Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town

Arrival & Welcome

Arrive in Zhangjiajie — Free Evening

Your journey begins with a warm welcome. Our driver will meet you at the airport or train station at any hour and transfer you to your hotel in Zhangjiajie city.

Once known as Dayong, Zhangjiajie sits in the heart of the Wuling Mountains and holds six golden titles: UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Global Geopark, the namesake of Zhangjiajie landform, China's first national forest park, a national 5A scenic area, and a national civilized scenic spot. Spend the evening at your own pace, soaking in the mountain air.

Into the Wild

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Today you step into the landscape that inspired Pandora. We begin with a gentle walk along Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi), a 6.5-kilometer ribbon of crystal water winding through peaks and fragrant forest.

Then ascend to Huangshizhai by cable car for panoramic views from Zhangjiajie's largest aerial observation deck. Continue to Yangjiajie, where sheer cliffs rise like ancient city walls, and finish at Yuanjiajie — the Avatar Mountains themselves — with its floating pillars, Hallelujah Peak, and the natural stone bridge that seems to hang between worlds.

• Golden Whip Stream valley walk
• Huangshizhai cable car & summit views
• Yangjiajie & Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains)
• First Bridge Under Heaven

Beneath the Surface

Yellow Dragon Cave & Baofeng Lake

Descend into Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave), a UNESCO-listed karst wonder and one of the world's most complete underground palaces. Walk its water-and-land route past stone forests, underground rivers, and the legendary Sea-Suppressing Needle — a 19.2-meter stalagmite insured for 100 million yuan.

In the afternoon, drift across Baofeng Lake by boat. Surrounded by mirrored peaks and cascading waterfalls, this is the "world classic of lakes" — a place where locals say fairies once bathed. Listen to traditional folk songs echoing from the shore as you glide through the gorge.

• Yellow Dragon Cave karst exploration
• Sea-Suppressing Needle stalagmite
• Baofeng Lake boat cruise
• Traditional folk song performance

Heaven's Gate

Tianmen Mountain, Tusi City & Fenghuang

Ride Asia's longest aerial cable car up Tianmen Mountain, soaring over the famous 99 Bends road. At the summit, walk the cliff-hanging Glass Skywalk and stand before Tianmen Cave — the world's highest natural mountain arch, piercing the clouds like a gate to the heavens.

After lunch, visit Tusi City to explore the preserved architecture of the Tusi chieftain era and learn about the region's unique feudal administration and feng shui traditions. By evening, arrive in Fenghuang Ancient Town as the lanterns flicker to life along the Tuo River.

• Asia's longest cable car ride
• Tianmen Cave & Glass Skywalk
• Tusi City cultural visit
• Fenghuang Ancient Town evening arrival

Farewell to Xiangxi

Fenghuang Ancient Town, Miao Village & Departure

Wake to the soft sound of the Tuo River. Stroll the ancient stone streets, cross the rainbow bridge, and admire the stilted houses that inspired generations of poets. Then journey to a nearby Miao Village for an immersive cultural experience.

Pass the "Beautiful Maiden Gate" with song and rice wine, witness traditional Miao wedding customs, and share a special long-table banquet — a communal feast laid out along a single table that stretches through the village. After lunch, we transfer you back to Zhangjiajie for your onward journey.

• Fenghuang morning stroll & stilted houses
• Miao Village cultural immersion
• Long-table banquet lunch
• Return transfer to Zhangjiajie