Top 10 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie: The Avatar Mountains (2026)

Located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the "Southern Sky Column" was officially renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" in 2010. Walking across the "First Bridge Under Heaven" (a natural rock bridge connecting two peaks) is dizzying and spectacular.

It held the record for the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. You walk 430 meters across a deep canyon on nothing but glass. Cameras are banned (only phones allowed) to protect the glass from scratches.

You take the world's longest cable car ride (7.5km!) from the city center up to the mountain top. Then you see it: a massive natural hole cut through the mountain. You can walk the "Cliff-Hanging Walkway" (partly glass) and descend the 999 steps "Stairway to Heaven."

The highest outdoor elevator in the world. It shoots you up the side of a massive cliff in under 2 minutes. Try to get a spot near the glass window for the view (prepare for some pushing).

After seeing the peaks from above, walk among them from below. This 5.7km flat trail follows a crystal clear stream. The air is incredibly fresh. Warning: This is prime monkey territory.

"Who visits Tianzi Mountain will not want to see any other mountains." The peaks here are thinner and sharper. It is the best place to see the famous "Sea of Clouds" phenomenon (usually after rain).

One of the largest karst caves in China. It's so big it has a river inside where you take a boat ride. It's cool in summer and warm in winter. Great rainy day backup plan.

A Guinness World Record holder for the tallest stilt building. It looks like a cyberpunk ancient fortress at night. It's a bit of a tourist trap inside, but the exterior view at night is absolutely stunning.

A freshwater lake high in the mountains. You take a wooden boat ride. Local minority people will sing folk songs to you from boats parked on the lake. It's unparalleled serenity.

Learn about the Tujia minority people who live here. The architecture is unique (wooden buildings without nails). Watch the "Maogusi" dance—an ancient ritual dance.