5 Days Zhangjiajie Xiangxi Ethnic Tour: Tujia & Miao Culture, Avatar Mountains

Welcome to Zhangjiajie City, an incredible destination where you can experience the reality of Hallelujah Mountain from the Movie Avatar! Upon your arrival in Zhangjiajie, the local guide and driver will meet you at the airport exit and accompany you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (35km, 1 hour drive). After checking in at the hotel, you will have some free time to explore the area at your leisure.

You can visit Xibu Old Street (溪布街) to admire the architecture influenced by the local Tujia ethnic group culture. "Xibu" refers to a type of exquisite handwoven brocade created by the Tujia minority people, which is the origin of the name "Xibu Old Street". It is a pedestrian street that encompasses a bar street, a local snack street, a West Hunan folk culture souvenir shopping street, and creative workshops. When the street comes alive in the evenings, you can satisfy your hunger with Hunan's local snacks such as "Frog Cake" and "Tujia Fried Rice" while appreciating various Tujia-style accessories, clothing, and handicrafts.

Arrival Ideas:

1. Transportation to Zhangjiajie: There are numerous flights connecting to ZhangjiajieHehua Airport. You have the option to fly to Zhangjiajie from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and more. Additionally, you can also take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie from Changsha (2-4 hours), Guilin (7 hours), Shanghai (9 hours), Beijing (11 hours), Fenghuang Ancient Town (1 hour) and other destinations.
2. Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区), situated in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and World Geological Park. As the rare quartz sandstone peak forest canyon landform in the world, Wulingyuanis widely recognized as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in China. Wulingyuan consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Our trip will cover the most popular and iconic sections, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

After breakfast, you will visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan, where you will explore Yuanjiajie and behold the awe-inspiring Hallelujah Mountains (乾坤柱). Following lunch, you will be transferred to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve in Wulingyuan, where you will have the opportunity to explore Tianzi Mountain (天子山). Throughout the day, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a captivating haven of nature adorned with over 3,000 slender quartz sandstone pillars.

In the morning, your first destination will be Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is the first national forest park in China. This park showcases a unique landform characterized by towering stone peaks in various shapes, abundant vegetation, and a majestic landscape. You will board a sightseeing bus to reach the Bailong Elevator, widely known as the "World's No.1 Ladder". This elevator holds the Guinness World Records for being the tallest, fastest, and heaviest outdoor elevator for sightseeing. In just 66 seconds, you will ascend 326 meters from the valley bottom to the pinnacle of the pillar. Next, you will hike into a mysterious Pandora World - Yuanjiajie (袁家界), the actual filming location of the movie "Avatar" and the renowned Hallelujah Mountains (哈利路亚山) in reality. Don't miss the chance to capture the South Sky Pillar (南天一柱; Avatar Mountain), the Floating Mountain (1,074m;悬浮山), a towering vertical peak standing approximately 150 meters high from the deep valley, resembling a giant standing upright under the heavens. Take your time to walk along the Yuanjiajie Scenic Trail, which spans 3,500 meters and is built on the edge of a precipice. The trail is adorned with red prayer ribbons, and as you journey, you will be able to admire breathtaking natural wonders such as the Backyard Garden (后花园), Lost Soul Platform (迷魂台; The Best Natural Viewing Platform in Yuanjiajie), and the First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥, a natural stone bridge and the landmark of Yuanjiajie). While immersing yourself in the extraordinary beauty, you will also deepen your understanding of Zhangjiajie's sandstone peaks and forest landform. This unique landscape is the result of specific geological structures, tectonic movements, and external forces, making it an exceptionally rare and remarkable phenomenon.

