Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon has become a hot attraction because of the world-record-holding glass bridge. But the Grand Canyon is about more than just the bridge. It is a beautiful combination of waterfalls, mountains, streams, cliffs, and caves.
- Chinese: 张家界大峡谷 ZhāngjiāJiè Dàxiágǔ /jung-jyaa-jyeah daa-hsyaa-goo/ 'Zhang Family Territory Grand Canyon'
- Area: 60 square kilometers
- Popular activities: walk on the glass-bottomed bridge, enjoy a scenic walk
- Suited to: nature lovers
- Time needed: 3–4 hours
- Entrance fee: 118 yuan for the Grand Canyon only; 256 yuan for the Grand Canyon and the glass bridge
What to Do in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
1. Take a Terrifying Walk Along the Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Suspended between two peaks with a length of 430 m (1410 ft) and a height of 300 m (984 ft). This bridge enables people to get a bird's-eye view of the rock, scrubland, and stream of the valley floor.
2. Go Bungee Jumping from the Glass Bridge
Bungee jumping at Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge opens to visitors on December 15, 2020. It is the highest bungee platform in the world, which has a drop of 300 meters (984 feet).
Check more information about bungee jumping at Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge or Send a free inquiry to us.
3. See the "Strip of Sky" and Walk the "Sky Ladder"
Zhangjiajie Grand CanyonWalking in the park, you will be impressed by many magnificent views, such as 'A Strip of Sky' and 'Sky Ladder'.
'A Strip of Sky' is a very narrow valley near the entrance of the Grand Canyon. As its name implies, it is so narrow that only one person can get through it at a time. You can have a close-up experience of the geology of Zhangjiajie on both sides. It is a great place to experience the grandeur of the cliffs.
After passing through the 700-meter valley, you will step onto the 'Sky Ladder', which is a wooden walkway and steps along steep cliffs. It is called this because it looks like a ladder that leads you to the sky.
A narrow gorge starting from the gate at the entrance of the canyon and extending 700 m (2296 ft) is the path down to the slope leading to the valley beneath. There are steps along this gorge and visitors can only see a strip of the sky when in the gorge, hence the name, a strip of the sky.
The cliff height of 300 m (984 ft) makes the hike steep, but the scenery along the way makes it a rewarding ascent.
4. Take a Walk in Holy Spring Valley
Holy Spring Valley is a long narrow valley that seems (to those familiar with Chinese mythology) to be a gateway to the land of immortality, with mists rising from the water splashing from the cool springs and waterfalls. Visitors can walk along a stone path to take it all in. It is an experience that soothes the mind, body, and soul.
5. Go Find Butterfly Spring Waterfall
In the beautiful forests of the Grand Canyon where nature breathes, lies a spring, leading to a waterfall. This spring is special because the water that flows down from it forms pearl-like droplets everywhere the water sprays. This is why the cliff is known as the "Pearl Wall".
If you are lucky enough you may find colorful little winged creatures when they come to pay a visit to the spring, adding to the magic of the valley.
6. Check Out Swallow Cliff
Another mesmerizing sight that cannot be missed at the Grand Canyon is Swallow Cliff. Unlike regular swallows, these birds are smaller in size and nest on rocks. Their nests can be cooked for eating. But swallows aren't the only birds that dwell in this heaven. At the bottom of the grand canyon is a reservoir where you can take a boat to watch ducks that can be seen playing on the crystal clear water of the stream.
7. Enjoy a Rehabilitative Walk in a Bamboo Forest
As you enter the Grand Canyon a lush green bamboo forest awaits you. The dramatic green landscape is a sight for sore eyes and a cure for ailing hearts that seek refuge from the hustle-bustle of modern life. It is a perfect opportunity for you to tune in to the frequency of nature and listen to the music of life.
The Grand Canyon park is full of verdant forests, clean streams, beautiful waterfalls, and caves. It is enjoyable to take a 2–3-hour walk there. The long walk is energy-consuming, but you will be rewarded with peaceful and beautiful scenery.
8. Take a Fun Slide Down
If you want to have some fun on the way down, you can go down on a long slide straight into the green forest. It extends for about 600 m (1968 ft) and takes about 3 minutes. It costs about 20 yuan.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Travel Essentials
Best Times to Visit
In-between months like April, May, September, and October are the best for visiting Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Winters can get chilly and bleak, which makes it more difficult for visitors to cover the whole area and experience its beauty fully. Summers are the hottest and wettest times.
The early morning hours are perfect to visit this haven to avoid the murmur of the crowds and to enjoy a refreshing hike without having to worry about running out of time. If you start early in the morning you will have plenty of time to just breathe and take it all in. You should also avoid weekends and holidays if you are looking for a quiet, peaceful experience.
Recommended Time Needed for a Visit
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a land of extraordinary beauty and the spellbinding magic of nature. Therefore it is advised that people should at least spend 4–5 hours to explore, experience, and appreciate its beauty.
It will take approximately 3-4 hours to hike through the following route:
- A Strip of Sky
- Marble slide on the halfway
- Mountain trail or plank road
- The reservoir for a boat trip
Note: If you are planning to visit the Glass Bridge, please book a ticket on the official website beforehand, because the tickets are not available on spot. Valid ID certificate like passport is required for purchasing the ticket.
How to Get There
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is about 40 km (25 mi) northeast of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park entrance in Wulingyuan town. There is a bus from Wulingyuan Bus Station, but it is easier to take a taxi, and still better to have private transport.
From downtown Zhangjiajie, you could take a bus from the Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (张家界市中心汽车站) to Wulingyuan (武陵源) first.
Nearby Attractions
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China's first national forest park. It draws a large number of visitors every year with its awesome rocky-tower scenery.
- Tianmen Mountain is the highest peak in Zhangjiajie, towering above the city. It has been called "one of the most beautiful mountains in the world".
- Baofeng Lake is a freshwater lake in Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Its main attraction is a relaxing boat ride on the crystal clear Baofeng lake.
Touring Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Us
Our Zhangjiajie tours often include the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. If you want to explore more of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, please feel free to let us know. We will be glad to tailor-make a tour for you.
Here are two popular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon itineraries for your reference:
- 1-Day Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Tour
- 4-Day Essence of Zhangjiajie Tour - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Glass Bridge, and Tianmen Mountain
- 8-Day Best of Beijing and Zhangjiajie Tour
- 6-Day Best of Shanghai and Zhangjiajie Tour
- 6-Day Essence of Guangzhou and Zhangjiajie Tour