Zhangjiajie Spotlight Experiences
Zhangjiajie has become famous because of its wonderful natural scenery and some record-breaking activities and engineering at the scenic spots. For example, the scenery in the movie Avatar was inspired by the renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, French climber Jean-Michel Casanova climbed up the Bailong Elevator (world's tallest outdoor elevator) in the national forest park, and a Range Rover was driven up a 45-degree staircase comprising 999 steps at Tianmen Mountain. To see it is to believe it - travel to Zhangjiajie to explore it for yourself.
To create excellent experiences for our customers, we design tours including must-see attractions as well as unique experiences that go beyond an ordinary tour. You will find that these experiences enable you to see more of the wonderful place and to escape from the crowds, especially in the peak season.
About China Highlights
Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"
Great experience
We did a private tour to Zhangjiajie with China Highlights in July and had a great time! It was hot, but our tour guide Chris was awesome at making sure we went to the best places at the best times to avoid the heat and lines. He obviously knows the area inside and out! We got to see some amazing (and completely empty) parts of the park that didn’t seem to be on any other tourists radar - and they weee STUNNING. We’re so glad we did this tour! Thanks Chris!! more
Biking at the Foot of Tianmen Mountain (2.5 hours)
biking in Zhangjiajie- Go biking in the non-touristy area at the foot of Tianmen Mountain.
- Enjoy peaceful and pleasant countryside views.
- Be accompanied by a professional coach and his sag wagon.
Drive from your hotel to the village, where you'll find your helmet and bike loaded on the coach's sag wagon. After arriving in the biking area, your coach will give you instructions and discuss the best biking route for you according to your needs. Your coach is from a local biking club and is very capable. Your guide will be your translator.
Cement biking paths go through the village with some gentle slopes. You may encounter villagers herding their goats home and see different crops in the fields. Get off your bike at any time if you would like to take some photos.
If you prefer an easy biking route, it's a good idea to travel along the flat parts. If you prefer to go biking for a longer time, then a round-trip biking route could be a good choice. Whenever you feel tired, just get in your private vehicle. Enjoy this flexible biking tour!
When you go biking at the foot of Tianmen Mountain, enjoy the natural cave and its reflection on the surface of the water in a reservoir. What a day!
Experience the Via Ferrata at Red Rock Ridge (3.5 hours)
- Enjoy a fresh new experience in Zhangjiajie.
- Get a sense of accomplishment.
- Support the local economy by joining in.
Via ferratas originated in Italy during World War One and are also called 'iron roads' in English. A via ferrata is a protected climbing route on cliffs. Groups of people climb one at the same time, like music notes on cliffs. This project was designed by a top French outdoor company in 2017.
It takes 1 hour to drive from Wulingyuan Scenic Area to Hongyanling (Red Rock Ridge) in Cili County, where the via ferrata is located. Wear the set of equipment, listen to the coach's instructions, test how to use the equipment, then start. This experience is very exciting.
It takes about 1½ hours to finish the whole climb. You will climb the cliff horizontally and vertically, and will also need to pass three steel wire bridges. The highest point is about 60 meters. Hold your breath in the sky and take every step steadily.
Ironroad at Hongyanling3
Learn about Sandstone Painting from a Local Artist (2 hours)
- Communicate with local artists.
- Besides landscapes, learn more about Zhangjiajie.
- Keep sweet memories of your trip in your handmade sandstone painting.
Located in Zhangjiajie city center, the studio has an exhibition hall and classrooms. Junsheng Li, the creator of the sandstone paintings, and his students work there.
The materials used in the sandstone paintings are from Zhangjiajie: quartz sandstones, stones with different colors, and gemstones. Some are ground up while some stones are kept in their original shapes. The ground-up stone powder is used as ink by the artists. They use special glue to paste the powder on paper, a wooden frame, or a piece of tile.
The local artist will give you an introduction to sandstone paintings and teach you how to complete one piece of work on your own. Keep the painting at home to remind you of the sweet memories of your time in Zhangjiajie.
learn sandstone painting
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