Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Your Thrilling Guide to the World’s Highest Glass Skywalk

Want to walk on air? The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (“Yuntiandu”) offers one of the most heart-pounding experiences in China. Suspended high above a deep gorge near the iconic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, this engineering marvel lets you step onto a completely transparent walkway with nothing but sky and a 300-meter drop below your feet. Visiting the Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park area is a must for any adventure seeker’s itinerary.

The Essentials at a Glance

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is one of the highest and longest glass-bottomed bridges in the world. It’s a modern attraction set against the stunning natural backdrop of the canyon, easily included in any comprehensive zhangjiajie travel guide.

Type: Natural Canyon & Modern Architectural Wonder (Bridge)

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). The weather is mild and the scenery lush. Summer (June-August) is also fine, just prepare for sun and crowds.

Recommended Visit Duration: 4-5 hours for the full canyon and bridge experience. Walking the bridge itself takes about 20-30 minutes.

Opening Hours:

Peak Season (Mar 1 – Nov 30): Mon-Thu 7:30-16:00; Fri-Sun 7:00-16:00

Off-Season (Dec 1 – Feb 28): Mon-Thu 8:30-16:00; Fri-Sun 8:00-16:00

Note: Last entry is often before closing time. Always check and plan ahead.

Ticket Prices:

Line B Combo Ticket (Canyon + Glass Bridge): ~219 RMB (~$30 USD) in peak season.

Line C Ticket (Glass Bridge only): Subject to availability.

Discounts: Available for students, teens, and seniors.

Free Entry: For children under 14, seniors over 65, and others with valid ID.

Location: Ciguansi Township, Cili County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. It’s very close to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. For detailed routes, check out our guide on how to get to zhangjiajie.

A Modern Marvel, Not Ancient History

Don’t look for ancient stories here. The zhangjiajie glass bridge is a 21st-century feat. It opened in 2016 and instantly became a global sensation. Its beautiful name, “Yuntiandu,” means “a ferry across the clouds.” The design was so impressive it won the International Bridge Conference’s “Arthur G. Hayden Medal” in 2018.

What to See and Do: The Core Experience

Your heart will race as you step onto the Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s star attraction. It stretches 375 meters long and 6 meters wide. The bridge cleverly mixes transparent glass panels with opaque walkways, so everyone can find their comfort zone.

Ready for more adrenaline? Check out these paid add-ons:

Bungee Jumping: Plunge from about 260 meters up! This is one of Asia’s highest commercial bungee jumps. It costs around 1998 RMB (~$277 USD) and requires advance booking.

Zip Line: Zip from one side of the canyon to the other. It’s a fast and fun way to travel.

Once you cross the bridge, the Grand Canyon awaits. They call it “Little Jiuzhaigou” for its clear waters and beautiful trails.

Waterfalls: Look for rainbows in the spray of the Butterfly Spring and Angel Waterfalls.

Cliffside Walkways: Hike past narrow gorges like “One Line Sky” and see forests growing straight out of the rock.

The Final Boat Ride: Your walk ends at Shenquan Lake. A serene boat trip (usually included in the combo ticket) takes you back to the exit.

Don’t Stop at the Bridge: Amazing Nearby Sights

The Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park region is packed with wonders. This experience is the perfect start to exploring more.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan): Just 15km away. This is the park that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Explore Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream.

Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Near downtown Zhangjiajie. Famous for its natural arch cave and a thrilling cliffside glass walkway of its own.

Fenghuang Ancient Town: A 3-hour drive (200km) transports you to a beautifully preserved Miao minority riverside town. Perfect for an overnight trip.

Your Practical Guide

Getting There

The easiest base is Wulingyuan District.

From Wulingyuan: Take the direct shuttle bus from the bus station. The ride takes about 40 minutes.

From Zhangjiajie City or West Station (HSR): Take a bus or taxi to Wulingyuan first, then transfer to the shuttle. A direct taxi from the city takes about 1 hour. More transport details are in our how to get to zhangjiajie guide.

Inside the Park: Free shuttle buses connect the parking area to the mountain entrance.

Tickets and Booking – Read This!

This is the most important step. You MUST book your ticket online in advance, 1-3 days ahead. The park uses a timed-entry, real-name system. They hardly sell any full-price tickets at the gate. Use official channels or trusted travel apps.

Bring your passport or ID card. It’s your only ticket into the park.

Choose the Line B Combo Ticket for the full Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park experience.

Where to Stay

Stay in Wulingyuan. It’s the hub for transportation to both the Glass Bridge and the National Forest Park, packed with hotels and restaurants. Downtown Zhangjiajie has more options but adds commute time.

Making It Happen: Sample Itineraries

Classic One-Day Trip (Using Line B Combo Ticket)

Morning: Take the shuttle from Wulingyuan to the Grand Canyon visitor center. Ride the free bus to the top entrance. Walk the Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie. Try the zip line down into the canyon if you’re feeling bold.

Afternoon: Hike down the canyon trails, enjoying the waterfalls and cool air. Reach Shenquan Lake for the included boat ride out.

Evening: Return to Wulingyuan by shuttle for a well-earned dinner.

Multi-Day Adventure

Day 1: Arrive, stay in Wulingyuan. Visit a easier site like Yellow Dragon Cave.

Day 2: Full day exploring the pillars and peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Day 3: Morning at the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon. Afternoon, head to Fenghuang Ancient Town or Tianmen Mountain.

Smart Tips for Your Visit

Safety First: No running, jumping, or dropping things on the bridge. You must wear the provided shoe covers. High heels are not allowed. Those with severe heart conditions or acrophobia should reconsider.

Pack Light: You can only bring small bags on the bridge. Large luggage must be stored at the entrance.

Wear Good Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot. Comfortable, grippy sneakers are essential.

Check the Weather: Sunny days give the best views, but misty days create a magical cloud-walking feel. The bridge may close in extreme wind or rain.

Beat the Crowds: Visit on a weekday and arrive right when it opens. You’ll get the bridge almost to yourself.

Standing on that clear bridge, with the world far below your feet, you’ll understand why people come from all over to feel this thrill. Your adventure in the Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park region starts with a single, brave step.