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Question

We are traveling to/through China next year on a 240 hour TWOV. We are flying into Chongqing and out of Shanghai. We want to do somewhere else in between those two cities and I was looking at Zhangjiajie.

Is Zhangjiajie a good option or can someone recommend another city to visit? We did Beijing on a previous visit.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Zhangjiajie is indeed a very good option for a stopover between Chongqing and Shanghai, especially if you enjoy natural landscapes and unique geological formations. The city is most famous for the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." It’s a scenic and relatively tranquil destination compared to big cities.

Highlights of Zhangjiajie include:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – iconic sandstone pillars, glass skywalks, and scenic trails.
Tianmen Mountain – cable car access, cliff-side walkway, and the famous Tianmen Cave.
Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave) – large limestone cave with underground rivers.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain – must-see for photo opportunities and short hikes.

Travel logistics:

Chongqing to Zhangjiajie – by air (~1 hour flight) or overnight train (~9–10 hours). Flights are more convenient for a short stopover.
Zhangjiajie to Shanghai – by air (~2.5 hours flight) or train (~11–12 hours). Again, flights are faster and allow more sightseeing time.

If you prefer alternatives that are also scenic but offer different experiences, consider:

Chengdu – explore giant pandas, local Sichuan cuisine, and nearby Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei.
Guilin/Yangshuo – iconic karst landscapes, Li River cruise, and relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Hangzhou – famous for West Lake, tea plantations, and a more cultural, historic city experience.

Recommendation:

For a nature-focused short stopover, Zhangjiajie is excellent. If you prefer a mix of culture, city life, and some natural scenery, Guilin or Hangzhou could be more relaxed and easier logistically. Flight connections are generally reliable between all these cities, which is important considering the 240-hour TWOV limit.

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