Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie: Best Hotels and Locations

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Our trip to Hunan in central China made us love our planet more. We found ourselves amongst imposing lush mountains. No picture could have prepared us for what we had in front of our eyes. We spent the entire 3 hour trip from Fenghuang Ancient Town frantically staring out of our bus window. We were headed to the famous Zhangjiajie Mountains but had no expectations regarding the surrounding area. However, the whole trip turned out to be superb. Our journey was pretty special since we got to see the bigger picture: how this massive spires rise from a lush hilly plateau. That’s all I can say, it’s impossible to describe the beauty of one of our planet’s most spectacular spots. Nevertheless, we weren’t sure where to stay in Zhangjiajie or how to find the best hotels. Our goal was to avoid the crowds while staying next to the park. We managed to succeed!

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

In 1982 Zhangjiajie became the first National Forest Park in China. With over 4810 Hectares (11900 Acres) the park is a fraction of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a World Heritage Site. You probably recognize the area from its thousands of tall pillar-like formations, some of them over 200 meters tall. Apparently, Zhangjiajie Mountains inspired the Avatar movie. The landscape resembles the karsts formations around the River Li, and yet it is entirely different. However karts are the result of chemical erosion and Zhangjijaie of physical erosion. The weather around the park is humid all year round. Therefore, dense vegetation covers 98% of the land.  Additionally, some 150 chordates live in the park, 28 of which are protected.

Moving Around the National Park

Just like Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huangshan Mountain, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has a lot of infrastructures. In fact, several roads used by public buses go deep inside the park. Due to the considerable height the pillars can reach, to cross the park you need to walk, use cable cars and the famous Bailong elevator. Three cable cars and a zip-line train climb all the way up. While all the buses inside the park are free, bring cash since you’ll have to pay for all other transportation. Additionally, and thrillingly, you can walk about the numerous pedestrian paths. The scenery will make you forget the crowds, especially next to the Zhangjiajie River. Organize your time wisely, you don’t want to rush, but you don’t want to miss on anything either. Finally, take note that the park closes early and you might get locked in.

How to Avoid the Crowds in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The number of tourists can be overwhelming. Yes, you will be one of those annoying tourists too, so complaining is absurd. Nevertheless, there is a way to avoid crowds. Take note that the Chinese represent the vast majority of tourists in China. Many hire organized tours (we shared our bus to Zhangjiajie with one group). That means that most tour companies have a pre-established Zhangjiajie itinerary. Even more, most tourists enter the park through the three main entrances: Wujiayu entrance near Wulingyuan town, Luoguta (Forest Park) to the south of the park, and Tianzi Mountain entrance to the north. We devised a different plan. Since we stayed near the Yangjiajie entrance, we were able to cross the park in the opposite direction from the crowds. Entering the park was very easy. Once inside we enjoyed quite some time in peace. In fact, we were alone in the Bailong elevator! Apparently, the Zimugang entrance is not crowded either!

Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie

Around the Yangjiajie Gate

We did some serious research before deciding where to stay in Zhangjiajie. Eventually, we booked the Whispering Mountains Boutique Hotel because it’s located at the west entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. As requested, our driver was waiting for us at Zhangjiajie’s bus station. We were hungry, so he took us to a nearby Mc Donalds (we were that hungry!) and waited for us. That’s what we call luxury: a professional driver waiting for us with a smile! Our driver took us safely through town all the way up to the hill. The whole trip was great. We got a glimpse of semi-rural life and fantastic views.

The hotel’s receptionist was all smiles, the genuine type. She told us exactly how to go through the park without crowds. We are eternally grateful. Thanks to her tips we had a fantastic time inside the park. Not only that but in a total show of class, she suggested we did not spend our third night in the hotel (though we had already booked it). It was better for us to cross the park and exit at Wulingyuan. She would send our luggage to the hotel we chose there, and so she did. How can we not love the Chinese? This lady was as elegant and professional as any 5-star concierge.

