Five-Day Exploration Tour of Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi
Five-Day Exploration Tour of Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-Mile Gallery, Yuanjiajie, Huangshi Village, Jinbian Stream, Tusi Palace, Tianmen Mountain (Glass Skywalk), Furong Town, Phoenix Ancient Town
City
Zhangjiajie
Tour Highlights: "Pure Joy Premium Tour – Travel with Delight"
- Transportation: Luxury VIP 2+1 tour bus with first-class seating for a comfortable journey!
- Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Two entries with four cable car or elevator rides for an in-depth exploration!
- Accommodation: Stay in designated light luxury hotels + unique specialty hotels throughout the trip!
- Special Gifts: Guests who have had a birthday will receive a birthday cake!
- Newlyweds: Free upgrade to a king-size bed room for 2 nights + a Miao blessing gift!
Xiangxi Gourmet Highlights:
- Tujia “Three Pots”: Ethnic flavors, Tujia nostalgia, and childhood tastes.
- Mushroom Wellness Feast: Green, natural, nutritious, and healthy – the secret to Xiangxi wellness with mushroom soup.
Top 5A Scenic Spots – All Included:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (5A): China’s first World Natural Heritage site and National Geological Park. Experience the real-life Pandora from Avatar with its floating mountains up close. Includes a second entry for an in-depth tour of Huangshi Village – “You haven’t truly visited Zhangjiajie without seeing Huangshi Village!”
- Tianmen Mountain (5A): The most beautiful sky garden and celestial Buddhist land. Ride the world’s longest outdoor cable car, walk the glass skywalk, and visit the Tianmen Cave piercing the mountain.
- Furong Town: A trending spot on Douyin (TikTok) – perfect for flooding your social media with stunning photos!
- Phoenix Ancient Town: China’s most romantic ancient town. Admire century-old Tujia stilt houses and lose yourself in its enchanting charm.
Itinerary Overview
| Date | Itinerary | Meals | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Arrive in Zhangjiajie, check into hotel | Self-arranged | Zhangjiajie |
| D2 | Zhangjiajie Forest Park → Ten-Mile Gallery → Tianzi Mountain → Yuanjiajie → Charm of Xiangxi Show | Breakfast/Dinner | Zhangjiajie |
| D3 | Second entry to Huangshi Village → Jinbian Stream → Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park | Breakfast/Dinner | Zhangjiajie |
| D4 | Bus to Tusi Palace → Furong Town → Phoenix Ancient Town Night View | Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner | Phoenix |
| D5 | Phoenix Morning View → Return to Zhangjiajie → Departure | Breakfast/Lunch | Home |
Important Note: This is a reference itinerary. Due to scenic area ticket reservations, crowd control, etc., the order of visits may be flexibly adjusted by the guide without reducing the number of attractions. Complaints about the sequence of attractions will not be accepted.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (D1)
Transportation: Departure City → Zhangjiajie Full-Day Pickup
Meals: No meals arranged today
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
- Travelers arrive in beautiful Zhangjiajie from various starting points via their chosen transportation. Our staff will provide pickup service, escort you to the hotel, assist with check-in procedures, and allow you to rest.
Warm Tips:
- Zhangjiajie Airport/High-Speed Rail Station is approximately 15 minutes from the city center by car.
- If time permits, explore local cultural spots like Nanmenkou, 72 Wonders Building, or Dayong Ancient City on your own, and enjoy Zhangjiajie cuisine nearby, such as braised pork with preserved vegetables, Tujia “three pots,” drum skin, or crayfish.
- Present your ID and pay the room key deposit upon check-in.
- No guide is present on pickup day; the guide will contact you via phone or text to confirm the next day’s departure time and details.
Day 2: Wulingyuan Scenic Area → Ten-Mile Gallery → Tianzi Mountain → Yuanjiajie
- Selected Attractions: Wulingyuan Scenic Area → Ten-Mile Gallery → Tianzi Mountain → Yuanjiajie
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (self-arranged), Dinner (included)
- Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
- Details:
After breakfast, visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area (5A), China’s first national forest park, a World Natural Heritage site, and a World Geological Park. Explore:- Ten-Mile Gallery: A 10+ kilometer valley with rich natural scenery on both sides, like walking through a painting. The rocks form over 200 lifelike shapes, including “Peacock Spreading Feathers,” “Herbalist Elder,” “Longevity Star Greeting Guests,” “Tiger Roaring,” “Couple with Child,” and “Three Sisters Peak.” Optional scenic train available.
- Ride the Tianzi Mountain Golden Cableway up Tianzi Mountain, located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its pristine natural beauty. See unique geological formations like Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Offering Flowers. After rain, the clouds and mist here are spectacular. Visit West Sea Stone Forest, a basin-like canyon with dense peak clusters, dubbed “Sea of Peaks” and “Sea of Trees.” Explore Helong Park, built to commemorate Marshal He Long, featuring his statue and a museum to honor his legacy.
