Zhangjiajie is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Zhangjiajie?
A typical traveler spends $79 (¥563) per day on a trip to Zhangjiajie. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Zhangjiajie based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (¥255) on meals
- $15 (¥104) on local transportation
- $60 (¥430) on hotels
A one-week trip to Zhangjiajie for two people costs, on average, $1,105 (¥7,882). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$552
¥3,941
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,105
¥7,882
-
One Month
Per person
$2,368
¥16,890
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,105
¥7,882
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,210
¥15,764
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,735
¥33,780
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Zhangjiajie cost?
A one week trip to Zhangjiajie usually costs around $552 (¥3,941) for one person and $1,105 (¥7,882) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Zhangjiajie on average costs around $1,105 (¥7,882) for one person and $2,210 (¥15,764) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Zhangjiajie will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Zhangjiajie on average costs around $2,368 (¥16,890) for one person and $4,735 (¥33,780) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Zhangjiajie expensive to visit?
In Zhangjiajie, budget travelers spend $35 (¥246) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $79 (¥563) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $151 (¥1,075) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Zhangjiajie can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Zhangjiajie is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hefei or Hangzhou.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Zhangjiajie?
The average Zhangjiajie trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Zhangjiajie travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Zhangjiajie cost?
Zhangjiajie on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(¥94)
|
$30
(¥215)
|
$58
(¥411)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(¥46)
|
$15
(¥104)
|
$28
(¥199)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
(¥111)
|
$36
(¥255)
|
$68
(¥486)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
(¥72)
|
$23
(¥164)
|
$44
(¥314)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-10
(¥25-74)
|
$8-24
(¥56-169)
|
$15-45
(¥108-323)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Zhangjiajie on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $35 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Zhangjiajie, such as Zhangjiajie Jijiehao Hostel. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Zhangjiajie wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $79 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $151. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as 2-Day Private Tour to Mt.AVATAR & Glass Bridge & Mt.Tianmen - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Zhangjiajie
In Zhangjiajie, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $ and peak season rising to an average of $. Prices typically range from $ to $, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Zhangjiajie for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $60 (¥430). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $30 (¥215) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Zhangjiajie
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (¥104) per person, per day, on local transportation in Zhangjiajie. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Zhangjiajie is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
¥104
Zhangjiajie has a domestic airport that connects to major cities such as Beijing, as well as a shuttle bus that takes you from the airport to the city. Trains are also a popular option for getting into the city. Buses are the best option for getting to the various tourist destinations; there are city buses that are entirely efficient, as well as day tour buses if you prefer something more guided. If taking a taxi, keep in mind that there is a flag down fare added onto your bill. Also, be sure to ask for them to turn on the meter and get a receipt!
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City for $52 details
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town for $187 details
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa for $15 details
How much does it cost to go to Zhangjiajie? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Zhangjiajie will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Zhangjiajie
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Zhangjiajie can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Zhangjiajie is $36 (¥255) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
¥255
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Zhangjiajie is around $36 (¥255) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $68. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Zhangjiajie are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $11 to $25
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
The majority of food in this region sticks to traditional Hunan cuisine, which is often spicy and very flavorful. If you want to try something a little different, check out ShanGe Zhai restaurant, which has Tu Chia cuisine. Tu Chia comes from the local ethnic culture and tends to be a little spicier than Hunan cuisine. Restaurants in the area range from nice, sit down places to relaxed cafes. Most places have pictures of the food, although having a Hunan dialect dictionary may help you along.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Zhangjiajie, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner for $196 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Zhangjiajie
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Zhangjiajie typically cost an average of $23 (¥164) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$23
¥164
Zhangjiajie is famous for the area's natural beauty, specifically, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Throughout this 266 square mile area, you'll find waterfalls, streams, natural pools, caves, and even natural bridges. Wulingyuan is made up of four national parks: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, and Yangjiajie Scenic Area.
Zhangjiajie is a great park to view the famous rock pillars and experience the stunning scenery. Here, you'll also find the tallest elevator in the world, the Bailong Elevator, which you can take to the top for panoramic views of the park. Tianzi Mt. Nature Reserve is the park surrounding the Tianzishan Mountain Range, a fantastic place to hike or camp.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the highest and longest glass pedestrian bridge in the world. It provides some of the most scenic views of the park, and gives you a bit of an adrenaline boost! Hiking is also extremely popular in this area,you'll find countless trails that range from novice to advanced. If you prefer something more relaxed, spend the day floating down the Maoyan River on a tour boat to take in the scenery from the water.
A more recent addition to the region is the Zhangjiajie International Country Music Festival, which usually happens at the end of August or beginning of September. The festival brings acts from around the world, including many famous American Country music artists.
A nice way to explore destinations in Zhangjiajie is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour for $260 details
- Mini Group Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains for $69 details
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain for $98 details
Nightlife Budget in Zhangjiajie
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (¥113) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Zhangjiajie per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
¥113
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025
Traveling in Zhangjiajie
Wulingyuan, China
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
The climate in Zhangjiajie is most pleasant in late spring and autumn as the weather tends to stay around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If traveling in October, be aware that the first week of the month is a national holiday and there are a large number of tourists who flock to the area. Summers are very hot and humid with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees. Winters can be harsh, especially when hiking the mountains.
Neighborhoods & Around
Downtown Zhangjiajie is a fairly large area with plenty of restaurants and accommodation. This is where you'll find major bus and train stations, as well as the tourist offices and tour companies. Wulingyuan is small town located just outside of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, not far from the Zhangjiajie downtown area. Not so much a neighborhood, but a popular accommodation and rest area, is actually inside the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This, and the town of Wulingyuan, are popular places for accommodation as they are close to the parks and offer higher quality accommodation than that of downtown areas.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.