7 Days Ancient Xian & Zhangjiajie Nature Tour with Mount Huashan Adventure

After breakfast, begin your Xi’an exploration with a visit to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world — the Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

Drive approximately 40 kilometers from downtown Xi’an to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where you will discover the underground army created more than 2,000 years ago by Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China. More than 8,000 life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots were buried in three large pits to protect the emperor in the afterlife.

Walking through the exhibition halls, admire the incredible details of the ancient sculptures, including different military formations, infantry soldiers, cavalry units, and chariots. The site demonstrates both the enormous ambition of the Qin Dynasty and the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return to Xi’an city and visit Da Ci’en Temple, an important Buddhist temple from the Tang Dynasty. The temple is famous for the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a 64.5-meter-high landmark built by the Buddhist monk Xuanzang to preserve Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India. Xuanzang later became the inspiration for the character Tang Seng in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

In the evening, you may choose to explore the optional Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, where impressive lighting, cultural performances, and Tang-style architecture recreate the atmosphere of ancient Chang’an during the golden age of the Tang Dynasty.

Optional Experiences:

• Dress in traditional Hanfu clothing and take memorable photos.
• Watch a Tang Palace Dance Show featuring traditional music and performances.

Highlights:

• Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses
• Explore ancient Qin Dynasty history
• Discover Da Ci’en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• Experience Tang Dynasty culture and night scenery
• Optional Hanfu and traditional performances

Overnight: Xi’an

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive approximately two hours to Mount Hua (Huashan), one of China’s Five Great Mountains and famous for its dramatic cliffs, steep peaks, and thrilling hiking routes.

Upon arrival, take a tourist bus to the West Peak Cable Car Station, then ride the cable car directly to the mountain summit area. Suspended more than 900 meters above the valley, the West Peak Cable Car provides spectacular aerial views of the surrounding cliffs, valleys, and mountain scenery.

Begin hiking at West Peak (Lotus Peak), named for its unique lotus-shaped rock formation. Continue toward South Peak, the highest peak of Mount Hua, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and five major peaks.

One of the most exciting experiences awaits at the legendary Plank Road in the Sky, considered one of the most thrilling cliffside paths in China. Built along a nearly vertical cliff face, this narrow wooden walkway extends more than 100 meters above the valley and offers an unforgettable adventure surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Continue to East Peak, known for its wide viewpoints and spectacular landscapes. Explore famous attractions such as Sparrow Hawk Turning Over and Chess Playing Pavilion, before returning through the mountain trails to the West Peak Cable Car Station.

Take the cable car down the mountain, where your driver will transfer you back to Xi’an.

Important Travel Tips:

• Food and drinks on the mountain are limited, so bringing snacks and water is recommended.
• The Plank Road in the Sky may have age restrictions, maintenance closures, or weather-related closures. Visitors should check availability in advance.
• A good fitness level is recommended due to steep sections and long walking distances.

Highlights:

• Experience one of China’s most spectacular mountain hikes
• Ride the scenic Mount Hua West Peak Cable Car
• Explore the famous Five Peaks of Huashan
• Challenge the thrilling Plank Road in the Sky
• Enjoy breathtaking cliff and valley views

Overnight: Xi’an

After breakfast, begin your cultural exploration of Xi’an with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum, two important attractions that showcase the history and culture of this ancient capital.

Located inside a peaceful and beautiful park area, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Tang Dynasty Buddhist landmark. Built between 707 and 709 AD, the pagoda stands approximately 43.4 meters high with 13 remaining tiers. Unlike many ancient structures, it has survived nearly 70 earthquakes and remains remarkably well preserved. Take a leisurely walk around the pagoda, admire its elegant architecture, and capture memorable photos.

Continue to Xi’an Museum, located only a short walk away. The museum houses more than 130,000 precious cultural relics, including jade objects, seals, paintings, porcelains, Buddhist statues, stone carvings, and historical treasures that reveal Xi’an’s rich past as the ancient capital of China.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Xi’an Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enter through Hanguang Gate and explore the small museum displaying original Tang Dynasty city wall ruins, ancient gateways, wall sections, and water channels preserved from more than 1,400 years ago.

Afterward, walk along the top of the city wall and enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi’an blending with ancient architecture. Cycling on the city wall is also a great way to experience this historic landmark.

Continue to the lively Muslim Quarter, one of Xi’an’s most famous cultural areas. Wander through narrow streets filled with traditional architecture, local snacks, handicrafts, and Islamic cultural influences. It is an excellent place to experience Xi’an’s multicultural history and taste local specialties.

Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan District, the gateway to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Highlights:

• Discover Tang Dynasty history at Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• Explore thousands of years of culture at Xi’an Museum
• Walk or cycle on the historic Xi’an Ancient City Wall
• Experience local food and culture at Muslim Quarter
• Fly from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie
• Stay near the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Overnight: Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, begin an exciting day exploring two of Zhangjiajie’s most famous attractions: the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and the underground wonder of Yellow Dragon Cave.