- Tour Yuanjiajie Core Scenic Area, the prototype for Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain (1.5-hour tour). Marvel at floating peaks, misty vistas, the awe-inspiring Soul-Stirring Terrace, and the World’s First Bridge. Descend via the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift. (Due to crowd control, cable cars/elevators are flexibly assigned; specific transportation cannot be requested.)
- Evening: Watch Charm of Xiangxi, a large folk culture show directed by Feng Xiaogang with music by Liu Huan (standard seats included; no refunds or exchanges if not attended). This national cultural demonstration base has been featured on CCTV Spring Festival Gala for three years and has toured globally, showcasing Chinese art and culture.
- Tips:
- Mountain-top dining options are limited; lunch is self-arranged with scenic area snacks available.
- Scenic area transportation uses eco-friendly shuttle buses, not exclusive to one group. Groups may not travel on the same bus. During peak season, expect crowds and queues—meet at the guide’s designated spot to avoid getting lost or leaving items behind. Monkeys are common; do not approach or feed them to avoid incidents.
- Zhangjiajie is mountainous—wear flat shoes (no skirts), and bring rain gear, sun hats, and mosquito repellent.
Day 3 (D3)
Transportation: Yuanjiajie → Bailong Elevator → Jinbian Stream → Ten-Mile Gallery
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel | Lunch: Self-arranged | Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
- Weather permitting, enjoy a sunrise. Take the scenic shuttle bus back into the park to visit Yuanjiajie Core Scenic Area, the filming location of Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain (approx. 1.5 hours). Experience Pandora’s floating mountains and mystical landscapes. See World’s First Bridge, shrouded in mist with towering peaks and endless wonders.
- Descend via the Bailong Elevator (fee included), the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.
- In the afternoon, stroll through Jinbian Stream Grand Canyon, ranked among the top ten scenic spots. Flanked by dramatic cliffs, playful birds, ancient trees, and serene fish, it’s a tranquil escape with “three thousand奇峰 (wondrous peaks)” and “eight hundred秀水 (beautiful waters),” dubbed the world’s most stunning canyon.
- Visit Ten-Mile Gallery Scenic Area (optional sightseeing train: 76 CNY round-trip, self-paid). This ten-mile valley boasts rich natural scenery, with rock formations resembling over 200 figures—people, animals, and birds—including “Peacock Spreading Tail,” “Herbalist Elder,” “Longevity Star Welcoming Guests,” “Tiger Roaring,” “Couple with Child,” and “Three Sisters Peak.”
- In the evening, optionally watch Charming Xiangxi (general admission from 158 CNY/person; book with the guide a day in advance), a grand folk performance directed by Feng Xiaogang with music by Liu Huan. Held at the Charming Xiangxi Theater—a national cultural industry base and top 30 Chinese cultural brand—it has featured on CCTV Spring Festival Gala for three years and toured globally, showcasing China’s artistic heritage.
Warm Tips:
- Scenic park shuttles service all attractions; groups may not share the same vehicle, and belongings should not be left behind. Crowds and queues are common in peak season—please be patient and meet at designated spots.
- The area is home to wild monkeys—avoid provoking them to prevent scratches. Wear flat shoes (no skirts) for mountain touring, and bring rain gear, sun hats, and mosquito repellent.
Day 4: Tusi Palace → Furong Town → Phoenix Ancient Town
- Selected Attractions: Tusi Palace → Furong Town → Phoenix Ancient Town
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (included), Dinner (included)
- Accommodation: Phoenix
- Details:
After breakfast, travel by bus to:- Tusi Palace: Xiangxi Tujia Culture Exhibition Center.
- Furong Town (complimentary ticket, no refunds): A picturesque riverside town along the You River, which has nurtured Tujia people for generations. Known as the “Gateway between Chu and Shu,” it gained fame from the film Furong Town (directed by Xie Jin, starring Liu Xiaoqing and Jiang Wen). Its pristine人文 and serene landscapes make it a modern Hunan tourism gem, with the Furong Town Waterfall and bustling You River Pier.
- Evening: Arrive at Phoenix Ancient Town in mysterious Xiangxi. Enjoy the Seven-Layer Water Curtain Light Show along the Tuojiang River, China’s first Miao culture-themed night tour. Blending Chinese painting, animation, live-action, film visuals, real scenery, and light installations, it showcases Miao heritage. (Canceled during traffic jams, extreme river levels, storms, or special circumstances; no refunds for this complimentary feature.)
- Tips:
- Phoenix uses shuttle services due to traffic restrictions; buses may park at designated spots, requiring a walk to the hotel.
- Some areas feature local product promotions. If purchasing, keep receipts and contact info for after-sales support.
