This tiny village in the foothills of the Wuling Mountains is gateway to one of China’s most spectacular landscapes. Just beyond this outpost is the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a breathtaking land of karst sandstone pillars.

On par with other world-class feats of nature like the Grand Canyon, the scenic area boasts more than 3,000 spindly towers reaching a maximum height of nearly 3,500 feet. Many of the scenic area’s special attractions incur a fee on top of the park admission price, but the walking paths through the lowland are free (and subsequently crowded).

Highlights close to Zhangjiajie Village include Golden Whip Stream, a brook that gurgles through the village and then winds for several miles through the park. There is also a cable car in Zhangjiajie Village that climbs to the 3,450-foot summit of the highest pillar, Huang Shi Zhai.

Getting There & Away

Zhangjiajie Village is connected to its counterpart, Zhangjiajie City, by a shuttle bus that takes an hour to travel between them. From the larger city, tourists can make use of the newly opened airport with 2-hour flights to Beijing’s massive international airport, along with other domestic routes.

Things to Do

Zhangjiajie Village Attractions

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

The village is gateway to the entire scenic area and has a selection of hotels catering to park visitors.

Golden Whip Stream

This stream is followed by a walking path that can be picked up in zhangjiajie village.

Huang Shi Zhai

The tallest karst structure in the park can be visited on foot (via a 3,878-step staircase) or by cable car from zhangjiajie village.