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Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Hunan, China Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Explore the stunning landscapes through hiking, water activities, and adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Routes

Golden Whip Stream offers a flat, paved path suitable for all fitness levels. Ten-Mile Gallery also has a flat path with an optional mini-train ride.

Moderate Trails

Yuanjiajie involves some stairs but also flat sections, accessible by Bailong Elevator. Tianzi Mountain has paved paths and viewpoints, accessible by cable car.

Challenging Hikes

Climbing Yellow Stone Village or Tianzi Mountain entirely on foot means thousands of stairs. Some routes in Yangjiajie are rugged and demanding.

Thrills & Nature

  • Baofeng Lake Boat Ride: Leisurely boat trip on a serene artificial lake.
  • Drifting on Maoyan River: Seasonal rafting experience through scenic landscapes.
  • Glass Skywalks: Transparent walkways on Tianmen Mountain with thrilling views.
  • Glass Bridge: World's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge. Book on GetYourGuide.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Macaques are common in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
  • Also seen on Tianmen Mountain.
  • Do not feed or touch them.
  • They are wild animals.

Cycling Routes

  • Cycling is constrained by mountainous terrain.
  • Lack of dedicated infrastructure.
  • Recreational cycling possible in Wulingyuan on quieter roads.
  • Not a main visitor activity.

Experience Booking

  • For tours and activities, consider GetYourGuide.
  • Pre-booking popular attractions can save time.
  • Explore various outdoor choices available.

Wildlife Warning

Feeding wild monkeys may lead to aggressive behavior. Keep a safe distance and never attempt to pet them.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities to connect with local traditions through performances and community interactions.

Workshops & Classes

  • Formal workshops for tourists (art, craft, music, dance) are limited.
  • Opportunities arise through homestays or specific tour operators in ethnic villages.
  • Community-Based Tourism: Guesthouses in villages may have opportunities to interact with local communities.
  • Language Learning: Formal possibilities are limited. Basic Mandarin phrases are good for local interactions.

Cultural Performances

Charming Xiangxi Show

A nightly cultural performance in Wulingyuan. It showcases folk songs, dances, customs, and acrobatics of Tujia, Miao, and Bai ethnic groups.

Tianmen Fox Fairy Show

A grand outdoor musical drama against the backdrop of Tianmen Mountain. Operates seasonally. Local love story with nature and art.

Local Ethnic Festivals

Tujia and Miao communities have their own festivals, including customary costumes, songs, and dances. These are small-scale and less publicized.

Chinese New Year

Celebrated with family gatherings, special foods, and traditional customs. A significant cultural event.

Dragon Boat Festival

Features zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and dragon boat races in some areas. Celebrates ancient traditions.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Celebrated with mooncakes and family reunions, often involving lantern displays. A harvest festival.

Relaxation & Wellness

After active days, Zhangjiajie has options for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Spas & Hot Springs

  • Spa and Wellness Centers: Mainly in luxury hotels in Zhangjiajie City or mid-range hotels in Wulingyuan.
  • Cili Wulingyuan Hot Spring (慈利武陵源温泉): Outside the key visitor zone. Natural hot spring experiences.

Healing & Retreats

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation getaways are not common; the focus is active nature exploration. No dedicated centers.

Traditional Healing

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics in Zhangjiajie City have services like acupuncture, cupping, or herbal remedies.

Pool Clubs

Zhangjiajie is landlocked. Hotels may are part ofdoor or outdoor swimming pools for guests.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Live Music

Limited live music venues. Some bars or restaurants in Wulingyuan could include live folk music.

Theater

Grand Canyon Theatre (Charming Xiangxi Show) and Tianmen Fox Fairy Show are the main performance venues.

Nightclubs

Very limited nightclubs. A few KTV (karaoke) bars may be available in Zhangjiajie City or Wulingyuan.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Zhangjiajie for local specialties, crafts, and souvenirs.

Local Finds

  • Traditional Markets: Zhangjiajie City and Wulingyuan markets sell fresh produce and local snacks.
  • Souvenir Shops: Abundant in Wulingyuan town, selling miniature rock formations, local tea, ethnic crafts.
  • Artisan Workshops: Limited dedicated workshops for tourists.
  • Local crafts like carved wood, Tujia embroidery, and silver ornaments are available in souvenir shops.

Unique Gifts

Local Tea

Hunan is a tea-producing province, with various types of green and black teas.

Smoked Meats / Cured Ham

A local specialty, but check customs regulations for bringing food items home.

Silver Ornaments

Often associated with the Miao ethnic minority, these are beautiful keepsakes.

Luxury Shopping

Luxury and boutique shopping options are restricted to non-existent. Zhangjiajie is not a luxury shopping destination.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local vendors and artisans where possible.
  • Economic benefits reach the community.
  • Bargain respectfully in markets.
  • Mindful of fair prices for handmade goods.

Shipping & Customs

  • Major hotels may have shipping services.
  • Post offices are available for sending items.
  • Be aware of home country's customs regulations.
  • Food products, plant products, or cultural artifacts have rules.

Local Snacks & Souvenirs

Local Snacks
  • Candied fruits are a sweet treat.
  • Dried mushrooms are a common local product.
  • Chili products capture the region's famous spice.
Iconic Souvenirs
  • Miniature rock formations or carvings depict iconic sandstone pillars.

Shopping Tip

Consider purchasing larger, fragile souvenirs through hotel shipping services to avoid carrying them through your travels.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Highlights

  • Hiking trails for all levels, from easy walks to challenging ascents.
  • Boat trips on tranquil lakes and seasonal river drifting.
  • Exhilarating glass skywalks and the world'its longest glass bridge.
  • Stunning cable car and outdoor elevator rides with panoramic views.

Cultural & Leisure Focus

  • Evening cultural shows demonstrating ethnic songs, dances, and customs.
  • Relaxing spa treatments and natural hot springs.
  • Local markets and souvenir shops for unique crafts and area-specific goods.
  • Consider visiting during local festivals for unique cultural experiences.
Things to Do in Zhangjiajie. Activities, Experiences, Adventures