For any traveler seeking a blend of natural wonders and cultural charm, Zhangjiajie is a must-visit destination—especially during the May Day holiday. As someone who just returned from this magical place, I can’t wait to share my Shanghai to Zhangjiajie tour experience. Here’s a day-by-day itinerary to inspire your adventure.

Recommended Guided Tours

China Cultural and Natural Tour

10 Days | Beijing-Xian-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai

Are you shocked by the movie "Avatar"? If you want to experience the fantasy world, Zhangjiajie is the place you must go.

Day 1

11:00 AM – Arrival in Zhangjiajie & Tianmen Mountain Thrills

After a smooth 5.5-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai Hongqiao Station (tickets start at ¥584), I arrived in Zhangjiajie West Station. My first stop was Tianmen Mountain, famous for its glass skywalk and Bailong Elevator.

Highlight: Walking on the 60-meter-long Glass Walkway, suspended 1,430 meters above the valley, was exhilarating! The view of the 999-step "Stairway to Heaven" and the natural Tianmen Cave left me speechless.

Tip: Book tickets in advance (¥258/person) to avoid queues. The world’s longest cable car ride (7.5km) saves time and offers aerial views of the forest canopy.

Day 2

8:00 AM – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

No trip to Zhangjiajie is complete without exploring the UNESCO-listed park. I dedicated this day to the Avatar-famed "Floating Mountains" and Golden Whip Stream.

Morning: Took the Baili Tian梯 (百龙天梯) up to Yuanjiajie. The stone pillars here inspired the "Floating Mountains" in the movie, and the fresh air made every step worthwhile.

Afternoon: Strolled along the 7.5km Golden Whip Stream, a serene path lined with wild monkeys and crystal-clear water.

Entrance Fee: ¥227 (valid for 4 days). Use the eco-friendly shuttles to hop between sites like Huangshizhai and Yangjiajie.

Day 3

9:00 AM – Ten Miles Gallery & Fenghuang Ancient Town

After two days of hiking, I opted for a laid-back morning at the Ten Miles Gallery, a vibrant market selling local snacks like stinky tofu and sugar-coated hawthorns.

Afternoon: Took a 4-hour drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town (¥120 for a private car). The evening here was magical—lantern-lit canals, ancient bridges, and traditional Miao silver jewelry shops.

Must-Do: Rent a traditional Hanfu and wander the old streets. Don’t miss the night cruise on the Tuojiang River (¥80).

Day 4

10:00 AM – Farewell to Fenghuang & Return to Shanghai

Spent the morning exploring 虹桥风雨楼 and Shencongxi Cloth Dyeing Workshop, then headed back to Zhangjiajie for my flight.

Flight Option: MU5375 departs Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport at 2:15 PM, arriving in Shanghai Pudong at 4:00 PM (fares start at ¥800).

Last Tip: Grab a Zhangjiajie ginger candy or Miao embroidery as a souvenir from the airport shops.

Why Choose Zhangjiajie This May?

Perfect Weather: Spring temperatures (15-25°C) are ideal for hiking.

Fewer Crowds: While popular, May isn’t as packed as October’s peak season.

Cultural Immersion: From Tujia folk dances to Miao silver craftsmanship, the local culture shines.

Zhangjiajie’s blend of stunning quartzite pillars, thrilling glass walks, and ancient town charm made it an unforgettable escape. With easy access from Shanghai and affordable tours, there’s no reason to wait—book your Shanghai to Zhangjiajie tour now and experience China’s natural masterpiece this May Day!