Zhangjiajie has a humid, subtropical climate that changes significantly with each season.
Zhangjiajie sits in the humid subtropical monsoon climate zone, known for its humidity. The forest in spring is full of vigor, leaves are lush, buds bloom, and mist engulfs the rock pillars. The recommended time to see spring flowers is from March to May as the hillsides around Baofeng Lake Scenic Spot (宝峰湖风景区) burn with azaleas.
Glass skywalk overlooking road of 99 turns [Image Credit: VCG]
Summer: comfortable and lively
The world’s largest domed bar in Zhangjiajie [Image Credit: VCG]Sitting at 1000m altitude, it is hot during the daytime and cool at night in Zhangjiajie. It is blessed with luxuriantly green landscapes and fresh air.
Make sure to watch the annual Tianmen Mountain Steep Downhill Cycling Race, and participant in the traditional Tujia, Bai, Miao activities during Hunan (Zhangjaijie) Folk Culture Publicity Month. The lotus petal-shaped Yundinghui Bar (云顶会) is also a must-see place.
Autumn: the best time to visit
Autumn in Zhangjiajie [Image Credit: VCG]Zhangjiajie is a place to visit all year round, but autumn is recommended as it’s cool and dry, and the scenery is splendid. See vistas of autumn colors as most of the forest is evergreen, and some parts turn golden, showing a different picture. Wolongling (卧龙岭) at Tianzi Mountain and Yaozi Village (鹞子寨) are recommended. Autumn activities include cycling races during the Zhangjiajie International Forest Conservation Festival in October.
Winter: an ice world
Zhangjiajie welcomes snow. [Image Credit: VCG]When it comes to snow, Zhangjiajie becomes an appealing fairyland with mists and fog drifting among the tall spires. Ascending atop the sandstone peaks of Tianzi Mountain to see the picturesque snowy sights via cable car can be a wonderful experience.
If you mind the coldness outside, you can keep warm in Yellow Dragon Cave at Wulingyuan Scenic Spot (武陵源风景区). Note that some tourist spots, including Tianmen Cave, the Glass-bottom Walkway and the Mengdonghe Scenic Spot (猛洞河风景区), are closed in bad weather.