Zhangjiajie 3-Day Tour Review: Cable Car, VIP Lift & Glass Bridge

Okay, so, you’re probably thinking of checking out Zhangjiajie, and pretty much everyone goes for at least a few days, right? That is, you really need to make the most of seeing those stunning Avatar-like mountains, isn’t it? Now, loads of tours pitch themselves as *the* way to experience it all. I will say, I chose a three-day package with the cable car, VIP lift, plus that hair-raising glass bridge, and that really seems worth sharing how it went.

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First Impressions of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Basically, from the jump, the landscape is very impressive, like stepping right into a movie set or something similar, doesn’t it feel? The air actually felt different – fresher, maybe? As I was saying, it wasn’t long before I came across people all eager to get inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, that is usually where this adventure kicks off, you know?

Right, there’s an entrance fee, of course, and then the real exploring sort of begins, really. Loads of people say you need more than one day there to even scratch the surface, that is maybe not far from the truth, so a three-day tour actually seemed like the minimum, in fact.

Riding High: The Cable Car Experience

So, getting up to some of the view points can be pretty physical, is that something you are prepared for? It might be easier if you choose to let the cable car do the work, and I can tell you, it adds something to the whole trip! As a matter of fact, it makes those mountains loom larger than life! It really is quite an experience to witness!

Okay, it’s almost as though you rise silently above the ground, seeing those karst peaks pop out like stone teeth jutting from the earth below, do you think? The entire scene unfolds that much better the higher you ascend; you are left grasping for words, that is pretty normal. And let’s be honest, doing all that hiking could be tough if you have just a little less fitness! If that sounds familiar, it makes even more sense to take the cable car to enjoy the park from a great vantage point!

The VIP Lift: A Quick Ascent

Basically, you are probably keen to cram as much into your time in Zhangjiajie as possible, right? So, this might suit you too: that VIP lift, which is usually known as the Bailong Elevator. Okay, it is said to be the world’s tallest outdoor lift, so, obviously I wanted to test the rumor!

Anyway, this wasn’t like some sedate, gentle climb, or anything similar! Oh no! You are very much thrown up the side of a cliff face with quite some force, you know? Actually, there are glass walls, and so seeing everything as you get lifted high, very high up, you soon get an unreal and fantastic vista across the landscape; very worth experiencing! Okay, if, for any reason you don’t like lifts, and hate being stuck inside small moving rooms, this would probably bring on the fear factor somewhat! What is good, though, it saves heaps of energy that you might wish to keep for walking across those amazing landscapes when you come out at the top, is that right?

Walking on Air: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Alright, for this element of my trip, I was almost peeing myself with anticipation – and trepidation! I will say, you pretty much never forget the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge; because let us face it, it suspends hundreds of feet right above a canyon floor! Okay, a stroll on this bridge will give you butterflies in the tummy!

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Let me explain, gazing directly down seemed, actually, pretty scary, and maybe I was thankful that others were all having a little wobble on their legs, as it made me feel a bit more normal to also feel terrified! Maybe you could call that solidarity? Honestly, you cannot help but be truly struck with awe with that majestic view that greets you on all sides. The world somehow feels big. As a matter of fact, even snapping some pictures can feel a bit like tempting fate, that is the vibe! It remains a total must-see if you are near Zhangjiajie!

Three Days in Zhangjiajie: Was It Enough?

Now, cramming Zhangjiajie into only 72 hours did feel very rushed, that has to be admitted. You just about have the scope to take in the main highlights – places like the Avatar Mountains, plus experience one or two of those somewhat crazily elevated modes of transport – for example cable car or the even higher VIP lift, I think.

I should mention, I would have preferred another couple of days there. That extra bit of time would provide me with an even greater possibility to wander, explore further, discover other, off-the-beaten-path scenic spots, wouldn’t it? Although the three-day package worked alright as a sampler to discover all the core essence of Zhangjiajie; to really immerse yourself and savor more of its less frenetic spots, consider booking in for a somewhat longer trip, or similar.

Tips for Your Zhangjiajie Tour

Okay, before you grab your luggage and jump onto that airplane, there are a few things to be mindful of: things that should give you something of a smoother and less pressured visit, right?

• Book in Advance: Guarantee the best rates and bypass potential queues; get your accommodations, transport, and tour bookings arranged well beforehand.
• Weather Aware: Before coming, just go and get the most up-to-date weather forecast, you know? Zhangjiajie might turn out to be really unpredictable, so pack your kit accordingly, as they say.
• Comfortable Footwear: Loads of walking is definitely to be expected. Make sure those trainers or boots will not hurt after a few hours of use!
• Hydrate often and Snack Smart: Drink frequently and bring nibbles; it is essential when walking is likely to be what you mostly do each day.
• Learn some Phrases: Okay, outside the core tourist attractions, do not expect a lot of English! Try a little simple Mandarin, maybe? This can seriously make things much easier when it comes to moving about.

Final Thoughts

All in all, taking that whirlwind three-day tour of Zhangjiajie really was impressive, despite that rushed element to it all. I will say, all the soaring peaks, that thrill-giving glass bridge stroll, and getting flung skyward inside a VIP elevator remains happily in the memory. Alright, a few more days there seems much better to roam right across the place, it would also mean a slightly higher cost and a commitment of time to do it, is that understandable? However, whether your visit is super short or something much more long, it would prove pretty impossible to not come away anything but completely mesmerized at the incredible scenery you find there. Maybe it’s time for you to create your very own Avatar-style experience!

Key Points:

• The cable car delivers unbelievable mountain vistas.
• The VIP lift gives an extraordinary fast climb.
• Walking the glass bridge is very amazing; it might also prompt those goosebumps!
• Three days might be insufficient to appreciate Zhangjiajie totally.
• Forward planning is key for the less pressured trip.

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