5 Days Panorama Zhangjiajie Tour with Fenghuang Ancient Town

Hello! Welcome to Zhangjiajie, the inspiration behind the floating mountains of Avatar! Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, our local team will meet you for 1-hour transfer to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore. We highly recommend a stroll through Xibu Old Street. This vibrant pedestrian area is the heart of local Tujia culture. As evening falls, the street comes alive with artisan workshops, souvenir shops, and an array of local street food.

Travel Tips & Know Before You Go

Getting Here

• 1. By Air: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) is well-connected to major Chinese hubs including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an.
• 2. By High-Speed Train: Zhangjiajie is easily accessible via high-speed rail. Popular routes include Changsha (2–4 hours), Fenghuang Ancient Town (1 hour), and longer connections from major cities like Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Beijing.

About Wulingyuan

Wulingyuan is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a World Geological Park, famous for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest. It is the crown jewel of Zhangjiajie tourism, encompassing the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, and Suoxi Valley. Our Zhangjiajie tour is carefully curated to ensure you experience the most iconic sections of this spectacular landscape.

Morning: The Floating Mountains

This morning, our local expert guide will take you into the real-life Pandora at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Your ascent begins with the Bailong Elevator, a record-breaking glass lift that whisks you 326m up the cliffside in just 66 seconds. Explore Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains. Walk the cliffside trails to witness the "First Bridge Under Heaven" and the ethereal "Lost Soul Platform."

Afternoon: The King of Peaks

This afternoon, a sightseeing bus will take you to the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. Known as the "King of Peaks," this area offers a more poetic landscape. You can proceed to the 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. Don't miss the view of the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks (御笔峰) - a row of six stone pillars, each standing approximately a hundred meters tall. 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).

Morning: Defy Gravity at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

In this morning, depart Wulingyuan for the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (1.5h drive). Step onto the World’s Tallest and Longest Glass Bridge—a 375-meter transparent span suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor. Peer through the crystal-clear base at the misty abyss below or witness thrill-seekers at the world’s highest bungee ledge. It is a true test of courage with rewarding 360-degree views.

Afternoon: Mirror of the Mountains at Baofeng Lake

In this afternoon, restore your pulse at Baofeng Lake. Board a traditional wooden boat to glide across this emerald alpine sanctuary. Tucked high within the peaks, the lake offers a poetic escape filled with lush reflections and the hauntingly beautiful folk songs of the local Tujia and Miao minorities.

After the tour, transfer back to Zhangjiajie City (1h) for a restful overnight stay.

Today, you will spend a 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. There is the world's longest cable car, spanning 7,455 meters, which takes you directly to the mountaintop. Additionally, there is a small cableway available on the mountaintop. The only section that requires walking is the Tianmen Cave staircase, but don't worry, there is also an elevator available. Then, head to Fenghuang Ancient Town in the afternoon.

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.

After the Tianmen Mountain Tour, it is time to move to Fenghuang Ancient Town, located about 3.5 hours (237km) away by car (There is a high-speed train between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, it takes only 1 hour single way).

As one of the most beautiful towns in China, Fenghuang Ancient Town is home to various ethnic groups, primarily the Miao and Tujia peoples. It is renowned for its picturesque setting along the tranquil Tuo River, where traditional stilt houses (Diaojiaolou;吊脚楼) are tightly packed. Along the riverbanks, women can be seen washing clothes and cleaning rice and vegetables, while men fish using their nets. The preparation of food on the riverbank remains much the same as it has been for centuries. Taking a short 10-minute boat ride along the Tuo Jiang River is a delightful way to relax and immerse oneself in the surroundings.

The night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town is truly enchanting. As you stroll through the old courtyards and well-preserved wooden houses along the riverside, you will witness the vibrant atmosphere of the night market and bars. The dazzling lights create a magical ambiance, making it a truly wonderful experience.

Spend your final morning soaking in the serene atmosphere of Fenghuang Ancient Town. This riverside gem gained global fame through the works of writer Shen Congwen, and you’ll see why as you wander its historic streets. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, pass through the ancient East Gate, and capture the perfect photo at the iconic Hongqiao Bridge.

In this afternoon, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel; it has been a pleasure being part of your journey. We look forward to welcoming you back to Asia again soon!