When visiting Zhangjiajie in 1986, the then lieutenant governor of the Colorado State of America Nancy. E. Dick exclaimed that visitors to Zhangjiajie should pay five dollars for every breath. Indeed, Zhangjiajie is a huge “natural oxygen bar”. What’s more, the city boasts rich tourism resources, delicious Tujia dishes and colorful ethnic cultures. No wonder the city attracts millions of visitors every year. To fully enjoy your visit here, you may need the following travel tips.

Things to remember

Zhangjiajie has many scenic spots and complicated terrain, so it’s wise to have a guide during your travel who can introduce to you the best travelling route. You had better choose a guide beforehand. For those that claim to be guides at the railway station, never believe them.

Since Zhangjiajie are mountainous, wearing comfortable and anti-slip shoes is very necessary. Besides, the scenic spots have changeful weather, so you may want to bring an umbrella or raincoat with you. In winter, it may freeze at night, so bring your thick coats; in summer, make sure you take sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Some roads in Zhangjiajie are winding, you may need motion sickness drugs.

Zhangjiajie scenic spot use electronic fingerprint tickets which are valid for two consecutive days.

In Zhangjiajie forest park, you are not allowed to smoke unless in the specialized smoking zones.

Places you don’t want to miss

April and October are regarded the best time to go to Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie has so many scenic spots, and you may want some suggestions. Jinbian Stream, Shili hualang (ten-mile sightseeing corridor), Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake and Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie are all extremely beautiful. Still remember the Hallelujah Mountain in the film Avatar? You can find its prototype (Qianqun Pillar) here in Yuanjiajie!

To experience the customs of the Tujia People, Tujia Lifestyle Park is a perfect choice. Here you can experience in person the distinctive Tujia culture. Another place where you can experience the ethnic cultures is Meili Xiangxi Theatre that is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Spot and there are many distinctive ethnic performances on show. This theater is a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural glamour.

Besides, to taste the local Tujia dishes, you definitely want to go to a restaurant called “Hu shi fu sanxiaguo” for its famous dish “sanxiaguo”. You may also want to go to specialty stores for some Zhangjiajie specialties like Duzhong Tea, Yan’er, Gegen Powder, Tujia Brocade etc. Do remember to try the delicious wild Kiwi fruit that is of the size of an egg.