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie - Near the west gate

The hotel has a restaurant, managed by the same family. We were truly blessed having food with an authentic Chinese family, from granddads to small children. Everyone was so polite and happy it was contagious. Though we didn’t share the language, we did share laughs. What could top this experience? On our second night, we were back at the hotel after walking all around the park. The lights went off, so we climbed to the terrace and indulged in the Milky Way. We were one with nature, bathed by thousands of stars.

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie - Eden Mountain Village

Wulingyuan Town

We followed our lovely receptionist’s advice all throughout our trip. On the first day, we visited the park’s lesser-known areas. The second day we went to more popular sites such as the Tianzi Mountain and the world-famous Hallelujah Avatar Mountain. Just as instructed, on our final day we exited the park at Wulingyuan town. Our Maosao Inn hotel proved a great choice: cool design, great location, and fantastic service. They’ve got a swimming pool and a roof terrace with views. Located on Wulingyuan’s main street, Maosao Inn was a perfect base for exploring this charming town.

We were watching the sunset over the mountains from our hotel’s roof terrace when an interesting Dutch guy appeared. According to him visiting the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge wasn’t worth the trouble. He said that the landscape around the bridge is similar to what we had already seen and that the crowds were enormous. That was the only reason we came to Wulingyuan, so now we had to think of another plan for the following day. A brilliant idea came to our minds: let’s explore the town itself!

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie - Wulingyuan town

Wulingyuan is pretty nice. It’s a middle-sized town with a couple of streets and a river in its center. Sharp mountain peaks surround the whole town, so great views are everywhere. After a month and a half in China, we were desperate for a western breakfast. Since most Chinese hotels offer only Chinese food we went searching for a western style bakery. It turned out there are a couple of good bakeries by Wuling Road. We spent the rest of the day just strolling along the river and watching the sunset from our roof terrace. Zen!

If you’d rather stay at an international chain, Wulingyuan has two great hotels: Zhangjiajie Pullman and Crowne Plaza Wulingyuan.

Zhangjiajie City

We decided to stay in Zhangjiajie city for one reason: to visit the Tianmen Mountain. To reach the mountain you have to take a cable car or a bus from the city center. Thus, it’s a good idea to stay near the cable car station. We booked a room at the Water Amusement Hotel but were very disappointed to find out that the aqua park was closed. That’s why we booked it in the first place!  At least the hotel was nice and within walking distance to the cable car.

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie - Zhangjiajie city

Zhangjiajie City is not exactly one of China’s nicest cities. With a population of 1.5 million, it is relatively large. The entire city seems to be under construction, including several new motorways and railroads. Cranes are everywhere! Though there is no historical center as such, there is an authentic market place (quite dirty) and several shopping centers. That said, we did enjoy our time walking along the Lishui River and admiring the views of Tianmen Mountain.

If you plan on visiting Tianmen Mountain you should spend at least one night in Zhangjiajie City. There are two good options next to the cable car station, the Oh! Hotel – Nordic Style or the Qingshanyi Art Hotel.

Zhangjiajie the Best Hotels Near the Park

If still unsure about where to stay in Zhangjiajie we have a couple of hotels to recommend. As mentioned before, most people enter the park through the three main gates. Hence, Yangjiajie and Zimugang gates are far less crowded. You can enter the park on foot from any of the hotels in the immediate vicinity of both gates.

That is exactly what we did each morning from our Whispering Mountains Boutique Hotel. Though not within walking distance to the Yangjiajie gate, Hotel No.5 Valley Inn and Homeward Mountain Hotel are good choices too.

Within walking distance to the Zimugang gate, you’ll find the Purespace and the Tree House. Both wonderful hotels with great views.

The Glass Cube Guesthouse is one of the best hotels in Zhangjiajie surrounded by mountains and forests. Although located near the main Luoguta gate, this 100 year old house is an attraction itself. Their best room is a transparent glass cube!

where to stay in Zhangjiajie - near the west gate

How to Get to Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is still hard to get to, even though we are talking about one of China’s premier tourist attractions. Since there are no fast train connections from Hunan’s capital, Changsha, you have to take a regular train or a bus. It takes between 4 and 6 hours. From Fenghuang 3 hours by bus. Both train and bus stations in Zhangjiajie city are close to the cable car station. Several buses a day connect the city to Wulingyuan town. The town’s station is near the Wujiayu gate, so once in Wulingyuan, you can walk to the park. Hire a taxi or organize transport through your hotel to get to any of the two less visited gates. Zhangjiajie also has an airport with national and international flights.

