Hi there! I’m Alex Chen, a budget-savvy traveler from China who loves exploring remote corners of the world through independent travel. Whether it’s the winding roads of South America or the desert oasis of Xinjiang, I always aim to dive deep while keeping costs low — never compromising on experience. This time, I’m taking you to the soul of Hunan: Zhangjiajie. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to choose the most cost-effective, convenient, and no-regret places to stay in Zhangjiajie from a backpacker’s perspective. First-timers, don’t stress — follow my suggested plan, and you’ll find the perfect stay that makes your trip easier and better!

Summary

What are the best areas to stay in Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie’s attractions are spread out, and there are three major ones. The largest is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan). The second largest is Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, which is 30 km from the forest park. Tianmen Mountain is close to the city center, making it convenient for traveling to and from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport and the train station. The third is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Glass Bridge), located 10 km from Wulingyuan.

Most visitors go to all three places. Typically, people spend 1–2 days at the Forest Park, 1–2 days at Tianmen Mountain, and 1 day at the Grand Canyon. Since the distances between them are quite far, the most recommended way is to stay one night near each attraction. If you prefer not to change hotels so often, I suggest staying 1–2 nights near the Forest Park to cover both the Forest Park and Grand Canyon, then spend one night near Tianmen Mountain for easier access to the mountain and for convenient transport to the airport or train station.

  • Near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan): This area is ideal if you’re planning to visit the Forest Park. There are also direct shuttle buses to the Glass Bridge. I recommend staying near the park’s east gate, where you’ll find plenty of hotels and restaurants, and it’s easy to get back to the city center.
  • Near Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: This location is perfect for visiting Tianmen Mountain. Since it’s in the city, it’s also a great base for exploring downtown Zhangjiajie and traveling to and from the train station or Hehua Airport. I recommend staying close to the mountain’s entrance — it’s convenient for taking the cable car and accessing downtown easily.

Weiyi Fengshang Hotel (Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan)

Weiyi Fengshang Hotel (Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan)
  • Location: 5-minute walk from the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
  • Price per night: 141 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.2
  • Special Amenities: Family room

This hotel is in a prime location — just a 5-minute walk from the main east gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and about 10 minutes on foot from the bus station. The station offers direct buses to both the Glass Bridge at the Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain.

Rooms are clean and tidy, and you can even enjoy views of the Forest Park right from your window. Breakfast is excellent with many options. A very high value-for-money stay.

DAYS HOTEL BY WYNDHAM (Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan)

DAYS HOTEL BY WYNDHAM (Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan)
  • Location: 5-minute walk from the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
  • Price per night: 318 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 8.9
  • Special Amenities: Family rooms, laundry facilities, gym

Fantastic location — super close to the East Gate. After a long day of hiking, the last thing you want is more walking. This hotel is right outside the park.

Spacious rooms with full facilities, clean and well-maintained. Great water pressure and stable temperature for showers. It has a classic Chinese-style decor, and while the hotel is a bit older, everything still functions well. Those who mind older furnishings should take note.

Eryatou Inn (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

Eryatou Inn (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)
  • Location: 4-minute walk from the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
  • Price per night: 359 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.6
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, triple room, quad room

Very close to the Forest Park — just a 5-minute walk to the East Gate. There’s a local night market right downstairs with plenty of tasty food and drinks.

Rooms are spacious and spotless, with daily housekeeping. They even provide complimentary berry tea bags so you can enjoy a hot brew in your room.

Zhangjiajie Tingtang Hotel (Wulingyuan Sign Store, National Forest Park)

Zhangjiajie Tingtang Hotel (Wulingyuan Sign Store, National Forest Park)
  • Location: 10-minute walk from the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
  • Price per night: 470 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.8
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, triple room

Great location — just a 2-minute walk from the Sign Gate bus station, and less than 10 minutes on foot to the park’s East Gate.

Exceptional rooms. The bedding feels as comfortable as Marriott’s — clean, breathable, and ideal for a good night’s sleep with the air conditioning on. Stylish decor, with a bathtub in every room. Floor-to-ceiling windows with double soundproofing. Free breakfast, popsicles, and bottled water are provided. Excellent service.

