Zhangjiajie

Airport transfer to Wulingyuan(1 hour)

Taxi ~120 CNY or bus to city (10 CNY) then bus to Wulingyuan (12 CNY, 40 min). Pre-arrange hotel pickup for smoothest arrival

Check-in at hotel in Wulingyuan(1 hour)

Hotels 100-400 CNY/night. Staying at the park entrance saves daily commute time — the park allows re-entry over 4 days with one ticket

Evening walk through Wulingyuan town(1 hour)

A small tourist town with restaurants and shops. Preview the karst peaks looming above. Try the Tujia-style cured meat (larou) hot pot at any of the local restaurants — 40-60 CNY per person

Book tickets online for tomorrow(30 minutes)

All attractions require advance booking with passport on WeChat or Ctrip. Book the National Forest Park (225 CNY, 4-day pass) tonight

Enter the park at Wulingyuan gate(30 minutes)

Arrive at 7AM opening. Entry: 225 CNY for a 4-day pass including all shuttle buses. Wear proper hiking shoes — you will walk 15,000-25,000 steps today

Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie(30 minutes)

66 CNY. A 326m outdoor glass lift clinging to a cliff face — the world's tallest outdoor elevator. The 88-second ride up through mist and pillars is as dramatic as the summit views

Yuanjiajie scenic area hike(3-4 hours)

Walk the 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' pillar (officially renamed in 2010), the First Bridge Under Heaven (a natural stone bridge between two pillars), and the Back Garden viewpoint. The mist clears and returns throughout the day — each gap reveals pillars in new configurations

Shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain viewpoint(1.5 hours)

The 'Monarch's Brush Peaks' (yubi feng) — a row of slender pillars resembling calligraphy brushes — are best seen from this viewpoint. Take the cable car down (67 CNY) to avoid the steep descent

Dinner at Wulingyuan town(1 hour)

Try the Tujia-style sanxiaguo (three-in-one pot) — potato, pork, and green beans in a spicy sauce. 50-70 CNY, serves 2. A local staple

Golden Whip Stream walk(3 hours)

A 7.5km flat path along a crystal-clear stream between towering pillars. Shaded by forest canopy — perfect for hot days. Wild monkeys are common (do not feed them). Start early for the best light filtering through the canopy. Included in park ticket

Lunch at a park restaurant(45 minutes)

Simple noodle and rice dishes at the park's internal restaurants. 25-40 CNY. Not gourmet but adequate

Shuttle to Tianzi Mountain upper area(1.5 hours)

Explore viewpoints you missed yesterday — the Imperial Brush Peak and West Sea Stone Forest. The afternoon mist creates different compositions than morning light

Exit park via cable car(30 minutes)

Tianzi Mountain cable car down: 67 CNY. The descent through clouds and pillars is the park's second-best elevator/cable car experience after Bailong

Transfer to Tianmen Mountain cable car station(30 minutes)

Located in the city center (separate from the National Forest Park). Entry: 258 CNY including cable car. Book online ahead — timed slots

Cable car ride up Tianmen Mountain(30 minutes)

7.5km, the world's longest cable car. The 30-minute ride soars over the city, through clouds, and up the mountain face. One of China's great engineering spectacles

Glass Skywalk(45 minutes)

A glass-floored walkway bolted to the cliff face at 1,400m. Shoe covers required (5 CNY). The see-through floor above the vertical drop is genuinely terrifying and exhilarating

999 steps down to Tianmen Cave(1 hour)

Heaven's Gate — a natural 131m-high arch through the mountain. The 999 steep steps down (or up, if you take the escalator first) are exhausting but unforgettable. The cave opening frames the valley below like a portal

99 Bends Road descent by bus(30 minutes)

The shuttle bus descends the mountain via a road with 99 hairpin turns climbing 1,100m. The switchbacks visible from above are incredible. Alternatively, take the cable car both ways to skip the road

Transfer to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge(45 minutes)

40km from Wulingyuan. Taxi 80-100 CNY or shuttle bus. Book timed-entry tickets online (138 CNY for bridge + canyon combo)

Walk across the Glass Bridge(1 hour)

430m span, 300m above the canyon floor. The transparent floor flexes under foot. Shoe covers provided. Not for anyone with serious vertigo — but if you can handle it, the views are extraordinary

