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Zhangjiajie Hiking: Avatar Mountains China Adventure

Hiking the Avatar Mountains / Zhangjiajie, China / This NEEDS to be on your China Bucket List!

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
Hiking the Avatar Mountains / Zhangjiajie, China / This NEEDS to be on your China Bucket List!
James and Keli10 min

Hiking the Avatar Mountains / Zhangjiajie. This was filmed by James and Keli. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

We spent three days hiking Zhangjiajie, also known as, the Avatar Mountains. Visiting these mountains have always been on our China bucket list, and we were so excited to finally check it off our list!.

On our first day we took a 3 hour off the beaten path hike up Zhangjiajie and it did not disappoint! Make sure you put this on your China Bucket List when travel in China!

--- James and Keli
June 9, 2021, Summer in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

James and Keli visit Zhangjiajie in Hunan, a long-planned trip to the Avatar Mountains. They stay at a small mini-inn near the Yangjiajie entrance, eat breakfast nearby and take a three-hour hike to avoid the busiest paths. The route includes “Reaching the Sky in a Single Bound” and “One Step to Heaven Pillar,” along with views of the surrounding peaks. They have noodle lunch, see the “first bridge in the world,” use free park shuttles and take a cable car down.

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Hiking the Avatar Mountains / Zhangjiajie, China / This NEEDS to be on your China Bucket List!

A base near Zhangjiajie's park entrance

James and Keli from Two Tickets Around the World travel to Zhangjiajie in Hunan, a place that has long been on their China bucket list. They stay at a small mini-inn near the Yangjiajie entrance. The room has the essentials and a balcony with glimpses of the mountains, giving them a convenient base for the visit. In the morning, they have breakfast at a local restaurant near the park before starting the hike.

To spend time away from the busiest paths, they choose a challenging route that takes about three hours. They climb to viewpoints including “Reaching the Sky in a Single Bound,” a steep ascent with panoramic views, and “One Step to Heaven Pillar.” Along the way, they pause to take in the peaks and listen to the natural sounds around them. They snack on Oreos before continuing, then stop for noodles. Keli likes the spicy flavor and the pickled juice that comes with lunch.

Bridges, shuttles and the descent

The pair also visit a place described as the “first bridge in the world.” The main Avatar Mountain viewpoints are busy, but the off-path hike gives them a quieter part of the park to explore. Free shuttle buses help them travel between areas across the large park. After the long walk, they choose a cable car to descend rather than continuing on foot. It offers a quicker, more comfortable end to the hike, especially after several hours on the trail.

They relax with fresh fruit and reflect on the mountain views and the day's route. Their stay near the Yangjiajie entrance, breakfast close to the park and use of the shuttle system all form part of how they organize the outing. The video follows the contrast between crowded main viewpoints and the quieter trail, as well as the small practical choices that shape their long day in Zhangjiajie. The route links their two named viewpoints with time for a lunch stop and short pauses to enjoy the scenery. They use park shuttles to get around and take a cable car down after the long hike rather than walking the descent.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the accommodation like?
A: James and Keli stay at a small, cozy mini-inn near the Yangjiajie entrance. It has the essentials and a balcony with glimpses of the mountains, making it convenient for a weekend visit.
Q: How did they avoid the crowds?
A: They took a three-hour hike away from the main tourist paths. They describe the trail as peaceful, with only one other couple nearby.
Q: What was the food like?
A: They had breakfast near the entrance and noodles for lunch during the hike. Keli describes the noodles as spicy, with pickled juice, and says she enjoyed them.

Previous travel video:

Zhangjiajie Hiking: Avatar Mountains China Adventure

We spent three days hiking Zhangjiajie, also known as, the Avatar Mountains. VIsiting these mountains have always been on our China bucket list, and we were so excited to finally check it off our list! On our first day we took a 3 hour off the beaten path hike up Zhangjiajie and it did not...

Zhangjiajie Hiking: Avatar Mountains Exploration

James and Keli, avid travelers originally from Kansas, finally checked off hiking Zhangjiajie, the Avatar Mountains, from their China bucket list! Their three-day adventure included a challenging yet rewarding three-hour hike, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of these iconic mountains. This unforgettable journey is a must-do for any China traveler.

Attractions in this video: Avatar Mountains, One Step To Heaven Pillar, Reaching The Sky In A Single Bound, Natural Great Wall