Zhangjiajie, Furong and Fenghuang Tour

Upon arrival at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport or the train station, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan.

If you arrive before midday, you have the option to visit the Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in the afternoon, about 40 minutes from Wulingyuan by car. Entrance fee is not included and is at your own expense. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the visit.

Overnight in Wulingyuan.

Today is a full day inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, focusing on Yuanjiajie (the Avatar Mountains area) and Tianzi Mountain.

Enter the park via the East Gate and take the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie. This area is known for its towering sandstone pillars, including the formation that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Walk between key viewpoints such as the “First Bridge Under Heaven,” a natural stone arch spanning a deep canyon, and several scenic platforms overlooking the peak forest.

Continue by shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain scenic area, one of the highest viewpoints in the park. From here, you’ll see thousands of sandstone pillars stretching across the landscape, often surrounded by mist and cloud. Walk along the main paths to several viewpoints before descending by cable car.

If time and energy allow, optional visits such as Ten Mile Gallery or Yangjiajie can be included.

Today you will spend another day at Zhangjiajie National Forest park. Morning enter the park via the South Gate and take the cable car up to Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Village), one of the best natural viewpoints in Zhangjiajie. Walk the summit loop for sweeping views across the sandstone peaks and forested valleys.

In the afternoon, explore Golden Whip Stream, a scenic valley trail following a clear stream through forest and rock formations. You can walk a section of the trail at your own pace, depending on how much time you’d like to spend.

Later in the day, transfer to Zhangjiajie City for overnight. In the evening you might head to visit 72 Wonder Tower (Qilou Old Street) for Tujia architecture, local snacks, and night views.

Overnight in Zhangjiajie City.

After breakfast, visit Tianmen Mountain (1,518m), often called the soul of Zhangjiajie. Known for its long-distance cableway, Tianmen Cave, and cliffside walkways, it offers a very different landscape from the National Forest Park.

Take the cable car and eco-bus up the famous mountain road with its steep hairpin turns. At Tianmen Cave, climb the 999 steps (or take the optional lift, 32 CNY per person) to reach one of the world’s largest natural cave openings. Continue by escalator to the summit.

At the top, explore the West Route, including the Glass Skywalk, the cliff-hugging Ghost Valley Plank Road, and Tianmen Mountain Temple. On clear days, you’ll have panoramic views over the surrounding peaks.

In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours to Furong Ancient Town. The town is famous for its 60m waterfall that flows right through the centre, traditional Tujia stilt houses built into the cliffs, and one of the best night views in western Hunan. From around 7:30pm, the waterfall and buildings are illuminated, turning the streets into a warm glow of lanterns and coloured lights. Find a riverside restaurant for dinner and catch the included Tujia cultural performance in the evening.

Overnight in Furong Ancient Town.

This morning, enjoy a relaxed walk through Furong Ancient Town. With fewer visitors early in the day, it’s a good time to explore the stone streets, see traditional Tujia-style wooden houses, and take photos from different viewpoints around the waterfall.

After lunch, drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town (about 2–2.5 hours). Set along the Tuojiang River, Fenghuang is known for its well-preserved old houses and riverside setting.

After checking in, the rest of the day is free to explore the town at your own pace. The evening is particularly atmospheric, with lantern-lit streets and reflections along the river.

Overnight in Fenghuang.

After breakfast, take a short boat ride along the Tuojiang River, with views of traditional wooden stilt houses, stone bridges, and daily life along the water.

Continue on a guided walk through the old town, visiting key landmarks such as the Jumping Rock (stepping stones across the river), Rainbow Bridge, and the East Gate Tower, a historic city gate overlooking the river.

Fenghuang is home to Tujia and Miao communities, and depending on the day, you may come across small local performances or traditional craft stalls along the old streets.

In the afternoon, transfer to the train station or airport for your onward journey.