Zhangjiajie. O/N Wulingyuan.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - On this full-day tour, our guide will meet you at 9:00am in the lobby of your hotel in central Zhangjiajie city or Wulingyuan. We will explore various mountain areas, including Tianzi Mountain, where the world’s longest cable car ride takes you to the summit, and the unique platform-shaped Yuanjiajie Mountain.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to over 500 species of wildlife and vegetation, including rare monkeys, gingko trees, and thousands of colorful birds. The park’s most notable features are its hundreds of towering sandstone pillars. Fans of Hollywood blockbusters will recognize the stunning landscape as the inspiration for Pandora in James Cameron’s movie Avatar.

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Zhangjiajie - Located north of Zhangjiajie City, Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a captivating tourist destination and one of China’s 40 famous scenic spots. Known as ‘The Amplified Miniature Landscape and the Contracted Fairyland,’ it was added to the ‘World Heritage List’ in 1992.

Wulingyuan boasts natural beauty where mountains, valleys, forests, caves, lakes, and waterfalls exist in harmony. There are over 560 attractions here. The uniquely-shaped peaks, peculiar stones, hidden valleys, wonderful waters, and limestone caves form the ‘Five Wonders’ of Wulingyuan, which are truly worth seeing.

Covering 690 square kilometers (266 square miles), Wulingyuan Scenic Area includes four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, and the newly added Yangjiajie Scenic Area.

Today, our tour will visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

Tianzi Mountain - After purchasing the main park entrance tickets, we will take a shuttle bus (20 minutes) to the Tianzi Mountain cable station and walk up 200 steps to reach the station.

Tianzi Mountain Clouds - After a 20-minute cable car ride, we will reach the top of Tianzi Mountain and take another shuttle bus (5 minutes) to the central area. This area offers stunning views of peaks rising one after another, known as ‘the Monarch of the Peak Forest.’ Visitors can see the full extent of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area from the top. The mountain offers beautiful scenes in different seasons, with four wonders: the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine, and Snow in winter.

WulongZhai - A highlight in Yangjiajie, WulongZhai features one platform and three gates that must be passed to reach the top of the stockaded village. The village has three peaks offering views of the surrounding scenery. It is strategically positioned, making it easy to defend and difficult to conquer, and has historically been a bandit stronghold.

Zhangjiajie Tianbofu Scenic Resort - Located in Yangjiajie Scenic Area, this resort is both magnificent and charming, with many steep and angular cliffs. The fantastic scenes are hidden among the stone mountains and cliffs. Walking along the stone path on the steep cliffs is an exciting and adventurous experience.

BaiLong Elevator - After visiting Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain), we will take a shuttle (15 minutes) to the Bailong Elevator. The elevator is 335 meters (1,099 feet) tall, with a running height of 326 meters (1,069 feet). Of the total height, 154 meters (505 feet) is in the mountain wells, and the remaining 172 meters (564 feet) is composed of steel derrick and other components. The elevator includes three parallel sightseeing elevators, each accommodating 50 passengers and traveling at 3 m/s (accelerated to 5 m/s since 2013). If all three elevators run simultaneously, they can transport 4,000 passengers per hour.

Golden Whip Brook - Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian Stream) is renowned for its pristine water, verdant mountains, steep cliffs, and serene valley. It is a paradise for plants, with pathways adorned by flowers, trees, and grasses, and a kingdom of animals. Named after Golden Whip Crag, its landmark spot, the stream runs from Laomo Bay to Shui Rao Si Men (water-surrounded gates). We will hike for about an hour along the stream, then take a shuttle out of the park and return to the hotel.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge - After visiting the national park, we will head to the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge area. Although we won’t have time to visit the Grand Canyon, we will see the bridge. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, also known as the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Skywalk, is the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, hanging over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. From a distance, it looks like a piece of white silk floating between the clouds and fog, hence its nickname Yuntiandu, meaning “a way of clouds to the sky.” Standing on it, if you dare, you can have a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon.

Tianmen Mountain. O/N Zhangjiajie.

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - Discover the sacred and mysterious Tianmen Mountain with the help of a local guide on this private, full-day tour from Zhangjiajie. Ride the longest cable car in the world to visit Tianmen Mountain Temple and marvel at the spectacular Tianmen Cave.

Among the many scenic spots in Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain stands out. On this private, full-day tour, you will experience a thrilling ride to the top of Tianmen Mountain on the world’s longest cable car, nearly 4.5 miles long.

