Zhangjiajie Travel Guide: Avatar Mountain & 72 Strange Buildings

Zhangjiajie Guide: Visiting the Avatar Mountain

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Guide: Visiting the Avatar Mountain
Vanessa Huang2024-11-3018 min

You might think of floating mountains in Avatar when you hear about Zhangjiajie, and you’re absolutely right! In this vlog, Linardo and I explore the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Park, home to the iconic Hallelujah Mountain, and as a bonus, we will uncover the unique 72 Strange Building in the city.From jaw-dropping landscapes to fascinating city spots, we’ll take you on an unforgettable journey as we navigate the beauty and quirks of exploring Zhangjiajie. Ever wondered why Zhangjiajie is such a hot topic in any China travel vlog? We’ll show you why, while also diving into some “only in China” moments, like how we encountered an unexpected scam in China and dealt with some of the overcrowded tourist spots.

--- Vanessa Huang
November 30, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 00:33How to Visit Zhangjiajie
  3. 01:10What we don’t like about Zhangjiajie
  4. 02:43Must visit in Zhangjiajie
  5. 04:07Mistake when visiting Zhangjiajie
  6. 05:22Avatar Mountain
  7. 08:45Bailong Elevator
  8. 12:4972 Strange Building
  9. 15:22Must eat in Zhangjiajie

Vanessa Huang's Zhangjiajie vlog captures the awe-inspiring Avatar Mountains, thrilling elevator ride, and unique 72 Strange Building. A journey filled with stunning sights and unexpected challenges, leaving a lasting impact.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1To reach Zhangjiajie National Park from the city center, take a shuttle bus from the Zhangjiajie Bus Center to the West Gate, the main entrance. Be aware that public buses may make multiple stops along the way. (0:33)
  2. Tip 2Purchase tickets at the ticket office. Be mindful of persistent tour guides offering their services; politely decline if you don't need them to avoid potential scams. Always carry your passport as it will be used for entry registration. (2:10)
  3. Tip 3To reach the Hallelujah Mountains, use the cable car. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid large crowds. The cable car ticket costs 72 yuan per person. (3:10)
  4. Tip 4To efficiently explore the park, start at the Yulan area, which is the main hub to access various attractions. This will save time and unnecessary travel between areas. (4:34)
  5. Tip 5One day is not enough to explore Zhangjiajie National Park. Plan for at least four days to see all the major attractions and avoid feeling rushed. (12:02)
  6. Tip 6The 72 Strange Building has an entrance fee. It's cheaper before 4:30 pm than after, likely due to the evening light shows. (14:08)

Vanessa Huang's Zhangjiajie adventure wasn't just a trip; it was an immersion into the breathtaking beauty and unexpected challenges of China. From navigating crowded tourist spots to encountering scams, her journey is a captivating blend of stunning landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Witness the iconic Hallelujah Mountain, soar on the world's highest elevator, and explore the unique 72 Strange Building – a testament to Zhangjiajie's captivating blend of nature and urban intrigue. This vlog offers invaluable travel tips and insights into a destination that's quickly becoming a must-see on any China itinerary.

More about the current video:( 6 / 11 )

Zhangjiajie Guide: Visiting the Avatar Mountain

This vlog follows Vanessa Huang and her friend Linardo as they explore the magnificent Zhangjiajie National Park in China, famed for its Avatar-like mountains. Their journey begins with a somewhat chaotic bus ride and an encounter with an overly persistent tour guide, highlighting the potential for scams in busy tourist areas. They successfully navigate the ticket purchase process, emphasizing the importance of having passports readily available.

Their primary goal is to visit three key locations: the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, the world's highest elevator (Bailong Elevator), and the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. Due to time constraints and some initial misdirections, they utilize various buses and cable cars, adding to the adventure's spontaneity. The cable car ride to the Avatar Mountains is described as enjoyable, particularly on a less crowded Monday. They discover that the park is vast and requires careful planning, recommending multiple days for a comprehensive visit.

Vanessa highlights the beauty of the Avatar Mountains, noting the opportunity to use drones for aerial footage (a service is also available for those without drones). Their initial plan to see the glass bridge and elevator proves more challenging than anticipated due to the park's size, but a fortunate bus ride unexpectedly takes them to the Bailong Elevator. The line is long and chaotic, but the experience of the elevator itself, descending from a remarkable height, is described as unforgettable, offering a unique perspective of the mountains.

The vlog also features a visit to the 72 Strange Building, a unique architectural landmark representing the Tujia ethnicity. This area offers a night market with street food and light shows, adding a vibrant cultural element to the trip. Vanessa and Linardo sample local delicacies, including stinky tofu (which they find surprisingly delicious) and beef pie. The vlog concludes with reflections on the trip, emphasizing the beauty of Zhangjiajie despite the challenges, and the recommendation to spend at least four days exploring the park. The overall tone is one of adventurous discovery, punctuated by moments of both frustration and elation, reflecting the authentic experience of traveling in a bustling and diverse place like China.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the best day to visit Zhangjiajie to avoid crowds?
A: Mondays are less crowded than weekends, but even then, expect some crowds, especially at popular spots.
Q: How much does it cost to get to the Hallelujah Mountains?
A: The cable car costs 72 yuan per person. Plus, you have to pay for entrance to the park and potentially other transportation within the park.
Q: Is it possible to see everything in Zhangjiajie in one day?
A: No way! The park is huge. You need at least four days to properly explore it.
Q: What's the 72 Strange Building?
A: It's a unique building representing the Tujia ethnicity, with light shows and a night market. It's super interesting and has a cool vibe, but it's also kind of spooky!
Q: What's the stinky tofu like?
A: It's black, crispy, garlicky, and not stinky at all! It's delicious!

Zhangjiajie Travel Guide: Avatar Mountain & 72 Strange Buildings

You might think of floating mountains in Avatar when you hear about Zhangjiajie, and you’re absolutely right! In this vlog, Linardo and I explore the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Park, home to the iconic Hallelujah Mountain, and as a bonus, we will uncover the unique 72 Strange Building in the...

Zhangjiajie National Park: Avatar Mountains & Bailong Elevator

Vanessa Huang and Linardo explored the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Park, home to the iconic Hallelujah Mountain, also known as Avatar Mountain, and the unique 72 Strange Building in the city. Their journey included navigating the beauty and quirks of exploring Zhangjiajie, encountering unexpected scams, and dealing with overcrowded tourist spots. The vlog showcases jaw-dropping landscapes and fascinating city spots, explaining Zhangjiajie's popularity and offering a glimpse into unique "only in China" moments.

Attractions in this video: Hallelujah Mountain, Avatar Mountains, Bailong Elevator, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, 72 Strange Building