Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (张家界玻璃桥), also known as Yuntian Du Boliqiao, stretches across the vast expanse of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, connecting its sheer cliffs. Located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, in Cili County, Hunan Province, it lies about 60 kilometres (37.3 miles) from Zhangjiajie City. This state-of-the-art engineering masterpiece has become an iconic Chinese landmark. Following its opening in 2016, the structure set world records by becoming the longest and highest glass-bottomed pedestrian bridge. In 2022, its length record was surpassed by Vietnam’s Bach Long pedestrian bridge.

Its main feature is a transparent deck made of multi-layered tempered glass panels, giving visitors the striking sensation of walking above open space. Every step is accompanied by breathtaking views into the depths of the canyon: a winding stream and dense forests with clouds drifting in between. On clear days, the panoramic views extend across the gorge, while in misty weather, the bridge can seem to float above the clouds.

Architecture and Facts about the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge project was intended to sit as lightly as possible within its natural surroundings. According to the project’s creator, Haim Dotan, the bridge was designed to be “invisible”. A slim, white structure that would seem to “disappear” into the clouds, against the backdrop of nature, allowing visitors to focus entirely on the scenery. The architectural concept is reflected in every detail of the structure. The minimalist shapes and visual lightness are tailored to this idea, enhancing the feeling of open space. As a result, the bridge has become not only a crossing over the gorge but also a prominent part of the region’s tourism identity.

Below are the main characteristics of the structure and project details:

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge Tours

Discover the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge on an exciting four-day trip to some of the area’s most picturesque places. The itinerary takes in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, and the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve before continuing to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. A walk across the glass bridge offers sweeping views of the canyon, particularly impressive from above.

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is also included in other itineraries around China. These vary in length, theme and choice of attractions, but each places a visit to the famous bridge within a wider trip that may take in national parks, historic towns and natural landmarks in other parts of the country.

Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is open to visitors for most of the year, although weather conditions can affect its opening hours. Spring and autumn are considered the most comfortable seasons for a visit, with good visibility and pleasant temperature for spending time outdoors.

Summer is hot and humid; during the monsoon season, heavy rain and thunderstorms may affect access to the bridge. In winter, the bridge usually continues to operate, but it may close in the event of adverse conditions, such as ice or snow.

Detailed information about the region’s climate can be found in the travel guide to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon’s opening hours may vary by season. Ticket sales and visiting hours may also change due to weather conditions or maintenance work. Usually, the site opens at 8:00, and the last tickets are sold at 16:00.

Ticket Prices

DISCLAIMER: Prices are quoted in local currency and are subject to change without notice. Exchange rates are only indicative and may fluctuate. As a tour operator, Advantour accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or subsequent changes to prices, exchange rates, or services provided by third parties. We strongly recommend that travellers verify fares, exchange rates, terms and conditions, and availability with official suppliers or authorised booking platforms before booking.

To visit the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, you need to purchase a combined ticket, which includes access to both the bridge and the canyon trail at the bottom of the gorge. A ticket for the bridge alone is not available.

All additional activities at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon are charged separately from the admission ticket. For convenience, visitors can buy a package of activities for CNY/RMB 120 ($18, €15, £13) per person. It includes Flying VR, Zip Line, Sightseeing Lift, Treasure Hunt Lift, Sculpture Elevator, Wuwangpo Slide Way, A Strip of Sky Slide and Rainbow Lake Cruise. The package can be bought on-site using a QR code. It is intended for a single visitor and cannot be shared among multiple people.

If you plan to try several activities, it may be more convenient to purchase an extended ticket, which includes the activity package and offers discounted rates for certain categories of visitors:

An insurance fee of CNY/RMB 3 is included in the cost of all tickets.

To purchase the bungee jumping service, it is necessary to buy a Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon + Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge ticket (CNY/RMB 178) and pay separately for the jump itself.

Please note that for safety reasons, wheelchairs are not allowed on the Glass Bridge nor on the paths either.

Is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge Safe

Despite the “walking on air” effect, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge was designed with a substantial safety margin and underwent comprehensive testing before opening. Specialists tested the structure’s resistance to strong winds, vibrations and other dynamic forces to ensure its reliability.

To clearly demonstrate the strength of the glass deck, public tests involving members of the press were organised before the bridge opened. They were invited to strike samples of the glass panels repeatedly with sledgehammers, then walk and even jump on them. Afterwards, an SUV weighing approximately 2,000 kilograms was driven across the bridge. Despite the heavy blows and high load, the panels remained intact and retained their load-bearing capacity, demonstrating the structure’s high level of safety.

