Zhangjiajie is a prefecture-level city in northwestern Hunan, made up of Yongding District, Wulingyuan District, and the counties of Cili and Sangzhi. The reason most visitors come is the scenery: the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park forms part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city and the park are not the same place, and the distance between them shapes every accommodation decision you will make here.
For a visitor, the layout comes down to two practical bases. Yongding District contains the central, built-up area of Zhangjiajie city, with the downtown, the main railway station and the airport nearby. Wulingyuan District is the other base, closer to the scenic area itself. This guide covers those two areas, what each suits, and how to think about budget, mid-range and splurge options without naming specific properties.
Best areas to stay in Zhangjiajie
1. Wulingyuan District
Wulingyuan District is the base closest to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and the national park. Staying here puts you near the park entrances rather than at the end of a long transfer, which matters if you plan to spend several days walking the scenery. It suits visitors whose main purpose is the park and who want to start early and finish late without a long ride back.
Accommodation here includes hotels in the Wulingyuan District, and the wider area around the park has a concentration of places to stay. Note the practical distance: the airport is about 30 km from the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, while it is only about 5 km from the downtown, so this base trades city convenience for proximity to the park.
2. Yongding District (downtown Zhangjiajie)
Yongding District contains the central, built-up area of Zhangjiajie city. This is the urban base, with the train and bus stations at its core and the airport about 5 km away. It suits travellers arriving or leaving by rail or air, those who want city services around them, and anyone combining Zhangjiajie with onward travel.
Accommodation in Zhangjiajie is typically around ¥170, and there are many options within walking distance surrounding the train and bus station. The trade-off is the journey out to the scenic area, which is considerably longer from here than from Wulingyuan.
3. Around the Forest Park Ticket Station
Just outside the Forest Park Ticket Station there are many hotels and shops, and the area is very lively. Some visitors choose to stay here. It suits those who want to be at the park gate and prefer a busy strip of shops and places to stay right outside it.
The practical point from the sources is a comparison: staying here is not as convenient as staying inside the park, even though it puts you at the ticket station itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect the lower end of the local range, with many options within walking distance surrounding the train and bus station in the city, and simpler places among the hotels and shops outside the Forest Park Ticket Station.
- Mid-range: The typical accommodation in Zhangjiajie sits around ¥170, which covers the bulk of the hotels in the downtown area and in Wulingyuan District.
- Splurge: The higher end is represented by full-service hotels in Wulingyuan District, where rates run well above the local average.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Wulingyuan District. It keeps you close to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and the national park, which is what you have come for, and avoids the longer transfer from the city each day. Choose Yongding District instead only if your priority is the train and bus station or the airport, which sits about 5 km from the downtown.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Zhangjiajie city or near the park?
It depends on your priority. Yongding District contains the central, built-up area of the city and is close to the airport and the train and bus station. Wulingyuan District is closer to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is about 30 km from the airport.
Is it better to stay outside the Forest Park Ticket Station or inside the park?
The area outside the Forest Park Ticket Station has many hotels and shops and is very lively, and some visitors choose to stay there. The sources note that it is not as convenient as staying inside the park.
Where are the most accommodation options in Zhangjiajie?
There are many options within walking distance surrounding the train and bus station in the city, and many hotels and shops outside the Forest Park Ticket Station. Wulingyuan District also has hotels, including full-service ones.
How much does accommodation in Zhangjiajie typically cost?
Accommodation in Zhangjiajie is typically around ¥170, though rates at the higher end in Wulingyuan District run considerably more.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide which of these areas to base yourself in.