【Private Tour】Zhangjiajie's Classic and Lesser-known Attractions

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Hotel to Scenic Area⌄

   Your guide will contact you the day before the tour to confirm pickup details. On the day of the tour, the guide and driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel before heading to the scenic area. Your first stop will be the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, locally known as the "Landmark Gate." It is the busiest and most convenient of the park’s five entrances, and its distinctive architecture makes it a perfect spot to take photos and capture memorable moments.

   The Bailong Elevator, also known as the "World's First Elevator," stands at a total height of 326 meters. It consists of a 172-meter vertical shaft through the mountain and a 154-meter glass observation elevator. With two cabins and six elevators operating simultaneously, it can transport 3,000 passengers per hour. In just 1 minute and 28 seconds, it takes visitors from the base to the mountain summit. Today, it is not only a vital transport link connecting the forest park to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, but also a must-experience attraction for visitors to Zhangjiajie. From the elevator, passengers can enjoy a stunning view of the famous "General Formation" — 48 towering stone pillars rising dramatically from the ground.

   This area is the core scenic zone of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, featuring a sightseeing walkway built along the cliffside. Visitors can stroll along this path and experience up close the masterpiece of nature. It is also the filming location for the famous movie Avatar, where you can see the real-life inspiration for the "Hallelujah Mountains" and the floating peaks. Notable spots such as the Enchanting Terrace and the Number One Bridge in the World are also located here. You'll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the views.

   This viewing platform offers a spectacular sight of Zhangjiajie's unique "peak wall" formation, also known as the "Natural Great Wall." The landscape of Zhangjiajie, formed over hundreds of millions of years, is characterized by three main features: stone pillars, peak walls, and clusters of peaks. Here, you can witness the remarkable "peak wall" phenomenon in all its grandeur.

   This area is known as "a bonsai garden expanded, a wonderland in miniature," Here you'll find famous viewpoints like the "West Sea Stone Forest" platform, "Imperial Brush Peaks," and "Fairy Presenting Flowers." Walking through this area truly feels like wandering through a living painting. After visiting Tianzi Mountain, we will take the cable car back down the mountain. During the ride, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape on both sides.

2. 2Revisiting Wulingyuan & the Glass Bridge Grand Canyon⌄

   In the morning, we will return to the park to enjoy a stroll by the Golden Whip Stream.The 7.6-kilometer Golden Whip Stream runs through the entire Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This creek flows through the canyon alongside a shaded path, where wild macaques can be seen playing in the woods or lingering along the trail, begging for food in an endearingly cute manner. A stroll here allows you to immerse yourself in nature, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a truly relaxing experience. You may also choose to walk only the key sections to conserve energy.

   In the afternoon, we will head to the Glass Bridge area to test our courage on the transparent bridge and soak in the magnificent canyon landscape. We'll first experience the 536-meter-long transparent glass bridge, then descend to the canyon floor for a hiking adventure. The trail winds through hidden forests, accompanied by the gentle sounds of a flowing stream and birdsong, surrounded by breathtaking scenery—an absolute must-do experience in this scenic area.

3. 3Tianmen Mountain & Fenghuang Ancient City⌄

   In the moring,we will go to Tianmen Mountain, famously described as "only three feet and three inches from the sky," captivates countless visitors with its breathtaking views. From the summit, you can overlook the entire city of Zhangjiajie, including the Lishui River (the city's lifeline), Hehua Airport, and the city stadium. This destination is also a paradise for extreme sports enthusiasts, having hosted the World Wingsuit League Championships. The winding "Heaven-Linking Avenue" with its 99 hairpin turns, the 7,455-meter-long high-altitude cable car, and the mountain-piercing cave at 1,200 meters above sea level all promise an unforgettable experience.

   In the afternoon, we will drive to the border town of Phoenix Ancient City, where the Tuo River flows through orderly rows of stilted houses. By day, the town seems to slumber, quietly narrating tales of the ancient city and the Miao ethnic culture. As evening falls and lights illuminate the streets, the town awakens to a bustling atmosphere filled with vendors' calls and travelers' cheers. Under the glittering lights, the Tuo River flows gently, stilted houses stand silently, and visitors stroll leisurely—a romance unique to this ancient border town. You may choose to stay in a riverside inn, sipping tea with friends while watching the flowing river and the illuminated ancient city from your window, as visitors come and go in an endless stream.

4. 4Fenghuang ancient town Morning Scenery & Return Trip⌄

   On the final morning, we will witness the ancient town's serene dawn view—the Tuo River veiled in a lingering mist, flanked by stilted houses standing quietly along its banks. We'll wander through its streets and alleyways, listening to the stories embedded in the old city. By noon, we will return to Zhangjiajie or depart for home, depending on the itinerary. Phoenix Ancient Town is well-connected to Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Chongqing, and other cities, so there's no need to worry about transportation.