Grand Canyon walk(1.5 hours)

The canyon below the bridge has its own trail with a cliff-side walkway and waterfall. The combo ticket includes both. Less dramatic than the bridge but pleasant hiking

Baofeng Lake(1.5 hours)

Entry: 96 CNY including 30-minute boat ride. Emerald lake encircled by karst peaks inside a canyon. Mirror reflections on calm mornings. Tujia song-and-dance performance included. 20 min from the park entrance

Evening rest at Wulingyuan(2 hours)

After four intense days of hiking, take the evening off. Foot massage at a local spa: 80-120 CNY/hour. Your feet deserve it

Yangjiajie scenic area(4 hours)

The lesser-known section of the park — equally dramatic pillar formations but with a fraction of the visitors. The 'Natural Great Wall' (a long ridge of connected pillars) and Wulong Village ruins are the highlights. Access via shuttle bus from inside the park

Revisit Yuanjiajie in afternoon light(2 hours)

The Avatar Mountain area in afternoon mist looks completely different from your morning visit. The Back Garden viewpoint catches golden light beautifully

Farewell dinner — Tujia ethnic feast(1.5 hours)

Several restaurants in Wulingyuan offer Tujia banquet meals — smoked pork, pickled fish, wild mountain herbs, and baijiu (rice liquor). Set menu: 80-120 CNY/person. The Tujia culture is distinct from Han Chinese and worth understanding through their food

Morning market walk in Wulingyuan(1 hour)

The morning market has fresh fruits, dried wild mushrooms (excellent souvenirs at 30-80 CNY per bag), and Tujia handicrafts

Transfer to airport(1 hour)

Taxi to DYG (120 CNY) or bus to city then airport. Allow 2.5 hours before your flight

Airport transfer to Wulingyuan(1 hour)

Taxi ~120 CNY or bus via city center (12 CNY)

Check-in at Wulingyuan hotel(1 hour)

100-400 CNY/night. Park re-entry is free over 4 days with one ticket

Wulingyuan evening walk(1 hour)

Tujia cured meat hot pot for dinner. 40-60 CNY/person

Book tomorrow's tickets online(30 minutes)

National Forest Park: 225 CNY, 4-day pass

Enter park at Wulingyuan gate(30 minutes)

Arrive 7AM. Entry: 225 CNY, 4-day pass

Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie(30 minutes)

66 CNY. 326m glass cliff elevator, 88 seconds

Yuanjiajie hike(3-4 hours)

Avatar pillar, First Bridge Under Heaven, Back Garden viewpoint

Tianzi Mountain viewpoint(1.5 hours)

Monarch's Brush Peaks. Cable car down: 67 CNY

Sanxiaguo dinner in Wulingyuan(1 hour)

Three-in-one pot: potato, pork, green beans. 50-70 CNY/2 people

Golden Whip Stream(3 hours)

7.5km flat shaded path. Wild monkeys (don't feed). Best light early

Tianzi Mountain upper viewpoints(2 hours)

Imperial Brush Peak, West Sea Stone Forest. Afternoon mist compositions

Cable car ride up(30 minutes)

7.5km, world's longest. 258 CNY entry including cable car

Glass Skywalk(45 minutes)

Glass floor at 1,400m. Shoe covers 5 CNY

999 steps to Tianmen Cave(1 hour)

131m natural arch. Steep but unforgettable

99 Bends Road bus descent(30 minutes)

99 hairpin turns, 1,100m descent

Glass Bridge(1.5 hours)

138 CNY combo. 430m span, 300m above canyon. Flexes under foot

Grand Canyon walk(1.5 hours)

Cliff-side trail and waterfall below the bridge

Baofeng Lake(1.5 hours)

96 CNY. 30-min boat ride. Emerald water, karst mirrors. Tujia performance

Evening rest(2 hours)

Foot massage: 80-120 CNY. Earned after four hiking days

Yangjiajie scenic area(4 hours)

Natural Great Wall ridge and Wulong Village ruins. Shuttle bus access

Revisit Yuanjiajie in afternoon light(2 hours)

Different mist patterns, golden Back Garden light

Tujia ethnic feast dinner(1.5 hours)

