Zhangjiajie: Heaven's Gate, Bailong Elevator and Glass Bridge

Zhangjiajie (张家界) is a world‑famous national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These pillars inspired the creators of the movie ‘Avatar’. The 2‑day tour from Shanghai allows you to see the main wonders: Tianmen Mountain with Heaven's Gate, the world's tallest Bailong Elevator and the glass bridge over the canyon.

The route includes a 7.5 km cable car ride, a walk along the cloud trail, an ascent on the Bailong Elevator (326 m) and crossing the glass bridge (430 m). You will see the famous Qiankun pillars (乾坤柱), also called the ‘Avatar pillars’.

🏞️UNESCO park

🚡7.5 km cable car

🏗️326 m elevator

🪞Glass bridge

⛰️Avatar pillars

Attractions along the route

What awaits you (2 days)

Day 1: Shanghai – Zhangjiajie – early morning departure by high‑speed train (8 hours) or plane (2.5 hours). Transfer to the hotel. Afternoon – Tianmen Mountain (天门山): cable car (7.5 km, the longest in the world), ‘Heaven's Gate’ (天门洞), cloud trail with a glass floor.
Evening of day 1 – dinner at a local restaurant with traditional Hunan cuisine (spicy dishes). Overnight at a hotel near the park.
Day 2: Avatar pillars and glass bridge – ascent on the Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯, 326 m in 1.5 minutes). Walk through the ‘Avatar pillars’ (乾坤柱), observation decks. Then – the glass bridge (玻璃桥) over the canyon (430 m long, height 300 m).
Lunch and return – traditional lunch, then transfer to the station/airport and return to Shanghai (arrival around 23:00).

Sample tour itinerary from Shanghai (2 days)

*The route is designed for travel by high‑speed train. Times may vary depending on weather and season.

Time	Program stage	Details and important notes
06:00	Departure from Shanghai	Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, transfer to Hongqiao station. Train departure at 07:00.
~15:00	Arrival in Zhangjiajie	Transfer to hotel, check‑in. Light lunch.
15:30–19:00	Tianmen Mountain (天门山)	Cable car (7.5 km), Heaven's Gate, cloud trail, glass section. Breathtaking views.
19:30	Dinner and rest	Traditional Hunan cuisine. Overnight at a 3* hotel.
08:00 (day 2)	Breakfast and departure to the park	Transfer to the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Park.
09:00–10:30	Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯)	Ascent by elevator to the top of the pillars (326 m). View of a thousand peaks.
10:30–13:00	Avatar Pillars (乾坤柱)	Walk along observation decks, famous rocks that inspired the movie.
13:00–14:00	Lunch	Restaurant inside the park.
14:30–16:00	Glass Bridge (玻璃桥)	The world's longest and highest glass bridge (430 m).
16:30–17:30	Transfer to the station	Pick up luggage, transfer to Zhangjiajie station.
18:00–23:30	Return train to Shanghai	Arrival in Shanghai around 23:30, transfer to Xinzhuang metro station.

💡 Important notes:

Physical activity: you will walk about 15 km over the two days. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Glass bridge: tripods are not allowed, shoe covers are provided for free.
Weather: mist makes the views especially mystical, but the glass bridge may close in strong winds.
Hotel included: only when choosing the ‘Comfort’ package.

Price and conditions (2 days)

Tour price

Train + taxi (economy)

Economy

Guide services, ticket assistance, full accompaniment. Accommodation not included.

$990 per group 1–3 people

Transport, entrance tickets, meals, hotel – separate

High‑speed train (business class) + hotel (comfort)

Comfort

Guide services, business‑class high‑speed train tickets (round trip), local transfer, 3* hotel (1 night), breakfast.

$1280 per group 1–3 people

Entrance tickets, meals – separate

Additional expenses per person

High‑speed train Shanghai–Zhangjiajie (round trip)~900¥ (~$130)
Zhangjiajie Park entrance ticket (2 days)248¥ (~$36)
Bailong Elevator ticket65¥ (~$10)
Glass Bridge ticket138¥ (~$20)
Tianmen Mountain cable car258¥ (~$37)
3* hotel (1 night)~300¥ (~$45)
Meals (lunch + dinner over 2 days)~300¥ (~$45)

*Prices are approximate and may change. Russian citizens pay the general tariff. Discount for students and seniors (over 65) – 50%.

Duration

2 days / 1 night

from departure from Shanghai to return

Additional services

Flights Shanghai–Zhangjiajie

+$200

4* hotel (instead of 3*)

+$80

Private transfer within the park

+$100

Photo session

+$70

📍

Nearby attractions

Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞)Giant karst cave with an underground river (15 km from the park).

Tujia Village (土家风情园)Discover Tujia culture, architecture and folklore.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Zhangjiajie tour take?

The minimum program is 2 days. During this time you will see the main attractions: Tianmen Mountain, Bailong Elevator, Glass Bridge and Avatar Pillars.

How to get to Zhangjiajie from Shanghai?

By train + taxi (about 8 hours) or by plane (2.5 hours). We arrange transfer and tickets.

Is the tour suitable for children?

For children aged 12 and above – yes, but good physical fitness is required (lots of walking and heights). The glass bridge may be scary for small children.

Is it difficult to move around the park?

The route is designed using elevators, cable cars and buses. You will need to walk about 8–10 km per day, but the trails are well‑equipped.

Is a visa required for the trip?

Yes, Russian citizens need a visa for China. We help with invitation letters and documents.

What happens in bad weather?

Rain or mist makes the views especially beautiful, but the glass bridge may close in strong winds. In that case we will replace it with an alternative program (Huanglong Cave).

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Important information

The indicated prices are valid for 2026 for private individuals. Prices may vary depending on the season and holidays. Booking requires 100% prepayment (PayPal, card, transfer). The exchange rate is based on the Central Bank rate on the payment date.

Cancellation 7+ days before the tour – full refund. Less than 7 days – 50% refund (train tickets are bought in advance). Less than 2 days – 0% refund.

In case of bad weather, national holidays, closure of facilities, the organiser may change the programme or postpone the tour. Safety is a priority.