Comprehensive Guide to Zhangjiajie

One-Day Self-Drive Tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 🚗 Perfect for self-driving travelers Address: East Gate (Biaozhimen) of Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City (Park your car at the East Gate parking lot 🅿️). It takes about 40 minutes to drive there from the city center. Recommended Itineraries: NO•1 East Gate Route A (Tianzi Mountain Direction) → Take the shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain Cableway Station and explore Tianzi Mountain → Take the shuttle bus and stop midway for the Sky Garden (additional fee) → Return to the shuttle point and head to Yuanjiajie (Avatar filming location) → Walk to the Bailong Elevator for descent → Take the shuttle to Shili Gallery (small train ride for a fee) → Return to the East Gate to end the trip. NO•2 East Gate Route B (Bailong Elevator Direction) → Take the shuttle to Bailong Elevator for ascent → Walk to Yuanjiajie → Take the shuttle and stop midway for the Sky Garden (additional fee) → Return to the shuttle and head to Tianzi Mountain → Descend via Tianzi Mountain Cableway → Take the shuttle to Shili Gallery (small train ride for a fee) → Return to the East Gate to end the trip. Important Notes‼️‼️: For Route B (Bailong Elevator Direction), it's flexible during the off-season, but during peak summer vacation, make sure to queue early for the Bailong Elevator (arrive as early as possible). Leave Shili Gallery for last—it's optional depending on your energy level 🤫. Book in Advance‼️‼️ Reserve your tickets and entry time ahead. The park has five main gates, so double-check your booking. 🛏️ Accommodation Recommendation: Since this is a self-drive tour, staying in the city center offers easy access to all attractions. I stayed at the Four Famous Residences Aesthetics Inn (Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park Branch), where the front desk staff recommended the perfect itinerary and helped plan daily park routes—truly hassle-free 👏👏.