Recommendations for a 3-day trip in Zhangjiajie

For the first two days, base yourself in a hotel near one of the entrances to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, ideally in Wulingyuan. This makes it much easier to get in and out of the park without long transfers. Spend your time exploring the main highlights—soaring sandstone pillars, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie (the inspiration for the floating peaks in Avatar), and Huangshizhai. Don’t miss the Bailong Glass Elevator, the tallest outdoor elevator in the world, which gives you an incredible bird’s-eye view of the park. Just keep in mind that tickets for the elevator and cableways are only valid for a single (or round-trip) use on the day you buy them, so plan your rides strategically. After your hikes, evenings can be spent wandering through nearby night markets like XiBu Street, where you’ll find lively food stalls, shops, and even cultural performances. On the third day, shift to a hotel closer to Tianmen Mountain, where plenty of convenient options are just a short 10–15 minute ride away by Didi. Here, you can ride the world-famous cableway up the mountain, walk across glass skywalks, and climb the stairs to the dramatic Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate). After your visit, enjoy the city’s nightlife—local night markets are full of atmosphere, with sizzling street food, colorful lights, and opportunities to sample regional snacks. This balance of natural wonders by day and vibrant local culture at night makes for a well-rounded three-day Zhangjiajie trip #hunan #zhangjiajie #deliciousfood