2-Day Zhangjiajie Glass Skywalk & Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Tour

Planning a trip to Zhangjiajie often means dreaming of its breathtaking peaks and iconic landscapes. This particular 2-day tour promises access to some of the region’s most famous sights, from the glass skywalks to the inspiration behind Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain. While the package offers an enticing lineup of attractions, it’s important to weigh the experience’s true value and what you can realistically expect.

What we like: The tour covers key highlights like the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, and the world-famous Glass Bridge, all within a compact schedule. You get the chance to snap stunning photos of the scenery and ride the impressive Bailong Elevator—claimed to be the world’s highest glass elevator. Plus, the small group size (max 15 people) can create a more intimate experience.

One consideration: The tour’s mixed reviews highlight some issues with inconsistent timing and the impact of weather, especially heavy snow that can block access to certain spots. This means some parts of the itinerary could be cut short or altered without prior notice, which might disappoint those eager to see everything.

Who this suits: If you’re after a quick overview of Zhangjiajie’s most famous sights and don’t mind some variability in timing, this tour can be a good starting point. It’s especially suited for travelers who value guided insights and prefer a manageable group size.

Key Points

• Highlights include the Glass Skywalk, Avatar-inspired Yuanjiajie, and Tianmen Mountain.
• Group size is limited to 15 for a more personalized experience.
• Entry fees are not included in the price, requiring extra budget for tickets.
• Weather can affect access to certain scenic spots, especially in winter.
• The tour features air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Some reviews report that delays or closures impacted their experience, so flexibility is key.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Discovering Zhangjiajie’s Legendary Peaks

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your hotel, usually around 9 am, where a private guide and driver will whisk you off to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, home to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This area is a magnet for photography thanks to its towering, cloud-shrouded peaks and lush greenery.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first stop. Though the entrance fee (CNY239) isn’t included in your tour price, you’ll get a sense of the park’s scale and natural beauty as you walk through its trails or take in the views from the bus. Expect about three hours here, giving enough time for some photos and a general feel for the landscape.

Next, you’ll take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain. The ride itself offers sweeping views of grotesque, jagged peaks that look like they belong on another planet. Once at the top, you can walk along the steps or viewing platforms to see the peaks from different angles. This part takes approximately two hours, but be aware that the cable car ticket (CNY72) isn’t included and can be canceled in bad weather, as one reviewer noted.

The afternoon features a trip to Yuanjiajie, famed for its inspiration behind Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain. This area is the most visited, so you’ll likely encounter crowds. The scenic views here are spectacular, and the mountains look straight out of a fantasy world. Entry to this area is free, but transportation within the park is via shuttle bus, which is included.

Finally, you descend via the BaiLong Elevator, a glass elevator on a cliff face, which claims to be the tallest of its kind. The elevator ride lasts just two minutes but provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains—though queues can form at busy times. The elevator fee (CNY65) isn’t included, and some reviews mention wait times.

Day 2: More Iconic Landmarks and the Glass Bridge

Your second day begins with a drive to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, about 40 minutes from your hotel. This scenic area includes the Glass Bridge, the longest and highest of its kind. Walking across the bridge offers a thrill—glass panels beneath your feet and panoramic views that stretch for miles. The ticket for this site (CNY298) isn’t included, and the experience typically lasts around an hour.

Following this, a visit to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park rounds out your trip. The cable car ride up the mountain is a highlight, offering sweeping views as you ascend. Once at the top, you’ll explore key attractions, though the entrance fee (CNY288) is an extra expense. Expect about two hours for this part.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers professional guides, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and travel insurance—all essentials for a comfortable trip. However, entry tickets to the various attractions are not included in the price, so you’ll need to budget approximately CNY239 for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, CNY65 for Bailong Elevator, CNY72 for Tianzi Mountain, CNY298 for the Grand Canyon, and CNY288 for Tianmen Mountain.

Gratuities aren’t included either, which is typical for guided tours, but worth considering if you’re pleased with the service.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing: Be prepared for potential delays or closures due to weather. Heavy snow, as one reviewer noted, can limit access to Tianzi Mountain and other spots. Flexibility on the schedule is key.
• Tickets: Secure your tickets in advance if possible, since the tour operator reserves them but you pay on site.
• Comfort: Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes—some sections involve lots of steps and uneven terrain.
• Weather: Check the forecast beforehand. Cloud cover, rain, or snow can impact your scenic views and the ability to access certain attractions.
• Group size: Limited to 15 people, which can enhance your experience by avoiding crowds, but it still means some spots may be busy, especially the popular Yuanjiajie and the Glass Bridge.

Authentic Feedback and Insights

One reviewer mentioned that their day was cut short because of snow, with some sections of the trip canceled or shortened. They appreciated the “comfortable and clean car,” but felt disappointed about missing parts of the planned scenery. This highlights how unpredictable mountain weather can be, particularly in winter.

Another review praised the Bailong Elevator and the scenic views, although they also pointed out the need to queue at peak times. It’s clear that some travelers find the experience awe-inspiring, but patience might be required.

A common thread is that while the tour hits all the major landmarks, the actual experience can vary widely depending on weather and crowds. The guide’s role is crucial in managing expectations and making the most of your time.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day Zhangjiajie tour offers a decent overview of the key attractions, especially for those who want guided insights and a small group atmosphere. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize seeing the iconic sights without excessive walking or planning. If you’re after a quick, structured experience with professional guidance, this could be a good fit.

However, if you’re seeking a more flexible or in-depth exploration—perhaps with private guides or more time at each site—you might find this tour somewhat limited, especially considering the extra costs for entrance tickets and the weather-dependent access.

The experience delivers on its promise of iconic views, but keep your expectations flexible and your camera ready. Zhangjiajie’s landscapes remain breathtaking, even if a few parts are occasionally inaccessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance tickets included in the tour price?
No, the tour price covers guiding, transportation, and insurance, but you will need to pay for entrance tickets at each site, which are reserved in advance.

What attractions are part of the itinerary?
The main stops include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain), Bailong Elevator, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Glass Bridge, and Tianmen Mountain.

How large are the groups?
The tour limits groups to a maximum of 15 people, aiming for a more personal experience.

Is weather a concern?
Yes, heavy snow or rain can cause cancellations or shorten your visit, especially at Tianzi Mountain and Tianmen Mountain. Flexibility is advised.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to lots of stairs and uneven terrain. Also, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that may not be refundable.

To sum it up, this tour packs in the highlights of Zhangjiajie’s rugged beauty and famous landmarks, making it a decent choice for travelers short on time. While weather and crowds can affect the experience, the guided format and small group size help maximize your comfort and insight. Just be prepared for some extra costs and the potential need for flexibility, and you’ll have the chance to witness some of China’s most extraordinary scenery.