7 Days Chengdu Zhangjiajie Tour: Pandas, Buddha, Avatar Mountians, Ancient Towns

Nihao! Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas!

Your private driver and guide will be ready for you upon your arrival in Chengdu. Enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax in this panda city at your leisure.

Chengdu Arrival Ideas:

Chengdu is exceptionally well-connected by both air and high-speed rail. It boasts two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport - operating numerous international and domestic airlines. Travelers can fly to Chengdu from most major cities in China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, and Chongqing. Additionally, high-speed trains provide convenient access to Chengdu from Xi'an (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2 hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5 hours), and other destinations.

Free Time Ideas in Chengdu:

1. Visit Jinli Old Street: Walking on Jinli Street, you can appreciate brilliant traditional Chinese buildings in Qing Dynasty style (1616-1911), purchase all kinds of souvenirs (Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, calligraphy, and paintings), try delicious local snacks (Dan Dan Noodles, Egg Pancake, Bon Bon Chicken, Sweet Potato Noodles with Pork Intestines, Iced Jelly, Sour and Spicy Tofu Pudding), and discover intangible cultural heritages like Sugar Painting, Shadow Puppet Play, and Sichuan Opera Shows.
2. Visit Tianfu Square & Chunxi Road: Enjoy a leisurely walk at the city center where you can view modern buildings like Chengdu Museum, Sichuan Science and Technology Museum. Then, walk to Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li to see the famous pandas on the wall.

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. Since pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, we advise you to arrive early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), located only about 17 kilometers away from the city center. This is the closest panda base around Chengdu for you to fulfill your panda dream.

Chengdu Panda Base is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world, accommodating over 100 pandas of different ages. You can watch pandas playing, eating, climbing, sleeping, and in autumn, even see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Discover the charming panda stars at this base, such as Hua Hua, the most adored and celebrated panda who has captured the hearts of the nation, and Zhi Ma, the real-life inspiration behind the panda mascot of the World University Games. Besides giant pandas, the cute red pandas (rarer than g

iant pandas) at the Red Panda Playgrounds are also the highlight of the Chengdu Panda Base. Nowadays, the panda base has also become an urban birding spot for local birders and kids to search for Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-throated Tit, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, White-browed Laughingthrush, and more. If you're interested, you can follow your guide to discover more about pandas' secrets through the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which is free to enter but requires advance reservation and is closed on Mondays.

After lunch, drive about 2.5 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. Carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers: the Dadu, Min, and Qingyi, the 1200-year-old Grand Buddha at a towering height of 71 meters (233 feet) and 28m (92ft) wide. His shoulders span 28m, and each of his big toes is 8.5m long. His ears are 7m. The Buddhist monk Haitong conceived the project in AD 713, hoping that Buddha would protect the boats and calm the lethal currents.

To witness this architectural marvel from a unique and captivating perspective, you can board a boat (about 20~30 minutes) to view the statue from the water. This allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Leshan Giant Buddha. The play of light and shadow, coupled with the surrounding natural beauty, enhances the ethereal experience. Immersed in this extraordinary setting, one can't help but be reminded of the local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain.” Indeed, he is grand.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Chengdu downtown.

In the morning, you'll be transferred to the Chengdu East Railway Station for the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (about 4 hours). Zhangjiajie is the real-life inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains from the movie Avatar! Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Area (27km, 40 minutes' drive).

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

The Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区), situated in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and a World Geological Park. As the world's rare quartz-sandstone peak forest canyon landform, Wulingyuan is 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.

Free Time in Wulingyuan

After checking in at your hotel, you'll 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's 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.

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

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

In the morning, your first destination will be Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the first national forest park in China. This park showcases a unique landform characterized by towering, varied stone peaks, abundant vegetation, and a majestic landscape. You'll 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'll ascend 326 meters from the valley bottom to the pinnacle of a pillar.

Next, you'll 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), also known as the Floating Mountain (1,074m; 悬浮山), a towering vertical peak standing approximately 150 meters high from the deep valley, resembling a giant 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'll 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 this extraordinary beauty, you'll 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.

Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve

Next, board the sightseeing bus to reach your second tourist site – Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. This area 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 "Son of Heaven" or "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, 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 won't want to miss a view of the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks (御笔峰), 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.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a journey of approximately 56 km that takes about 1.5 hours by car. There, you'll have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Following that, enjoy a delicious lunch before proceeding to Baofeng Lake for a relaxing boat trip. In the late afternoon, you'll be transferred back to Zhangjiajie City.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge

Well-known for its numerous waterfalls and fresh air in the valley, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a must-visit scenic spot in Zhangjiajie, especially for photographers and adventurers. The Glass Bridge is the highlight of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, as it is the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, stretching between two dramatic cliffs. It spans 375 meters in length and stands 300 meters high. Designed by Israeli Haim Dotan Architects, the bridge is capable of accommodating up to 800 people at a time. It is entirely made of glass, with no steel structure. In the middle of the bridge, there is a bungee jumping platform, which is the highest in the world. Here, you can experience the thrill of the highest bungee jump and fulfill your dream of flying like Spider-Man (bungee jump fees are self-pay). Exploring the Glass Bridge typically takes about 1 hour. People from around the world are excited to take on the challenge of walking on the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. While walking on the bridge, you can look down through the crystal-clear base, which hovers above a lush forest and a mist-filled canyon. Standing on the transparent glass feels like floating in the air, offering a superb panoramic view of the entire Grand Canyon. Come and take the skywalk on the glass bridge to showcase your courage to the world!

Baofeng Lake

After you "tremble" on the glass bridge, move to the mirror-like Baofeng Lake to restore your inner peace. From the entrance, you'll take a shuttle bus to reach the pier. Then, take a wooden boat ride on Baofeng Lake, a crystal-clear alpine lake. Spanning 2.5 kilometers in length, 200-1000 meters in width, and with an average depth of 72 meters, Baofeng Lake is nestled in a basin amidst the surrounding mountains. It is adorned with lush green trees and unique rock formations, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation. As you leisurely cruise on the boat, you'll be captivated by the reflections of the magnificent peaks in the water and serenaded by traditional folk songs performed by the local minority people.

After the tour, return to Zhangjiajie City, which is about 35 kilometers away and takes about 1 hour by car, for an overnight stay.

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.

After touring Tianmen Mountain, you’ll be transferred to Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城), located southwest of Zhangjiajie City (211km, 3-hour drive).

Fenghuang Ancient Town 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.

After bidding farewell to Fenghuang, we’ll stop at Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉古镇) en route to Zhangjiajie. Prepare to discover the surreal "Ancient Town Hanging on the Waterfall" from every angle. Unlike anywhere else, this 2,000-year-old gem features a dramatic waterfall cascading through its heart.

Renamed after the 1986 film Hibiscus Town, Furong welcomes you with: Cliffside stilt houses clinging to emerald cliffs; Winding stone alleys steeped in history; A living Tujia culture thriving amid the mist.

With Asia Odyssey Travel, explore highlights of Furong Ancient Town. Visit Xizhou Bronze Pillar Garden (溪州铜柱), where a striking group sculpture depicts the Chu King and the local Tusi (chieftain) signing their peace treaty on the "Xizhou Bronze Pillar." Cast from 5,000 jin of copper, this sacred pillar is deeply revered by the Tujia people. Next, cross Tuwang Bridge (土王桥), a classic covered wind-and-rain bridge. In the morning mist, its reflection alongside the stilt houses creates a living ink-wash painting - a beautiful relic from the Tusi era. Then continue to Youyang Palace (酉阳宫), the summer retreat of past Tusi kings.

Finally, explore the waterfall!!!At Qingxiu Pavilion (观瀑台), behold the 60-meter-wide cascade framed by glowing cliffs. The misty scene feels ethereal - as if the town floats on air. (This is the Instagram moment!) Capture endless photos of this natural masterpiece.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to Zhangjiajie. It is time to end your 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.