Zhangjiajie: China’s Natural Wonderland

Zhangjiajie was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. As someone who loves nature, I may be a little biased, but the scenery felt endless. The endless mountain views, combined with the mist and clouds, made it feel like I had stepped into a movie scene or a landscape straight out of a textbook. There is a lot of hiking and walking involved, but the views make every step worth it. I even asked if they had gyms because I realized I hadn’t seen any, and I was told the hiking and everyday walking is the workout!

I loved how affordable the everything was. Transportation, food, and daily expenses were all very cheap. Getting around was also incredibly convenient thanks to Didi, which is essentially their version of Uber.

One unique part of my experience was being a Black traveler in China. There was a lot of curiosity toward me, and I was often asked for photos or noticed people taking pictures of me without asking. I don’t believe it came from a place of bad intentions (most people were simply curious) but it did become overwhelming at times. It’s something I wasn’t fully prepared for and something worth keeping in mind if you’re visiting.

Despite that, my overall experience in Zhangjiajie was incredible. The combination of natural beauty, adventure, and affordability made it one of my favorite destinations. The long journey to get there and the thousands of steps you’ll take are completely worth it. I would highly recommend Zhangjiajie to anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors and experiencing some of the most unique landscapes in the world.

TIPS:

• Download: Wechat, Alipay and Didi before arrival. These apps will make your trip much easier. Didi is the easiest way to get around, while Alipay and WeChat are commonly used for payments in China. Set them up before arriving so you don’t have to worry about figuring everything out once you land.

• Passport is needed for all excursions. Keep on person at all times!

Where to stay

• Pandora Boutique Hotel (Zilongmingju Hotel) - I had one of my best hotel experiences at Pandora Boutique Hotel (Chinese name: Zilongmingju Hotel) in Zhangjiajie. The owner/receptionist went above and beyond by helping me plan my entire itinerary before and during my stay. Once I arrived, everything was already organized! I simply had to pay, and the rest was taken care of.

  
  

  I had excursions planned for all three days I was in Zhangjiajie, and the grand total was only $160. The hotel helped coordinate everything, making the entire experience incredibly easy and stress free. From transportation to planning my daily activities, I didn’t have to worry about figuring out the logistics myself.

  
  

  Having someone who understood the area and helped guide me through the trip made a huge difference. This hotel played a major role in making my Zhangjiajie experience smooth, convenient, and memorable. If you’re visiting Zhangjiajie, I highly recommend staying here for the personalized service and local assistance.

THINGS TO DO/ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Visit Yuanjiajie, Harianao Mountain, Yangjiajie, Huangshi Peak, and Jinbian Stream.

• Visit Tianzishan and Grand View Terrace.

• Glass Bridge Grand Canyon.

• Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park.

• Furong Town

• Fenghuang Ancient Town.