72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Night in China’s Magical Mountain City
While renowned for its natural wonders like the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the city also boasts a stunning man-made landmark: the 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie. This complex, hailed as the top cultural attraction, perfectly blends traditional Tujia architecture with modern entertainment. It’s the perfect place to experience Xiangxi culture and dive into a vibrant nightlife, offering a different but equally captivating side of zhangjiajie attractions.
More Than Just a Tower: Unveiling the 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie
The 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie isn’t a single building but a large cultural tourism district. Its design draws inspiration from ancient local legends, taking seven years to complete.
What makes this place special?
An Architectural Marvel: The main tower soars 109.9 meters, holding the Guinness World Record as the tallest building in a stilted style. Many call it the “Potala Palace of the Tujia People.”
Unique Design: A massive gateway (38m high, 28m wide) pierces the main tower, perfectly aligning with the distant natural “Heaven’s Gate” arch on Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain. This creates a fascinating “twin arches” view.
Cultural Heart: Built using authentic methods and materials, including 220,000 grey tiles, the complex is a living museum of Tujia culture and intangible heritage.
Official Recognition: It holds national and provincial titles as a top night-time cultural and tourism destination.
Before You Go: Tickets, Times & Getting There
The Essentials
Address: No.1, Wulingshan Avenue, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City.
Opening Hours:
Day Session: Around 10:00 – 17:00 (limited access).
Night Session (Highly Recommended): 16:30 – 22:00. This is when all the light shows and core performances happen.
Ticket Prices (Always check official updates):
Day Ticket: Approximately ¥20 / about $3 USD (enter between 10:00-17:00).
Night Ticket: ¥88 / about $12 USD (enter after 16:30, includes all light shows and folk performances).
Discounts: Often available for seniors (70+), students, and children.
Money-Saving Tip: Want to see both day and night views? Buy a Day Ticket (¥20 / ~$3) and enter around 16:00. You can stay until closing, enjoying the transition into the spectacular night atmosphere without paying the higher night ticket price. This tip is great if you’re on a tight schedule, perhaps during a zhangjiajie day tour.
How to Get to the 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie
By Air: From Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, take an airport shuttle or taxi. The ride takes 30-40 minutes.
By Train/Bullet Train:
From Zhangjiajie West Station (high-speed rail): Take bus 16, 17, 7, 4, or 6 to “Zhangjiajie Hangyuan” stop. It’s a 10-minute walk from there.
From Zhangjiajie Railway Station or the downtown bus station: Take bus 17 to the same “Zhangjiajie Hangyuan” stop.
By Taxi/Ride-hail: A convenient option from most city points, costing around ¥20-30 RMB / $3-5 USD.
Your Adventure at 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie: Routes & Must-Do Experiences
The area has three main parts: the Celestial Palace (main tower), the Smoky Old Street (food alley), and the 72 Wonder Village (cultural zone). A visit here can easily fit into a broader zhangjiajie 2 day tour.
The Classic Night Tour Route
This route packs the biggest highlights into one exciting evening.
18:00-19:00 | The Grand Welcome
Start at the Welcome Plaza. The “City Opening” ceremony begins with thunderous drums, fiery performances, and Tujia welcome dances. You’ll feel the energy of Xiangxi immediately.
19:00-20:00 | Feast on Smoky Old Street
After the ceremony, head to Smoky Old Street, known as “Hunan’s #1 Foodie Street.” Try local snacks like Tujia Sanxiaguo (a savory stew), stir-fried bacon with fern root cake, sweet rice wine dumplings, and mugwort cakes. Watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafts as you explore.
20:00-20:30 | The Tower Lighting: A Breathtaking Moment
This is a night tour highlight at the 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie! Find a good spot in front of the main Celestial Palace tower before 8 PM. At exactly 20:00, hundreds of lights illuminate the 109.9-meter structure in a stunning instant. Have your camera ready.
20:30-21:30 | Immersive Shows & Light Spectacles
After the lighting, the tower’s facade becomes a giant screen for immersive story shows like “The One You Love Forever” or dazzling digital light displays. Over in the 72 Wonder Village, you might join interactive activities like a mock Tujia wedding or a singing challenge.
21:30-22:00 | Bonfire Finale
Make your way to the bonfire square for the grand finale. Join the lively Tujia Hand-Waving Dance around the bonfire. Dance with the local performers under colorful lights—it’s the perfect, joyful end to your night.
The Deep Dive: Day & Night Cultural Route
For culture lovers with more time, this plan offers deeper insight into the 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie.
16:00 | Enter with a Day Ticket
Use the money-saving tip and enter in the late afternoon.
16:00-18:00 | Cultural Exploration
Explore the main tower’s interiors. Visit the Scholar’s Mansion, the Official’s Residence, the Chieftain’s House, and the Tujia Wedding Customs Hall to see traditional artifacts. Seek out hidden spots like the small fossil museum near a waterfall on the first floor. You can also visit quieter art galleries and museums on-site.
18:00 onwards | Merge into the Classic Night Tour route above for dinner and performances.
Must-See Performance Schedule (Confirm on-site)
Don’t miss these key events during your visit to the 72 Wonder Tower:
| Time | Performance | Best Viewing Spot | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19:00 | City Opening Ceremony | Welcome Plaza | Starts the night with drums, fire & dance. |
| 20:00 | Tower Lighting Ceremony | In front of the main tower | The essential moment. Don’t be late! |
| 20:30+ | Main Tower Light/Show | Open area facing the tower | Stories or spectacular visual effects. |
| ~21:30 | Bonfire Hand-Waving Dance | Bonfire Square | The big, participatory finale! |
| Throughout | Street Interactive Shows | Smoky Old Street, 72 Wonder Village | Look out for “Bride Selection,” singing duels. |
Smart Tips for Your Visit
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The complex is a multi-level maze of stilted buildings with many stairs. Comfort and good grip are key.
Photo Spots: The best spot for a full tower photo is across the street from the entrance. A local note: Some avoid posing directly in the center of the tower’s main archway due to an old symbolic superstition.
Plan & Stay Safe: Nights are busy. Check the daily schedule (call 0744-8882000 or check on-site boards) to plan your route. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.
Set Your Expectations: The 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie is a crafted cultural theme park. Its magic lies in dazzling lights, lively atmosphere, interactive culture, and great food. It complements the natural scenery of other zhangjiajie attractions perfectly for a fun, engaging evening.
Souvenirs: Look beyond common trinkets. Tujia woven brocade, silver jewelry, or a unique magnet make meaningful mementos.
Let the lanterns of the 72 Wonder Tower Zhangjiajie light up your own unforgettable story, creating a perfect contrast to the days you’ll spend exploring the majestic peaks and forests elsewhere.
