Zhangjiajie vs Yellow Mountain
Zhangjiajie rock pillars, floating up through the ocean of clouds below inspired the floating mountains from the movie Avatar. The whole area is rife with National Forest Parks, lush jungle, and geological wonders.
Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain, is known for its picturesque oceans of clouds, dramatic cliffs, unique geological formations, hot springs, and its wintertime snowy beauty. It is also known for its great hiking, and death-defying trails.
When Zhangjiajie versus Yellow Mountain, which one should you visit?
Visiting Zhangjiajie vs. Visiting Huangshan
| Zhangjiajie | Yellow Mountain | |
| Tour Days | 2-4 days | 1-3 days |
| Best Time to Visit | March-May, September-October | April-November |
| Travel Cost | Average 230 USD/day | Average 210 USD/day |
| Features | Karst landscapes, Avatar floating mountains | Precipitous mountains |
| Things to Do | Mountain hiking, photography, record-breaking experiences, cave exploration, boat ride | Mountain hiking, photography, a sea of clouds, sunrise, sunset |
| Tour Package | Zhangjiajie Essence Tour | Huangshan Mountain and Hongcun Village Tour |
| Suitable for | People of all ages | Avid hikers, photographers, a short trip from Shanghai |
Who Should Choose Yellow Mountain?
1) People who don’t have very much time. This is a good 1-2 day trip from Shanghai. If you are on your China trip, it’s a great stop between Beijing and Shanghai.
2) Adventure seekers! Huangshan is famous for the most dangerous hiking trail in the world. It’s not for the faint of heart or acrophobic.
3) Those interested in Chinese history. Huangshan is acclaimed in Chinese traditional art and literature, and its name “Yellow Mountain,” comes from the beloved Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) of the Tang Dynasty.
4) Winter visitors. Huangshan is colder, and you are more likely to find a snow-coated wonderland during the winter months than you are at Zhangjiajie.
Who Should Choose Zhangjiajie?
1) Those with less time. Zhangjiajie is a destination in itself, so it’s good for those who have made it part of their itinerary on their visit to China. Remember, it will take 2 extra days to visit Zhangjiajie, 1 day in, and 1 day out.
2) Photographers and sightseeing tourists. Amazing pictures of the landscape that inspired Avatar is what you want to see, the Zhangjiajie is the choice for you.
3) People visiting China for their first and only time. Zhangjiajie is one of the most amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites in existence. It’s absolutely worth seeing if you know you will never go to China again.
Who Should Visit Both?
1) Avid outdoors enthusiasts. If you came to China to hike, then these two stop should be on your list, right up there with The Great Wall.
2) Tourists interested in Chinese history, and nature. Huangshan is a natural beauty, and an inspiration for Chinese poetry, art, and culture since the Tang Dynasty (AD. 618-807).
3) Adventure lovers. Glass bottomed bridges, and dangerous, walkways on precipices await you.
4) Photographers (especially nature photographers) who want to see China’s most iconic natural places.
Visit Zhangjiajie/Yellow Mountain
We offer out-of-ordinary tours in both Zhangjiajie and Yellow Mountain. They are private: with no fixed itineraries, no big bus, no group. They are all-inclusive: including English-speaking tour guides, private drivers, flexible tours, local dining, hotels and tickets.