Description
6-Day Essence of Hunan: Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain & Phoenix Ancient Town Tour
| Group Sizes | Total Price (USD) |
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| 4 guests | 583 |
*If your group has fewer or more than 4 people, please contact us for a recalculated price.
Tour Highlights:
★ Visit three top destinations in one trip: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and Phoenix Ancient Town
★ Glass Bridge experience included — walk 430 meters above the canyon on the world’s highest and longest glass bridge
★ Free upgrades: Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain cable car, Tianmen Mountain escalator — saving time and energy
★ Stay in carefully selected hotels with daily breakfast included
★ Explore the stunning quartz sandstone peaks of Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, filming site of Avatar
★ Wander through China’s “most beautiful town” — Phoenix Ancient Town — and enjoy the spectacular Seven-Layer Waterfall Light Show at night
★ Learn about revolutionary history at Mao Zedong’s Former Residence and cruise through the scenic Orange Isle
6-Day Itinerary
+ Day 1: Arrival in Changsha (by Flight/High-Speed Train/Train)
Guests will travel from their respective departure cities to Changsha. Upon arrival, our dedicated pickup staff will be waiting at the airport or train station to greet you, assist with luggage, and escort you to your hotel. They will also help you complete the check-in process. Please note that a hotel deposit is required and must be paid by the guest upon check-in.
Today is the designated check-in day for all travelers—no sightseeing or meal arrangements are scheduled. Our pickup staff will contact you via phone call or text message one day prior using the information provided in your reservation.
Please be aware that the tour guide will not participate in the arrival reception. However, your guide will reach out to you later in the evening to inform you of the next day’s schedule. Therefore, it is essential to keep your phone accessible after landing.
If you plan to go out after checking in, please safeguard your valuables and pay attention to personal safety. We recommend returning to the hotel early to rest.
Friendly Reminders:
1.Our pickup staff will contact you in advance via text message. To ensure a smooth arrival process, please confirm your flight/train arrival time and any delays after receiving the message.
2.The first night’s hotel room has been prepaid by our agency. However, if your arrival is delayed past midnight or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., flight delays), the room fee is non-refundable.
3.Due to possible traffic restrictions near Changsha Railway Station, the vehicle may not be able to stop directly at the hotel entrance. In this case, you may need to walk about 5–10 minutes to reach the hotel.
+ Day 2: Orange Isle Scenic Area (with Sightseeing Tram) – Shaoshan
Around 7:00 AM, guests will gather at a designated location in downtown Changsha and depart by coach to visit the nationally renowned Orange Isle Scenic Area (Orange Isle, or Juzizhou; AAAAA-rated). The scenic tram ride within the park is included (no refund or substitution if not used). This long island in the Xiang River is home to attractions such as the Youth Mao Zedong Statue and Wentian Terrace.
Orange Isle is celebrated for its seasonal beauty—sparkling waters and flocks of gulls in spring; golden grapefruits and fragrant oranges in autumn; and snow dancing in the winter wind, making it the setting for one of the "Eight Views of Xiaoxiang"—Snowy River at Dusk.
Next, visit the Former Residence of Chairman Mao Zedong. (Note: During peak seasons, if the site becomes overcrowded, the visit may be changed to an exterior viewing to avoid delaying the overall itinerary.)
Afterward, continue the scenic drive to Zhangjiajie, passing through the rich and fertile landscapes of Hunan Province—once known by the phrase “When Huguang is prosperous, all under heaven is well-fed.”
+ Day 3: Zhangjiajie– Yuanjiajie – Tianzi Mountain – Golden Whip Stream – Glass Bridge – Charming Xiangxi Show (VIP)
After breakfast, begin your full-day tour of the iconic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, accessible via the Bailong Elevator (one-way ticket included). This is the filming location for the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar, offering otherworldly views of sandstone pillars rising through the mist.
Continue to explore Tianzi Mountain, taking the "Gold Cable Car" (one-way included). Learn about the formation of Zhangjiajie’s unique quartz-sandstone landforms and the billion-year-old geological mystery behind these gravity-defying peaks, often veiled in clouds and fog.
Stroll along Golden Whip Stream, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful hiking trails in China. With its serene pine forests and winding paths through the gorge, it offers a peaceful and scenic walking experience.
Next, travel to the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge – Yuntian Du (admission included). This is the longest and highest fully transparent glass bridge in the world, stretching 430 meters across and suspended 400 meters above the valley floor. The bridge is paved with 99 panels of crystal-clear glass and features innovative construction, setting multiple world records.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance: the Charming Xiangxi Show (VIP seating), a rich presentation of intangible cultural heritage. (This show is a complimentary gift and cannot be exchanged or refunded if not attended.)
Travel Tips:
1.The park can be crowded, especially during peak season. Please stay with the group and keep track of your personal belongings, especially on eco-shuttles. Queuing is common—your understanding is appreciated.
2.The area is mountainous—wear flat shoes, avoid skirts, and bring essentials like a raincoat, hat, and sunscreen.
3.There are many wild monkeys in the park. Avoid close contact or feeding to prevent injury. Morning and evening temperatures can differ significantly—carry extra layers based on the forecast.
4.During peak travel times, there may be long waits for eco-shuttles and cable cars. Please follow your guide’s instructions to help avoid crowds.
