8 Days Zhangjiajie Guilin Scenic Wonders Tour (Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang-Guilin-Longsheng-Yangshuo)

Exploring the National Park's Core Scenic Areas
Start your day early with a visit to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your first stop is the Ten-mile Gallery, a picturesque route where you’ll board a tram that glides past stunning formations such as The God of Longevity, The Old Herb Picker, and the Three Sisters Peaks.

Next, head to Yuanjiajie, where you’ll take the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator. In just 1.5 minutes, it takes you to the peak with sweeping views of the towering sandstone columns. Discover the natural beauty of this area, famously featured in the film Avatar. Don’t miss the Ecstasy Terrace and The First Bridge, an incredible stone bridge that connects two peaks.

Afterward, take a bus to Tianzi Mountain, where you’ll visit Helong Park, offering one of the best views of Yubi Peak. If you’re up for more hiking, head to the Warrior Training Horse, where rocks resemble a warrior and a steed.

Optional Afternoon Activity:
Visit Kongzhong Tianyuan, also known as The Field in the Sky, for incredible photo opportunities amidst terraced fields and towering peaks. (Optional, additional cost applies.)

Optional Evening Show:
Enjoy the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show, a spectacular musical drama set at the base of Tianmen Mountain. (Performance: 20:15-21:50)

Tianmen Mountain Adventure
After breakfast, your guide will take you to Tianmen Mountain, a must-see attraction in Zhangjiajie. Start by riding the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the world’s longest cableway, offering stunning views of Tongtian Avenue (Avenue Toward Heaven).

Explore the mountain’s West Line Visiting Route, including a thrilling walk along the Guigu Cliffside Path and a visit to the Tianmen Mountain Temple. You can opt to continue on the East Line, hiking to Yuhu Peak, or take the forest sightseeing cable car to Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the best vantage point.

Next, descend through Tianmen Cave, a natural opening in the mountain, and walk down the steep 999 steps, also known as the Stairway to Heaven. Finally, take the Tianmen Mountain Express Cableway to the base of the mountain.

Travel to Fenghuang
After your Tianmen Mountain adventure, travel about 200 km (3.5 hours) to Fenghuang Ancient Town, known for its stunning beauty and rich history. As evening falls, take a relaxing stroll around the town, where the old houses are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

Tuojiang River Boat Ride & Historical Sites
Spend the morning exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town, known for its ancient charm and beautiful wooden stilt houses. With over 300 years of history, this town has preserved its traditional beauty, offering a glimpse into pre-modern village life. Take a leisurely boat ride on the Tuojiang River, passing through the heart of the town, from Beimen Pier to Longevity Palace. This is the perfect way to experience the essence of Fenghuang.

Visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, the renowned Chinese writer, and learn about his masterpiece "Border Town" that portrays rural Chinese life. Stroll through the town to admire historical landmarks like Rainbow Bridge, East Gate Tower, and Wanming Pagoda.

Return to Zhangjiajie
After your visit, drive back to Zhangjiajie for an overnight stay.

High-Speed Train Journey to Guilin

After a good night's rest in Zhangjiajie, you’ll begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Following this, your guide will escort you to the Zhangjiajie Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Guilin. The ride will take approximately 7.5 hours, offering scenic views of the countryside along the way. The high-speed train is a comfortable way to travel, with modern amenities, including air conditioning and clean restrooms.

While on the train, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while watching the landscape of Hunan and Guangxi provinces pass by. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy local snacks or rest for the journey ahead. The train usually arrives in Guilin in the late afternoon or early evening.

Arrival in Guilin and Hotel Check-In

Upon arrival in Guilin, you’ll be greeted by your local guide at the Guilin Railway Station. Your guide will then transfer you to your hotel in downtown Guilin, where you’ll check in and settle in.

Guilin Overview
Guilin, one of the most famous cities in China, is well-known for its karst mountain formations and its natural beauty, especially around the Li River. The city's picturesque landscapes have earned it the reputation of being the most beautiful place in China.

Rest and Evening at Leisure

Once you’ve checked in and refreshed, the rest of the evening is yours to relax. Depending on your energy levels after the long train journey, you may choose to:

• **Stroll along the Li River or visit the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, where the scenery is particularly lovely at night, with illuminated bridges and pagodas.

• **Explore the local night markets or have a leisurely dinner in one of the many restaurants offering local specialties.

Visit Longji Rice Terraces & Huangluo Yao Village
In the morning, drive about 80 km (1.5 hours) to the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, an impressive feat of agricultural engineering that stretches up to 1000 meters in elevation. Explore Huangluo Yao Village, home to the Yao minority, known for its women’s long hair (some reaching up to 1.7 meters).

Continue to Ping’an Village, a 600-year-old Zhuang minority village, where you can hike along cobbled paths amidst the terraces for some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. From Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the rice terraces.

Important Information:

• Best time to visit: Mid-April to late June for lush green terraces or late September to early November for the harvest season.

• Walking: Be prepared for some walking around Ping’an Village, including approximately 900 steps from the parking lot to your hotel.

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
After breakfast, embark on a Li River Cruise from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. This 84 km cruise offers some of China’s most iconic views, including winding rivers, towering limestone karst peaks, and picturesque countryside scenes. You’ll pass the famous A Painting of Nine Horses, and the scene depicted on the back of the 20 RMB note.

Upon arriving in Yangshuo, check into your hotel and take a short break.

Exploring Yulong River & West Street
In the afternoon, enjoy the serene beauty of the Yulong River. Whether you prefer biking, bamboo rafting, or a leisurely drive, the landscapes around the river offer a peaceful escape. You can also explore West Street, where you’ll find a fusion of Western and Chinese culture, with cafes, shops, and local food.

Optional Evening Activity:
Watch the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie performance, a light-and-sound show directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the backdrop of the Li River.

Elephant Trunk Hill & Reed Flute Cave
In the morning, transfer back to Guilin (about 1.5–2 hours) for a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbol of Guilin's landscape. The hill is shaped like an elephant drinking water, and you can explore the nearby stone carvings and Buddhist temples.

Next, head to Reed Flute Cave, an underground marvel filled with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that have been shaped over millions of years.

Departure
After your tour, your guide will take you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. The tour ends here.