Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountain, Glass Bridge & Tianmen 2-Day Tour

Summary

Walk among Zhangjiajie’s peaks, glass bridges and cloud forests

You’ll ride the world’s fastest outdoor elevator up Zhangjiajie’s forested peaks, cross China’s record-breaking glass bridge, and wind up mountain roads to Heaven’s Gate—all with hotel pickup and a local guide who brings each stop to life. Expect moments that surprise you—and maybe leave you quietly awed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my Zhangjiajie tour staring straight up at this wall of misty green spires, but there we were—just past sunrise, air still cool and a little damp. Our guide, Mrs. Wei, grinned when she saw my face. “Wait until you see it from above,” she said. We crammed into the Bailong Elevator (it’s fast—my ears popped), and in less than two minutes we were looking down at forests that felt like something out of a dream or maybe a movie set. Actually, Hallelujah Mountain really is from ‘Avatar’—Mrs. Wei pointed out which one as I tried (and failed) to get a photo without someone’s umbrella in it.

The day moved in fits and starts—sometimes we’d be swept along by crowds on the eco-bus, then suddenly it was just us and the wind in Yuanjiajie or Yangjiajie. There’s this pine scent everywhere; I kept catching it even through my mask. Lunch was sort of an afterthought (snacks from my bag and some fast food near Tianzi Mountain), but honestly I barely noticed because I was too busy staring at clouds rolling between those stone pillars. At one point our group just stood there quietly for a bit—no one spoke, which almost never happens.

Next morning was all nerves: the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge looks way longer in person than in photos. My hands were sweating but I made myself walk across (Li from our group filmed me clutching the rail). The view down is wild—you can see tiny people far below, like ants moving through green shadows. After that rush we headed to Tianmen Mountain; the road up has these crazy bends (99 of them, apparently—I lost count). Heaven’s Gate is massive and somehow peaceful despite all the phones clicking around us. The skywalk clings right to the cliff; you have to wear these blue shoe covers that make you shuffle a bit—it’s kind of funny watching everyone try not to slip.

I still think about that first glimpse from Bailong Elevator—the way everything looked both ancient and unreal at once. If you’re even half-curious about this place, just go. Don’t rush your train or flight after though; things run on their own time here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Zhangjiajie Forest Park

• Pick up from hotel
• Travel to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Take Bailong Elevator to summit
• Visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
• See Hallelujah Mountain and nearby sights
• Take eco-bus to Yangjiajie
• Shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain
• Descend Tianzi Mountain by cable car
• Return to hotel

Day 2 — Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
• Walk on Glass Bridge
• Visit Tianmen Mountain
• See Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate)
• Experience Glass Skywalk
• Take round-trip ropeway
• Ride shuttle bus on 99-bend road
• Use 12-level transmountain escalator
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Zhangjiajie 2-day tour?

This mini-group tour lasts two full days with pickup each morning from your hotel near East Gate or downtown Zhangjiajie.

Is hotel pickup included for this Zhangjiajie tour?

Yes, free pickup is offered from hotels near Wulingyuan East Gate or downtown Zhangjiajie city.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain), Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and Tianmen Mountain including Heaven’s Gate.

Are meals included during the tour?

No meals are included; bring snacks or buy simple food inside the parks such as fast food at Yuanjiajie or Tianzi Mountain.

How many people are in each mini group?

The group size is about 12 people; sometimes groups may exceed 12 but arrangements will be made accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it suits all physical fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Does this tour include any shopping stops?

No shopping stops are included—your time is focused entirely on sightseeing.

How do I book entry tickets for these attractions?

Your guide arranges real-name tickets using your passport information; bring your ID for entry checks.

What’s included

Your trip includes daily hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned van with a professional English-speaking guide leading every step. Unlimited bottled water is provided throughout both days so you don’t have to worry about packing extra drinks. All main entrance fees are covered—you’ll just need snacks or lunch money for simple meals inside Zhangjiajie park areas before returning each evening with your group.