Zhangjiajie: Yuanjiajie - Tianzi
Also known as: Avatar mountains
Zhangjiajie - the towering sandstone pillars (the "Avatar" mountains) of Yuanjiajie and Tianzi
The route
The line through Hunan, China - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round (spring/autumn best)
Frequent mist, rain; crowds
Open year-round; misty and crowded; a shuttle-and-lift network inside the park. Confirm.
On the trail
A sandstone pillar forest linked by park shuttles and lifts
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Accessible to most walkers and families; not fully wheelchair accessible - confirm
Extremely busy
Yuanjiajie and Tianzi loops; the glass bridge nearby
Getting there & staying
Zhangjiajie NP
Park shuttles, the Bailong glass elevator and cable cars
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Zhangjiajie; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Park entry (multi-day ticket); Bailong elevator and cable cars. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Crowds, slippery paths, the sheer scale (easy to get lost)
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.