We are the ones who take a car to Phoenix Ancient City, and we don’t know where you guys started from.

Transportation

Airport: Zhangjiajie Huanhua Airport is the only airport in Zhangjiajie, about 10 kilometers from the city center. Taxi ride takes around 15 minutes to the Tienmen Mountain area and buses are available with routes such as bus No. 4.

Train Station: The train station is located within the city, taking a 15-minute walk or by public transportation (bus Nos. 6 and 17) from downtown Zhangjiajie to the Tienmen Mountain scenic area.

Recommended Scenic Spots

  1. National Forest Park (RMB 228), must-visit attractions: Huangshi Hutu, Baideng Sky Ladder, Shi’er Painting Gallery, Jinbian Creek.
  2. Gold Whip Brook (RMB 278), must-visit attraction: Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Cave, World’s Longest Cableway.

Recommended Accommodation

City/ Tienmen Mountain area: Stay near Zhangjiajie Railway Station or Wu Lynch scenic spot.
Wulingyuan Scenic Spot: Stay within the scenic area or nearby in Yuntaishan Town;
Golden Canyon scenic spot: stay in Fenghuang Ancient City’s periphery (quiet) or at a riverside hotel with beautiful views.

Recommended Food

  1. Three-Flavor Pot: use main ingredients such as walnut meat, intestine, pork belly, pickle meat, chicken blood cubes, and fresh liver; usually customize three flavors to make either dry pot or soup.
  2. Tujia Braised Pork Belly: typical pairing includes garlic scapes, chili peppers, bamboo shoots, potatoes; flavorful with a rich aroma.

Recommended Restaurants

Zhangjiajie Wu Lynch’s Restaurant is my favorite in Zhangjiajie City for its spicy dishes and good service.

Travel Tips

  1. Don’t believe the old ladies at the airport or train station recommending accommodations. The environment isn’t so great.

  2. Avoid wearing short skirts as many scenic spots have stairs, easy to slip up.

  3. Wear sunglasses against glare when taking photos; bring sunscreen lotion, lip balm, skincare products and warm bottle for personal care.

  4. If you’re not fond of cave exploration or lack time with your travel companions, don’t recommend visiting Huanglong Cave.

  5. Don’t take very cheap taxis.

  6. At Tienmen Mountain scenic area during peak seasons, there are limited visitor numbers and restricted times; without advance bookings, it’s a waste of time.
    7-9: The National Forest Park is quite large; if arriving in the afternoon, it’s difficult to visit everything; suggest early morning visits with more spare time if possible.

  7. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

  8. It’s recommended to rent a car locally and drive yourself out for sightseeing.

  9. Stay at a hostel near the scenic area, wishing you a pleasant journey.