7 Days Hunan Tour with Former Residence of Mao Zedong (Changsha-Shaoshan-Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang-Zhangjiajie)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and begin a full-day exploration of Changsha’s history, culture, and academic heritage.

Start with a visit to Hunan Provincial Museum, the largest history and art museum in Hunan Province. The museum houses more than 180,000 artifacts, including precious cultural relics discovered from the world-famous Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tomb, ancient bronze vessels, Chu State cultural treasures, ceramics, paintings, and historical artworks.

The highlight of the museum visit is the extraordinary collection from Mawangdui, including the well-preserved female corpse from the Han Dynasty tomb, the famous Silk Clothes, the painted inner coffin, and other national treasures that provide a fascinating insight into ancient Chinese civilization and Hunan’s history.

Continue to Orange Island Park (Juzizhou), one of Changsha’s most famous scenic areas located in the middle of the Xiang River. This historic island is known for its beautiful river views and its connection with Chinese history. Walk through the park, admire the giant statue of young Mao Zedong, and experience the relaxing atmosphere enjoyed by local residents.

In the afternoon, visit Yuelu Academy, one of the four great ancient academies of China. Founded in 976 during the Song Dynasty, it has played an important role in Chinese education for more than 1,000 years. Explore the traditional architecture, peaceful courtyards, ancient inscriptions, and exhibitions about Chinese academic history and culture.

Highlights:

• Discover ancient treasures at Hunan Provincial Museum
• Explore the mysteries of the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tomb
• Stroll through scenic Orange Island Park
• Visit historic Yuelu Academy
• Experience Changsha’s history and cultural heritage

Overnight: Changsha

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for the journey from Changsha to Shaoshan, the hometown of Mao Zedong. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours through the countryside of Hunan Province.

Begin your visit at Dripping Water Cave, located about 3 kilometers northwest of Shaoshan village. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, this site is associated with Mao Zedong’s visit in 1966 and includes the villa where he stayed, with preserved rooms such as the bedroom, office, and meeting areas.

Continue to the Former Residence of Mao Zedong, where he was born and spent his early years. The simple farmhouse, built with mud bricks and tiles, displays family photographs, household items, and historical materials related to his childhood and revolutionary activities.

Next, visit Mao Ancestral Temple, where visitors can learn more about Mao’s family history through manuscripts, personal belongings, and historical exhibits.

After completing the Shaoshan tour, continue the journey to Zhangjiajie by private vehicle. The drive takes approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest before exploring Zhangjiajie’s spectacular mountain landscapes in the following days.

Highlights:

• Visit historic Shaoshan, birthplace of Mao Zedong
• Explore Dripping Water Cave
• Visit Former Residence of Mao Zedong
• Discover Mao Ancestral Temple
• Scenic transfer from Shaoshan to Zhangjiajie

Overnight: Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and begin an exciting exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the core attraction of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Known for its spectacular sandstone pillars, deep valleys, and lush forests, the park is one of China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Start your adventure with a cable car ride to Huangshi Village, one of the largest and most famous viewing platforms in Zhangjiajie. Located at an altitude of around 1,080 meters, Huangshi Village provides a magnificent panoramic view of countless stone peaks, forest-covered mountains, and dramatic valleys. The scenery here is often compared with the spectacular pillar forests of Colorado in the United States.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the mountaintop trails and explore some of the best viewpoints, including Star Picking Stand and Five Finger Peak. Along the way, admire the unique rock formations shaped by nature, with some resembling bridges, books, animals, or human figures from different angles.

After exploring Huangshi Village, take a sightseeing bus out of the park and drive approximately 40 minutes to the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Here you will experience one of Zhangjiajie’s most thrilling attractions — the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.

Suspended approximately 400 meters above the valley floor and stretching around 430 meters long, the glass bridge offers a thrilling experience of walking above the canyon while enjoying incredible views of cliffs, forests, and valleys beneath your feet.

After crossing the glass bridge, continue into the beautiful canyon valley. Walk through the peaceful forest landscape and explore attractions including Rainbow Square, Momo Cave, and Shenquan Lake. Enjoy the refreshing scenery of clear water, green forests, and natural surroundings. The valley walking route is comfortable and takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel in Wulingyuan District and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Highlights:

• Explore UNESCO-listed Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Ride the cable car to Huangshi Village
• Enjoy panoramic views from Star Picking Stand and Five Finger Peak
• Experience the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
• Explore Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
• Visit Rainbow Square, Momo Cave, and Shenquan Lake

Overnight: Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Wulingyuan Scenic Area and discover the most iconic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, including Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. These areas showcase the dramatic sandstone peaks and mysterious mountain scenery that made Zhangjiajie famous worldwide.

