Zhangjiajie: Forest Park Cable Car & Bailong Elevator Routes

Summary

Misty peaks, cable cars, and elevator rides in zhangjiajie’s forest

You’ll ride up through Zhangjiajie’s misty peaks by cable car or elevator, wander cliffside paths above ancient forests, and have four days to explore at your own pace. Entry is simple with passport check-in and facial registration—eco-buses help you roam between summits and hidden corners. Every turn brings new views or quiet moments you might remember long after leaving.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to hold onto the rail,” our guide said, half-smiling as we stepped into the Tianzi Mountain cable car. I did, mostly because my legs were still wobbly from the bus ride up through Zhangjiajie’s winding roads. The forest below looked like something out of a painting — all those sandstone pillars poking through the morning mist. It was quieter than I expected up there, just the low hum of the cableway and someone’s kid giggling in Mandarin behind us. I kept thinking: how is this even real? My friend Li tried to point out which pillar inspired Avatar but honestly, they all looked otherworldly to me.

The whole day felt like a patchwork of little surprises. After we got off at the summit (Tianzi Mountain), we wandered along wooden walkways that hugged the cliff edges — sometimes you’d catch a whiff of pine or hear a bird you couldn’t see. We stopped for street snacks near Yuanjiajie; I grabbed something that tasted vaguely sweet and nutty (still not sure what it was). The eco-buses made getting around pretty easy, though there was a bit of waiting at times — especially by the Bailong Elevator. That line gets long if you’re not early, just a heads up. But watching people’s faces as the glass elevator shot down past those cliffs? Worth it.

The staff were patient with my clumsy Mandarin when I showed my passport for ticket verification — they even helped with the facial registration thing (which felt weirdly futuristic but worked fine). Having four days on one ticket meant we could take things slow; one afternoon we just sat near an overlook until sunset, letting our legs dangle while clouds drifted by below. I didn’t expect to feel so small in such a good way. If you go, don’t rush it — let yourself get lost for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entry and Use

• Bring passport for booking verification
• Complete facial registration on-site
• Enter park through selected gate
• Use ticket valid for 4 days
• Enjoy multiple entries and eco-bus rides
• Note cableway and elevator valid only on chosen date

Top questions

How long are Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tickets valid?

The tickets are valid for four days from your first entry date.

Do I need my passport to enter Zhangjiajie Forest Park?

Yes, bring your passport for booking verification and entry registration.

What is included with Zhangjiajie Forest Park tickets?

Admission covers park entry for four days, eco-bus transport inside, plus one-way cableway and elevator rides if selected.

Is pickup included with these tickets?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Can kids enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for free?

Children under 120cm enjoy free entrance and discounted rates for elevator and cableway on site.

How do I use my ticket at Zhangjiajie?

Show your passport at the gate; staff will assist with facial registration before entry.

Which entrance should I choose for Zhangjiajie?

You can select East Gate or South Gate; East Gate offers popular Line A (cable car first) or Line B (elevator first) routes.

Are there any timing restrictions for using the cableway or elevator?

The one-way cableway and elevator are only valid on your chosen visit date within your 4-day ticket period.

What’s included

Your ticket gives you four days’ admission to Zhangjiajie Forest Park with unlimited eco-bus rides inside. You’ll get one-way access on either Tianzi Mountain Cable Car or Bailong Elevator (depending on your choice), plus help from staff with quick passport check-in and facial registration on arrival—so you can focus on exploring instead of logistics.