Zhangjiajie
张家界
Avatar mountains are real, but so are the crowds and scams
The Avatar mountains are legitimately spectacular - when you can see them through the fog and crowds. Zhangjiajie is China's natural beauty at its best and Chinese tourism at its worst. Come prepared for battle with tour groups and weather, and you might see some of Earth's most unique landscapes.
- •Tour groups create human traffic jams on narrow mountain paths
- •Aggressive vendors and 'guides' borderline harass visitors
- •Glass bridge is an overpriced gimmick at 140 RMB
- •Hotels and restaurants massively overcharge because you're trapped
- •Weather is unpredictable - fog can ruin your entire trip
Solution:
Visit in shoulder season, stay in Wulingyuan town, hire a legitimate guide
→ From tourist cattle drive to stunning natural wonder
Booking tip: Book accommodation in Wulingyuan, not Zhangjiajie city
With Car
Without Car
Yangjiajie area
Less crowded than main park with equally stunning views
Early morning cable car
Beat the groups, catch sunrise, have paths to yourself
Baofeng Lake
Peaceful boat ride when tour groups are in the mountains
Local Tujia minority villages
Authentic culture 30 minutes from tourist zone
Golden Whip Stream hike
7.5km valley walk most tourists skip
- →Check weather forecast obsessively - fog ruins everything
- →Bring your own snacks, food in the park is terrible and expensive
- →The glass bridge is skippable - save your money
- →Stay 3 nights minimum - you need buffer days for weather
- →Download offline maps - signal is spotty in the mountains