Welcome to Zhangjiajie, the real-world home of the Hallelujah Mountains featured in Avatar. Upon your arrival, your dedicated private driver will greet you at the airport or train station and transfer you smoothly to your downtown five-star hotel. After check-in, you have free time to settle in and explore nearby surroundings at your leisure. (Travel Tip: You stay in Zhangjiajie downtown tonight; tomorrow we will head to Wulingyuan Town right beside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.)

Arrival Tips

Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport offers plenty of direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and more major cities. High-speed trains are another convenient option: 2–4 hours from Changsha, 7 hours from Guilin, 9 hours from Shanghai, 11 hours from Beijing, and only 1 hour from Fenghuang Ancient Town.

​

Route: Drive from Zhangjiajie City to Wulingyuan Town > Bailong Elevator > Yuanjiajie > Tianzi Mountain > Cable car descent 

Elevation Gain: +326 m | Altitude range: 1,074 m – 1,262.5 m 

Physical Demand: ☆☆ — Elevator, cable car and park shuttle buses provided; suitable for seniors and children 

Walking Distance: ~6–9 km 

Estimated Duration (including breaks): 7–9 hrs

Morning: Yuanjiajie (The Avatar Mountains)

Your adventure starts with Bailong Elevator, Guinness World Record holder as the world’s tallest outdoor sightseeing elevator.

 It lifts you 326 meters vertically in just 66 seconds, bringing you to Yuanjiajie — the real-life prototype of Pandora’s floating Hallelujah Mountains. 

(Route Tip: Stand on the far right side for the best panoramic views. If you miss the window, waiting for the next cabin is worthwhile.)

Stroll the 3.5km cliffside trail to admire South Sky Pillar and the First Bridge Under Heaven. Stop by Lost Soul Platform, one of the finest viewpoints to overlook the vast sea of quartz sandstone peaks. 

(Route Tip: Keep an eye on the trail surface; you may discover ancient fossils while resting.)

Afternoon: Tianzi Mountain (The King of Peaks)

After lunch, continue to Tianzi Mountain, nicknamed the "King of Peaks" for its dramatic and magnificent peak forest landscape. Must-see highlights:

• 
  

• Imperial Writing Brush Peaks: A group of slender stone pillars resembling giant writing brushes emerging from mist.

• 
  

• Dianjiangtai Viewing Platform: Ideal spot to overlook the misty West Sea Peak Forest.

• 
  

• He Long Park: Visit the bronze statue of Marshal He Long, then climb Tianzi Pavilion for a full 360° panoramic mountain view.

• 
  

(Route Tip: If you get carsick easily, bring motion sickness patches for the inter-site shuttle rides.)

After sightseeing, take the cable car downhill and transfer back to your hotel.

Important Note: During peak tourist seasons, 

your private guide may reverse the visiting sequence of Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain to avoid massive crowds for a more relaxing tour.

Route: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge > Baofeng Lake (Visiting sequence flexible) Elevation Gain: ~−300 m (descend from glass bridge at ~700 m to canyon floor at ~400 m) 

Physical Demand: ☆☆☆ — Mostly flat boardwalks with occasional stairs. Walking across the glass bridge is thrilling, not strenuous. Not suitable for guests with acrophobia. 

​Walking Distance: ~4–6 km Estimated Duration (including breaks): ~6 hours

After breakfast, we transfer you from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, about 56 km / 1.5 hours’ drive. Experience the iconic Grand Canyon Glass Bridge first, followed by lunch, then enjoy a peaceful boat cruise on Baofeng Lake. Late afternoon, transfer back to Zhangjiajie City for overnight stay.

Famous for cascading waterfalls and fresh mountain air, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a paradise for photographers and adventure lovers. The star attraction is the Glass Bridge — the world’s longest and highest glass-bottom bridge, stretching 375 meters across two cliffs, towering 300 meters above the valley. Designed by architect Haim Dotan, this fully glass bridge can hold up to 800 visitors at once. Its center platform is the world’s highest bungee jumping spot (optional & self-paid), where thrill-seekers can enjoy a one-of-a-kind jump. Crossing the bridge takes roughly 1 hour, delivering a heart-stopping, unforgettable skywalk experience.

