Day1 arrives in Zhangjiajie and then proceeds to Wulingyuan.

You are responsible for preparing your own meals during the meal period.

Accommodation in Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Welcome to Zhangjiajie! Our tour guide will meet you at the airport exit and escort you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area for check-in. The journey covers 35 kilometers and takes approximately one hour by car. After arriving at the hotel, you can freely arrange your time.
Free-time suggestions: Explore Xibu Old Street, where you can visit shops selling local Xiangxi folk cultural souvenirs or traditional handicrafts, stroll through the historic streets to admire distinctive Tujia ethnic architecture, and savor local delicacies such as frog cake and Tujia fried rice – iconic dishes of Hunan cuisine.
Recommended arrival method:
Air connectivity: Zhangjiajie Lotus International Airport (DYG) offers numerous international direct flights to destinations such as Malaysia (4h 55m) and South Korea (3h 35m), along with extensive domestic routes to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, ensuring exceptional transportation convenience.
Railway: Zhangjiajie boasts a well-developed rail network. You can reach the city by high-speed train from cities such as Changsha (2–4 hours), Fenghuang Ancient City (1 hour), Beijing (11 hours), Shanghai (9 hours), Guilin (7 hours), and Guangzhou (13 hours and 15 minutes).
Additional Information:
Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Recognized as one of China's top ten tourist destinations, Wulingyuan Scenic Area is not only a World Natural Heritage site but also among China's first batch of Global Geoparks. It comprises several scenic areas including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzishan Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Our itinerary primarily focuses on visiting the most popular and representative sites: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzishan Nature Reserve.

 Day2 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to Tianzishan Nature Reserve: Bailong Sky Ladder + Yuanjiajie (Hallelujah Mountain) + Tianzishan.

Dining: Includes breakfast and lunch

Accommodation in Wulingyuan Scenic Area

After breakfast, you will visit China's first national forest park – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. First, you will take a scenic area sightseeing vehicle to the Bailong Sky Elevator, renowned as the "World's Highest Elevator." This elevator once broke the Guinness World Record for the tallest outdoor elevator and is also the fastest and heaviest outdoor sightseeing elevator, capable of transporting you smoothly from the mountain base to the summit in just 66 seconds, allowing you to experience the thrill of ascending directly from a secluded valley to the clouds in an instant.
Upon reaching the summit platform, you can take in the breathtaking mountain scenery around you before hiking into a real-life version of Pandora – Yuanjiajie. This site served as the filming location for the movie Avatar and is home to the actual Harriet Hill (formerly known as South Pillar). Here, you can explore along designated trails, visiting key attractions such as the Back Garden, Enchanting Platform, and the World's First Bridge (a natural stone bridge and a landmark of Yuanjiajie). Along the way, you'll be immersed in the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie while gaining deeper insights into its unique geological features.
Next, take the sightseeing bus to the Tianzishan Nature Reserve, renowned as the "King of Peak Forests." Here, you will first visit the Command Platform to enjoy a panoramic view of the spectacular Xihai Peak Forest, then proceed to Yubi Peak—the representative feature of this forest system—to admire rows of straight peaks resembling brush strokes. Finally, hike to Helong Park to visit the bronze statues of Marshal He Long and his warhorse, and stop at the nearby Tianzi Pavilion for a comprehensive overview of the entire National Forest Park. After completing your tour, return to the hotel for rest.

Day3 Tianmen Mountain to Furong Town: cable car ride + visit to Tianmen Cave + glass walkway experience + night view of Furong Town.

Dining: Includes breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Furong Town

