Links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Compare live prices for Zhangjiajie
Prices change constantly, so we don't quote them here. Compare live prices on these partner sites:
Flights from the UK: compare on Skyscanner to find cheap tickets with trusted airlines. Direct flights on Chinese airlines from London can take some of the shortest routes. In China: Trip.com is our pick for trains, hotels and things to do, with an English app.
Search hotels in Zhangjiajie
Best time to visit
April–June and September–November. Avoid Chinese public holidays if possible.
Getting there from the UK
Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua (DYG) via a Chinese hub, or take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West station.
Top tips
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (part of the UNESCO Wulingyuan area) needs at least two days; tickets typically cover several days — check what's included.
- Bailong Elevator and Yuanjiajie are the classic viewpoints. Arrive early to beat tour groups.
- Tianmen Mountain has the long cable car, the glass skywalk and 'Heaven's Gate'.
- The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge needs separate tickets; book ahead in busy periods.
- Mist is common — it can hide views, but it also makes the pillars look magical.
Combine it: a western Hunan itinerary
Zhangjiajie, Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town all lie in western Hunan and link up neatly. A suggested 6–7 day route:
- Days 1–3: Zhangjiajie: the National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie, Bailong Elevator), then Tianmen Mountain.
- Day 4: Furong Town: head south and stay overnight to see the waterfall lit up.
- Days 5–6: Fenghuang: the riverside old town and nearby Miao villages.
- Day 7: continue from Huaihua or Tongren Fenghuang Airport by high-speed rail or domestic flight.
Check current train timetables, as station connections can change.
China essentials for UK travellers
- Visa: according to GOV.UK (as checked in October 2026), holders of full 'British citizen' passports can currently enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit, until 31 December 2026. Longer stays, or other purposes like work or study, need a visa. Your passport needs at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK and the Chinese Embassy in the UK before you travel. Hong Kong and Macao have separate rules.
- Getting there from the UK: direct flights on Chinese airlines from London Heathrow and Gatwick to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu take roughly 10–11.5 hours, some of the shortest routes between the UK and China, often with competitive fares. Compare flights on Skyscanner to find cheap tickets with trusted airlines. Book trains, hotels and activities in China on Trip.com.
- Getting around: China's high-speed rail network is fast and affordable. Book in advance (Trip.com sells China train tickets in English), and bring your passport, which is used as your ticket ID. Domestic flights cover longer hops.
- Payments: China is largely cashless. Alipay and WeChat Pay both let you link a foreign Visa or Mastercard, so set them up before you go. Carry some cash as a backup, because many smaller vendors don't accept foreign cards directly.
- Staying connected: some apps you use at home, such as Google Maps, Gmail and WhatsApp, may not work normally in mainland China. Download offline maps (Amap or Apple Maps work well) and a translation app before you go, and tell family which app you'll use to keep in touch. International roaming or a travel eSIM bought before departure is the easiest way to get online.
- Registration: hotels register foreign guests with police automatically. If you stay privately, you must register within 24 hours (GOV.UK).
- Busy periods: avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week (1–7 October) if you can. Trains and attractions sell out and prices rise.