Two optional routes after the Glass Bridge: 

✅ Adventurous Route: VR experience > Zip Line > One Line Sky Slide > Rainbow Lake Cruise > Light Trekking > Shenquan Lake Cruise (pick all or selected activities) 

✅ Leisure Route: VR experience > Descend by elevator > Rainbow Lake Cruise

If you prefer a gentle pace, simply take the elevator down to the canyon floor.

Next, unwind at tranquil Baofeng Lake. A shuttle bus will take you to the pier, where you board a traditional wooden boat. The lake stretches 2.5km long, nested among steep peaks and lush green woods. While gliding on mirror-like water, admire peak reflections and listen to live folk ballads performed by local ethnic singers. (Route Tip: The second deck of the wooden boat offers the best photo viewpoint.) Once the lake tour finishes, return to your hotel and rest.

​

​

Route: Cableway Lower Station > Cableway Middle Station > 99-Bend Road > Tianmen Cave > Glass Skywalk > Tianmen Cave Lower Plaza > Express Gondola to Exit Half Cable Car Duration: 10–12 minutes Altitude & Cave Dimensions: ~1,300 m | Cave opening: 131.5 m high, 50 m wide Physical Demand: ☆ Easy. Cable cars and mountain escalators cover most elevation. Difficulty rises to ☆☆☆ Moderate if you choose to hike the 999 stone steps below Tianmen Cave.

Today we explore Tianmen Mountain, known as "The Soul of Zhangjiajie" and "No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan". Only 8 km from Zhangjiajie downtown, it is friendly for visitors of all ages with minimal climbing required.

Board the world-famous 7,455m Tianmen Mountain Cable Car at the lower station, gliding uphill for around 30 minutes with spectacular mountain views. At the middle station, switch to the eco-bus and travel along the legendary 99-Bend Road, a cliffside road with 99 sharp hairpin turns.

Ride escalators up to Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest natural mountain arch, also named Heaven’s Gate. The giant cave is often wrapped in swirling mist, creating a magical atmosphere. Feel free to take photos, or challenge yourself by walking up the 999 stone steps to the cave.

Continue your journey to the 60-meter Glass Skywalk suspended 1,430 meters above the valley, and the 6km cliff-hanging walkway for sweeping mountain vistas. You will also visit Tianmen Temple, a classic Qing-dynasty Buddhist temple hidden in green mountains.

After the mountain tour, take the elevator down to Tianmen Cave Lower Plaza and catch the express gondola back to the exit.

Then we start our transfer to Fenghuang Ancient Town, around 237 km / 3.5 hours by private car. (Note: For small groups, we can arrange high-speed rail transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang with your private guide accompanying you.)

Fenghuang is one of China’s most beautiful ancient towns, home to Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities. It lines the Tuo River, with traditional wooden stilt houses called Diaojiaolou. Don’t miss the 10-minute night river cruise on Tuo River, admiring ancient courtyards and lantern-lit waterfront buildings. Wander the night market and enjoy the romantic glow of lanterns reflected on the river.

​

​

Today, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later, follow our local guide to explore Fenghuang Ancient Town this morning.​

After hotel breakfast, explore Fenghuang Ancient Town with your private guide in the morning. This ancient town rose to global fame thanks to Shen Congwen’s famous novel The Border Town.

Stroll leisurely through old alleys and visit Shen Congwen Former Residence, East City Gate and Hongqiao Bridge, Fenghuang’s iconic landmark. You may wander quiet lanes and soak up the peaceful ancient town atmosphere.

After sightseeing, we will transfer you back to Zhangjiajie, then escort you to the airport or high-speed railway station for your onward journey.

Thank you for choosing our private tour. It’s our honor to accompany you through this amazing Hunan adventure, and we look forward to welcoming you back again!

​