Next, board the sightseeing bus to reach the second tourist site - Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, which derives its name from Xiang Dakun (Xiang Tianzi), the leader of the local Tujia ethnic group who referred to himself as “Tianzi” (天子), meaning the Son of Heaven or the emperor in Chinese, during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Tianzi Mountain (天子山) is currently in the prime stage of its peak forest evolution and is renowned as the "King of Peaks". It gained fame as a fairyland in the popular Chinese TV Series - Journey to The West. Tianzi Mountain (1,262m) is well-known for its magnificent sunrise, the sea of clouds, red moon, winter snow, red leaves, and grand forest of peaks. You can proceed to Dianjiangtai Platform (点将台) to overlook the West Sea Peaks Forest (西海峰林), where rugged rocks rise from the depths of a misty canyon. You will not like to miss a view of the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks (御笔峰) which are a row of six stone pillars, each standing approximately a hundred meters tall. They are arranged in a square shape, intricately connected, and exhibit varying thicknesses from top to bottom, resembling the shape of a pen. According to legend, it is believed to be the pen used by Xiang Tianzi. Afterward, hike to He Long Park (贺龙公园) to visit the bronze statue of Marshal He Long and his warhorse, as well as the Tianzige Pavilion(天子阁). The Tianzige Pavilion, standing at 30 meters, offers a panoramic view of Tianzi Mountain, with its peaks and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The scene is truly spectacular. After the tour, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Notes: If you are traveling during the peak season, your guide may consider reversing the itinerary to avoid the largest crowds of tourists.

Today, you will spend half-day tour of Tianmen Mountain in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, known as as the "Soul of Zhangjiajie" and the "No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan Province". Located only 8 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie city center, the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is unique in that it is suitable for people of all ages, and climbing is not necessary.

First, take the 30-minute cable car (7,455 meters) ride from Zhangjiajie City to the top of Tianmen Mountain. As you ascend, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the winding mountain road with 99 bends (the Road to Heaven) and the breathtaking beauty of the bonsai gardens. Now, brace yourself for a thrilling challenge. Take a deep breath and step on the cliff path hanging on the mountainside. Walk along the Glass Walkway, a transparent glass path that stretches for 60 meters and hovers 1,430 meters above the bottomless valley, giving you a thrilling sensation of walking in the sky. Additionally, experience the 1.6-kilometer-long Cliff-Hanging Walkway, which is built along the edges of the mountain's summits. It's truly an amazing adventure! Next, you have the option to visit Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist structure that embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). It is surrounded by lush green forests, providing a serene atmosphere. And, you can also visit Yunmenxianding (云梦仙顶; 1,518m), the highest point in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, to enjoy a bird's eye view of the surroundings.

Afterward, go down by escalator from the mountaintop to Tianmen Cave, the world's highest natural mountain through the cave which spans 131.5 meters. Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven's Gate Hole (天门洞), is frequently enveloped in swirling clouds and mist, and at other times, it is illuminated by ethereal rays of sunlight, resulting in a mesmerizing and ever-changing display of light and shadows. Take your time there to capture some beautiful photographs. Following that, you have the option to either walk down the 999 steps or take the elevator. Then, welcome back to another cable car station. Take the cable car down the mountain.

Next, drive 1.5 hours from Zhangjiajie to adjacent Yongshun County to start your Xiangxi (湘西) culture tour.

Xiangxi culture is highly mysterious, unique, and vibrant in Chinese tradition. Rooted in high mountains, it is rugged, ethereal, and carries an air of primitive sorcery. Here, you will find exotic minority regions where Tujia and Miao cultures intertwine, "de-urbanized" scenery with stilt houses along rivers, and the eerie mystery of local legends like "the walking dead." China's thriving folk adventure and fantasy literature are rooted here.

Yongshun is the "starter pack" for Xiangxi culture and the home of China’s "UNESCO Tusi Sites." Today, you will first soak in hot springs of Buermen Scenic Spot. This "No. 1 Hot Spring in Xiangxi" is surrounded by virgin forests and canyon streams of Buermen National Forest Park. The water remains a constant 40°C and is rich in minerals like sulfur, selenium, and strontium. You can choose from herbal, beauty, or fish spa treatments.

Stay overnight at Stargazing Camp to enjoy fresh air and minimal light pollution. You can enjoy Milky Way with your companions.