Smoked pork, pickled fish, mountain herbs, baijiu. 80-120 CNY/person

Free morning — sleep in(3 hours)

Your legs need this. Slow breakfast at the hotel

Wulingyuan street food market(1.5 hours)

The morning market has dried mushrooms, Tujia chili paste, and local fruits. Good souvenir shopping

Afternoon spa(2 hours)

Full-body traditional massage at a local spa. 120-180 CNY. After six days of mountain hiking, this is essential

Evening cultural show(1.5 hours)

The Zhangjiajie Meili Xiangxi show (100-300 CNY) showcases Tujia and Miao minority dance, music, and acrobatics. Performances nightly at 8PM in Wulingyuan

Transfer to Furong Town(2.5 hours)

Hire car (500 CNY round trip) or direct bus (65 CNY). The road passes through dramatic mountain scenery

Furong Town waterfall and old streets(3 hours)

Entry: 100 CNY. The town's centerpiece is a massive waterfall cascading through the main square into the Youshui River. The Tujia stilted houses (diaojiaolou) cling to the cliff face above the river. Walk the ancient stone streets, cross the centuries-old bridge, and explore the river gorge below

Lunch at a cliff-side restaurant(1 hour)

Eat on a terrace overlooking the waterfall. River fish and smoked meats — 40-60 CNY/person. The setting is extraordinary

Transfer to Zhangjiajie city(40 minutes)

Bus from Wulingyuan (12 CNY)

Tujia Folk Custom Park (Tujiafengqing Yuan)(2 hours)

Entry: 120 CNY. A living village showcasing Tujia architecture, weaving, dance, and the famous 'crying wedding' tradition where the bride cries for days before the ceremony (a sign of respect, not unhappiness). Performers demonstrate daily

Lunch at Da Yong Fu (city center)(1 hour)

Known for their wild game and mountain mushroom dishes. The zhangjiajie wild boar (ye zhu rou, 68 CNY) with mountain pepper is a regional specialty

Tianmen Fox Fairy show (optional)(1.5 hours)

An outdoor musical performed on the slopes of Tianmen Mountain — real mountain backdrop with pyrotechnics. 238-538 CNY. Shows at 8PM (seasonal). The scale of the mountain setting is unique

Dawn entry to park(30 minutes)

Enter at 7AM opening for the best morning mist photos. The first hour in the park, before tour groups arrive, is magical

Yuanjiajie sunrise photography(3 hours)

The pillars emerging from morning fog create a new composition every minute. The Back Garden and First Bridge viewpoints are most photogenic at dawn

Shentang Bay (Spirit Bay)(2 hours)

A lesser-known viewpoint off the main Yuanjiajie trail offering a different perspective on the pillar formations. Fewer guardrails and a more exposed feeling. The vertical drop is dizzying

Transfer to Mengdong River(1.5 hours)

Hire car or join a tour group (150-200 CNY including transport and rafting)

Mengdong River rafting(2.5 hours)

The 12km stretch through a karst gorge has Class II-III rapids. Life jacket and helmet provided. The water is warm enough June-September. The scenery — towering cliffs, hanging vines, and clear turquoise water — rivals the rapids for excitement

Riverside lunch(1 hour)

Simple fish and rice at the rafting endpoint. 30-40 CNY

Evening rest(2 hours)

Recover from the rafting with a quiet dinner and early bed

Transfer to Huanglong Cave(20 minutes)

7km from Wulingyuan. Taxi 20 CNY or walk

Huanglong Cave tour(2 hours)

Entry: 100 CNY. Guided tour through massive chambers. The Dinghai Shenzhen (Sea-Calming Needle) — a 19.2m calcite column — is the centerpiece. Underground river boat ride included. The cave is 15°C year-round — bring a light jacket

Free afternoon — Wulingyuan souvenir shopping(2 hours)

Buy dried wild mushrooms (30-80 CNY/bag), Tujia embroidery, and local chili paste. These mountain products are genuinely excellent and make great gifts

Morning walk around Suoxi Valley(2.5 hours)

Free area near Wulingyuan with karst peaks reflected in lakes. No ticket needed for the valley road. Far fewer visitors than the main park areas

Lunch at local Tujia family restaurant(1 hour)

