush Peaks, and Fairy Scattering Flowers. 5. 11:30-12:30 Descend via Tianzi Mountain Cable Car (CNY 72 one-way), capturing panoramic views of Xihai Peak Forest en route. 6. 12:30-14:00 Take the eco-bus to Ten-Mile Gallery; opt for the mini-train (CNY 38 one-way) to see iconic rock formations like the Herb Gathering Old Man and Three Sisters Peaks. 7. 14:00-15:30 Optional: Hike the 2-km highlight section of Golden Whip Brook (Oxygen Bar Square → Golden Whip Rock), avoiding macaque groups. 8. Before 16:00 Return to the East Gate to conclude the tour. Alternative Route (Avoiding Bailong Elevator Crowds): If Bailong Elevator queues exceed 1 hour, adjust the route: East Gate → Tianzi Mountain Cable Car ascent → He Long Park → Yangjiajie (Black Dragon Village, Tianbo Mansion) → Yuanjiajie → Bailong Elevator descent → Ten-Mile Gallery. 💗 Additional Tips: 1. Ticket Booking: Reserve tickets in advance via travel apps (CNY 258, includes eco-bus, valid for 4 days). First entry must be through the booked gate. 2. Safety: Macaques are active near Golden Whip Brook and Bailong Elevator. Avoid carrying plastic bags or exposing food; do not stare at or provoke them. 3. Attire: Wear anti-slip sports shoes as some paths have steep, damp steps. Bring sun protection and rain gear in summer. 4. Weather Alert: June is rainy; monitor Typhoon "Butterfly" updates. Some trails may close during rain—carry rain gear and check park notices. 5. Eco-Bus Schedule: Last bus departs at 6:00 PM in summer; plan accordingly. 6. Pro Tip: Visit Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park before Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. I stayed at the Four Famous Residences Aesthetic Inn directly from the high-speed rail station—thanks to the staff for helping plan my Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie itinerary!