Rain, rain, rain

Question

We just arrived today, and it’s raining heavily—it looks like the forecast is the same for the next four days. We’re staying at a hotel in Wulingyuan, but if the weather stays bad for our whole trip, do you think it might be worth moving to Zhangjiajie city instead? Any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated!

Answer

Arriving in Zhangjiajie during heavy rain can definitely affect your plans, as most of the main attractions, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the surrounding scenic areas, are outdoors and involve hiking, cable cars, and walking along elevated pathways. Wulingyuan is very close to the park entrances, which is convenient for sightseeing but doesn’t provide indoor alternatives if the weather is bad.

Here are some considerations and suggestions:

Staying in Wulingyuan: Even in heavy rain, being close to the park is beneficial if you want to attempt visiting any shorter trails or cable car rides during brief breaks in the weather. Some parts of the park, like scenic viewing platforms near the main entrances, can still be accessed with proper rain gear.
Moving to Zhangjiajie City: The city itself has fewer tourist attractions related to the mountains, but offers indoor activities such as museums, shopping centers, tea houses, and local restaurants. It can be a more comfortable base if you prefer to avoid wet, slippery hiking conditions, and it may offer slightly better hotel options or more availability if you decide to extend your stay.
Weather Flexibility: Rain in Zhangjiajie can be intermittent, with occasional breaks that allow for park visits. Check local weather updates frequently, as you may be able to schedule shorter excursions even if the forecast predicts rain overall.

Practical Tips:

Bring waterproof jackets, ponchos, and waterproof footwear if you stay in Wulingyuan.
Consider indoor attractions or cultural experiences in both Wulingyuan and Zhangjiajie City, such as local crafts, markets, or tea houses.
If your main goal is to see the famous sandstone pillars and scenic areas, staying in Wulingyuan is still preferable, as it reduces commuting time to the park entrances once weather allows.
Plan flexible itineraries that can be adjusted according to daily weather conditions rather than moving hotels mid-trip unless your stay is long and heavy rain persists.

In summary, while moving to Zhangjiajie City provides more indoor comfort, staying in Wulingyuan is advantageous if your primary purpose is visiting the national park. With rain gear and flexible planning, you can still enjoy shorter park visits or explore alternative indoor options until the weather improves.

Rain, rain, rain

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