8 Days China Fantasy Tour: Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley & Huangshan

Welcome to Zhangjiajie, the real-world inspiration for the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar. Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the airport or train station for a 1-hour drive (35km) to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

Free Time Suggestion: Xibu Old Street

Consider a walk through Xibu Old Street to see the unique architecture of the Tujia ethnic group. The street is named after "Xibu," a traditional handwoven brocade made by the Tujia people.

This pedestrian area features creative workshops, bars, and souvenir shops. In the evening, the street becomes quite lively - a great time to try local Hunan snacks like "Frog Cake" or "Tujia Fried Rice" and browse for handmade Tujia accessories and handicrafts.

Arrival Options:

• By Air: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) has flights from major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
• By Train: High-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie to Changsha (2–4h), Fenghuang Ancient Town (1h), Guilin (7h), and Shanghai (9h).

After breakfast, head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan. This is China's first national forest park, part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area. You'll spend the day exploring Yuanjiajie (袁家界) and Tianzi Mountain (天子山), surrounded by over 3,000 slender quartz sandstone pillars.

Board a sightseeing bus to reach Bailong Elevator, known as the "World's No.1 Ladder" with three Guinness World Records. It's the tallest, fastest, and heaviest outdoor elevator, lifting you 326 meters from the valley floor in just 66 seconds. This shortcut saves hours of hiking, letting you reach the peaks with ease.

Next, hike into Yuanjiajie, the real filming location of Avatar and home to the iconic Hallelujah Mountains (哈利路亚山). Don't miss South Sky Pillar (南天一柱 / Avatar Mountain), a 150-meter-tall vertical peak rising sharply from the deep valley.

Walk the 3,500-meter Yuanjiajie Scenic Trail along the cliff edge, adorned with red prayer ribbons. Admire natural wonders like Backyard Garden (后花园), Lost Soul Platform (迷魂台) – Yuanjiajie's top viewing spot – and First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥), a natural stone landmark. This unique landscape forms from special geological structures and tectonic movements over millions of years.

After lunch, take the sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. Named after Xiang Dakun, a Tujia ethnic group leader who called himself "Tianzi" (Son of Heaven) in the early Ming Dynasty, it's known as the "King of Peaks" and a fairyland from Journey to the West. At 1,262 meters, it offers stunning views of sunrises, sea of clouds, and autumn red leaves.

Head to Dianjiangtai Platform to overlook West Sea Peaks Forest, where rugged rocks rise from misty canyons. Keep an eye out for Imperial Writing Brush Peaks – six 100-meter-tall stone pillars shaped like writing brushes, said to be Xiang Dakun's pen in legend.

Hike to He Long Park (贺龙公园) to see the bronze statue of Marshal He Long and his warhorse. Climb Tianzige Pavilion, a 30-meter structure that offers panoramic views of Tianzi Mountain's sprawling peaks and distant valleys.

After the day's exploration, return to Wulingyuan for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, you'll drive from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, about 56 kilometers and 1.5 hours away.

Morning: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

The canyon is known for its waterfalls and fresh air, but the main draw is the Glass Bridge. It's the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge - 375 meters long and suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor.

The bridge was designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan. It's made entirely of glass with no steel structure and can hold up to 800 people at once. In the middle, there's a bungee jumping platform, the highest in the world (optional, self-pay).

Walking on the bridge feels like floating. Below you, through the transparent floor, you'll see a lush forest and a mist-filled canyon. The views stretch across the entire Grand Canyon. Most visitors spend about an hour here.

Afternoon: Tianmen Mountain

After lunch, you'll visit Tianmen Mountain, known as the "Soul of Zhangjiajie" and the "No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan." It's just 8 kilometers from the Zhangjiajie city center.

You'll take the world's longest cable car - 7,455 meters, 30 minutes from the city to the summit. As you ascend, look down at the winding mountain road with 99 bends, often called the "Road to Heaven."

At the top, walk along the Glass Walkway, a 60-meter transparent path attached to a cliff 1,430 meters above the valley. For more adventure, try the 1.6-kilometer Cliff-Hanging Walkway along the mountain's edge.

You can also visit Tianmen Temple, a Qing Dynasty Buddhist structure surrounded by forest, or climb to Yunmenxianding at 1,518 meters for a bird's-eye view.

Take an escalator down to Tianmen Cave, the world's highest natural mountain arch at 131.5 meters. Often called "Heaven's Gate," it's frequently wrapped in clouds and mist, with sunlight creating shifting light and shadows. Spend some time here for photos. From the cave, you can either walk down the 999 steps or take another escalator.

After the tour, you'll be driven to Zhangjiajie City for an overnight.

In the early morning, you'll be transferred to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station for a 6-hour high-speed train to Shangrao in Jiangxi Province.

Welcome to Shangrao, the gateway to Wangxian Valley. Upon arrival at Shangrao Railway Station, your local guide and driver will meet you and drive about 1.5 hours (50 km) to Wangxian Valley (望仙谷) . After checking into your hotel, take some time to rest.

As dusk settles, the valley begins to transform. Warm golden lights outline the cliffside buildings, and the entire mountainside glows like a "Heavenly Palace on Cloud Nine" descended from myth.

The scene brings to mind the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's famous lines:

"危楼高百尺，手可摘星辰。不敢高声语，恐惊天上人。"

"High towers reach a hundred feet, one can almost pluck the stars. Dare not speak aloud, for fear of startling the immortals in the heavens."