Pass over farmers’ fields as you ascend the mountainside into the thick clouds above. At the top of Tianmen Mountain, you’ll find the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, offering captivating views when not obstructed by clouds and mist.

Located on the mountain’s summit, Tianmen Mountain Temple has been a pilgrimage site since the Ming Dynasty and is the Buddhist center of western Hunan. The mountain is also home to many rare plant species, but it is most famous for the rare and marvelous geological formation of Tianmen Cave. Embedded in the towering cliff, this natural wonder has attracted emperors, hermits, dignitaries, and daredevils for centuries. Its exact origin remains scientifically unexplained.

Zhangjiajie-Furong-Fenghuang. O/N Fenghuang.

Xiangxi Hibiscus Town - Today, we will transfer to Fenghuang from Zhangjiajie or Wulingyuan. On the way, we will stop at Hibiscus Old Town for a 2-hour visit. Located in Yongshun County in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of western Hunan Province, Furong Ancient Town (or Hibiscus Ancient Town) was originally known as Wangcun Village. It was renamed after the famous movie Hibiscus Town was filmed there. Furong Ancient Town is home to a mix of Tujia, Miao, and Han people, with Tujia people making up more than 80% of the population.

Phoenix Ancient Town - Next, we will drive for 2 hours (125 km) to Phoenix Ancient Town, known for its ethnic minority culture and picturesque landscape. The town’s flagged lanes, stilt houses along the river, and ancient city wall tell the story of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Upon arrival, our guide will help you check in and then show you around the old town in the afternoon or evening.

Fenghuang–Fanjingshan Mountain–Zhenyuan. O/N Zhenyuan

Mount Fanjing - Today, we will transfer to Zhenyuan Old Town, a 3.5-hour drive (207 km). On the way, we will stop at Tongren Fanjing Mountain. Located in Tongren, Guizhou Province, Fanjingshan (Mount Fanjing) is the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains in southwestern China, with an elevation of 2,570 meters. The Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve was established in 1978 and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986.

Zhenyuan–Kaili. O/N Kaili

Miao Village - After visiting Zhenyuan Town, we will transfer to Kaili and visit the Miao villages before checking into the hotel. We will visit the Lanhua, Jidao, and Langde Miao villages, which are located near Kaili and require a one-hour drive from the city center. Langde Village is 30 km from Kaili, surrounded by green mountains and situated beside a crystal-clear stream. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with “block-the-way” wine, a local custom. Twelve tables are placed along the path from the highroad to the village gate. You will then visit traditional Miao-style stilt houses and enjoy sweet Miao folk songs. Afterward, you can freely walk on the cobblestone or bluestone roads and courtyards in the village.

Kaili–Congjiang-Basha–Zhaoxing. O/N Zhaoxing

Xiaohuang Village - At 8:30am, our guide will meet you at your Kaili hotel and transfer you to Congjiang Yintan Dong Village, a three-hour drive. This village is similar to Xiaohuang Village. Located about 20 km from Congjiang, Yintan Dong Village is one of the most representative Dong villages in Guizhou, known for its Dong buildings and daily life. Although the houses are relatively recent (50-100 years old), they adhere to traditional Dong architectural rules. The village’s drum tower, soaring 21 feet high, is a central feature. Travelers will feel immersed in time amidst the well-preserved buildings.

Zhaoxing DongZhai - After visiting Basha Village, we will drive for one hour via the highway to Liping Zhaoxing Dong Village, where you will stay overnight. Located in Liping County, southeast of Guizhou Province, Zhaoxing Dong Village is one of the largest Dong villages in the Qiandongnan area. The village features wooden-stilt houses and is surrounded by verdant mountains with a crystal stream running through. It offers a picturesque setting with a unique ethnic flavor.

Zhaoxing Dong Village–Chengyang Dong Village–Longji Terraces. O/N Ping’an Village

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge - Our guide will meet you at 9:00am at your hotel, and we will drive for 2 hours to Chengyang Dong Village. After purchasing entrance tickets, our driver and guide will take you to the car park near the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, and we will walk through the bridge into the villages. Built in 1916, the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, also known as Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge, spans the Linxi River in Sanjiang County. It is 64.4 meters (73.43 yards) long, 3.4 meters (3.72 yards) wide, and 10.6 meters (34.78 feet) high. Constructed with wood and stones, the bridge’s surface is paved with wooden boards, and both sides are inlaid with railings. The bridge features five tower-like kiosks with ‘horns’ and eaves resembling flapping bird wings.

