Zhangjiajie tours

Things to do in Zhangjiajie

Imagine stepping into Zhangjiajie, where the landscape unfolds like a scene from an otherworldly painting. The towering pillars and mist-enshrouded forests captivate, their beauty both mysterious and profound. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, you delve into the depths of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The walking tours here are far from ordinary, each path unveiling vistas that challenge your perceptions of what nature can create. As you explore, a culinary journey awaits, where Hunan cuisine presents its robust, earthy flavours. This isn’t just about skipping lines; it’s about accessing the hidden trails and secrets that a guide with intimate local knowledge can reveal. In Zhangjiajie, prepare for an encounter with nature’s unparalleled artistry. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Zhangjiajie. Explore Zhangjiajie your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Zhangjiajie tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Zhangjiajie for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk the Golden Whip Stream to spot macaques, ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain viewpoints, and add Baofeng Lake or the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge for a mix of forest trails and dramatic scenery. City highlights tours: Ride the Tianmen Mountain cableway from downtown to the glass skywalks and the 99-Bend road overlook, then explore Xibu Street in Wulingyuan for Tujia snacks like smoked bacon and sour fish while browsing batik and woodcarving studios. History tours: Visit the Tujia Folk Customs Park to see stilted wooden homes and drum dances, or take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Laosicheng Tusi site to learn about the chieftain system and walk the old city ruins with a guide. Towns and park gateways are walkable, and park shuttle buses handle internal routes, but distances between Tianmen Mountain, Wulingyuan, the Grand Canyon, and villages are spread out, so tours with private transportation or a chauffeured vehicle make logistics smooth—your local guide can arrange it. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Zhangjiajie inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover the wonders of Zhangjiajie on a private walking tour with a local guide, and you'll get an insider's perspective on the city's diverse neighborhoods. Exploring the city this way means you get to see its hidden gems and vibrant streets through the eyes of someone who knows it best. Your guide can customize the tour to include some of these popular neighborhoods, making your exploration both meaningful and memorable. - Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Known for its stunning quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, this area is perfect for families and nature lovers. Imagine walking among these towering formations with your guide, who can share local legends and the best viewpoints. - Zhangjiajie City Center: This bustling hub offers a taste of local life and culture. It's ideal for cultural tourists and those seeking connections with the city's lively atmosphere. Explore local markets, taste authentic Hunan cuisine, and enjoy vibrant street performances. - Tianmen Mountain: Adventure seekers will love this neighborhood, home to the famous Tianmen Cave and the breathtaking glass skywalk. Your guide can lead you through scenic trails and share fascinating stories about the mountain's significance. - Yongding District: Dive into history with a walk through this district, where ancient architecture meets modern life. Perfect for multi-generational groups, it offers a glimpse into the region's past with its cultural relics and traditional buildings. - Sangzhi County: Known for its rural charm and ethnic diversity, this area is great for those interested in exploring local customs and traditions. Your guide can introduce you to the unique cultural heritage of the Tujia and Miao people. Day trip ideas from Zhangjiajie Use Zhangjiajie as your base, then head out to nearby peaks, canyons, caves, and river towns for day trips that fit your style and leave room for unhurried stops on your tour. - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan: See the sandstone pillars at Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, ride the park shuttles between lookouts, and walk quiet trails that reward you with views and photo spots. Good for hikers and photographers, and your tour can focus on easier paths or longer climbs. - Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie City: Ride the long cable car from the city centre, try a glass skywalk if you like heights, and climb the stairs to Tianmen Cave for a wide view over the valley. This suits first-time visitors and families who want big scenery without long hikes, and your tour can pace the day to avoid the busiest times. - Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge: Cross the glass bridge for a high view, then drop into the canyon for boardwalks and a short boat ride on clear water. Ideal for thrill seekers and casual walkers who want variety in one day, with a route your tour can adjust for time or fitness. - Fenghuang Ancient Town, Xiangxi: Drive out to this riverside town for stilt houses, stone lanes, and night lights reflecting on the Tuojiang River. Street snacks, simple craft shops, and Miao culture make it a solid pick if you like history and easy photos, and private tours can add a boat glide under the bridges. - Furong Ancient Town, Yongshun: A waterfall runs through the centre of town, with Tujia stilt homes on the ridge and small museums that explain local life. Quieter than Fenghuang and good for a half-day of relaxed exploring, plus time for noodles and tofu at roadside stands. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Zhangjiajie most travellers miss.