Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is comprised of dense forests, deep canyons, caves, and unique pillar-like rock formations. This national park is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area which also contains the popular Tianmen Mountain.
Award Flights to China
I used 50K Alaska miles to book the Cathay Pacific business class flight with a free stop-over in Hong Kong (HKG) on my way to Beijing. Alaska Airlines recently made the Cathy Pacific award bookable online (see the example booking below).
Flight to Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) has several nonstop flights from all the major cities in China. We used 16K United miles per person to book roundtrip economy flights from Beijing to DYG.
Accommodation in Zhangjiajie
We stayed in Pullman Zhangjiajie and the hotel offers airport pickup/drop off along with private tours with guides for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend getting the tour guide and private transportation when visiting Zhangjiajie national park, since it is packed with local tourists. The long lines to the elevators can be cut short by going with a tour guide (they have dedicated shorter lines).
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The park contains the Bailong Elevator, which is the world’s tallest outdoor lift that carries 50 people in less than 2 minutes to reach the main viewpoint.
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is one of the longest and highest pedestrian glass bridges in the world.
Tianmen Mountain
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is one of the longest in the world with 98 cars that reach an ascent of 1,279 meters.
Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway
This glass walkway is called the “Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk” which is built on the edge of the mountain cliffs.
Tianmen Mountain Stairway to Heaven
This is the world’s highest naturally formed arch and the stairway has 999 steps that can take visitors to the Tianmen Cave.
Yellow Dragon Cave
This is another popular attraction one should plan to see when visiting the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Again, I highly recommend getting a tour guide to bypass the long lines and there is also a fun boat ride inside the cave.
Summary
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a bucket list scenic attraction and should be on the shortlist for all travelers visiting China. Award booking with credit card points is the best way to reach China and other regional destinations.
The “stairway to Heaven” is my favorite out of all the pictures. How was it after climbing 999 steps?
Thank you for reading the post. Unfortunately the stairway was under construction when we visited and we were able to go only half-way up. The place is still striking to see from below.