3 Days Best of Zhangjiajie

Ready to go with us to explore a brilliant pearl inlaid on the land of China, Zhangjiajie? Our professional English-speaking guide will be at the exit of the airport or train station early and hold a board that says your name to welcome your arrival. As soon as you meet, you will be escorted in a private car to the hotel for check-in. Since the accommodation we handpicked for you is right in the downtown, why not go out on your own for some fun and familiarize yourself with local customs and food nearby if you arrive early?

► Dinner Suggestion:
As San Xia Guo, a dish mixed with various meat and vegetables that can be made into both a dry pot and a soup pot, is one of the most representative Tujia specialties of Zhangjiajie, we highly recommend you to make it your dinner choice. Walk 10 minutes to the Fu Zheng Yi San Xia Guo (Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain branch) to seek the most authentic flavor. This local largest catering brand has a history of more than 10 years and enjoys great popularity in the area, with homely taste, affordable prices and attentive service. San Xia Guo is said to have originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644). Once the soldiers went to fight for the country just in time for the New Year, so in order not to delay the matter, the Tusi King ordered to celebrate the festival with a delicacy cooked with Chinese bacon, tofu and radish in a pot in advance. Then this special practice has been inherited to today. On average, each person may cost around CNY 60 / USD 8 here.

In the morning, meet our guide at the predetermined time in the hotel lobby, and then embark on a journey to the Tianmen Mountain, a natural wonder that makes Zhangjiajie world-famous and worth spending a day.

★ Privilege of Our Guests: Round-trip Cableway Tour
Let’s ride on the world’s longest cableway from the station in the downtown, and as the carriage slowly ascends, you will be awestruck by the green karst mountains in front of you and the bottomless cliffs under your feet. Unlike some other tour operators that offer single-trip cableway, we’ve pre-booked your worry-free round-trip cableway, which is the fasted and most convenient way to explore the scenic area. To avoid a long wait for the cableway, we recommend you get up early today. If you prefer an early departure, simply let us know, and we’ll book the earliest cable car tickets for you.

Follow our expert guide to get in before the crowds to enjoy the best experience. Admire the primeval forest and the sea of clouds on the mountaintop. An exciting 2-hour hike along the plank road adjacent to the Guigu Cliff will take you to discover all the main charms of the mountain. Test your mettle by walking the cliffside Glass Skywalk. Every step is accompanied by the thrill of a rapid heartbeat and soaring blood pressure, and surrounded by clouds and mist, you will feel like you are in a wonderland. After enjoying the mountaintop scenery, take the 7-level downhill escalator to the spectacular Tianmen Cave, which is the essence of Tianmen Mountain that brought attention from all over the world. So far, quite a few international extreme sports masters have carried out exciting challenges here, such as long-distance high-altitude tightrope walking, aerobatics and wingsuit flying through the Tianmen Cave. After appreciating the magical natural arch of the Tianmen Cave, you can go down the 999-step Heavenly Stairway and then take the returning cable car.

In the late afternoon, let’s go straight to the 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings, aka 72 Qilou, which is one of the highest ethnic architectural groups in the world. It is known as Zhangjiajie’s cultural landmark and the new engine of night economy. After night falls, outstanding brackets and angled cornices illuminated by lights, a bustling bazaar filled with specialty snacks, wonderful theme lighting shows and diverse traditional cultural performances presented by local Tujia youngsters will bring you a feast for the senses. If you are in high spirits, you can stay longer for the bonfire party, where the Tujia hands-swaying dance and modern disco dance of thousands of people will collide with unusual sparks. Hold hands with others around the bonfire and immerse yourself in this wanton spree!

► Notes:
1. All of Zhangjiajie’s scenic areas are so large that we still have to walk a lot in addition to making most of the cable car, escalator and shuttle bus inside, so it is recommended that you wear a pair of comfortable sports shoes.
2. Zhangjiajie’s beauties overall are related to the mountains, and as there is a big difference in temperature between the top and the bottom of the mountains, you are advised to take an extra windproof overcoat to keep warm.
3. Don’t underestimate the strong UV rays in Zhangjiajie, and be sure to wear enough sunscreen cream or carry a parasol with you to protect your skin.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, and then follow our guide to go on an exploration in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Here, our first destination will be the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which needs to be reached by Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest fully exposed double-decker outdoor sightseeing elevator. During the 88-second climb, a fascinating painting of natural scenery with verdant mountains, grotesque peaks and distant clouds and mists will slowly unfold in front of your eyes. When you get to the summit, you will be overwhelmed by countless mesmerizing views, especially the Hallelujah Mountain featured in the movie Avatar. The towering stone pillar rises straight into the sky, with all steep sides covered with dense vegetation, and being here may make you feel like you have entered into planet Pandora. The No. 1 Bridge under Heaven built by nature itself also awaits you. Afterwards, let’s take a shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain, which is known as “an enlarged bonsai, a minified fairyland”. In the early Ming Dynasty, the Tujia leader Xiang Dakun led an uprising here, claiming to be Tianzi (literally means king) in this area, and was later martyred here. Tianzi Mountain was named in his honor. With many types of rare plants and protected animals, it is a paradise for nature lovers to explore. Descend the mountain by cable car, and then take a sightseeing train through the Ten-mile Gallery to leisurely enjoy varied-shaped stones along the picturesque valley. One of the most famous sights is the Old Man Collecting Medicine, which is shaped like a thin figure with a silk cloth wrapped around his head stooping forward with a bamboo basket on his back.

By now, our 3 days best Zhangjiajie tour has taken you to visit almost all the highlights of Zhangjiajie. Our guide will send you to the airport or train station to catch your departure transport. If you have more travel plans for other cities, feel free to contact us to customize an exclusive tour for you. Looking forward to the next journey with you!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch