4 Days Zhangjiajie & Furong Classic Tour

After the morning greeting at your hotel, your guide and driver will escort you to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Upon arrival, your journey begins with the Bailong Elevator, an engineering marvel built into a cliff face with a vertical rise of 326 meters (1,070 ft). In a mere 88 seconds, you’ll be whisked from the valley floor to the summit. Constructing such a colossal structure was no picnic. Workers were suspended by ropes over sheer rock faces to conduct surveys and install components, sometimes even camping in tents on the cliffs. As the elevator doors reopen, you’ll find yourself in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the real-life inspiration for the planet Pandora from the film “Avatar”. Rows of stone pillars rise from the valley, appearing to drift among the clouds when mist shrouds their bases. It was this otherworldly scenery that caught the eye of renowned Hollywood director James Cameron, who was racking his brains as he conceived the Hallelujah Mountain. Since the film’s release, the site has become a global phenomenon and an internet-famous photo spot. 

Next, take the park’s eco‑friendly shuttle to Tianzi Mountain, where more natural wonders – from splashing waterfalls and the dramatic Immortal Bridge to rock arches, karst caves, and stone pillars rising from lush greenery – await. For those lucky enough to visit after a thunderstorm, you may witness a grand ceremony of the “crowning of lights.” When sunlight breaks through the clouds, the whole stone forest is bathed in a golden glow, appearing as if wrapped in a radiant gilded robe. 

After descending by cable car, continue your exploration with a hike along the Golden Whip Stream. Along pristine trails past ancient forests, the gentle murmur of the stream accompanies you, occasionally joined by the calls of monkeys echoing from the forest. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating visible beams that resemble natural spotlights casting golden dots on the pathway. The journey will be capped off with a leisurely tour of the Ten-Mile Gallery by a round-trip sightseeing train. The track is flanked by lush vegetation, wildflowers, and whimsical rock formations that resemble a living landscape scroll. Keep a close watch on those rock pillars, and you’ll be surprised to find one that looks like the profile of an Avatar figure, with his head bowed and hands pressed together, making a wish to the gods.  

At the end of the day, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast in your hotel, hop into your private car, and your guide and driver will accompany you to start today’s sightseeing at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Prepare for a test of your mettle as much as a scenic tour! Upon arrival, let’s head straight to the world-renowned Glass Bridge, the highest and longest of its kind. Standing on its transparent surface, you may feel a wave of vertigo, but the view of dense forests and streams far below can help you steady your nerves. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you can proudly post about the moments that you’ve conquered one of CNN’s “11 most spectacular bridges in the world”, even if your legs are still trembling. If time permits and you’re up for it, we’ll descend into the canyon for a hike to explore its waterfalls, springs, and streams, accompanied by birdsong and glimpses of wildlife. If you wish, enjoy a short boat ride across the sapphire‑like lake.

After lunch, a 1.5-hour car ride will convoy you to the 2,000-plus-year-old Furong Ancient Town. Follow your guide through local wooden stilted residences and check out a folk museum housing the Bronze Pillar recording the history of the local Tujia chieftains. Like feudal lords in Europe, these chieftains maintained their own military, laws, and taxation. However, while European lords often opposed their kings, Chinese chieftains were officially recognized and appointed by the imperial court. Here, a real‑life “Game of Thrones” played out: the chieftain governed with considerable autonomy while pledging loyalty to the empire, fostering centuries of peace and prosperity. We’ll also stroll along the pier walkway to see the iconic waterfall cascading over a cliff, and ascend the former chieftain’s palace for a panoramic view of the town. 

After a culturally enriching afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, your guide and driver will greet you at your hotel lobby, and we’ll aim for Tianmen Mountain today. Our use of transmountain escalators and round-trip cable cars ensures a relaxing mountain sightseeing. At the halfway point up the mountain, prepare to be blown away by the prestigious Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate, the world’s highest natural arch. Throughout the year, clouds, mists, or glowing rays drift through the opening, as if immortals dwell beyond it. Leading up to the arch are 999 steps. In Chinese culture, “9” symbolizes eternity, and it is believed that couples, friends, or family members who ascend these steps together will share an enduring bond. A multi-level transmountain escalator will then whisk you to the summit, where you can stroll along the Glass Skywalk, a perfect place for adrenaline seekers. On clear days, the reflections of the sky and clouds on the glass create the sensation of walking on air; when fog rolls in, the path seems to float mysteriously amid the mist. If time permits, you may also visit the Tianmen Temple dating from the 7th to 10th centuries, which houses Buddhist bone relics from Nepal.
► Tips: Temperatures can vary significantly between the base and summit, and the weather is changeable, so we recommend bringing a lightweight waterproof coat. Although we will arrange the cable car and the escalator for you, some stair climbing is still involved, so please wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. 

After lunch, your guide and driver will escort you to Zhangjiajie airport or train station, marking the end of your 4 days Zhangjiajie tour. If you wish to extend your journey, we can tailor a follow‑on itinerary to Fenghuang Ancient Town to experience Tujia ethnic culture, or to Guilin for the iconic examples of China’s karst topography. We welcome your inquiries anytime!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch