Name: Zhangjiajie

Chinese name: 张家界

Province: Hunan

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 1,476,521

Area: 369 km²

Zhangjiajie is a small city located approximately 400 km from Changsha in the northwest of Hunan. The city is famous for its wonderful natural landscapes, particularly the Wulingyuan Park, commonly referred to by default as Zhangjiajie Park.

History

Zhangjiajie was once known as Dayong. Its history dates back to 221 BC. People lived along the two banks of the Lishui River, which flows through the city.

In 1986, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences discovered Stone Age remains in the city's Cili County. In 1988, the Archaeological Institute of Hunan Province unearthed additional relics in Sangzhi County dating back approximately 100,000 years.

In 1992, the nature and scenic park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Today

The Zhangjiajie prefecture is a natural wonder celebrated for its national forest park, which together with Mount Tianzi and Suoxi Valley forms the Wulingyuan scenic and historic interest region.

The city itself provides accommodation for passing travelers and facilitates access to the park. The prefecture exercises jurisdiction over Wulingyuan District and Yongding District, as well as Cili and Sangzhi counties.

Zhangjiajie is rich in landscape variety. Mountains, plains, and rocky zones blend together to form breathtaking panoramas. This diversity and authenticity attract millions of Chinese and foreign tourists each year.

The city is a bustling urban center, but by venturing into districts such as Wulingyuan, you can find tranquility and discover the charm of small Chinese towns and villages.

The surroundings of Zhangjiajie, covered in lush forests, are considered one of Chine's lungs.

Zhangjiajie will be one of your most beautiful stops during your journey through Hunan and will transport you beyond reality with its park of rocky pillars.

Climate

Zhangjiajie's geographical location gives the region a temperate climate. Temperatures rarely exceed 35°C or drop below 0°C. The average annual temperature is approximately 16°C and rainfall is fairly well distributed throughout the year.

The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is between April and October. Expect quite humid weather in summer.

Air

Just 4 km from the city center and 40 km from the park entrance lies Zhangjiajie Airport.

Daily connections operate to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Changsha, Xi'an, and Chongqing. Other flights are available to other major Chine cities, though cancellations can be frequent.

Train

The Zhangjiajie railway station is served by trains from Changsha, Guangzhou, and Beijing. Expect 27 hours by train to reach the capital and 8 hours to Changsha.

Other connections exist with provincial cities such as Jishou, Yichang, and Huaihua.

Bus

Numerous long-distance buses connect Zhangjiajie and its districts from Changsha, Fenghuang, Tianzishan, Jishou, Yueyang, Wuhan, and Shanghai.

Many minibuses, taxis, and tuk-tuks operate between the city and the scenic park.

What to Do in Zhangjiajie?

• Spend two days in the Wulingyuan scenic park.