Venture into a residential area and find a family-run place. Point at whatever looks interesting. Meals rarely exceed 30 CNY per person

Afternoon tea and reflection(2 hours)

Find a quiet guesthouse or teahouse with karst views. Sit, sip, process two weeks of extraordinary scenery. These mountains deserve contemplation, not just photography

Farewell dinner — Zhangjiajie specialties(1.5 hours)

Order everything you loved: sanxiaguo, smoked pork, mountain mushrooms, and the local baijiu. This is goodbye to the Avatar Mountains

Morning market visit(1 hour)

Last chance for dried mushrooms and Tujia handicrafts

Transfer to airport(1 hour)

Taxi to DYG (120 CNY). Allow 2.5 hours before flight

Airport transfer to Wulingyuan(1 hour)

Taxi ~120 CNY

Evening walk and dinner(1.5 hours)

Tujia cured meat hot pot. 40-60 CNY/person

Book park tickets online(30 minutes)

225 CNY, 4-day pass

Enter park at 7AM(30 minutes)

225 CNY, 4-day pass

Bailong Elevator(30 minutes)

66 CNY. 326m glass cliff elevator

Yuanjiajie hike(3-4 hours)

Avatar pillar, First Bridge, Back Garden

Tianzi Mountain(1.5 hours)

Monarch's Brush Peaks. Cable car down: 67 CNY

Golden Whip Stream(3 hours)

7.5km flat stream path. Wild monkeys

West Sea Stone Forest(2 hours)

A maze of pillars in the western section. The glass-floor walkway over the abyss is vertigo-inducing

Cable car up(30 minutes)

7.5km. 258 CNY total

Glass Skywalk(45 minutes)

Glass floor at 1,400m

999 steps to Tianmen Cave(1 hour)

131m natural arch

Glass Bridge(1.5 hours)

138 CNY combo. 430m, 300m above canyon

Baofeng Lake(1.5 hours)

96 CNY. Emerald boat ride. Tujia show

Evening rest and foot massage(2 hours)

80-120 CNY. Earned it

Yangjiajie scenic area(4 hours)

Natural Great Wall ridge, Wulong Village ruins

Revisit Yuanjiajie afternoon(2 hours)

Different mist, golden light

Tujia feast dinner(1.5 hours)

80-120 CNY/person

Market shopping(1.5 hours)

Dried mushrooms, chili paste, local fruits

Spa afternoon(2 hours)

Full massage: 120-180 CNY

Meili Xiangxi cultural show(1.5 hours)

100-300 CNY. Tujia/Miao dance and acrobatics

Transfer(2.5 hours)

Hire car (500 CNY round trip)

Furong Town waterfall and old streets(3 hours)

100 CNY. Waterfall through main square, Tujia stilted houses on cliff

Cliff-side restaurant lunch(1 hour)

40-60 CNY. Waterfall view

Tujia Folk Custom Park(2 hours)

120 CNY. Architecture, weaving, 'crying wedding' tradition

Lunch at Da Yong Fu(1 hour)

Wild boar with mountain pepper. 68 CNY

Tianmen Fox Fairy show(1.5 hours)

238-538 CNY. Outdoor musical on Tianmen slopes. Seasonal

Dawn entry(30 minutes)

7AM for morning mist

Yuanjiajie sunrise photography(3 hours)

Pillars in fog. Back Garden and First Bridge at dawn

Shentang Bay(2 hours)

Lesser viewpoint with vertical drops and exposed feeling

Transfer(1.5 hours)

150-200 CNY tour including transport and raft

Rafting(2.5 hours)

12km, Class II-III rapids. Turquoise water, cliff scenery

Riverside lunch(1 hour)

30-40 CNY

Transfer(20 minutes)

7km from Wulingyuan

Huanglong Cave tour(2 hours)

100 CNY. 19.2m calcite column centerpiece. Underground river boat. Bring jacket (15°C)

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Souvenir shopping: mushrooms, embroidery, chili paste

Transfer to Fenghuang(3.5 hours)

Direct bus from Zhangjiajie city (80 CNY) or hire car (600 CNY). The mountain road is scenic but winding

Check into riverside guesthouse(1 hour)

Stilted houses along the Tuojiang River converted to guesthouses (100-300 CNY/night). The view of the river and ancient town from your window is worth every yuan