Thrilling Experiences on Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Crossing the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is not only an opportunity to see the canyon from an unusual perspective but also a chance to test your courage. The transparent deck changes your usual sense of space, so even a simple walk across the bridge can be a vivid emotional experience.

Just beyond the bridge, the Cliff Plank Road (天悬栈道) begins – a footpath built along a sheer cliff. Glass sections of the path heighten the feeling of walking above an abyss and offer close-up views of the canyon.

For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping is available from one of the world’s highest platforms of its kind. The launch platform is in the central section of the bridge, and the jump takes place above a deep part of the canyon under the supervision of experienced instructors.

Another unusual activity is rock climbing, which offers a thrilling challenge for climbing enthusiasts. As you climb, you grip the rock’s recesses and ledges, putting your fitness to the test. Climbing the bridge’s massive stone pylons gives you a sense of the structure’s scale and a view of its design from above.

Before taking part in bungee jumping, rock climbing and other extreme activities, visitors must register and attend a briefing at the Qiaodong Experience Centre (桥东体验中心), next to the glass bridge. Equipment is also issued there, and visitors receive the necessary preparation before starting the chosen activity.

How to Get to Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Option 1 – By Local Bus

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge can be reached by public transport via the Wulingyuan District.

From Zhangjiajie City Centre

If you are departing from Zhangjiajie City Centre, first head to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (张家界中心汽车站) (1 Guanli Road, Yongding District), where you should catch a bus to Wulingyuan Bus Station (武陵源汽车站). The ticket is purchased from the driver and costs around CNY/RMB 20 ($3, €2.6, £2.2). Then, you need to transfer to a bus heading to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. The cost of the second trip is approximately CNY/RMB 12 ($1.8, €1.5, £1.3). The total travel time is about 90 minutes.

From Wulingyuan District

If you are already in Wulingyuan District, head to Wulingyuan Bus Station, located at the intersection of Guihua Road and Weiyang Road (29.35015, 110.54609). Buses towards the canyon depart approximately every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 18:00, and the journey takes 30–40 minutes.

Option 2 – By Tourist Bus

You can travel to the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge without transfers on tourist buses heading directly to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Bus Route A departs from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station. The trip takes about 90 minutes, the distance is 60 kilometres, and the ticket price is CNY/RMB 20.

Bus Route B begins its itinerary at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. The travel time is approximately 70 minutes, the distance is 50 kilometres, and the price is CNY/RMB 18.

Buses on both routes depart every 20 minutes: in summer – from 06:30 to 19:00; in winter – until 18:30.

En route, stops are provided at Tianmen Mountain Lower Cable Car Station, Tujia Folk Garden, 72 Strange Buildings, Wulingyuan Commercial City, Yellow Dragon Cave and a number of other attractions.

All services arrive at the Grand Canyon Tourist Distribution Centre, where you can transfer to a free park shuttle. The trip to the main entrance of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, next to which the glass bridge is located, takes about 15 minutes.

Option 3 – By Private Car or Minivan

A private car or minivan allows you to reach the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge directly, without transfers. Usually, the driver picks up passengers directly from the hotel within Zhangjiajie City, and the journey takes 50 to 60 minutes.

The cost of such a trip is usually CNY/RMB 200 to CNY/RMB 300 ($29 to $44 / €25 to €38 / £22 to £32). Most cars are designed for a maximum of four passengers. A transfer can be booked through the hotel concierge or via the DiDi app. After the visit is over, the driver typically waits for the passengers and takes them back.

Tips for an Optimal Experience

Choose comfortable footwear with non-slip soles. High heels are prohibited on the bridge.

Bring drinking water and sun protection, as a significant part of the route is exposed to the sun.

Take advantage of the luggage storage lockers located in front of the entrance to the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. For a small fee of CNY/RMB 5 to CNY/RMB 10, you can leave personal belongings and items that are prohibited inside, such as selfie sticks, cameras, drones, unpackaged food, glasses and open drink containers, lighters, bulky backpacks and certain other items.

If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable with heights, take a break. Stop, sit down if necessary or lean against the handrail, focus on a stationary object ahead and take a few slow, deep breaths. Continue only when you feel better.

Don’t rush to leave the canyon area after crossing the bridge. Walking trails along the bottom of the gorge offer a completely different perspective, taking you past cliffs, a river and waterfalls.