Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Have you ever experienced a giant glass bridge 300 meters up in the air? It’s enough to make many people’s legs go weak.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (张家界大峡谷) is right next to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The mountains are steep, and the streams are crystal clear. It’s also home to the world’s first glass bridge over a mountain canyon, which is super thrilling. The bridge holds several world records and has become one of the main attractions in the area. Many visitors come from all over just to experience it.
Table of Contents
Scenery of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
The Canyon Panorama
Riding the scenic elevator up to the cliff, you’ll get an incredible view of the entire canyon floor. Not just the mountains, but even the steep cliff walls are covered in trees. The blue lake at the bottom really stands out, and visitors can take boat rides to enjoy the surrounding peaks and waterfalls.
Waterfalls
As you walk along the lake, you’ll come across waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, and they’re absolutely breathtaking. The water crashes against the rocks, sending white foam flying and spraying mist into the air. It’s pure natural beauty. The mist cools you down like an outdoor air conditioner, and the fresh, clean air feels amazing.
The Lake in the Canyon
Besides the thrilling glass bridge and steep peaks, the lake in the canyon is another highlight that’ll catch your eye. Shenquan Lake is famous for its clear, deep blue waters. It looks like a sapphire set in the heart of the canyon, quietly reflecting the blue sky and the lush greenery of the surrounding rocks. While walking around, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the water, mountains, and streams. The lake is especially mesmerizing in the afternoon, when the water’s color seems even more stunning.
The Narrow Sky Canyon
The Narrow Sky is one of the most unique sights in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It was formed by geological erosion, especially in limestone areas, where water has slowly carved narrow cracks in the rock. The canyon is steep and narrow, with an average width of just 2 to 3 meters—some parts are even less than 2 meters wide. Standing inside the canyon and looking up, you’ll see only a thin line of blue sky above. Walking down, the path gets pretty tight. In the narrowest parts, you’re almost face-to-face with the canyon walls, and the stairs can be steep, so watch your step. From the top looking down, it’s absolutely breathtaking—shocking, awe-inspiring… it’s a feeling you won’t forget!
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Most people come to the Grand Canyon for the Zhangjiajie China Glass Bridge. It’s the world’s highest and longest glass bridge. The bridge is about 300 meters above the canyon floor. Standing on it, you’ll notice the middle section is made entirely of transparent glass. Looking down through the glass, you get an amazing view of the canyon below. It’s the perfect spot to pull out your camera and take tons of pictures—no filters needed, every shot looks like a postcard. But if you’re afraid of heights, be careful. Standing there, it feels like you’re floating in mid-air. It’s thrilling! You can hold on to the ropes nearby to ease the nerves.
Ways to Explore Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Slide
Ever wanted to try a super-long slide? The slide at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon stretches over 600 meters and is made entirely of granite slabs. The ride takes about 3 to 5 minutes, saving you roughly 20 minutes compared to walking. It’s a great way to avoid getting too tired from hiking. While sliding, you’ll feel a strong sense of weightlessness, but by holding onto the rail and using your butt pad to increase friction, you can easily control your speed and stay safe.
Zip Line
The zip line is one of the most popular attractions at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. As you zip through the air, you’ll hear the wind rushing past your ears, and the lush green mountains below are right in front of you. It’s an adrenaline rush! In just 40 seconds, you’ll soar across more than 300 meters, landing safely on the other side of the canyon. To keep everyone safe, the zip line is equipped with top-notch safety gear, including harnesses and helmets.
Scenic Elevator
Riding the scenic elevator feels like flying through the air. The transparent glass design allows visitors to enjoy a 360-degree view of the canyon and its surrounding natural beauty with no blind spots.
Boat Ride
If you want to take a relaxed tour of the Grand Canyon, I recommend hopping on a boat at Rainbow Lake. It’s a peaceful and comfortable way to enjoy the scenery. The water is crystal clear, and you can see fish and underwater plants at the lake’s bottom. The cliffs on both sides are covered with lush greenery, with plants growing right out of the rocky walls. It’s such a pristine, natural setting—it feels like you’ve stepped into a hidden paradise. Sitting on the boat, listening to the gentle flow of the water and feeling the breeze, it’s incredibly soothing.
Boardwalk Hike
There’s a wooden boardwalk along the lake at the canyon floor, where you can take a hike and enjoy the stunning views. The whole trek takes about 2 to 3 hours. The shade from the mountains keeps it nice and cool. Occasionally, mountain spring water from the cliffs will drip down, splashing you with cool drops. You might even spot butterflies fluttering around you.