Strolling through Wangxian Valley at night feels like stepping into a vibrant "Wuxia" (martial arts) world. Winding paths flanked by cliffs and waterfalls lead you past tea houses and pavilions that seem to cling to the mountainside.

You might even come across acrobatic street performances or actors doing sword dances, as if you've walked straight into a scene from a Jin Yong novel.

By day, Wangxian Valley (望仙谷) offers a completely different, yet equally enchanting, experience. Time truly slows down here, revealing the charming Gan-style (Jiangxi) ambiance. Above cascading waterfalls, an ancient town clings to the mountainside. Its earthen walls with yellow plaster, dark grey tiles, and rammed earth houses meticulously preserved, showcasing the original architectural style of Northeast Jiangxi.

Stroll through the intricate network of narrow alleys, discovering unique shops along the way. Admire lanterns, bamboo weaving, and intricate carvings - each handcrafted item a testament to the artisan's dedication and wisdom. The air in the alleys is filled with the tempting aromas of hot noodles (烫粉) and tofu pudding (豆腐脑), inviting you to savor these delicious local flavors.

For the adventurous, take a walk along the glass walkways built directly into the sheer cliffs. Stretching nearly 100 meters above the ground, with rushing rapids and cliffs below, these paths offer a thrilling test of courage while revealing breathtaking views of the canyon's rugged beauty and undulating mountains.

Wangxian Valley boasts abundant rainfall, ensuring a constant flow of water. Everywhere you look, you'll find trickling streams, serene springs, and magnificent waterfalls like Wangxian Waterfall and Three-Tiered Waterfalls. These dramatic cascades, springing from sheer cliffs, combine with gushing springs and winding streams to form a series of unique and stunning landscapes.

It's hard to believe that such an ethereal wonderland was crafted from an ABANDONED QUARRY. This transformation is undeniably a bold, ambitious, and brilliantly creative endeavor.

Liyang In Lane: Discover this charming area, a blend of ancient architecture and modern cafes, bars, and eateries, especially lively in the evening.

Route: Yungu Cable Way - Begin-to-believe Peak - Dispelling Cloud Pavilion -West Sea Grand Canyon - Bright Summit - Flying-over Rock

Walking Distance: about 7~9km/5~6 hrs

After breakfast, our team will pick you up for an 80km (1.5-hour) drive to Huangshan's foot – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's Five Sacred Mountains. It's famous for "Five Natural Wonders": ancient pines, granite peaks, snow, hot springs, and cloud seas, inspiring Chinese art for centuries.

Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake praised it: "After Huangshan, no other mountains need be seen." Take a sightseeing bus to Yungu Temple, then board the 8-minute cableway to White Goose Ridge Station, enjoying aerial views of misty pines and peaks.

The air turns cooler at the top – trek to Begin-to-believe Peak, admiring iconic pines like Black Tiger Pine along the way. Its stunning cliffs and rocks live up to its name; after sightseeing, hike 40 minutes to your mountaintop hotel for a break.

Post-lunch, explore West Sea Grand Canyon, a scene like a Chinese ink painting with peculiar rocks and twisted pines. Hikes are tailored to energy: 2-hour round-trip to 1st ring or 2.5 hours to 2nd ring (note: rugged trails, closed in cold weather/snow).

Choose sunset spots: Dispelling Cloud Pavilion (30 mins back to hotel) or Bright Summit (1840m, 2nd highest peak). If able, trek an extra hour to see Flying-over Rock – a 360-ton boulder balancing on a narrow base.

Route: Sunrise - Dawn Pavilion - Refreshing Terrace - Monkey Gazing at the Sea - Lion Peak - Yungu Cable Way

Walking Distance: about 3km/2 hrs

Wake up between 5:00 and 6:00 AM to catch the famous Huangshan Sunrise. Be sure to dress warmly, as mountain mornings are quite cold. Watch the sky turn shades of gold and orange over the peaks - a sight that has inspired Chinese artists for centuries.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, hike toward Lion Peak at 1,690 meters. Along the way, you will pass Dawn Pavilion and Refreshing Terrace, both offering expansive views of the granite landscape. Keep an eye out for the Stone Monkey Gazing at Sea. This unique rock formation sits atop a cliff, looking down at the "ocean" of clouds below. From here, walk to the White Goose Ridge station and take the Yungu Cableway down the mountain.

Your driver will meet you at the base and take you to Hongcun Village. This UNESCO World Heritage site is over 900 years old and is often described as a "village in a Chinese painting" due to its stunning reflection in the surrounding waters. The village layout is designed in the shape of an ox. Leigang Hill is the head, while the winding canals represent the intestines. The picturesque Moon Pond acts as the heart, and the expansive South Lake serves as the belly. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone lanes to see the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. 

Visit South Lake Academy and the Wang Ancestral Hall, which features a portrait of the woman who designed the village's complex water system. Don't miss Chengzhi Hall, the former residence of a wealthy salt merchant. Known as the "Folk Forbidden City," it is famous for its intricate "Three Carvings" - detailed work in brick, wood, and stone, some of which are still gilded with gold.

After exploring the village, your driver will take you back to Huangshan City for the night.

Then, it's time to end your Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley & Huangshan Tour. Our team will escort you to the Huangshan train station for your train to Shanghai or your next destination.

Departure Ideas: From Huangshan, you have excellent high-speed rail connections to several major cities: Shanghai (2.5~3.5hrs, chosen by 80% of tourists for international departure), Hangzhou (1.5~2hrs), Suzhou (2~3.5hrs),Beijing (5.5~7hrs), and Guangzhou (7hrs), etc.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!