Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Review: Glass Bridge & Experience

Okay, so you’re thinking of going to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, especially for its super well-known Glass Bridge? I mean, that’s what pulled me in, too it’s almost as though everyone who visits China ends up with pictures from that very spot. Here’s what you can actually expect, as well as some bits and bobs I picked up that could make your visit just a bit more awesome.

What’s the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Really Like?

Zhangjiajie, yet it’s not just about some bridge, no matter how amazing that bridge might be. That place is a whole massive playground for people that love the outdoors. When I went there, the views really took my breath away, very sheer cliffs, loads of trees that go on seemingly forever, and this general vibe that makes you feel like you’re in some kind of fantasy film. I thought the air was super fresh, so it’s rather lovely if you are trying to get away from really built up cities. I’d heard tales that some of the “Avatar” film was inspired by the scenery near here, and very honestly, I wasn’t surprised.

Getting There: Making it Happen

Okay, so getting to the canyon, I will be very straight with you, can be a bit of an event. You have got a few ways to get there, too it’s almost like choosing your own escapade. Plenty of people I spoke to fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, that being the easiest route if you are traveling in from further away. From the airport, you can snag yourself either a taxi, or like your travel company could arrange a private transfer, or even catch a bus that goes straight to Zhangjiajie City. Next thing, once you get to Zhangjiajie City, you still need to go a bit further to reach the Grand Canyon. You’ll probably have to hop on a bus from the main bus station, and that bus will then take you right to the entrance. It may be long, but that journey? Well, I think it’s well worth it for those views.

Hitting the Glass Bridge: Is it Worth the Hype?

Here we go then, that iconic Glass Bridge, isn’t it? And yep, it certainly gave me those butterflies in my tummy. Walking over it, it felt so weird, very similar to you’re floating way up high. Peering down, so you see everything way down below through that strong, sturdy glass, is honestly, an experience like no other. I’m normally not scared of heights, so even I felt slightly wobbly! A little tip, anyway; grab your tickets in advance! That bridge gets crazy busy, is that right? If you don’t pre-book, very honestly you might just waste a load of time standing in queues. They give you shoe covers to put on when you walk on the glass, basically keeping everything clean and not scratching things, so too it’s really thoughtful. You can’t take cameras or anything loose on there either; yet you know, there are some places nearby where you can pay someone to take pictures for you.

Beyond the Bridge: Other Cool Things To See

Hey, so I get that that Glass Bridge kind of hogs the spotlight, is that not the case? Nonetheless, trust me on this, you shouldn’t just dart on and off the thing. The canyon is full of views that you absolutely need to look at. I personally thought that the Hugging Child Peak looked very striking, is that fair? But honestly? Simply wondering around, you see amazing waterfalls and creeks all over the show. One word of warning I have for you, so there are loads of steps involved in any trek here, very specifically downhill ones. Be sure you are fit and ready before you go and you wear suitable footwear; otherwise, you will really feel it the next day!

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Trip

First things first then, sort your visit out for either sometime in spring or the fall. So you won’t have crazy temps or rain during these times, which make exploring a lot more joyful. Get those tickets beforehand, so there is not any waiting around—you will thank me, you know. And wear comfortable trainers! There’s loads of strolling, some steep steps and a lot of ground you need to get over. Get yourself a good local guide! The information they bring, and them knowing the greatest spots—well, they add tons to the day, doesn’t it? Bear in mind, if you are someone that needs help getting about, getting around the canyon might be really challenging, and is that due to all of the steps I said about, which, too it’s not great for those that can’t walk too well.

What to Eat: Tasting Local Flavors

Look, any vacation is surely made even more brilliant when there’s excellent local eats at the end of the day? In Zhangjiajie, too it’s basically everything’s spicy, is that alright? I’m sort of a bit of a fan of hot dishes anyway, yet do not forget to state that you are not into spicy meals if it’s not for you. Make sure you check out Tu Jia pork, okay, this is like a native sort of slow cooked pork dish. Also, you can find a range of street food close to the park entrance which give you quick tasty bites. Also I got to try Ciw粑粑, so it’s something you might want to check out which is some sort of sticky rice patty – nice to simply nibble while traveling.