Spend two days exploring Zhangjiajie’s towering sandstone pillars and the vertiginous Tianmen Skywalk. This private combo pairs Golden Whip Brook and Yuanjiajie’s Avatar-like peaks with the glass walkways and natural arch of Tianmen Mountain.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning mist lifts off sandstone pillars as a private vehicle winds toward the park gate — the air smells of damp pine and cold stone. On day one the group drops into Golden Whip Brook, where a clear stream threads between steep karst walls and monkeys sometimes watch from the trees. Riding the glass-faced Bailong Elevator launches you 326 meters in 88 seconds to Yuanjiajie, where a forest of vertical pillars — including the roughly 150-meter South Sky Pillar that inspired the film Avatar — punctuates the skyline.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Be comfortable walking 1–4 km with stairs and short uphill sections; basic stamina for multiple transfers and brief hikes.
Wildlife
History
Local Tujia and Miao communities have long regarded these spires as sacred and named many of the peaks; the park was among China’s first national forest reserves created to protect its unique geology.
Conservation
Heavy visitor numbers concentrate on a few platforms; stick to marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and use park-provided shuttle buses to reduce trail erosion.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Carry your passport copy
Passport number and nationality are required at booking and for entry—keep a digital and paper copy accessible.
Wear grippy shoes
Trails include wet stone, wooden boardwalks and steep stairs — footwear with good traction matters.
Start early for light and fewer crowds
Cable cars and viewpoints fill midday; an early schedule improves photo light and reduces waiting times.
Prepare for cable cars and elevators
Bring motion-sickness remedies if you’re sensitive—Bailong Elevator and long cable car rides can feel intense.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on wet stone, packed dirt and stairways.
Light rain shell
Mountain weather changes quickly — a packable waterproof keeps you dry during showers.
summer
Daypack with 1–2 L water
Carry water, snacks, camera and extra layers for long cable-car waits and viewpoints.
Passport & photocopies
Required for booking and often checked at park entrances and transport hubs.