Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, with the eye-catching glass bridge, charming valley, and rich extreme sports, has become a must-visit for tourists coming to the city. Here, you can not only admire karst terrain in different forms, but also partake in various thrilling or relaxing activities. All travelers, including sports fans, hiking enthusiasts, and family groups, can be satisfied during their trip.
It only takes half a day to explore the whole scenic area. Compared with bustling Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon sees relatively fewer tourists without continuous loudspeaker sounds, thus suitable for those who seek tranquility.
Top things to do in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Test your courage on Glass Bridge 300 meters above the ground
The 430-meter-long (1,410.8-foot) Glass Bridge spanning the large canyon is the reason why many travelers come to this spot. With a clear glass bottom, it is truly a tester of courage: stepping on the bridge, many people are so weak in their legs that they can only move forward slowly by holding onto the railing, while the bold ones walk as easily as on firm earth. Some sit on the bridge to take pictures, or even lie down to pretend to be floating in the air. If you are really afraid of heights, walk on the opaque part to reduce fears. In the middle of the bridge, you might also encounter challengers for the 260-meter (853-foot) bungee jump.
Occupying a commanding position on the mountain, the bridge provides a panoramic view of the canyon. Soul-stirring mountain scenery presents itself before your eyes; on sunny days, the deep valley with meandering streams like silver lines gets clearly visible under your feet.
Fly over the valley by an exciting zip line
If you prefer a thrilling trip, try activities offered by the canyon, among which the aerial zip line is the most recommended, as it provides more immersive sightseeing experience than standing still on the bridge. Sitting on a safety chair hung from the zip line at an altitude of 300 meters (984 feet), you fly across the 358-meter-wide (1,174-foot) valley in only one minute like a bird with wind whistling in your ears. You may not dare to open your eyes as you are pushed down; when moving forward at a constant speed without feeling weightless, you will marvel at the lively canyon landscape.
The Grand Canyon also provides quick slides winding through the woods from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the valley, particularly popular among children. For sports buffs, rock climbing and via ferrata are worth trying.
Hike along oxygen-rich canyon
At the bottom of the canyon lies a natural oxygen bar, with lush vegetation and fascinating views connected by a flat trail. Waterfalls flow down from the mountain body, bringing coolness to the entire hiking trip; even in summer, it doesn’t feel hot. When the sun shines, a beautiful rainbow appears in the air surprisingly. Emerald green Holy Spring Lake is like a jade embedded in the canyon; it couldn’t be better to take a boat in a gentle breeze to enjoy the reflection of mountain peaks in the lake.
Recommended tour routes
The tour of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is divided into two parts: the glass bridge and exciting programs at the top of the mountain, and the deep canyon at the bottom. You can choose one or cover both.
1. Glass Bridge + Canyon: Most popular, 4-hour in-depth tour
Tickets needed: Line B ticket, activity package
Thrilling Route: Check the ticket on the mountain → Walk through Glass Bridge in 10 – 15 minutes → Bungee jumping and rock climbing are optional with extra charge. → Mini glass skywalk → Flying Cinema: MR experience for hot air balloon → 1-minute zip line → 1-minute slide to Rainbow Square → 5-minute boat ride on Rainbow Lake → 1.5-hour hike along the canyon → 5-minute boat cruise on Holy Spring Lake → Exit under the mountain
Note: Only tourists who meet all the following conditions can take the zip line.
Age: 10 - 60
Height: ≥ 1.2 m, ≤ 1.9 m
Weight: ≥ 35 kg, ≤ 95 kg
If you prefer gentle activities or travel with children or seniors who are not eligible for the zip line, choose Sightseeing Elevator, Treasure Hunt Elevator, and Sculpture Elevator to replace the zip line and slide to descend the mountain.
2. Glass Bridge Experience: Essence 2-hour tour
Tourists with a tight schedule can challenge the Glass Bridge only. Check your ticket at the entrance at the mountaintop, and then step on the exciting Glass Bridge. After a round-trip walk, get back to the entrance to leave.
Reminder: You need to purchase a Line B ticket for this trip.
3. Canyon Hiking: Effortless 2.5-hour trip, alternative for people scared of heights
Ticket required: Line A ticket only
Tour Route: Ticket gate on the mountain top → Visit A Strip of Sky, a rift valley landscape → Hike down the mountain along trails with continuous stairs to Rainbow Square → Embark on the canyon sightseeing → Take a free boat ride on Holy Spring Lake → Leave the scenic area via the exit under the hill
Notes:
1. Tourists who want to experience via ferrata, rock climbing, and bungee jumping need to purchase a Line B ticket and separate activity tickets.
2. Via ferrata is located in an independent area, which can be arranged after checking your ticket at the entrance of the scenic spot or doing the zip line. Upward challenging route is more difficult than the downward one.
Ticket price
Admission fee
Age 0-13, 65 and above: 3
Age 14-17, 60-64: 28
Age 0-13: 3
Age 14 – 17, 60-64: 91
Age 65 and above: 66
Note: Insurance fee at CNY 3 is included.
Activity price
Notes:
1. For separate purchase of three elevators, children aged 14 to 17 and seniors over 60 years old enjoy a 50% discount, and children under 14 years old are exempt from the ticket fee. There is no discount on the activity package.
2. When & Where to buy the ticket:
a. In the travel high season of about April to October, it would be better to book online 3 days in advance. 
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking
b. On-site purchase is feasible in other months.
How to get to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Located in Cili County, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from Wulingyuan and 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Zhangjiajie urban area.
From the city center of Zhangjiajie
Ride a non-stop tourist bus at Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station or Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, which takes 1 - 1.5 hours to reach the distribution center of the Grand Canyon at CNY 22 - 26. Then, transfer to the free shuttle bus up to the entrance of the scenic area at the mountaintop. Or take a taxi to get to the entrance directly at around CNY 180.
From Wulingyuan/ Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tourist bus to the distribution center under the mountain is available at Wulingyuan Bus Station, with a duration of 30 minutes on board. After getting off the bus, you need to take a free shuttle to reach the ticket gate at the mountaintop.
Taxi can straightly send passengers to the entrance on the hill at CNY 80.
Tips
1. Glass Bridge and zip line are the most popular spots where crowds often gather. For a better experience, it is recommended that you reach the scenic area as soon as it opens.
2. Left luggage: Self-service luggage lockers are placed at the distribution center at the foot of the mount, charging CNY 5 – 10/ piece, while the entrance at the mountaintop offers free service. But to note that all tourists completing Line A or Line B will leave the scenic area via the exit under the hill. So, it would be better to store your luggage at the distribution center; otherwise, you need to ascend back to the entrance for your baggage after the trip.
3. There’s no need to bring much food for the half-day tour. Local snacks can be found at the distribution center and the entrance of the scenic spot, and western fast food is also provided at the rest area at Rainbow Square and the end of the glass bridge.
4. Most tourists visiting the Grand Canyon stay overnight in Wulingyuan with concentrated hotels and restaurants. There are some country inns near the canyon, but no large chain hotels are available.
5. Trap: Don’t buy shoe covers for the glass bridge from the stalls at the entrance; they are provided free of charge in the scenic area.
Opening hours
08:00 - 16:00 throughout the year, with last entry at 16:00
