When the whole country is at 38°C, only here is 25°C!

While the entire nation is shrouded in scorching 38°C heat and people are scrambling to find cool places to escape the summer heat, did you know there is one place that consistently maintains a pleasant 25°C temperature? That place is Zhangjiajie, praised by Mr. Shen Congwen as "the maiden of Zhangjiajie." Not only is it cool here, but it also boasts natural wonders like canyons, forests, unique peaks, and waterfalls, making it an excellent choice for summer cooling. If you want to enjoy 48 hours of refreshing coolness, Zhangjiajie is definitely the right choice! Here’s my 2-day, 1-night itinerary for Zhangjiajie.

Day 1: On the mountains of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Enter from the East Gate and first take the Bailong Elevator to experience the thrill of vertical ascent, instantly reaching Yuanjiajie. Here, you can see the prototype of the floating mountains from the movie "Avatar," as well as the First Bridge Under Heaven. Standing on the bridge feels like being in a fairyland. Mysterious Platform is an excellent viewpoint in the peak forest; from the observation deck, you can take in three thousand unique peaks, making you marvel at nature’s craftsmanship.

Next, head to Yangjiajie, where the natural Great Wall winds like a giant dragon—truly spectacular. From the viewing platform, gaze at the distant peak walls and feel the grandeur and magnificence of nature.

Then visit the Sky Farm, which is terraced fields on the cliffside with breathtaking and stunning scenery. A ten-minute hike from the Sky Farm leads to the Gathering of Divine Soldiers, where you can see the Bailong Elevator and peak forest opposite you, creating a magnificent view.

Finally, arrive at Tianzi Mountain to visit Helong Park and pay respects to Marshal Helong’s bronze statue. Here, you can also see famous spots like Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Offering Flowers, appreciating the wonders of nature. After the tour, take the Tianzi Mountain cable car down and exit the park from the East Gate.

Day 2: At the foot of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Enter again from the East Gate and take the super cute little train to tour the Ten-Mile Gallery, immersing yourself in top-notch mountain and water scenery, as if stepping into a landscape painting.

Next, visit the favorite spot during the hottest days of summer—Golden Whip Stream, a perfect place to play in the water and cool off. The stream is crystal clear, surrounded by ancient towering trees, stretching 7.5 kilometers. Walking along the flat path takes about 2 hours. Here, you can freely splash and enjoy the cool water. This is also the place with the most monkeys; if you’re lucky, you might see their exciting performances, but be careful not to feed them.

Then challenge Huangshizhai. If you’re lucky, you can witness a spectacular sea of clouds. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the entire peak forest and feel the overwhelming power of nature.

Finally, arrive at the Big Oxygen Bar Square, shaded by lush trees with fresh air—a great place to relax and unwind. After a short rest here, exit the park from the South Gate.

Zhangjiajie’s summer is a perfect blend of coolness and beautiful scenery. Whether you want to escape the blazing sun or admire nature’s masterpieces, Zhangjiajie is your best choice. This summer, come to Zhangjiajie and start a refreshing journey!

Post by IsabellaMcAllister77 | Aug 21, 2025