Evening walk along the Tuojiang River(2 hours)

Lantern-lit stilted houses reflected in the water. The Rainbow Bridge and North Gate Tower glow at night. Street food stalls sell blood pudding (xue ba, a Miao specialty, 5 CNY), grilled tofu, and rice wine. The evening atmosphere is magical

Morning boat ride on Tuojiang River(1 hour)

Row boats: 30 CNY/person. Glide past stilted houses, under stone bridges, with karst hills in the distance. Best before 9AM when the water is calm

Walk the ancient town walls and towers(1.5 hours)

Entry to major sites: 148 CNY combo ticket. The North Gate Tower, East Gate Tower, and the remnant of the 1704 city wall offer views over the town's rooftops. The former residence of writer Shen Congwen (whose novel brought Fenghuang to fame) is included

Miao silver jewelry shopping(1 hour)

Fenghuang is famous for Miao silver work. The old town is packed with silversmiths — watch them hammer bracelets and earrings. Prices: 50-500 CNY depending on weight and complexity. Bargain gently

Lunch at river-view restaurant(1 hour)

Sour fish soup (suantangyu) is Fenghuang's signature — made with local tomatoes and Miao pickled peppers. 50-80 CNY. Served in a clay pot over flame at your table

Suoxi Valley morning walk(2 hours)

Free area with karst reflections in lakes. No ticket needed

Afternoon at leisure(3 hours)

Read, journal, process three weeks of extraordinary scenery

Dinner at local family restaurant(1 hour)

Point-and-eat. Meals rarely exceed 30 CNY

Transfer to Dehang(2.5 hours)

Hire car (400 CNY round trip) or bus via Jishou city (50 CNY)

Dehang Canyon hike(3 hours)

Entry: 100 CNY. Walk through a deep canyon with waterfalls (Liusha Falls cascades 200m in multiple tiers), suspension bridges, and Miao villages clinging to cliff sides. The scenery rivals Zhangjiajie but with virtually no international tourists

Miao village homestay(Evening)

Stay with a Miao family (100-150 CNY including dinner). The evening meal features sour fish, sticky rice, and homemade rice wine. If you are lucky, the host may demonstrate Miao singing or silver crafting

Miao drum dance (if arranged)(1 hour)

Ask your host about arranging a traditional Miao drum dance performance. The rhythmic drumming and vibrant costume dance is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage

Morning canyon walk(2 hours)

Return to sections you did not reach yesterday. The upper canyon narrows dramatically with sheer walls on both sides

Aizhai Bridge viewpoint(1 hour)

The Aizhai Bridge (1,176m span, 336m above the canyon) is visible from Dehang. Drive up to the viewing platform for a stomach-dropping perspective of the world's highest tunnel-to-tunnel bridge

Laowuchang viewpoint(2 hours)

A quieter viewpoint between Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie. On clear mornings, the pillar-sea stretches to the horizon

Jinbian Creek (lower Golden Whip)(2 hours)

The lower section of the stream walk you may have skipped — fewer monkeys but quieter and more meditative

Canyon hiking trail(3 hours)

The riverside trail (distinct from the raft route) passes through Tujia farming villages, ancient trees, and swimming holes. Less adrenaline than rafting, more immersion in the landscape

Village lunch(1 hour)

Simple home cooking in a riverside Tujia village. 20-30 CNY

Option A: Revisit Tianmen Mountain in different weather(Full day)

If your first visit was clear, a misty day transforms the mountain completely — clouds pour through Heaven's Gate like a waterfall

Option B: Wulingyuan countryside cycling(4 hours)

Rent a bike and ride the valley roads between karst peaks. The villages between Wulingyuan and Zhangjiajie city are peaceful farming communities

Option C: Pure rest(Full day)

Three weeks of mountain hiking deserves a day of doing absolutely nothing

Farewell dinner(1.5 hours)

Final Tujia feast with all your favorites. Sanxiaguo, smoked pork, mushrooms, baijiu. The mountains will miss you

Last market visit(1 hour)

Dried mushrooms, Tujia chili paste — last-chance souvenirs

Airport transfer(1 hour)

Taxi to DYG (120 CNY). Allow 2.5 hours before flight