Chengyang Bridge Scenic Resort - After crossing the Chengyang Bridge, you will enter Chengyang Village. Located in the northern part of Sanjiang County, bordering Guizhou to the northwest and Hunan to the northeast, Hengyang Village comprises eight small villages. You will enjoy many Wind and Rain Bridges, Drum Towers, traditional wooden houses, rice fields, bamboo water wheels, and villager dance and song performances. You may also visit traditional Dong homes and a carpenter’s family, savor local dishes, and learn about the ancient customs of the Dong people.

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces - After visiting Chengyang Village, we will drive for 2 hours to the Longji Rice Terraces area. Located in Longsheng County, about 80 km (50 miles) from Guilin and 140 km (90 miles) from Yangshuo, the construction of the Longji Rice Terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and continued until the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Covering 66 square kilometers (16,308 acres) and spanning an altitude between 300 meters (984 feet) and 1,100 meters (3,608 feet), the terraces include two main viewing areas: Ping’an Zhuang Village Terraced Fields and Jinkeng Terraced Fields, where Zhuang and Yao Minority people have lived for hundreds of years. In addition to appreciating the rice terraces, visitors can learn about unique customs in the Longsheng rice terraces scenic area.

Ping’an Village - After entering the Longji Rice Terraces area, we will check into the hotel at Ping’an Village or Dazhai Village and stay overnight.

Longji Rice Terraces–Guilin. O/N Guilin or Yangshuo

Longji Mountain - In the morning, you can visit the Ping’an Village terraces or, if you prefer, the Dazhai Village terraces. Please discuss with our guide. From Longji Terraces, it is a 2-hour drive to Guilin.

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) - After visiting the Longji Rice Terraces, we will drive for 2 hours to reach the Guilin Reed Flute Cave. Known as “the Palace of Natural Arts,” this landmark and tourist attraction in Guilin is a natural limestone cave with multicolored lighting. It has been one of Guilin’s most interesting attractions for over 1,200 years and is over 180 million years old.

Guilin - Today’s itinerary is flexible. If you are leaving Guilin on Day 9, we will stay in Yangshuo tonight to attend the Impression show. After the show, we will stay in Yangshuo. On Day 9, we can drop you off at the Guilin airport or train station after the tour.

Yangshuo. The tour ends.

Xianggong Mountain - At 9:00am, our guide will meet you at your Guilin or Yangshuo hotel and transfer you to Yangshuo Xianggong Hill. Initially an obscure small karst hill on the west bank of the Li River in Yangshuo County, Xianggong Mountain gained fame after a local photographer won a bronze prize in an international photography contest with pictures taken from its summit. It has since become a popular destination for photographers.

If you have a late flight (later than 18:00), our driver can drop you off at the airport after the Yangshuo tour, or we can drop you off at your Guilin or Yangshuo hotel, and you can find your own way to the airport or train station the next day.

Yulong River - After visiting Xianggong Hill, we will transfer to the Yangshuo Yulong River and take a bamboo boat ride. The Yulong River, with its dramatic karst landscape, silky water, and ancient bridges, is a great place for bamboo rafting. Known as ‘the Little Li River,’ it is a tributary of the Li River. Note: 2 people per boat.

West Street - After the bamboo boat ride, we can have lunch in the West Street area. This is the oldest street in Yangshuo, with a history of over 1,400 years. Located in the center of Yangshuo County, the street has become a window of eastern and western culture and the largest ‘foreign language center’ in China since the 1980s. It is the most prosperous district in Yangshuo, attracting approximately 100,000 foreigners each year for travel or advanced studies. Visitors are drawn to West Street by its unique mix of cultures.

Impression Sanjie Liu - At 6:40pm, our guide will meet you in the West Street area and head to the Impression Sanjie Liu Light Show. You should have dinner before the show, as our driver will take you back to the hotel directly after the show. We will help you book the show tickets. Unlike other shows in enclosed spaces, the Impression of Liu Sanjie stages on the actual Li River, stretching 2 km (1.25 miles). The mist, moonlight, 12 karst peaks, and their reflections in the river create a spectacular natural backdrop. The large-scale light system, special smoke-effect system, and overwhelming sound system harmonize with the natural landscape to present a visual feast to the audience.

• Private car and personal guide for a more intimate experience
• All costs for the driver and car are covered, no hidden fees
• Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning for a pleasant journey

• The entrance tickets around 1800CNY per person
• The food and hotel