Zhangjiajie tourism advisory & consultants

When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?

It is always a great time to visit Zhangjiajie! The true charm of Zhangjiajie lies in the ethereal beauty of its mountains. The annual average high temperature is 78°F, with an annual average low temperature of 54°F, providing a climate that is comfortable year round. However, the visitor to Zhangjiajie may want to consider that the different seasons of the year as they provide uniquely different yet beautiful experiences.

Spring (March-May)

The flowers blossom and the forests are luxuriantly green. The whole world seems to come awake!

March-Great time to do some outdoor activities; at times, you can still see somesnow and icicles on the top of the mountains.

April-Many of the flowers are in full bloom and the air is filled with their fragrance.

May-This is the peak season for tourism in Zhangjiajie — the foliage is lush and green and the weather is perfect.

Summer (June-August)

The forest flourish and the air is strongly fragrant.

June-This is considered the start of the rainy season, and coupled with college entrance examinations and the close of the school year, tourism in Zhangjiajie is a little slow in June.

July-July is still considered part of the rainy season, but the weather is warmer. Generally the National Park is a little cooler, so it is a perfect time to visit.

August-August brings many students and teachers for their summer holiday.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a romantic season and visitors who come to Zhangjiajie can appreciate a sense of poetry at this time.

September-The tree leaves are still green and the weather is perfect this time of year.

October-Many of the trees have turned to a golden yellow color, which paints a magnificent contrast against the backdrop of the mountains and the foliage. Many people visit Zhangjiajie during the first week (1st through the 7th) for the harvest season for orange and kiwi fruits.

November-This is considered the “foggy season.” The mountains take on a totally different aura as they are draped in the lingering fog.

Winter (December-February)

Visitors marvel at the vibrant evergreen trees amongst the snowy landscape.

December-There is some rain this month and many of the families stay at home, keeping warm and preparing their pickled meat for the spring festival.

January-This is the coldest month with a great deal of snow. People stay at home to prepare for the New Years holiday.

February-February is a “mixed bag” this month-sometimes it is covered in snow and other times it rains. Many people have arrived to spend the holidays with their families.

How do I get to Zhangjiajie?

There are regular flights to Zhangjiajie from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shenyang,and Changsha. You can also take the train to Zhangjiajie from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanling, Liuzhou, and Changsha. A bus is available from Changsha.

How long is the train ride from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie?

It will take you about 18 hours to get to Zhangjiajie from Shanghai, via train.

How long is the train ride from Beijing to Zhangjiajie?

It will take you about 20 hours to get to Zhangjiajie from Beijing, via train.

What is the temperature on the mountain in different seasons?

Please reference the charts below for exact temperatures (by month); however, the average annual high temperature is about 78°F and the average low temperature is 54°F.

When is the rainy season?

It usually begins in June and lasts until the beginning of July. There are also slight chances of rain in January through March.

What should I bring with me when it rains up the mountain?

It is advisable that you bring an umbrella; raincoats are available in shops on the mountain.

How can I get to the mountain proper?

There is a bus from Zhangjiajie city to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and then take the cable car to the mountain. You also can choose to hike up the mountain on trails.

Is Zhangjiajie accessible in winter?

Yes. Each cable car operates year-round. More and more people are coming to enjoy the fantastic views in winter. Visitors also enjoy lower hotels rates in the winter season.

How are the path conditions at the peak during snowy winter season?

Zhangjiajie enjoys a great reputation nationwide for being a safe mountain. After years of constant maintenance, the paths have become a point of pride of Zhangjiajie. Whenever it snows, the snowfall is promptly swept off the path to ensure the safety of visitors.

Does it snow in winter in Zhangjiajie?

Yes. In fact, it adds greatly to the unparalleled beauty of Zhangjiajie. Some describe the snow-covered scenery as being in a “dream world.”

How many days should I plan to stay in Zhangjiajie?

It depends. You can choose to stay for one week to fully explore the most beautiful national park in China. Otherwise you might stay one or two nights to get a basic sense of the beauty of the park. If your visit is short, I guarantee you will want to return.

Is it tough to climb the mountain?

The highest peak in Zhangjiajie is 4,265 feet elevation; it normally takes two to three hours to complete the ascent.

How much does it cost to enter the park and see the many attractions?

For most visitors from overseas, park entry fees are included in the cost of their vacation package. However, for those traveling on their own, here is an overview of park entry fees:

Entrance Fee: CNY 245+ CNY3 insurance (approximately USD $40.65 +$0.50). The core Wulingyuan Scenic Area includes Yellow Stone Stronghold, Golden Whip Stream and Yaozi Village in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Yangjiajie, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery in Suoxiyu Valley Scenic Spot and battery car. The ticket is valid for four days. For a year-long ticket, the cost is CNY298 (USD $48.85).

King Dragon Cave: CNY 65 (USD $10.90)

Baofeng Lake: CNY 96 (USD $15.00)

Yellow Dragon Cave: CNY 100(USD $15.50)

Tianzi Mountain Cable Car: CNY 67 (single trip) (USD $10.98); CNY 134 (round trip)(USD $21.99)

Yellow Stone Village Cable Car: CNY 65 (single trip) (USD $10.55); CNY 130 (round trip) (USD $21.67)

Bailong Sightseeing Elevator: CNY 72 (single trip) (USD $11.79); CNY 144(round trip) (USD $23.59)

Ten-mile Gallery Tourist Train: CNY 38 (single trip) (USD $6.30); CNY 52 (round trip) (USD $8.28)

West Hunan Folk Custom Performance: CNY 238 (USD $39.11)

Tianmen (Heavenly Door) Mountain Scenic Area: CNY258 (USD $42.30) (including all the scenic spots, round-trip cable car and the shuttle bus)