🗓️ 4 Days 3 Nights 👥 Max Guests: 15 💬 Bilingual Guides 🏨 5-Star Hotels ➕ Min. Guests: 2

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Relax in a room offering a 180-degree view of the Phoenix River, visit the forest park, receive a complimentary aerial video VLOG, and take a night tour of the Tuojiang River.

Day 2:  Core Scenic Experience: Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain & Ten Mile Gallery

Morning:

After breakfast, take a private bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wujiayu Ticket Station) and check your ticket to enter the park.

Kind tips:

1. This package includes VIP access to the Wulingyuan core scenic area. We've arranged eco-friendly scenic spot transportation to provide Trip.com guests with VIP services that save queuing time, avoiding long waits with individual tourists or guests from other platforms. (Please note that the bus departs promptly at 9:00. If you do not arrive on time, you will miss out on this service. We appreciate your understanding.)

2. During the off-season, queues at the scenic spots are shorter. If you wish to adjust your itinerary or sleep in, you can choose whether or not to use the VIP channel.

3. In peak tourist season, queues can be long. To ensure your itinerary runs smoothly, we recommend departing on time to enjoy our VIP queue-free service, allowing more time to visit the highlights.

4. Our tour guide and concierge will contact you one day in advance to confirm your departure time and tailor your itinerary to your preferences. Enjoy your trip to Wulingyuan with peace of mind.

• • Wulingyuan: Wulingyuan, located in northwestern Hunan within Zhangjiajie City, is a scenic area renowned for its spectacular landscapes. It includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and three national geoparks: Suoxiyu, Tianzishan, and Yangjiajie. With dense forests, towering peaks, and ever-changing cloudscapes, it offers stunning scenery year-round and is often compared to a Penglai wonderland, ideal for hiking and exploration.

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Zhangjiajie City is home to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, whose core is the world-famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (together with Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley, and Yangjiajie). Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, it is celebrated for its unique "Zhangjiajie Landform"—over 3,000 towering quartz-sandstone pillars rising from lush subtropical forests, often shrouded in mist. This breathtaking landscape inspired the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar.

  • Bailong Elevator: The Bailong Elevator is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, providing a vital connection between attractions like Jinbianxi, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzishan. While hiking from Golden Whip Stream to Yuanjiajie takes about 2 hours, the elevator from "Water-Rimming Four Gates" completes the ascent in just 2 minutes. Its three glass cabins offer passengers panoramic views of the surrounding forest of stone peaks during the ride.

  • Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is a forested mountain plateau famed for its misty peaks. Its most iconic sight is the Qiankun Pillar, which inspired the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in Avatar. Other highlights include the Enchanting Terrace—a panoramic viewing platform surrounded by stone pillars—and the First Bridge Under Heaven, a massive natural stone span with a 357-meter vertical drop (not open for walking).

  • The Rocky Natural Bridge: The first bridge in the world, located in the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, is a natural stone slab formed between two peaks. It measures about 2 meters wide, 20 meters long, and 4 meters thick. Often shrouded in clouds and mist, the bridge appears to "swallow and swirl" with fog, creating a spectacular view.

  • Mihuntai Scenic Spot: This viewing platform in Yuanjiajie offers a bird's-eye view of the wide basin and surrounding green peaks, making it one of the best scenic overlooks in the area.

Afternoon:

Take the scenic area eco-friendly car to Tianzi Mountain Core Scenic Area.

• Tianzishan: Tianzi Mountain, situated in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Park, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and unique geological formations, including notable peaks like Yubi Peak and Dian Jiangtai. Its misty weather creates spectacular and ever-changing cloudscapes, adding to its magnificent scenery.

• West Sea

• Fairies Spreading Flowers: The Fairy Scattering Flowers is a notable stone peak in Tianzi Mountain, facing Yubi Peak. Rising from the clouds, it resembles a maiden holding a basket of flowers, with green shrubs crowning its top and blossoms adorning its base. In spring, the drifting clouds and wind create the illusion of a fairy scattering blossoms, inspiring its name and a local legend of an emperor’s beloved waiting eternally for his return.

• Observation Deck, Tianzi Mountain

• Yun Qingyan

• Warrior Training Horse Scenic Spot, Zhangjiajie

• Emperor Pavilion

• Tianzishan Cableway: The Tianzishan Cableway, utilizing equipment from Austria's Doppelmayr, significantly improves accessibility within Wulingyuan. It offers a comfortable, safe, and scenic ride to the mountaintop, saving hours of hiking. Passengers can enjoy stunning views along the route, with an especially thrilling experience when gliding through lingering clouds.

• Ten-Mile Gallery: The Ten-Mile Gallery is a scenic five-kilometer valley within the Suoxiyu area, famous for its wildflowers, trees, and unique rock formations that resemble figures, animals, and objects—such as "Longevity God Welcoming Guests" and "Conch Peak." Walking here feels like entering a natural landscape painting.

