Zhangjiajie Hiking Tour: Glass Bridge & Avatar Mountain

Hike three mountain peaks and walk the world's highest glass bridge in a single day

A full-day guided hiking tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park combines three signature peaks—Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Yuanjiajie), Tianzi Mountain and the Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon—with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and lunch. The 2.5-hour hike to the Pillar of Southern Sky and the Bailong Elevator ride up to Yuanjiajie Mountain are the physical anchors of the day; the Glass Bridge crossing and the scenic walks between peaks frame the rest. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour runs eight hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Pickup from Zhangjiajie hotel
• Drive to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Ride Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Mountain
• Hike to Pillar of Southern Sky
• Visit Platform of Forgetfulness and First Bridge Under Heaven
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Tianzi Mountain
• Walk on Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
• Transfer back to hotel

The Experience

Your guide picks you up from your Zhangjiajie hotel and drives you to the National Forest Park entrance. From there, the day unfolds in three distinct sections. First, you walk to the Bailong Elevator—a famous glass-fronted lift built into the cliff face—and ride it up to Yuanjiajie Mountain for a bird's-eye view of the landscape below. Then comes the 2.5-hour hike to the Pillar of Southern Sky (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain), the towering sandstone formation that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The route passes the Platform of Forgetfulness, where you stop to take in the peak views, before crossing the First Bridge Under Heaven.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you move on to Tianzi Mountain, known as the Monarch of the Peak Forest for its dense cluster of peaks. The final section takes you to the Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon—the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Hanging over a valley, it offers a panoramic view of the entire canyon below. The walk across includes scenic sections with waterfalls and views on both sides before you return to your hotel.

The guide speaks English throughout and handles all logistics: transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets are paid upfront, and lunch is arranged. Uneven surfaces and steep sections are part of the terrain, so the hike requires moderate fitness. The Glass Bridge may close in bad weather, and it is not suitable for anyone with acrophobia or certain heart conditions.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance tickets to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and all attractions.
• English-speaking local guide for the full day.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• Bailong Elevator ride to Yuanjiajie Mountain.
• access to the Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Trazip

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the route without translation delays. This suits anyone who wants to understand the geology, history and local context of each peak as you walk, rather than relying on a translated itinerary or a guide speaking another language.

Top questions

What is the Bailong Elevator and why do we use it on this tour?

The Bailong Elevator is a famous glass-fronted lift built into the cliff face of Yuanjiajie Mountain. The tour includes a ride up it to reach the mountain's summit and get a bird's-eye view of the landscape, which saves time and provides access to the high vantage points without climbing the entire elevation gain on foot.

How long is the hike to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?

The hike to the Pillar of Southern Sky (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain) takes 2.5 hours. The route includes stops at the Platform of Forgetfulness for peak views and the First Bridge Under Heaven before descending toward the lunch stop.

Is the Glass Bridge safe to walk on, and what is it actually made of?

The Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, designed to hang over a valley and provide a panoramic view of the entire canyon. It is engineered for safety, though it may close during bad weather. It is not recommended for travelers with acrophobia (fear of heights) or certain heart conditions.

What does lunch include, and where do we eat?

Lunch is eaten at a local restaurant and is included in the tour price. The meal is served after the Yuanjiajie section and before the visit to Tianzi Mountain, giving you a rest point midway through the day.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour is eight hours total and begins with hotel pickup in the morning. Your guide collects you from your Zhangjiajie hotel and returns you there at the end of the day.

Can I do this tour if I have a heart condition or fear of heights?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with heart disease, high blood pressure, acrophobia or spinal injuries. The Glass Bridge section specifically is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights. If you have any cardiovascular concerns, consult your doctor before booking, as the hike and elevation gain are part of the itinerary.