ZhangjiajieOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Dayong to Zhangjiajie: A City's Renaming

Zhangjiajie, known for its karst pillars, has a history extending back 100,000 years to the Stone Age. Recorded history begins in 221 BC. The city was originally named Dayong, and its identity was connected to the Lishui River, where early human settlements developed. During the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC), the region was part of Cili County within the Qianzhong Prefecture. Over centuries, its administrative status changed under various dynasties, including the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing.

Dayong was a center for commerce in western Hunan, visible in areas like Jiefang Lu Old Commercial Street, which retains buildings in Ming and Qing dynasty styles. The city's transformation into a tourist destination began in 1982 with the establishment of China's first national forest park, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This park, along with the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992. To connect the city with the park's international recognition, Dayong City was officially renamed Zhangjiajie City in 1994.

Tianmen Mountain's Historical Role

Tianmen Mountain, a natural landmark near the city, has a history as old as Zhangjiajie itself. It first appeared in Han chronicles (206 BCE–220 CE) under the name Songliang Mountain. It was regarded as a place for spiritual practice. A significant event occurred in 263 AD, during the Three Kingdoms period, when a part of the eastern cliff face collapsed, creating a natural arch. Emperor Sun Xiu of the Eastern Wu Kingdom interpreted this as an auspicious sign and renamed the mountain 'Tianmen', meaning 'Heaven's Gate'. This event established its reputation, and the mountain later became a Buddhist center with the construction of Tianmen Mountain Temple during the Ming Dynasty.

• —Zhangjiajie People's Square (Renmin Guangchang) — A public space in the city center, used for local gatherings. It shows the modern urban layout of Zhangjiajie.
• —Lishui River Promenade, near Wujiayan Bridge — A walkway along the Lishui River, considered the "mother river" of Zhangjiajie. It offers views of the river and daily life along the waterway.
• —Exterior of Zhangjiajie Minority Park — This park displays the culture and architecture of local ethnic groups, such as the Tujia, Bai, and Miao people, who make up about 70% of the population. The exterior provides an overview of traditional styles.
• —Jiefang Lu Old Commercial Street — A street with architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showing Dayong's past as a commercial center. It is a place to observe historical urban development and local trade.
• —Dayong Public Panoramic Viewpoint — This point offers views of Zhangjiajie city and its surrounding landscape, providing an orientation to the urban area and its natural setting.
• —Public esplanade at the foot of Tianmen Mountain — From here, one can see the scale of Tianmen Mountain, a natural landmark. It is also a starting point for routes up the mountain.
• —Remains of the ancient East Gate of Dayong city (Zhangjiajie) — These remnants connect to the city's former identity as Dayong, showing its historical defenses and layout.
• —Outer courtyard of Puguang Temple, Zhangjiajie — This Buddhist temple, built in 1413 during the Ming Dynasty, features architectural styles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The outer courtyard allows observation of its historical design.

The recommended times to visit Zhangjiajie are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons have mild temperatures and clear skies. Spring has blooming flowers and mist, though March can be cold and foggy. Autumn, especially late September to mid-November, offers clear air and good visibility.

Avoid visiting in July and August due to high heat, humidity, and large crowds. Chinese public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1-5) and National Day (October 1-7), also bring many visitors and higher accommodation prices. Winter (December to February) is quiet, with snow-covered landscapes and lower prices, but some attractions may close due to ice, and visibility can be poor.

Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) is 10 kilometers from the city center, a 15-minute car ride. Taxis or Didi (China's ride-hailing app) cost 25–35 RMB to downtown. City bus Route 4 costs 2 RMB and takes about an hour. The Zhangjiajie West high-speed rail station is in Yongding District. The railway station is near the city center, with a central bus station adjacent for onward travel.

Within Zhangjiajie city, taxis are available, with daytime fares starting around 6 RMB for the first 3 km. Most city trips are under 20 RMB. Public buses cost 2 RMB and run from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. To reach Wulingyuan District, the entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, take a tourist bus for about 20 RMB, a 1-hour journey. Didi rides to Wulingyuan cost 80–100 RMB and take 40-50 minutes. WeChat Pay or Alipay are commonly used; cash is less frequent.