Why Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of those places everyone should have the privilege to visit. The place is so overwhelmingly beautiful that photos and words can’t describe it. The entire area is huge and difficult to grasp. Therefore, choosing well where to stay in Zhangjiajie is essential.

Our Whispering Mountains Boutique Hotel was a fantastic choice. Thanks to them we were able to soak up Zhangjiajie’s National Park clean air and escape the crowds. Perfection and class don’t require marble, pools, nor any bling. All you need is genuine Chinese hospitality, a welcoming family, and the kindness and brains of a fantastic host. Thanks!

Zhangjiajie Map

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Map

6 Responses

  1. Ken Wong
    | Reply

    Hi,

    May I know how you walk from Eden Mountain Village to Bailong Elevator? Is there shuttle to the Elevator? What is the gate name closest to Eden Mountain Village? Kindly assist. TQ

    • happyfrogtravels
      | Reply

      Hi Ken. Thanks for Reading our blog. As we mention in the post the gate close to Eden Mountain Village is called Yangjiajie or West gate. You can walk to there from the hotel. Inside the park there are numerous free shuttle buses. There is one next to the Yangjiajie gate, but as far as I remember it doesn’t go all the way to the Bailong elevator. You might have to walk or take a cable car to get to the elevator. I suggest you ask at the hotel about the quickest and best route there. The lovely lady at Eden was more than happy to assist us. If you don’t speak Chinese I suggest you download a Google translate app before going to China and always use short sentences.

  2. polariz
    | Reply

    Hi Milos! How long did you stayed in Zhangjiajie? We were planning to travel there and luckily I’ve read your blog.. We will arrive at ZJJ at night around 9:30pm (day 1) and will leave 10 in the evening on our day 4. How can we maximize our time to avoid the crowds to visit National Park, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Grand Canyon and Wulingyuan? And recommend hotels also? Thank you so much !

    • happyfrogtravels
      | Reply

      Hi,
      We spent roughly 4 days in the area, but since we were traveling for months one day we didn’t do much, except for chilling around Wulingyuan.
      I would suggest you stay in Zhangjiajie City the first night and visit Tianmen Mountain the second day. On the second and third nights I would sleep near the western gate (please take a look at the hotels we recommend) and spend the following two days exploring the national park. Tianzi Mountain is part of the national park. One of the reasons we recommend the western gate is there are almost no people in that area of the park + the recepcionists at the local hotels (near the western gate) can give you the precise route to avoid the crowds. I can’t tell you the exact route, since it’s difficult to explain without a detailed map. We got one from our lovely recepcionist.
      Please let us know if you have any more questions.
      Best,
      Milos

  3. Wei
    | Reply

    Wow, what a coincidence. I read your blog and suggested to my wife that we stay near the West gate. I noted the name of the hotel you suggested, but my wife wound up choosing the hotel. It is only after staying there that I realize that it is the same hotel, my wife booked it on a Chinese website, so they used the Chinese name.

    I think it was even better than you described, and they have a new building now which is really luxurious! We wound up getting the King Mountain Suite, which had a bath over looking the mountains and it’s really amazing. Lucas the guy at reception, gave us a map and precise directions, and we wound up avoiding all the crowds and getting amazing views just myself and my wife.

    Unfortunately the hotel has been hit hard by China closing foreign tourism due to COVID for the last 3 years, and I’m really hoping that as soon as China opens tourist visas again, things will pick up.

    Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation, it is a truly amazing hotel!

    • happyfrogtravels
      | Reply

      Hi Wei,
      I am glad to hear you enjoyed Zhangjiajie and that we were able to help!
      Greetings from Greece,
      Milos

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