• Three Sisters Peak: The Three Sisters Peak, located deep in the Ten-Mile Gallery of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is one of its key highlights. The three peaks stand side by side, resembling graceful sisters. Legend describes them as: the eldest sister on the left carrying a child, the middle sister holding an infant, and the younger sister on the right, newly married and pregnant. Behind the peaks lies a cave known as "Guanyin Cave."

• Herb-digger Scenic Spot: The Old Man Collecting Herbs (also called Old Man Rock) is one of the classic and top ten scenic spots in Zhangjiajie. Located in the Ten-Li Gallery, this 80-meter-tall stone peak resembles an old man carrying a backpack. According to legend, it represents Peng Banxian, a figure from local folklore.

Evening:

Experience Zhangjiajie's cultural heritage at the Charming Xiangxi Evening Show 

Must-see highlights include the three ancient mysteries of Xiangxi: the Tujia crying wedding, Guigu magic, Xiangxi corpse driving, and the captivating 'Chasing Love' performance from the Spring Festival Gala.

• Zhangjiajie Charming Xiangxi Show

Day 3: From Tianmen Mountain to Phoenix Ancient Town: Scenery, Nightlights & Riverside Stay

Morning:

After breakfast, take a bus to visit Tianmenshan National Forest Park.

• Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is named after its natural wonder, the "Tianmen Cave." Located near Zhangjiajie’s urban area, the park offers panoramic views from its cable car and features thrilling cliffside glass walkways. The main attractions include the winding 99-bend Heaven-Linking Avenue, Tianmen Cave (which closes in winter due to ice), Tianmen Mountain Temple, and several scenic walking routes (Central, Eastern, and Western).

• Stairway to Heaven: The Stairway to Heaven is a famous 999-step staircase leading to the Heavenly Gate Cave in Tianmen Mountain. It is celebrated for its spiritual symbolism and breathtaking "Heavenly Gate Spitting Mist" scenery, earning a place among the world's most impressive stairways.

• Yuhu Peak

• Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway: Built along the cliffs of Tianmen Mountain, this transparent glass walkway offers a thrilling experience with a direct view of the abyss below. It consists of three sections (West Line, East Line, and Panlong Cliff), each requiring a small service fee for shoe covers to maintain clarity. Walking here combines excitement with awe—on clear days, the glass reflects the sky; in fog, the path seems to float among clouds. Often called the “Sky Road of the East,” it rivals famous glass corridors like the U.S. Grand Canyon’s for its breathtaking and daring design.

• Five-Color Pond: The Five-Color Pool, situated at 3,900 meters above sea level at the top of Huanglong Scenic Area, consists of hundreds of colorful pools that resemble a vibrant palette under the sunlight. Overlooked by the 5,588-meter-high Xuebaoding Peak, these clear pools display shifting colors due to the light absorption and reflection of travertine and algae at their base.

• Tianmen Mountain Temple

• Ghost Valley Plank Road: The Ghost Valley Plank Road is a cliffside walkway in Tianmen Mountain National Park, renowned for its route suspended directly above the dramatic Ghost Cave. Its most thrilling section, the “Path Toward Heaven,” features a transparent glass segment that offers daring views of the chasm below—not for the faint of heart.

• Lingxiao Observation Deck

• Tianmen Mountain Cable Car: The Tianmen Mountain Cableway, located in Zhangjiajie's Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, is essential for accessing the mountain. Stretching 7,454 meters with a vertical rise of 1,277 meters, it has three stations—including a middle transfer station for Tianmen Cave. The ride offers magnificent views of the mountain, and when clouds surround the peaks, it feels like walking into paradise.

Afternoon:

After going down the mountain, take a car to the beautiful Phoenix Ancient Town. Enjoy the scenery of western Hunan and experience the customs of ethnic minorities along the way.

• Furong Town: Furong Town, originally called Wangcun, is an ancient town with over 2,000 years of history. It gained fame through the movie Furong Town and was later renamed after it. Known as “a millennial town ‘hanging’ on a waterfall,” its center is built atop a large rock, from which a majestic waterfall cascades down tens of meters. Tujia stilted houses stand close to the waterfall, creating a striking scene.

• Furong Town Waterfall: The Furong Town Waterfall in Hunan's Xiangxi region is a striking two-tiered cascade, roughly 60 meters high and 40 meters wide, that flows directly through the ancient town. In the flood season, it resembles a hanging silver river; during drier periods, it appears like dancing white silk. Framed by lush cliffs, the waterfall is both a natural treasure and a defining symbol of Furong Town, offering visitors a majestic experience by day or night.

Evening:

The night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town is renowned worldwide. The timing of your arrival coincides perfectly with the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular sight. After checking into your hotel, head to the core area of the ancient town for the best night views.

Recommended Night View Spots:

1. Nanhuamen Bridge offers a panoramic view of the core area of Fenghuang Ancient Town.

2. The Tuojiang River Boating Pier provides a stunning view of both riverbanks;

3. Hongqiao, a thousand-year-old bridge, spans the Tuojiang River and is a central feature of this picturesque ancient city.

