Wulingyuan Peak Forest Hiking

Fewer cable cars and more trails: Golden Whip Stream up to Yuanjiajie, down from Yangjiajie to Tianzi Mountain, and a hike up Huangshizhai.

For fit hikers, all three days are spent in Wulingyuan, staying at Wujiayu. On Day 1, walk Golden Whip Stream and then climb the Luanchuan Slope up to Yuanjiajie. On Day 2, go from Yangjiajie via Wulong Fortress to Tianzi Mountain, then hike down the Ten-Mile Gallery. On Day 3, walk up and down Huangshizhai before departing. Each day involves about 15 km of walking and many steps. Tianmen Mountain is not included, making this a good fit for those who want to avoid cableway queues and see the peak forest up close.

Steps are slippery after rain, heat protection is needed in midsummer, and some trails may be icy in winter.

Day by day

Day 1 · Hiking Golden Whip Stream up to Yuanjiajie

Zhangjiajie（Golden Whip Stream、Wulingyuan / Yuanjiajie）

In the morning, take a bus from the West Station to the Forest Park gate (about 1 hour). Walk the roughly 7 km of flat Golden Whip Stream trail, then climb steps up to Yuanjiajie (about 2 hours). Leave the park by eco-bus.

Tickets are valid for multiple days. Wear non-slip hiking shoes and bring trekking poles.

Stay: Wulingyuan Town (Wujiayu)

Day 2 · Yangjiajie & the Descent from Tianzi Mountain

Zhangjiajie（Yangjiajie Scenic Area、Tianzi Mountain、Ten-Mile Gallery）

Take the eco-bus to Yangjiajie and walk the Wulong Fortress and One Step to Heaven trails. Transfer to Tianzi Mountain and then follow the trail down to the Ten-Mile Gallery, about 6–8 hours.

The descent from Tianzi Mountain has many steps. If your knees are bad, take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway instead.

Stay: Wulingyuan Town (Wujiayu)

Day 3 · Hiking Huangshizhai, Then Departure

Zhangjiajie（Huangshizhai）

Walk up and down Huangshizhai from the Forest Park gate (about 4 hours). In the afternoon, take a bus back to the West Station (about 1 hour).

Book a train departing in the evening or later, and leave your luggage at your accommodation.

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