6 Days Surreal Zhangjiajie Tour: Avatar, Furong & Fenghuang Ancient Town

Welcome to Zhangjiajie! Upon arrival, your private team will escort you from the airport to your Wulingyuan hotel (approximately one hour). Once settled, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the vibrant surroundings of this world-famous scenic area before the tour starts tomorrow.

Experience the charm of Xibu Old Street (溪布街), named for the famous Tujia handwoven brocade. This scenic area showcases ethnic architecture alongside a diverse mix of bars and creative workshops. Spend your evening sampling local Hunan snacks and exploring the folk culture shopping street, where you can find unique accessories and traditional handicrafts to take home.

Arrival Ideas:

Travelers can fly into Hehua Airport from hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. High-speed rail is another excellent option, with travel times from Changsha (2-4 hours), Guilin (7 hours), Shanghai (9 hours), etc.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区) is a world-renowned Geological Park famous for its unique sandstone peaks. While it spans four vast reserves, we’ve curated a route through the UNESCO highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain.

Start your adventure in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to soaring stone peaks. Ascend the pinnacle via the Guinness-certified Bailong Elevator before hiking through Yuanjiajie. Here, you will find the famous South Sky Pillar, the prototype for Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains. While walking the 3,500-meter Yuanjiajie Scenic Trail, admire the Lost Soul Platform and learn about the rare sandstone peak landforms created by millions of years of tectonic movement and natural erosion.

Next, explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, the "King of Peaks" named after a legendary Tujia leader. This "fairyland" is famous for its West Sea Peak Forest and the iconic Imperial Writing Brush Peaks, which resemble stone pens. Visit He Long Park and the Tianzige Pavilion for a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain’s unique sea of clouds and majestic rock formations stretching across the horizon.

After the tour, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer (1.5 hours) to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. In the afternoon, unwind with a serene boat trip on Baofeng Lake.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a paradise for adventurers, famous for its waterfalls and fresh valley air. Its centerpiece is the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, spanning 375 meters between two cliffs. This transparent marvel offers a "floating" sensation 300 meters above the canyon floor. For true thrill-seekers, it also hosts the world’s highest bungee jump (Optional). Walk the skyway to admire panoramic views and test your courage on this iconic glass bridge.

After the thrills of the glass bridge, find serenity at Baofeng Lake. Take a shuttle to the pier for a wooden boat ride across this crystal-clear alpine lake. Surrounded by emerald forests and jagged peaks, the lake serves as a peaceful mountain retreat. As you cruise the 72-meter-deep waters, enjoy traditional folk songs and the beautiful reflections of the sandstone landscape in the mirror-like surface.

Relax on the one-hour drive as we return to Zhangjiajie City after your sightseeing. We will escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of Tianmen Mountain, revered as the "Soul of Zhangjiajie". Located just 8km from the city center, this scenic area is suitable for all ages without the need for strenuous climbing.

Begin with a 30-minute cable car ride from the city, offering bird’s-eye views of the winding 99 Bends road. Once at the summit, brave the 60-meter Glass Walkway suspended 1,430 meters above the valley, followed by a stroll along the Cliff-Hanging Walkway. For cultural enrichment, visit the serene Tianmen Temple or ascend to Yunmenxianding, the park's highest peak at 1,518 meters, for an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire mountain range.

Later, take the mountain escalator to Tianmen Cave, a 131-meter-high natural wonder known as Heaven's Gate. After admiring the ethereal light and shadows, you can descend the iconic 999 steps or opt for the elevator. To finish your tour, head to the station and take a cable car ride down, enjoying final views of the spectacular Zhangjiajie landscape.

After exploring Tianmen Mountain, enjoy a 2.5-hour transfer to the 2,000-year-old Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉古镇). Known as the town "hanging on a waterfall," you will spend the afternoon and evening witnessing its spectacular cascades from every angle.

Step into Furong Ancient Town, a dreamy landscape of Tujia-style architecture. As dusk falls, golden lanterns light up the floating village, turning the massive waterfall into a colorful spectacle. Visit Qingxiu Pavilion (观瀑台) for 60-meter-wide waterfall. There, you can immerse yourself in ethnic traditions like the Maogusi Dance and local folk songs.

Stay your night in Furong Ancient Town.

Wake up to the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere of Furong Ancient Town. In the early morning, the village is veiled in a soft mist over the You River, with only the rhythmic sound of the waterfall breaking the silence. Take a peaceful stroll along the stone-paved streets.

Discover the Xizhou Bronze Pillar (溪州铜柱), a revered copper monument of the Tujia people. Walk across the scenic Tuwang Bridge before exploring Youyang Palace, a royal summer retreat. The journey concludes with breathtaking views of the main waterfall, where the water dances against lush cliffs and iconic Tujia stilt houses.

Next, we depart for Fenghuang Ancient Town, located roughly 116 km away.

Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城) is a riverside treasure nestled along the tranquil Tuo River. Renowned for its postcard-perfect stilt houses, the town reflects on the water like a traditional ink painting. Arriving by day, you can explore cobblestone streets and Qing Dynasty architecture, capturing stunning shots of the iconic Hong Bridge. As dusk falls, thousands of red lanterns illuminate the river, transforming the town into a magical, glowing landscape filled with vibrant night markets.

Tuo River Boating Experience: Choose Between Daytime or Nighttime Cruises

Enjoy a Tuo River boat ride to see Fenghuang’s iconic stilt houses. Choose a daytime cruise to witness authentic local life or an evening cruise to admire the town’s shimmering lanterns and golden reflections.

Stay overnight in Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Spend your morning on a self-guided exploration of Fenghuang's rich heritage. You will soon encounter the influence of Shen Congwen, the renowned historian and author who immortalized the town in his literature. His famous novel, The Border Town (边城), transformed this quiet settlement into a globally recognized landmark, making his former residence a must-visit for culture seekers.

Explore the heritage of Fenghuang by visiting the Shen Congwen Former Residence, where the author’s deep connection to his hometown is showcased through his belongings. Continue your morning at the Ancient East Gate (Donghua Gate). This historic landmark serves as a perfect vantage point to admire the architectural beauty of the old town and the peaceful flow of the Tuo River.

Don't miss the Hongqiao Bridge, the most recognizable landmark in Fenghuang. While enjoying the view of the Tuo River from the bridge’s teahouses, you’ll have endless opportunities for photography. Complete your cultural tour by exploring artisan workshops where local makers preserve the traditional techniques of silver smithing and batik, unique to the Miao and Tujia people.

As your exploration concludes, so does your 6-Day Zhangjiajie 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!