Phoenix Bar Guide: 

Unlike other places, the border town of Phoenix is rich in culture, ethnicity, and poetry. Simply order a drink and stay as long as you like. Bars typically operate from 16:00 to 0:00. Additionally, there are open-air bars near the East Gate or North Gate, where music lovers often gather, enchanting passersby with their gentle melodies. Popular bars include Elopement Bar, Xiangxi Past Bar, Base Bar, Wanderer Bar, and Watcher Bar.

Warm Tips:

Please try to travel with friends when visiting the ancient city at night and keep your belongings safe.

• Fenghuang Ancient Town

Experience the century-old stilt houses of Nanhua Mountain along the winding waters of the Tuojiang River. The immersive art cruise 'Xiangjian - Tuojiang' offers you an up-close encounter with the graceful beauty and the dazzling nightscape of the ancient city.

• Immersive Tuojiang River: The Xiangjian·Tuojiang Immersive Art Cruise in Fenghuang Ancient City offers a scenic evening boat tour along the Tuojiang River combined with live performances of local music and dance. It provides a relaxing and engaging way to experience the city's culture and landscapes.

Day 4: Farewell to the Ancient Town: Journey's End with Convenient Transfers 

Morning/Afternoon:

Wake up naturally and embrace the leisurely, slow-paced life of the ancient city. Morning in Fenghuang is refreshing; as dawn breaks over the Tuojiang River, a gentle mist rises, clearing away the remnants of last night's hustle and bustle. At this hour, Fenghuang feels especially serene and peaceful. A tranquil atmosphere pervades the early morning streets, much like the quiet flow of the Tuojiang River. Take a leisurely stroll by the river, where the smooth, time-worn bluestone slabs tell the story of the town's history. Relax on the stone steps near Tiaoyan, gaze at the tranquil Tuojiang River, and let time drift by in the enchanting Fenghuang Ancient City.

Exclusive Tips:

1. The mentioned attractions are popular sites in the ancient city and do not require an entrance fee. Feel free to explore them based on your interests.

2. Fenghuang has a bustling commercial area with shops at every turn. Guests can choose to shop at their discretion. If you plan to shop, it's advisable to gather information in advance and opt for large, reputable malls with complete credentials.

1. • Fenghuang Ancient Town: Fenghuang Ancient Town is located in southwestern Xiangxi, Hunan Province. Built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it is surrounded by mountains and rivers, with the Tuojiang River flowing through the town. Its red sandstone walls, riverside stilt houses, old bluestone streets, and rich local culture create the unique charm of western Hunan. Key attractions include the former residence of Shen Congwen and the Ancient Town Museum.

   • Wanmingta: The Ten Thousand Pagoda stands on the north bank of the Tuojiang River's Shawan area. Originally a Qing Dynasty incinerator for calligraphy papers, it was rebuilt in 1985 under painter Huang Yongyu's initiative. This elegant 21-meter-tall, seven-story hexagonal brick pagoda features upturned eaves, painted decorations, copper wind chimes, and carved couplets. Its reflection in the Tuojiang River creates a picturesque scene.

   • Duocui Tower: Duocui Building, located on the east bank of the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang Ancient City, is the studio of the renowned painter Huang Yongyu. This elegant, antique-style structure features a Xieshan roof, overhanging balconies, raised eaves, and traditional lattice windows. Blending harmoniously with the surrounding stilted buildings, it stands out as a unique and artistically distinctive landmark in the city.

   • Hanging Houses of Huilong Tower: Diaojiaolou (stilted buildings) are traditional Tujia dwellings with over 4,000 years of history, commonly seen along the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang Ancient City. Built against hillsides or over water, they are supported by wooden pillars, with the main structure on solid ground and the remaining sides suspended above.

   • Fenghuang Square: Phoenix Square is a landmark in the ancient city, serving as a daytime tourist hub and a nighttime gathering place for local dancers. It features a large golden phoenix sculpture, is located near the former residence of Shen Congwen, and is surrounded by souvenir shops and local snacks.

   • Shiban Street: Shiban Old Street is a historic street within Fenghuang Ancient Town, stretching over 3 kilometers yet less than 5 meters wide. Lined with shops and dotted with cultural landmarks, it is the town's most bustling commercial street.

After a pleasant trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town, you'll be transported to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (recommended flight bookings after 17:00) or Fenghuang Ancient Town High-speed Railway Station (recommended train bookings after 13:00) at no charge. Please inform the tour guide of your departure time in advance to ensure timely transfer.

If you need to return from Huaihua South High-speed Railway Station, it is recommended to book a train after 15:00; if you need to return from Tongren Phoenix Airport, it is recommended to book a flight after 16:00.

Evening:

Tour Ends

Your happy journey concludes with a transfer to your hotel, station, or airport.

Friendly reminders:

1. The itinerary is for reference only. The driver may adjust the schedule based on traffic/weather while ensuring all attractions and duration, thank you for your understanding.

2. If any attraction is closed/unavailable, it will be replaced with a similar one or refunded, thank you for your understanding.