Day 5: Phoenix Morning View → Return to Zhangjiajie
- Selected Attractions: Phoenix Morning View → Zhangjiajie
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (included), Dinner (none)
- Accommodation: Home
- Details:
After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of Phoenix:- The Tuojiang River, Phoenix’s mother river, flows gently by the city wall, nurturing generations. The southern bank features a purple-red sandstone wall with elegant, sturdy East and North towers. The clear, shallow river reveals swaying water plants. Stroll Cuicui Street, a trending spot, to experience Miao culture, crafts, and flavors, reliving Shen Congwen’s Border Town. Savor local treats, admire handicrafts, and immerse in Xiangxi’s intangible heritage—taste century-old ginger candy, Miao blood duck, and aromatic Miao wine. See Huang Yongyu’s giant Stubborn Bull sculpture and the historic Phoenix Miao Silver Forging Station, showcasing Miao silver and “cow horn comb” culture.
- After lunch, return to Zhangjiajie for drop-off or hotel check-in (additional fees for Huaihua or Tongren drop-offs).
- Tips:
- Zhangjiajie drop-offs are typically arranged for departures after 18:30. Phoenix does not accommodate late risers; leaving the group requires a 13:30+ departure.
- Phoenix is an open commercial street with local ginger candy, silver, and batik shops. Guides provide info, but shopping is your choice—complaints or returns from small vendors are not accepted by the agency.
Service Standards
Included Fees:
- Accommodation: 3 nights in 4-diamond hotels + 1 night in a specialty hotel (no single rooms; single supplement at guest’s expense).
- Tickets: First-entry tickets to listed attractions: Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Charm of Xiangxi, Furong Town, Tusi Palace, Phoenix Ancient Town.
- Scenic Transportation: Cable cars/elevators, Tianmen escalators (round-trip), glass skywalk shoe covers, Phoenix shuttle, Furong Town transport.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 main meals (9 dishes + soup, 10 people/table, 30 RMB/person; no refunds/exchanges for unused meals). Includes Tujia “Three Pots” and Mushroom Wellness Feast.
- Transportation: Luxury VIP 2+1 first-class bus, one seat per person, driven by 5+ year experienced drivers. Backup luxury buses with 15% empty seats during peak times.
- Guide: Selected for charm, humor, knowledge, and patient service—excellent commentary throughout.
Shopping:
- No supermarkets, Miao villages, or jade stores.
Reference Hotels:
- Zhangjiajie: Mengtu Hotel, Zhangjiajie Lantian Hotel, Lavande Hotel, Chentian, Longxiang, Chensheng Hotel, Days Hotel, or similar.
- Wulingyuan Area: Bihong Villa, Yuhe Shanzhuang, Bi Gui Yuan Zijin Huashe, Shengweisi Hotel, Ruilong Hotel, or similar.
- Phoenix: Batiya, Junshang, Yunshang Boutique Inn, Yi Phoenix Meisu, Wutong Bieyuan, or similar.
- Note: If designated hotels are unavailable due to events, conferences, or full occupancy, the agency reserves the right to arrange equivalent alternatives.
Discount Policy:
- This itinerary is already discounted; no additional refunds apply.
Important Tips:
- Bring your valid ID: Over 16 requires a 2nd-generation ID; under 16 needs a household registry (group flight tickets are non-transferable, non-changeable, non-refundable; only airport tax refunded if canceled).
- Travelers under 20 or over 70 must have a full-time guardian. Report any medical conditions beforehand—guests are fully responsible for personal accidents due to undisclosed health issues. Safeguard your belongings during the trip.
- Unavoidable factors (natural disasters, traffic, government actions) may prompt itinerary adjustments. The agency will strive for smooth execution, but guests bear extra costs from changes.
- Zhangjiajie hotels provide hot water and AC on a schedule. Check room amenities upon arrival and report issues to the guide or staff. Per Hunan regulations, disposable toiletries aren’t provided—bring your own. Check-out is at 12:00; late check-out incurs extra fees.
- Itinerary order may adjust without reducing attractions. Child rates (under 14) exclude beds/tickets.
- Mid-tour departures are not allowed; such actions are considered breaches of contract—no refunds for rooms, meals, or transport, and the agency isn’t liable for incidents during unsanctioned leave.
- Scattered group tours involve varied arrival times. Brief waits due to flight/train delays are normal; extra costs from missing departure times are guest-borne.
- Check local weather before departure. Xiangxi’s mountainous climate has large day-night temperature swings—bring warm clothing, sun protection, and rain gear. Respect local minority customs. Essentials: raincoat/umbrella, sneakers, cold/stomach medicine, insect repellent, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses.
- Zhangjiajie’s high-altitude terrain involves extensive walking and long drives. Get a health check before travel. Those with heart disease, hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness, diabetes, infectious diseases, anemia, pregnancy, or mobility issues should not join. Concealed conditions leading to accidents are the guest’s responsibility. Over-70s require a safety agreement + recent health certificate from a top-tier hospital + family consent; pregnant women and over-75s are not accepted.
- Complaints are based on the Tourist Feedback Form filled out locally—please complete it accurately. False/absent submissions void subsequent disputes. Raise issues during the trip via the local quality hotline; unresolved issues can be logged locally—otherwise, the agency won’t process them.
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