Begin the day with a ride on the legendary Bailong Elevator, the fastest and tallest outdoor elevator in the world. In only about 1.5 minutes, the elevator takes you from the valley floor to the mountain summit, offering a spectacular vertical journey through the cliffs and forests of Zhangjiajie.

Continue hiking through Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, often called the real-life Avatar World because of its incredible floating mountain landscapes. Walk among towering sandstone columns and discover the natural wonders hidden among the peaks.

Visit the famous South Sky Pillar, a spectacular sandstone peak about 150 meters high that inspired the legendary “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.” Continue to Enchanting Platform, one of Yuanjiajie’s best viewpoints, where hundreds of unique stone peaks rise dramatically from the valley like a natural forest of mountains.

Next, explore First Bridge Under Heaven, a rare natural stone bridge formed between two peaks. The approximately 5-meter-long stone platform creates one of the most impressive geological wonders in Zhangjiajie and offers unforgettable photography opportunities.

In the afternoon, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, known as the “King of Peak Forests.” Walk to He Long Park, the best viewpoint for admiring the endless sea of sandstone peaks standing one after another. The area is especially famous for its changing scenery of clouds, mist, sunlight, moonlight, and winter snow.

Continue to Tianzi Pavilion for another impressive perspective of the Xihai Peak Forest, then enjoy the scenic Tianzi Mountain Cable Car descent while watching the magnificent rock formations pass outside your window. After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Highlights:

• Experience the world-famous Bailong Elevator
• Explore Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain
• Visit South Sky Pillar (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain)
• Admire views from Enchanting Platform
• Discover First Bridge Under Heaven
• Explore the spectacular Tianzi Mountain Peak Forest
• Enjoy the scenic Tianzi Mountain Cable Car ride

Overnight: Zhangjiajie / Wulingyuan

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and continue your Hunan adventure with a visit to Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave), the only scenic stop in Zhangjiajie today. Located in Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, this magnificent underground world is one of the most impressive karst caves in China and has been praised by UNESCO experts as one of the most beautiful caves in the world.

Covering an area of approximately 100,000 square meters, Yellow Dragon Cave stretches for about 7.6 kilometers and reaches a height of around 140 meters. The cave features spectacular underground landscapes, including two underground rivers, four waterfalls, thirteen large chambers, and thousands of stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

During the exploration, walk through the fascinating underground palace and admire some of the cave’s most famous formations, including the Magic Needle and Chair of Dragon King, which showcase the incredible creativity of nature. The colorful lighting and unique geological structures create a magical atmosphere throughout the cave.

After the cave visit, continue driving approximately 200 kilometers (around 3.5 hours) to Fenghuang Ancient Town, one of China’s most beautiful historic towns. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you with hotel check-in.

In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Fenghuang Ancient Town. When night falls, the traditional wooden houses, ancient bridges, and riverside buildings are beautifully illuminated, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. Take a relaxing walk along the Tuojiang River and enjoy the unforgettable night scenery of this historic town.

Highlights:

• Explore the spectacular underground world of Yellow Dragon Cave
• Discover karst formations, underground rivers, and waterfalls
• See famous formations including Magic Needle and Chair of Dragon King
• Drive through the beautiful landscapes of western Hunan
• Experience the magical night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town

Overnight: Fenghuang Ancient Town

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town, a historic riverside town with more than 300 years of history and one of the best-preserved ancient towns in China. Located in western Hunan near Guizhou Province, Fenghuang is famous for its traditional architecture, ethnic culture, and peaceful atmosphere.

Take a leisurely walk through the ancient stone-paved lanes, where traditional wooden houses built on stilts line the banks of the Tuojiang River. The well-preserved buildings and historic streets provide a glimpse into traditional life before modernization.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Tuojiang River, passing through the most beautiful section of the old town from Beimen Pier to Longevity Palace. From the boat, admire the riverside stilt houses, ancient bridges, and historic buildings while experiencing the peaceful charm of Fenghuang.

Continue to visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, the birthplace of the famous Chinese writer and author of Border Town. Learn about his literary achievements and the traditional western Hunan culture reflected in his works.

Afterward, explore the iconic Rainbow Bridge, one of Fenghuang’s most recognizable landmarks, and visit other historic attractions such as East Gate Tower and Wanming Pagoda.

In the afternoon, your guide and driver will escort you back to Zhangjiajie City and transfer you to Zhangjiajie Airport or Railway Station for your next destination. Service ends with unforgettable memories of Hunan’s mountains, ancient towns, and cultural heritage.

Highlights:

• Explore the historic Fenghuang Ancient Town
• Enjoy a Tuojiang River boat ride
• Visit Former Residence of Shen Congwen
• Admire Rainbow Bridge, East Gate Tower, and Wanming Pagoda
• Experience traditional Tujia and Miao cultural atmosphere
• Departure transfer from Zhangjiajie

Tour Ends: Zhangjiajie Airport / Railway Station