Today, continue your Xiangxi Culture tour in Laosicheng Tusi site (老司城), Hunan’s only UNESCO cultural site and the "Machu Picchu of the East." Starting from the Tang Dynasty, the empire gave the local Tujia leaders the title of Tusi, which is CEO-like power. Tusi, like European Feudal Lords, kept over 800 years of self-rule. They were good at taking care of the people and had military power like the empire's special forces.

This ancient Tujia capital keeps the ruins of city walls, offices, houses, altars, old roads, and tombs from those years. You can explore 800 years of history at the museum, walk the ceremonial Official Road, and visit the Peng Family Ancestral Temple. At the center, the Patriarch Palace displays Tujia architecture and fragrant nanmu wood. On Zijin Mountain, see the stone statues of ancient tombs reflecting past wealth. Finally, at the Dezheng Monument, learn how the Tusi helped the Qing Dynasty stop rebellions.

Next, stop for Dehang Miao Village (德夯苗寨), the "living fossil of Miao culture" in Xiangxi. Dehang means "beautiful valley," and the valley is dotted with hundred-year-old Miao stilt houses. It is surrounded by sharp cliffs, swirling mists, and hanging vines. You can see authentic, original Miao life without commercialization. The villagers still keep their traditional farming ways and old customs like jumping songs and folk singing. Enjoy Miao welcome performances, including "block-the-door" wine, the stepping dance, "flying songs," and the making of Miao silver jewelry.

After the tour, head to your next destination - Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城), 1 hour drive from Dehang Miao Village.

Unlike Furong Ancient Town, Fenghuang is a fairytale-like riverside treasure nestled along the tranquil Tuo River. Widely celebrated as one of China's most picturesque towns, it presents postcard-perfect scenery: the Tuo River meanders gracefully past stilted wooden houses (Tuojia Diaojiaolou), their reflections dancing on the water's surface like strokes from an ancient Chinese ink painting. This charming town also serves as an important cultural center for the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities.

You will arrive during daylight hours, you'll find yourself walking along cobblestone streets flanked by well-preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, creating endless opportunities for beautiful photographs. The iconic Hong Bridge and the mirror-like reflections on the Tuo River make particularly stunning subjects for your camera.

As evening falls, Fenghuang undergoes a magical transformation. The lantern-lit alleys come alive with the energetic buzz of night markets and riverside bars, while thousands of glowing red lanterns cast their radiant light across the water, magnificently amplifying the beauty of the stilt houses.

Tuo River Boating Experience: Relaxing Views of Fenghuang Ancient Town (Choose Between Daytime or Nighttime Cruises)

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Tuo River. Opt for the daytime cruise to glide peacefully past the stilt houses and beneath Hong Bridge, where you can observe local fishermen at work, women washing clothes along the shore, and children playing by the riverbanks.

Or, take evening cruise for a completely different perspective as the town comes alive with illumination - glowing bridges and lanterns create a dreamlike atmosphere, their golden reflections shimmering across the water's surface.

Stay overnight in Fenghuang Ancient Town.

This morning, enjoy your beautiful time to discover Fenghuang's cultural treasures at your own pace. When people speak of Fenghuang Ancient Town, they inevitably recall Shen Congwen (1902-1988), the renowned Chinese writer and historian whose novel The Border Town (边城) catapulted this riverside gem to global fame.

Begin your exploration at the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, where you can walk through the preserved home of this literary master. The house contains original manuscripts and personal artifacts that reveal his deep connection to Fenghuang. Nearby, the Ancient East Gate (Donghua Gate) offers panoramic views of the old town and Tuo River from its 18th-century gate tower.

No visit would be complete without seeing the Hongqiao Bridge (Rainbow Bridge), the town's iconic landmark. Lined with teahouses and artisan shops, it's the perfect spot to photograph the stilt houses reflected in the water. You might also enjoy watching local Miao silversmiths and batik makers practice their centuries-old crafts at nearby artisan workshops.

As your exploration concludes, so does your 6 Day Zhangjiajie Xiangxi Ethnic Tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Thank you for traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel! We're honored to have been part of your China tour and look forward to welcoming you back for your next Asian Vacation.