Extreme Sports in the Grand Canyon
Bungee Jumping
The bungee jump at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is located on the Glass Bridge, and it’s one of the most thrilling experiences you can have. From 300 meters above the canyon, you’ll freefall and bounce several times before finally coming to a stop. While jumping, you can scream to your heart’s content as you enjoy the incredible views of the canyon below. Above you are the sheer cliffs, and below, the forest stretches out—there’s nothing like this anywhere else in the world. Many thrill-seekers travel from all over just for the chance to scream and jump in this stunning, green paradise.
Via Ferrata
Ever walked along a cliff 300 meters high? If you’re looking for an extreme thrill, try the Via Ferrata at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. You’ll need to be fully focused for this one—each step requires careful coordination of your hands, legs, waist, and feet. The footholds are only a few inches wide, and when you reach a bend in the cliff, it gets even trickier. It’s a physically demanding experience, walking on such a steep, narrow wall. As you move along, it feels like you’re about to fall off with every gust of wind, which makes it both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. But when you turn back to look, the view of the canyon below is breathtaking. Above you are sheer rock walls, and below, you’ll see trees or the sound of flowing water. The whole experience offers a completely different perspective—one you’ll never forget!
FAQ About Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
1. How much time to spend in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon?
To fully experience Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, you should plan to spend about 3 to 5 hours there.
2. Is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge still open?
Yes, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is still open and operating normally.
3. Are glass bridges safe?
Yes, glass bridges are safe. China Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is made from three layers of laminated glass. Even if all three layers were to shatter, pedestrians could still safely cross. The glass has undergone extensive testing to ensure it can withstand extreme weather conditions like frost, explosions, mold, sudden drops in temperature, earthquakes, and direct sunlight, making it very safe for visitors.
4. Will I be afraid of heights standing on the Zhangjiajie Bridge?
Yes, standing on the Zhangjiajie China Glass Bridge can be quite frightening for those with a fear of heights. The bridge is entirely paved with transparent glass, allowing visitors to clearly see the canyon floor beneath their feet. While this design offers an up-close view of nature’s grandeur, it also poses a significant psychological challenge. The sensation of being suspended in air can cause intense fear, leading to physical reactions like weak knees and a racing heart. If you find yourself feeling anxious, you can hold onto the handrails on either side and try to relax your body.
5. How was Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon formed?
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon was formed primarily through the erosion and sedimentation processes affecting the sandstone landscape. The area is characterized by its sandstone geology, which is a type of sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of materials under external forces. Due to the significant elevation differences and the fast flow of rivers in the area, there is intense downward erosion by these rivers, resulting in the creation of the canyon’s rugged landscape.
Hours & Fees
Hours
Daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Best Time
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit.
Fees
Tickets are CNY 175 per person (approximately USD 25, including the cost of the glass bridge).
How Do Local Visitors Rate the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon?
Translation:
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon has tons of fun activities—I tried everything from the glass bridge to the zip line, via ferrata, and the slide. My sister got shaky legs and couldn’t make it past the first third of the glass bridge, but the view from there is stunning. The aerial tramway was a blast; it looks really scary from afar, but once I was zipping through the air, it actually slowed down and didn’t feel like free-falling at all. The slide was super fun too; you can control how fast you go with your feet, and it can get really fast! I also ran into a lot of Koreans there.
Translation:
It takes about an hour by taxi from Zhangjiajie city center to the Grand Canyon. Once you arrive at the parking lot, there are shuttle buses that take you to the entrance at the top of the mountain. From there, you’ll enter the Grand Canyon and cross the famous glass bridge. The view of the canyon from the bridge is absolutely stunning. After crossing to the other side, you can enjoy all the thrilling attractions in the canyon, and the zip line is definitely a must-try. After experiencing the activities, you can head down to the canyon floor and take a relaxing boat ride through the canyon—it’s so peaceful and enjoyable. After the boat ride, you can hike through the valley, soaking in the beautiful streams and the charming scenery along the way. It’s definitely worth the visit.
Translation:
I started off being too scared to even step on the glass bridge, but eventually, I sat down on it to take photos and walked back and forth four times until I got used to it, haha. The aerial tramway was the scariest part for me. While waiting, I almost gave up, but then I remembered I came here to overcome my fear of heights. I took a deep breath, braved it, and was so scared I almost cried. I spent three hours in the Grand Canyon and it wasn’t too physically demanding, definitely worth a visit. The ticket includes entrance and the glass bridge, but other attractions require separate tickets. The staff in Zhangjiajie mostly speak English and Korean, so communication with foreign tourists is seamless.
Translation:
The staff told me anyone over 80 kg couldn’t use the zip line. What normal guy who’s 180 cm tall doesn’t weigh at least 80 kg? It’s ridiculous. They wouldn’t refund my combo ticket either, and their attitude was terrible. They just said, “Go back to where you bought the tickets for a refund.” They really need to make these restrictions clear at the ticket booth and offer a package without the high-altitude zip line! In the end, they didn’t give me a refund. Really disappointing!