+ Day 4: Tusi Palace – Tianmen Mountain – Phoenix Ancient Town (Seven-Layer Waterfall Light Show)
After breakfast, visit the Tusi Palace, surrounded by natural beauty and featuring unique landforms. This cultural site showcases the architectural history of the Tujia ethnic group and the Tusi kings, along with exhibits on military posts, traditional farming culture, and the Tusi Museum.
Then, proceed to one of Zhangjiajie’s most legendary landmarks: the Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (first-entry ticket included).
Explore the awe-inspiring Tianmen Cave, a massive natural archway formed in the mountain, often shrouded in mist. Climbing the long stairway leading to the cave offers a surreal “gateway to heaven” experience.
After the visit, take the expressway to Phoenix Ancient Town (Fenghuang), once praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as “the most beautiful town in China.” In the evening, enjoy the stunning Seven-Layer Waterfall Light Show, a dazzling visual display across the ancient town’s riverside.
Friendly Reminders:
1.To manage crowds, Tianmen Mountain has multiple designated sightseeing routes: Round-Trip Cable Car Routes A, B, and C; and One-Way Cable Car Routes 1 and 2. All are priced the same, but travel agencies cannot choose specific routes during peak seasons. Final routes are assigned by the park’s booking system and must be followed accordingly. Please understand that long queues or route differences are not grounds for complaints.
2.In case of severe weather (such as snow or ice), some areas of Tianmen Mountain—like the Tianmen Cave, glass skywalk, or eco-buses—may be closed. In such cases, the tour agency will not be held responsible. From December to February, closures due to weather are common. If the eco-bus is unavailable, the park will switch to cable car transportation.
3.Phoenix Ancient Town is an open commercial area. The local shopping environment is beyond the control of the travel agency, so guests are advised to make purchases at their own discretion. The agency will not accept complaints related to shopping in Phoenix.
4.Due to local traffic restrictions, vehicles must stop at designated parking areas. You will need to transfer to eco-shuttles and walk to your hotel.
5.Before going out, consult your guide and keep the hotel name, address, and contact numbers for the guide and emergency staff with you. In case of an emergency, notify them immediately.
+ Day 5: Phoenix Ancient Town – Furong Town – Return to Changsha
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely exploration of Phoenix Ancient Town, taking in its most iconic highlights and cultural treasures.
Later, visit the Furong Town, an ancient cliffside village dramatically set against cascading waterfalls. Once a Tujia royal capital, it is now a trendy "Instagrammable" destination.
Included in your visit are tickets for the You River Gallery Boat Ride and eco-shuttle transportation within the scenic area.
After the tour, return by coach to Changsha.
Kind Reminder:
Phoenix Ancient Town is an open-air commercial area. The guide may introduce local specialties as part of their duty, but all shopping is entirely at the traveler’s discretion. The travel agency will not accept complaints related to shopping in Phoenix.
+ Day 6: Departure Day
Kind Reminders:
1.Hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon. Our transfer staff will contact you in advance via text message to confirm your departure time and hotel pickup time. Please respond promptly to ensure smooth coordination.
2.Breakfast is available at the hotel. Please dine according to your flight or train schedule. For early morning departures, packed breakfasts are not available, and breakfast fees are non-refundable.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi Canyon)- A Peaceful Hike Through a Stone Jungle
Golden Whip Stream winds through a dramatic gorge flanked by sheer cliffs and towering peaks. It’s one of the most scenic and accessible walks in Zhangjiajie, perfect for spotting monkeys, hearing birdsong, and soaking in nature’s calm.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area- Home of the “Avatar Mountains”
This area is the most iconic part of Zhangjiajie. The famous “Hallelujah Mountain” stands here, with viewing platforms that offer surreal views of the massive stone pillars rising from the mist. A must-see for Avatar fans and nature lovers alike.
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area- The Emperor of Peaks
Named after a local legend who called himself the "Son of Heaven," Tianzi Mountain is known for its panoramic views, sea of clouds, and sharp sandstone spires. It’s one of the best spots to take in the majestic scale of the region.
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park- Heaven’s Gate Awaits
Tianmen Mountain is famed for its massive natural rock arch known as Heaven’s Gate, reached via a thrilling cliff-side glass skywalk or the world’s longest cable car. The views are unforgettable, and the adrenaline rush is real.
Furong Town (Furong Zhen)- A Waterfall Town on the Edge of Time
Furong Town is a cliffside village built above a roaring waterfall. Known for its stilted Tujia houses and dramatic river views, it combines natural beauty with ancient ethnic charm. It’s especially stunning at sunset.
Price Includes & Price Excludes
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*Restaurant menus may change seasonally, but meal quality will remain consistent. Lunch is included in the tour package price, and no refund will be given if not consumed. |
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Avoid Travel During Chinese Public Holidays:
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New Year's Day: January 1
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Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): January 28 – February 4
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Valentine’s Day: February 14
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Qingming Festival: April 4 – April 6
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Labor Day: May 1 – May 5
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Dragon Boat Festival: May 31 – June 2
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Mid-Autumn Festival: October 6
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National Day Holiday: October 1 – October 8
Change & Cancellation Policies
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 7 day(s) before departure, no fee will be charged for cancellation.
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 5 day(s) before departure, a fee of 30% will be charged.
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 3 day before departure, a fee of 100% will be charged.
- If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre-discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid.
- *Partial refund not available
- *If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.
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