3 Days Classic Zhangjiajie Tour with Avatar Mountain and Tianmen Mountain

Welcome to Zhangjiajie City, an incredible destination where you can experience the reality of Hallelujah Mountain from the Movie Avatar! Upon your arrival in Zhangjiajie, the local guide and driver will meet you at the airport exit and accompany you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (35km, 1 hour drive). After checking in at the hotel, you will have some free time to explore the area at your leisure.

You can visit Xibu Old Street (溪布街) to admire the architecture influenced by the local Tujia ethnic group culture. “Xibu” refers to a type of exquisite handwoven brocade created by the Tujia minority people, which is the origin of the name “Xibu Old Street”. It is a pedestrian street that encompasses a bar street, a local snack street, a West Hunan folk culture souvenir shopping street, and creative workshops. When the street comes alive in the evenings, you can satisfy your hunger with Hunan’s local snacks such as “Frog Cake” and “Tujia Fried Rice” while appreciating various Tujia-style accessories, clothing, and handicrafts.

Arrival Ideas:

1. Transportation to Zhangjiajie: There are numerous flights connecting to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. You have the option to fly to Zhangjiajie from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and more. Additionally, you can also take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie from Changsha (2-4 hours), Guilin (7 hours), Shanghai (9 hours), Beijing (11 hours), Fenghuang Ancient Town (1 hour) and other destinations.

2. Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区), situated in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and World Geological Park. As the rare quartz sandstone peak forest canyon landform in the world, Wulingyuan is widely recognized as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in China. Wulingyuan consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Our trip will cover the most popular and iconic sections, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

Zhangjiajie Airport

Zhangjiajie Airport

Wulingyuan Xibu Old Street, Zhangjiajie

Wulingyuan Xibu Old Street, Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, you will visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan, where you will explore Yuanjiajie and behold the awe-inspiring Hallelujah Mountains (乾坤柱). Following lunch, you will be transferred to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve in Wulingyuan, where you will have the opportunity to explore Tianzi Mountain (天子山). Throughout the day, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a captivating haven of nature adorned with over 3,000 slender quartz sandstone pillars.

In the morning, your first destination will be Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is the first national forest park in China. This park showcases a unique landform characterized by towering stone peaks in various shapes, abundant vegetation, and a majestic landscape. You will board a sightseeing bus to reach the Bailong Elevator, widely known as the “World’s No.1 Ladder“. This elevator holds the Guinness World Records for being the tallest, fastest, and heaviest outdoor elevator for sightseeing. In just 66 seconds, you will ascend 326 meters from the valley bottom to the pinnacle of the pillar. Next, you will hike into a mysterious Pandora World – Yuanjiajie (袁家界), the actual filming location of the movie “Avatar” and the renowned Hallelujah Mountains (哈利路亚山) in reality. Don’t miss the chance to capture the South Sky Pillar (南天一柱; Avatar Mountain), the Floating Mountain (1,074m;悬浮山), a towering vertical peak standing approximately 150 meters high from the deep valley, resembling a giant standing upright under the heavens. Take your time to walk along the Yuanjiajie Scenic Trail, which spans 3,500 meters and is built on the edge of a precipice. The trail is adorned with red prayer ribbons, and as you journey, you will be able to admire breathtaking natural wonders such as the Backyard Garden (后花园), Lost Soul Platform (迷魂台; The Best Natural Viewing Platform in Yuanjiajie), and the First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥, a natural stone bridge and the landmark of Yuanjiajie). While immersing yourself in the extraordinary beauty, you will also deepen your understanding of Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peaks and forest landform. This unique landscape is the result of specific geological structures, tectonic movements, and external forces, making it an exceptionally rare and remarkable phenomenon.

Next, board the sightseeing bus to reach the second tourist site – Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, which derives its name from Xiang Dakun (Xiang Tianzi), the leader of the local Tujia ethnic group who referred to himself as “Tianzi” (天子), meaning the Son of Heaven or the emperor in Chinese, during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Tianzi Mountain (天子山) is currently in the prime stage of its peak forest evolution and is renowned as the “King of Peaks”. It gained fame as a fairyland in the popular Chinese TV Series – Journey to The West. Tianzi Mountain (1,262m) is well-known for its magnificent sunrise, the sea of clouds, red moon, winter snow, red leaves, and grand forest of peaks. You can proceed to Dianjiangtai Platform (点将台) to overlook the West Sea Peaks Forest (西海峰林), where rugged rocks rise from the depths of a misty canyon. You will not like to miss a view of the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks (御笔峰) which are a row of six stone pillars, each standing approximately a hundred meters tall. They are arranged in a square shape, intricately connected, and exhibit varying thicknesses from top to bottom, resembling the shape of a pen. According to legend, it is believed to be the pen used by Xiang Tianzi. Afterward, hike to He Long Park (贺龙公园) to visit the bronze statue of Marshal He Long and his warhorse, as well as the Tianzige Pavilion(天子阁). The Tianzige Pavilion, standing at 30 meters, offers a panoramic view of Tianzi Mountain, with its peaks and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The scene is truly spectacular. After the tour, return to Zhangjiajie City for overnight.

Notes: If you are traveling during the peak season, your guide may consider reversing the itinerary to avoid the largest crowds of tourists.

Tianzi Mountain Yubi Mountain in Summer, Zhangjiajie

Tianxia Diyi Qiao in Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie

Mihuntai in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

East Entrance of Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie

Today, you will spend a half-day tour of Tianmen Mountain in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, known as as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie” and the “No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan Province”. Located only 8 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie city center, the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is unique in that it is suitable for people of all ages, and climbing is not necessary. There is the world’s longest cable car, spanning 7,455 meters, which takes you directly to the mountaintop. Additionally, there is a small cableway available on the mountaintop. The only section that requires walking is the Tianmen Cave staircase, but don’t worry, there is also an elevator available.

First, take the 30-minute cable car (7,455 meters) ride from Zhangjiajie City to the top of Tianmen Mountain. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the winding mountain road with 99 bends (the Road to Heaven) and the breathtaking beauty of the bonsai gardens. Now, brace yourself for a thrilling challenge. Take a deep breath and step on the cliff path hanging on the mountainside. Walk along the Glass Walkway, a transparent glass path that stretches for 60 meters and hovers 1,430 meters above the bottomless valley, giving you a thrilling sensation of walking in the sky. Additionally, experience the 1.6-kilometer-long Cliff-Hanging Walkway, which is built along the edges of the mountain’s summits. It’s truly an amazing adventure! Next, you have the option to visit Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist structure that embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). It is surrounded by lush green forests, providing a serene atmosphere. And, you can also visit Yunmenxianding (云梦仙顶; 1,518m), the highest point in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

Afterward, go down by escalator from the mountaintop to Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest natural mountain through the cave which spans 131.5 meters. Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate Hole (天门洞), is frequently enveloped in swirling clouds and mist, and at other times, it is illuminated by ethereal rays of sunlight, resulting in a mesmerizing and ever-changing display of light and shadows. Take your time there to capture some beautiful photographs. Following that, you have the option to either walk down the 999 steps or take the elevator. Then, welcome back to another cable car station.

After the tour, it is time to end your 3 Days Classic Zhangjiajie Tour with Avatar Mountain and Tianmen Mountain. Your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination. Thank you for choosing Majestic China Trips for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia.

Notes:

Walking on the glass skywalk requires a shoe cover fee of 5 yuan per person, and it is an optional expense.

Tianmen Mountain Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie

Tianmen Mountain Temple, Zhangjiajie

Winding roads under the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, Zhangjiajie

Tianmen Mountain Fairy Land Corridor, Zhangjiajie