Guizhou, Mount Fanjing Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Tour

Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, serves as the gateway for this Guizhou and Zhangjiajie tour. Known for its pleasant climate, rich ethnic diversity, and stunning karst landscapes, Guizhou is a hidden gem in southwest China. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, you will be greeted by your local guide and driver and transferred to Anshun.

On the way, stop at Tianlong Tunbao, a well-preserved Ming dynasty military settlement. This unique village preserves the ancient lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the Ming dynasty, which have been maintained for centuries. Locals still wear traditional Ming-style costumes, speak the Tunbao dialect, and uphold ancient customs. A highlight of your visit is the Ground Opera (Dixi), one of the oldest operas in China. Performed to tell stories, offer sacrifices, and entertain, Dixi Opera is a cultural treasure left by the Tunbao people and provides a fascinating glimpse into their heritage.

After the visit, continue to Anshun for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a drive to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia’s largest and most famous waterfalls, located in the Huangguoshu Scenic Area. Standing 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide, it is the largest waterfall in China and a highlight of Guizhou province. Explore the scenic area, including the renowned Water-Curtain Cave, a natural cave behind the waterfall where you can walk through and enjoy a unique perspective of the cascading falls. Stroll along the well-maintained paths to take in panoramic views of the waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.

In the late afternoon, return to Guiyang for the overnight.

Today, drive to Kaili, stopping first at the Gaoyao Rice Terraces, considered one of China’s top 10 most beautiful rice terraces. Admire the breathtaking scenery of cascading terraces that stretch across the hills, a testament to the ingenuity of local farming practices.

Next, drive to visit Shiqiao Miao Village, known for its ancient traditional paper-making techniques. Watch skilled artisans demonstrate the centuries-old process of creating handmade paper from tree bark, an important craft in Miao culture.

Finally, head to Matang Gejia Village, a settlement of the Gejia ethnic group, to witness their unique batik dyeing techniques. Learn about the intricate process of creating patterns on fabric using wax and dye, a skill passed down through generations.

In the evening, arrive in Kaili and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Begin your day with a visit to Nanhua Village, a Long-Skirt Miao settlement surrounded by ancient trees. Explore its traditional wooden stilt houses and learn about the coexistence of ancestral worship and Christianity, symbolized by the Sunday church and the butterfly altar used during festivals.

Then continue the visit to Langde Long-Skirt Miao Village, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional wine-blocking ceremony. Enjoy a lively cultural performance showcasing Miao music, dance, and customs. Take time to stroll through the village, meet local families, and admire the stilt houses, reflecting the Miao people’s rich traditions.

In the afternoon, drive to Zhenyuan, a picturesque ancient town along the Wuyang River, known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore Zhenyuan on your own. 

Start your day exploring Zhenyuan Ancient Town, a historic and cultural gem with over 2,000 years of history. Uniquely divided between mountains and water, the Wuyang River flows through the town in an elegant S-shape, creating a picturesque setting. Stroll its narrow streets, admire traditional wooden houses, and ascend to a vantage point for breathtaking views of this riverside town. You’ll also visit the Black Dragon Cave, a stunning cliffside temple blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with intricate designs and panoramic river views. Allow a few hours to fully enjoy its charm.

Afterward, drive to Mount Fanjing (about 3 hours drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most sacred Buddhist mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel near the mountain for an overnight stay.

Start your day at Mount Fanjing (Fanjingshan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Roof of Guizhou.” Renowned for its unique stone forest peaks like Mushroom Rock and Eagle Peak, the mountain showcases nature’s artistry and is a biodiversity haven, home to rare species such as the Guizhou golden snub-nosed monkey.

Begin your ascent with a sightseeing bus to Yu’ao Station, followed by a cable car ride offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. On foot, explore landmarks such as the Mushroom Stone, Old Golden Summit, and Red Clouds Golden Summit, where twin temples atop rocky spires and sacred Buddhist sites offer breathtaking vistas. The hike is challenging yet rewarding, immersing you in Fanjingshan’s natural and spiritual wonders.

After the visit, descend the mountain via cable car and sightseeing bus, and take a 1.5-hour drive to Fenghuang Ancient City (Phoenix Ancient City), renowned for its centuries-old stilted wooden houses, ancient city walls, and its picturesque setting along the Tuojiang River. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening or enjoy the enchanting night view of Fenghuang Ancient city.

Start your morning with a wooden boat ride along the Tuojiang River, the lifeline of Fenghuang Ancient City. Admire the stilted wooden houses suspended on wooden pillars, picturesque bridges, and the town’s timeless charm.

Along the way, visit the Wanming Pagoda, the Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge, and the Tuojiang Jumping Rock, a historic stone pathway perfect for photos. End your tour with a visit to Liu Da Pao, a local artist, to see a demonstration of traditional batik techniques, a unique craft of the region.

After lunch, bid farewell to Fenghuang as you set off for Zhangjiajie. En route, stop at Furong Ancient Town (Hibiscus Town), a charming Tujia settlement known for its cascading waterfall and traditional Tujia-style houses. Stroll through the town to experience the local lifestyle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the waterfall that runs through its center.

Continue your drive to Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan District, where you will check into your hotel and rest.

Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Park, renowned for its unique karst mountains and picturesque forests. Begin your adventure with a thrilling ride on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest and fastest open elevator, which takes you to Yuanjiajie, known as the “Backyard Garden” of the park. This core scenic area of the Wulingyuan Nature Reserve boasts majestic mountains, peculiar peaks, and breathtaking sights. Don’t miss the iconic First Bridge, a natural stone arch spanning 20 meters between two peaks, offering stunning views of valleys, swaying pines, and steaming mist.

Continue to Tianzi Mountain, where you’ll marvel at the panoramic views of peaks rising in succession. Known for its four wonders—the Sea of Clouds, Moonlight Radiance, Sunshine Rays, and Winter Snow.

Finally, take a cable car down and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery (mini train available as an option). Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to relax.

Today, continue your journey in Zhangjiajie National Park, starting with a visit to Huangshizhai. Known as the heart of Zhangjiajie, this scenic area offers some of the most concentrated and breathtaking views of the park’s iconic karst landscapes. Take in the sweeping vistas and marvel at the towering peaks and unique rock formations.

Next, explore Golden Whip Creek, a serene and picturesque valley often praised as “the most beautiful valley in the world.” Walk along the crystal-clear streams, admire the cascading waterfalls, and discover the exotic flora and fauna that thrive in this tranquil environment. The creek’s poetic charm and natural beauty make it a favorite among travelers.

In the afternoon, visit the Four Creeks Gate, an enchanting area on the eastern side of the park, offering peaceful trails and stunning natural scenery. Afterward, return to your hotel to relax.

Morning drive to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you can challenge yourself to walk across the world’s highest and longest glass bridge – Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, which arches approximately 400 meters above the valley floor and stretches 370 meters in length. This transparent marvel offers breathtaking views and a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Next, head to Tianmen Mountain National Park, also known as Heaven Gate Mountain, via the world’s longest cable car (7,500 meters). Enjoy the ride as you ascend over lush forests and dramatic cliffs, marveling at the famous 99-hairpin road winding up the mountainside. At the base platform, climb the Heaven Reaching Ladder, a long flight of stairs leading to Tianmen Cave, a massive, natural water-eroded cave and one of the highest-elevation caves in the world.

At the mountain’s summit, take a walk along the skywalk, a glass pathway clinging to the cliffs, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

In the late afternoon or evening, transfer to the airport for your departure, end the travel with WindhorseTour.