This morning, you will visit Tianmenshan National Forest Park, located approximately 8 kilometers from downtown Zhangjiajie. Recognized as the premier sacred mountain in western Hunan, it is suitable for visitors of all ages. You'll take a cable car to the summit—a journey taking about 30 minutes—where you can enjoy panoramic views of the 99 winding mountain roads along the way and the surrounding breathtaking landscapes.
Upon reaching the mountaintop, you will embark on two thrilling hiking journeys along the boardwalks. First, you'll walk the fully transparent glass boardwalk measuring 1.6 meters wide and 60 meters long; walking on it feels like strolling above the clouds, with majestic mountain scenery surrounding you and a bottomless valley below – an truly exhilarating experience. Next, you'll traverse the 1,600-meter-long Guigu Boardwalk, which winds like a giant dragon along the cliff face, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains throughout your journey – both thrilling and spectacular.
Next, visit Tianmen Temple—one of only five Buddhist temples worldwide that preserve Buddha's relics. You can also head to Yunmeng Xianting, the highest point in the Tianmen Mountain scenic area, from where you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Next, take the escalator to Tianmen Cave—the must-see attraction in the Tianmen Mountain scenic area and the world's highest natural karst cave. After visiting, you can choose to hike up the steep 999 steps or take the elevator directly to the cable car station for a downhill ride.
Next, take a vehicle (approximately 2.5 hours) to Furong Town, located southwest of Zhangjiajie. This millennium-old town is perched above a majestic waterfall; the grand cascade flows through the town, harmonizing beautifully with its traditional stilted houses and lush surrounding scenery, creating a truly picturesque landscape.
Upon arriving in Furong Town, you can stroll through the ancient town, admire its distinctive Tujia architectural style, and experience the local leisurely lifestyle. As night falls, the city lights shine brilliantly while the waterfall is illuminated, creating a stunning nighttime view perfect for photography. Around 7:30 PM, visit Baishou Hall and Yinan Square to watch performances and gain an immersive understanding of the local Tujia history, culture, and customs. Finally, spend the night in Furong Ancient Town.

Day 4 Furong Town - Fenghuang County: Furong Town + Fenghuang Ancient City

The meal includes breakfast.

Accommodation: Fenghuang Ancient City

This morning, you will explore Furong Town in depth to discover more of its rich history. First, visit the Xizhou Bronze Pillar Garden, a group sculpture depicting the scene where ancient Chu kings signed peace treaties with local Tujia chieftains; here, guided by your tour guide, you can gain insight into the historical events of the Tujia people. Next, proceed to Tujia King Bridge, a typical example of a Tujia circular building featuring upturned eaves and a majestic appearance, making it one of the most popular spots for visitors to photograph. Then, visit Youyang Palace within the Tujia King's residence, which once served as the summer retreat for the chieftain. Finally, head to the Waterfall Viewing Platform to admire the largest and most spectacular waterfall in western Hunan, enjoying its magnificent sight cascading down under the sunlight while capturing perfect travel photos.

Subsequently, travel approximately 116 kilometers by vehicle to Fenghuang Ancient City, one of China's most beautiful ancient cities, renowned for its rustic charm, diverse folk culture, and picturesque scenery. Nestled between mountains and water, the city is traversed by the Tuo River. Its cobblestone streets, stilted houses along the riverbank, numerous historical buildings, and vibrant Miao ethnic traditions collectively create a unique Xiangxi ambiance. Upon arrival, you can take a boat tour along the Tuo River to fully immerse yourself in the coastal landscapes. As night falls, the city's nighttime view becomes truly spectacular—you may stroll through the ancient town, admire its dazzling lights, savor local delicacies, or experience the distinctive bars of the area.

Day5 leaves the ancient city of Fenghuang.

The meal includes breakfast.

stay, put up, stop at, get accommodation, quarter

This morning, you are free to explore the [Phoenix Ancient City], which has gained international renown due to the famous literary work Border Town. You may start by visiting the former residence of Shen Congwen, a renowned Chinese writer and author of Border Town. The residence preserves original manuscripts and other personal artifacts. Strolling through it, you can gain a deeper understanding of this literary giant's connection with the ancient city, as well as admire the simple yet elegant architecture of traditional Chinese courtyard houses in southern China. Afterwards, you can head to the nearby Dongmen Ancient City Tower, where you can stand atop the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city and the Tuo River.
Additionally, the iconic Hongqiao Bridge in Fenghuang Ancient City is a must-see attraction. Built over the Tuo River, it offers the perfect vantage point to capture reflections of the densely packed stilted houses along its banks. Flanking the bridge are numerous teahouses and shops selling local handicrafts – ideal for browsing exquisite, regionally distinctive items – as well as observing live demonstrations by Miao silver artisans and batik craftsmen at work.
After completing the tour, this exciting surreal journey through Zhangjiajie, Hunan will come to an end. Our driver will take you to the airport or train station for your next destination.
We sincerely thank you for choosing Menglv Travel and for entrusting us with your Zhangjiajie trip arrangements. We look forward to serving you again on your future journey to China and embarking on a new exciting adventure together.