Start with a visit to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. This engineering masterpiece stretches approximately 430 meters across the canyon and hangs about 400 meters above the valley floor, creating an unforgettable experience of walking above the clouds.

After crossing the glass bridge, continue to the viewing platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, cliffs, forests, and deep valleys. Then descend into the canyon by walking trails or optional facilities such as elevators, slide ways, or zip lines according to your preference.

Explore the peaceful canyon landscape, including Rainbow Square, Momo Cave, and Shenquan Lake. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, green forests, clear water, and beautiful natural scenery. The canyon walking experience takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.

After lunch, continue to Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave), one of the most spectacular karst caves in China. Recognized by UNESCO experts as one of the world’s most beautiful caves, it features underground rivers, waterfalls, limestone formations, and impressive stalactites.

Take a boat ride through the underground water cave section, where reflections of colorful rock formations appear on the water surface. Continue walking deeper into the cave to discover the famous Dragon Palace, filled with unique stalactites and geological wonders created over millions of years.

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

Highlights:

• Walk across the famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
• Explore the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
• Discover Rainbow Square, Momo Cave, and Shenquan Lake
• Visit the incredible underground world of Yellow Dragon Cave
• Enjoy a boat ride through the cave’s underground river

Overnight: Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie

After an early breakfast, begin your exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the world. Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, mist-covered peaks, and lush forests, the park inspired the floating mountains of Avatar.

Start at Ten-Mile Gallery, a beautiful valley where sightseeing trams pass through a landscape filled with unique rock formations. Enjoy views of famous natural sculptures including The God of Longevity Welcoming Guests, The Old Herb Picker, and Three Sisters Peaks while traveling through this peaceful mountain corridor.

Continue to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and experience the world-famous Bailong Elevator, the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. The elevator rises from the valley floor to the mountain summit in only about 1.5 minutes, offering spectacular views during the ascent.

Explore Yuanjiajie’s incredible sandstone landscape, including the famous Hallelujah Mountain, the inspiration behind the floating mountains in Avatar. Walk through this magical world of towering peaks, deep valleys, and misty forests. Visit Ecstasy Terrace for panoramic views of hundreds of unique stone pillars and discover the natural wonder of the First Bridge, a naturally formed stone bridge connecting two peaks.

Continue by sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, known as the “King of Peak Forests.” At Helong Park, enjoy some of the best viewpoints of Zhangjiajie’s dramatic peaks, including Yubi Peak and Fairy Flowers. If time and energy permit, visit Warrior Training Horse, where unusual rock formations resemble a warrior and a horse.

Finish the day with a scenic Tianzi Mountain Cable Car ride down through the incredible sandstone landscape before returning to Zhangjiajie downtown for hotel check-in.

Optional Activities:

• Kongzhong Tianyuan (The Field in the Sky): A photography viewpoint featuring terraced fields surrounded by hundreds of peaks and views of Bailong Elevator.
• Tianmen Fox Fairy Show: A large outdoor musical drama performed with Zhangjiajie’s natural scenery as the stage.

Highlights:

• Explore UNESCO-listed Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Ride the world-famous Bailong Elevator
• Discover Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain
• Visit Ten-Mile Gallery
• Experience spectacular Tianzi Mountain scenery
• Photograph Zhangjiajie’s legendary sandstone peaks

Overnight: Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Tianmen Mountain National Park, one of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic attractions, famous for its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking cableway, and natural wonder — Tianmen Cave.

Begin your adventure with the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, one of the longest alpine cableways in the world. The cable car travels approximately 7,455 meters from downtown Zhangjiajie to the mountaintop at an altitude of over 1,400 meters, offering spectacular views of the winding Tongtian Avenue (Avenue Toward Heaven) below.

Explore the mountain’s West Line, walking along the thrilling Guigu Cliffside Path, a dramatic cliff-hanging walkway surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Continue to Tianmen Mountain Temple, a historic Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty, surrounded by peaceful forests and mountain views.

Continue your exploration through the East Line or optional forest cable car route, visiting viewpoints such as Yuhu Peak, South Overlooking Tianmen Cave, and Yunmeng Fairy Summit.

Next, descend toward the incredible Tianmen Cave, a huge natural opening created by geological collapse. Measuring approximately 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep, it is one of China’s most famous natural landmarks.

Experience the famous 999 Steps to Heaven, a steep staircase leading from the mountain to Tianmen Cave, before taking the express cableway and shuttle bus back to the tourist center.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to Zhangjiajie Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. Your unforgettable Xi’an and Zhangjiajie adventure comes to an end.

Highlights:

• Ride the spectacular Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
• Enjoy views of Tongtian Avenue
• Walk the thrilling Guigu Cliffside Path
• Visit historic Tianmen Mountain Temple
• Explore the legendary Tianmen Cave
• Experience the famous 999 Steps to Heaven
• Departure from Zhangjiajie

Tour Ends: Zhangjiajie Airport / Railway Station