Zhangjiajie DIY Guide Part 7: Things to Note in Zhangjiajie
1. Zhangjiajie has many water-based attractions like rafting; the best time for rafting is May–October. Other times, with lower temperatures and near the dry season, it's best to skip. 2. There's a big temperature difference between the mountain and the foot; especially in autumn and winter, Zhangjiajie's scenic area is cold, so bring proper clothing. Best not to wear high heels...
This article is compiled from the original travel notes on the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com); it is a record of trips from earlier years. Time-sensitive information such as ticket prices, schedules, and accommodation prices is subject to the latest announcements from scenic areas and transportation authorities; the itinerary ideas and attraction introductions still have reference value.
1. Zhangjiajie has many scenic spots with water activities, such as rafting. The best time for rafting is from May to October. At other times, because the temperature is lower and it is close to the dry season, it is best to give it up.
2. There is a relatively large temperature difference between the mountain and the foot of the mountain in Zhangjiajie. Especially in autumn and winter, the temperature in Zhangjiajie scenic area is relatively low, so pay attention to bringing clothes; it is best not to wear high heels; the less luggage the better, and the lighter the better, because the accommodation in the mountains is not fixed every day, and you have to carry your bag while traveling all the way. It is best to bring an umbrella or rainproof clothing and pants, sunglasses, a sun hat, and at least three sets of replacement underwear and socks. Prepare some tissues and disinfectant wet wipes (available in large supermarkets). Shoes should be thick-soled, non-slip sports shoes. Bring more film. Also prepare some simple medicines such as band-aids, anti-inflammatory tablets, and anti-diarrhea tablets.
3. After arriving in Zhangjiajie, do not take the special free or low-price airport or station pickup vehicles at the railway station or airport. The best transportation is taking a taxi, taking a bus, or asking a guide you contacted in advance to send a car; otherwise, they will take you to places you don't want to go. Do not easily believe tour guides or touts who quote excessively low route prices or are overly enthusiastic; they are very likely to be "wild horses."
Friends who drive to Zhangjiajie must never let strangers ride in your car on the way (at forks or crossroads, toll stations). They are very likely to be "high-level wild horses." Many "wild horses" will engage in illegal tourism reception in public places under the guise of reception by a certain legitimate travel agency. Tourists must not easily believe them.
4. The best time to travel to Zhangjiajie is April and October each year. In these two months, Zhangjiajie's natural scenery is the most beautiful.
The Zhangjiajie Scenic Area has peak tourist seasons during the Spring Festival, Labor Day, summer vacation, and National Day. Once peak season arrives, all prices for food, accommodation, and transportation will rise by about 50% to 100%, and it's very likely you won't be able to find a place to stay. It's recommended to avoid these times as much as possible.
5. If driving, it is best to park your car in Zhangjiajie city, as this makes it convenient to arrange the itinerary.
Dining in Zhangjiajie scenic area is very expensive, because the mountains are high and food must be carried or shouldered up by villagers, so the cost and price are relatively high.
6. Booking return tickets: Booking flight tickets in Zhangjiajie requires no handling fee, but train tickets are very difficult to get, so it is best to book return tickets in advance.
7. For independent travel, it is best not to follow a tour group, because there are many scenic spots that tour groups do not reach. Finding a professional guide to serve you specially can save you a lot of worry.
8. Zhangjiajie scenic area implements a 248 yuan/person through-ticket system. There are 5 ticket stations for entry, namely Forest Park Ticket Station, Wulingyuan Ticket Station, Tianzi Mountain Ticket Station, Zimugang Ticket Station, and Yangjiajie Ticket Station. Buying a ticket at any ticket station allows entry into the scenic area. At present, more than 95% of visitors enter the mountain from Forest Park Ticket Station or Wulingyuan Ticket Station, and only very few enter from the other 3 ticket stations. First, because the places where these 3 ticket stations are located are relatively remote, requiring 3.5 to 4 hours by car, and there are very few scheduled trips; second, because this section is being upgraded from a township road to a standard road, and the road is very chaotic during construction. Some "wild horse" guides who trap tourists at railway stations (bus stations) and airports are exploiting loopholes in ticket management at these 3 ticket stations, using the method of "sneaking tickets" to lure tourists with low prices, and then taking a detour of 5 to 6 hours into the mountain. This has now attracted great attention from the authorities. Once caught, both the "wild horse" guide and the tourist are heavily fined. Remember this!
9. Going out to travel is for having fun and enjoying yourself. So when it comes to small matters, don't be too concerned.