Explore Western Hunan | Zhangjiajie + Fenghuang Ancient Town 5 Days 4 Nights Highlights Tour

Welcome to Zhangjiajie. Our driver will be waiting at the exit of the airport or railway station to greet you, then transfer you to your hotel to check in and rest. The rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel, ease any travel fatigue, or wander around the neighbourhood.

Suggested ways to arrive:

1. By air: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) offers a number of direct international routes, such as Malaysia (4h55m) and South Korea (3h35m), plus many direct domestic flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, making it very convenient to reach.

2. By train: Zhangjiajie is also well connected by rail. High-speed trains run from Changsha (2–4h), Fenghuang Ancient Town (1h), Beijing (11h), Shanghai (9h), Guilin (7h) and Guangzhou (13h15m).

Today you'll spend a full day exploring the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. You'll begin at China's first national forest park — Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — riding the scenic mini-train through scenery that resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting and admiring the aptly named Ten-Mile Gallery. We suggest taking the mini-train to the end of the line, then strolling back to take in the views at a relaxed pace.

Afterwards, continue by shuttle bus to the Bailong Elevator, honoured as the "world's No. 1 lift". This glass elevator once held the Guinness World Record for the tallest outdoor lift and is also the fastest and heaviest outdoor sightseeing elevator, carrying you smoothly from the foot of the mountain to the summit in just 66 seconds — a thrilling ride from deep valley to cloud level.

On reaching the summit platform you can take in the magnificent surrounding peaks, then hike into the real-life world of Pandora — Yuanjiajie. This is where scenes from the film Avatar were shot and the home of the real-life Hallelujah Mountain (formerly known as the South Heaven Pillar). Following the walkways, you'll visit highlights such as Mystifying Terrace and the Back Garden, immerse yourself in Zhangjiajie's fantastical peaks, and learn about the area's distinctive geology and landforms as you go.

Next, take the shuttle to the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, known as the "king of peak forests". Here you'll walk to Helong Park to see the bronze statues of Marshal He Long and his warhorse, and enjoy the spectacle of jagged peaks from the nearby viewing platforms. Then head to Jiangtai (Reviewing Stand) to look out over the spectacular Xihai peak forest, where the peaks stand like ranked soldiers — an unforgettable sight. Afterwards, return to your hotel to rest.

After breakfast, set off for the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, celebrated as "one of the most beautiful canyons in the world", and walk across the world's longest and highest fully transparent glass bridge — the Yuntiandu Glass Bridge. This is the world's first cable-stayed, large-variable-space glass suspension bridge. Around 375 metres long and paved with 99 panels of fully transparent glass, it looks as thin as a cicada's wing from afar, seeming to vanish into the sky and water. The deck sits about 300 metres above the canyon floor, so you can take in the whole magnificent gorge from the bridge — or look straight down into the depths below. A truly thrilling experience.

Afterwards, visit the mirror-like Baofeng Lake. Nestled among encircling mountains, its clear emerald water reflects the blue sky, white clouds and surrounding peaks like a finely painted ink scroll. Board a traditional-style boat to glide between the mountains and take in the beauty of lake and hills at an unhurried pace.

This morning you'll visit Tianmen Mountain National Park, about 8 km from downtown Zhangjiajie. Known as Western Hunan's most sacred mountain, it suits visitors of all ages. You'll ride the cable car straight to the summit (about 30 minutes), enjoying sweeping views of the 99-bend winding road and the dramatic surrounding peaks along the way.

At the top, you'll set off on two exciting cliff-walkway hikes. First is the fully transparent glass walkway, 1.6 metres wide and 60 metres long — walking on it feels like strolling above the clouds, with towering mountains beside you and a dizzying drop below. Next is the 1,600-metre Ghost Valley Plank Road, clinging to the cliff face like a giant dragon, offering panoramic views of the mountains — both thrilling and spectacular.

Then visit Tianmen Temple, one of only five Buddhist temples in the world to have preserved a Buddha relic, and continue to Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the highest point in the Tianmen Mountain scenic area, for a full panorama.

Afterwards, take the escalator to Heaven's Gate (Tianmen Cave), the highlight of Tianmen Mountain and the world's highest natural arch through a mountain. Once you've finished admiring it, you can either walk down the steep 999 steps or take the elevator directly to the cable car station and ride back down.

Then travel by road (about 3.5h) or high-speed rail (1h) to Fenghuang Ancient Town. (Transfer note: for smaller groups, we may arrange for your guide to accompany you on the high-speed train between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town.)

This morning, follow your guide deeper into Fenghuang Ancient Town, made famous internationally by the classic novel Border Town. You'll visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, the celebrated Chinese writer and author of Border Town; the house preserves original manuscripts and other personal belongings, offering insight into the writer's life and his bond with the town, alongside elegant traditional courtyard architecture of southern China. Nearby, the East Gate Tower offers panoramic views over the ancient town and the Tuojiang River.

Finally, don't miss Rainbow Bridge, the town's landmark. Built over the Tuojiang River, it's the best spot to photograph the reflections of the densely packed stilt houses along both banks. On either side of the bridge are tea houses and shops selling local handicrafts — browse for distinctive souvenirs, and watch local Miao silversmiths and batik artisans at work.

Afterwards, this wonderful Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town small-group tour comes to an end. Our driver will transfer you to Zhangjiajie's airport or railway station for your onward journey.