Summer Family Road Trip | 2-Day Zhangjiajie Travel Guide

📍2-Day In-Depth Itinerary | Perfect for Families with Kids!
Zhangjiajie has two core attractions: Tianmen Mountain and Wulingyuan.
If you only have two days, we don't recommend trying to cover both as it would be too rushed.
We focused entirely on Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and it proved absolutely worthwhile!

🔍Wulingyuan Quick Facts
The scenic area has five gates: East, South, Central, West, and North. The East Gate (Main Gate) is most commonly used with the most route options, including Lines A and B - totaling 6 possible routes.
🎫Ticket Reference:
Adult combo ticket (includes main entrance + 3 cable cars + 1 elevator): ¥465
Children under 1.2m: Free
Students & seniors: Discounted tickets available

🗓DAY 1: East Gate Line A | Tianzi Mountain - Yangjiajie - Yuanjiajie
We chose East Gate Line A (avoiding crowded Line B for better experience). Highlights:
🌄Tianzi Mountain
Take shuttle bus from East Gate → Tianzi Mountain Cableway Station (~10 mins)
Cable car up → Visit Helong Park, Imperial Brush Peaks, Fairy Presenting Flowers, Stone Forest of West Sea
Convenient dining options on mountain with reasonable prices
🏞Yangjiajie
Reached by shuttle bus
Less crowded but stunning scenery including Natural Great Wall and "One Step to Heaven"
Skipped the steep "One Step to Heaven" with kids - know your limits!
🌉Yuanjiajie
Take shuttle bus → Yuanjiajie
Most popular spot! This is where **Avatar's "Hallelujah Mountain"** was filmed
Must-sees: Lost Soul Platform, Qiankun Pillar, and First Bridge Under Heaven
Descend via Bailong Elevator back to East Gate

🗓DAY 2: South Gate | Huangshi Village - Golden Whip Stream
South Gate offers relaxed nature walks, ideal for families with kids/elders.
🏞Huangshi Village
Walk to Oxygen Bar Square → Shuttle bus → Huangshi Village Cableway
More crowded than East Gate with longer queues
Circular mountain trail features Five-Finger Peak, Natural Fresco, Imperial Garden
⚠️Beware of monkeys! They stole our snacks - watch your belongings!
💧Golden Whip Stream
Located near Oxygen Bar Square
Crystal-clear water irresistible to kids (ours got completely soaked within 1km)
Recommend bringing spare clothes, water shoes, and anti-slip gear for children

✅Summary & Tips
👣Physical Demand: Moderate - East Gate routes mainly use shuttles/cable cars; Huangshi Village requires more walking
🐒Kid Appeal: Huangshi's monkeys fascinate children but watch your belongings
🚗Transport: Recommended to self-drive (18km between East/South Gates; taxis inconvenient)
🏨Accommodation: Stay near East Gate Main Street - affordable, convenient with many dining options
💰Major Costs: Tickets & transport (cable cars/shuttles); other expenses minimal

📌Ideal For:
Family trips with children/elders
Travelers with 2 days wanting in-depth Wulingyuan experience