Zhangjiajie Shi Guang You Ni Homestay (Tianmenshan Cableway Branch)

Zhangjiajie Shi Guang You Ni Homestay (Tianmenshan Cableway Branch)
  • Location: 5-minute walk from Tianmen Mountain Visitor Center
  • Price per night: 142 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.7
  • Special Amenities: Family room

Located just a short walk from the Tianmen Mountain Visitor Center. Surrounded by a food street, it’s super convenient for meals. At the entrance, you’ll find blooming hydrangeas, colorful parasols, and white lanterns — making it easy to spot.

The room comes with full basic amenities like air conditioning, TV, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. The bed is comfortable, and the bathroom setup is well-designed. One of the best-value guesthouses near Tianmen Mountain.

Homeinn Hotel (Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area Cableway Station)

Homeinn Hotel (Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area Cableway Station)
  • Location: About 7-minute walk from Tianmen Mountain Cableway Station
  • Price per night: 266 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.4
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

Great location — right across from Zhangjiajie Railway Station and the long-distance bus station. From here, you can take a bus to Wulingyuan or catch public transport to Zhangjiajie West High-Speed Railway Station. It’s also around 10 minutes on foot to the cableway base station.

This budget-friendly chain hotel offers spacious, well-equipped rooms. Everything is clean and in good condition — a solid choice at this price point.

The Mansion Inn Dream Mansion

The Mansion Inn Dream Mansion
  • Location: Around 5-minute walk from Tianmen Mountain Cableway Station
  • Price per night: 289 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.6
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room

Excellent location — only 5 minutes on foot to the Tianmen Mountain cableway. There are also restaurants and convenience stores downstairs, making it very easy to grab food.

Rooms are bright, spacious, and very clean. The small thoughtful touches in the room make it feel homey and comfortable.

Atour Hotel Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Cableway

Atour Hotel Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Cableway
  • Location: 10-minute walk from Tianmen Mountain Visitor Center
  • Price per night: 459 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.6
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, family rooms

It’s just a 10-minute walk to the scenic area. Plenty of food options around. As a mid-range chain hotel, it offers excellent value.

Rooms are clean, fully equipped, and the bedding is soft and cozy. The bathroom is spotless, and the toiletries provided are high quality.

Hampton by Hilton, Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain

Hampton by Hilton, Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain
  • Location: About 5-minute walk from Tianmen Mountain Cableway Station
  • Price per night: 538 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.7
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service

Fantastic location — just across the street from the entrance to the Tianmen Mountain cableway. Plenty of restaurants nearby.

Spacious rooms, especially the bathroom area. Facilities are modern, and amenities for kids are thoughtfully provided. Hygiene is top-notch. Staff are friendly and attentive. They even offer evening porridge and foot baths. Breakfast is generous and varied.

FAQ

How do you get between the scenic spots in Zhangjiajie? Do I need to hire a car?

The three main attractions in Zhangjiajie are quite far from each other. For example, the National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain are about 30 km apart, and the Grand Canyon is around 10 km from the Forest Park. If you want to save time and hassle, booking a private car or using ride-hailing apps like Didi is the most convenient. On a budget? Public buses and long-distance coaches are available too — just make sure to allow extra time, as the schedules can be a bit unpredictable.

Should I book my Zhangjiajie hotel in advance?

Absolutely yes! Especially during public holidays and summer vacation, the best Zhangjiajie hotels get booked fast. Even if you’re traveling independently, it’s smart to reserve your hotel online ahead of time. Last-minute bookings can be more expensive and may leave you stuck with lower-rated options. For off-season travel, booking 1–2 days in advance is usually fine.

Is it cheaper to stay in Wulingyuan or the city center?

Generally, hotels in downtown Zhangjiajie are slightly cheaper, especially chain hotels and homestays. But if your main goal is to explore the Forest Park, staying near Wulingyuan East Gate is totally worth it. It saves time, energy, and long commutes. In budget travel, time is money — and wasting hours on transport is the real cost you want to avoid.