Zhangjiajie: Land of Floating Mountains

Morning:

• Arrival in Zhangjiajie: Meet your local guide at the airport/train station and transfer to your hotel in Wulingyuan.
• Check-in & Refresh: Settle into your accommodation (recommend a boutique hotel with mountain views).

Afternoon:

• Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Begin with a gentle hike through Golden Whip Stream, a serene valley flanked by towering quartzite pillars. Spot wild monkeys and learn about the area’s geology from your guide.
• Lunch: Enjoy local Tujia cuisine at a family-run restaurant (try stewed pork with wild vegetables).

Evening:

• Dinner: Savor a farm-to-table meal at a countryside guesthouse.
• Optional - Charming Xiangxi Show: Watch this cultural performance showcasing the traditions of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups.

Morning:

• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Take the Bailong Elevator (glass elevator) to the top of the “Avatar Mountains.” Walk the First Bridge Under Heaven and marvel at the Hallelujah Mountain (inspiration for Avatar’s floating peaks).
• Lunch: Picnic with a view at a scenic spot (your guide will arrange).

Afternoon:

• Tianzi Mountain: Explore this area known for its dramatic peaks and sea of clouds. Take the cable car for panoramic views, then hike along the Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Scattering Flowers.
• Optional: Visit Ten-Mile Natural Gallery by shuttle bus for more stunning vistas.

Evening:

• Dinner: Try Tujia smoked pork and bamboo rice at a local eatery.
• Optional - Relax: Enjoy a foot massage with herbal remedies.

Morning:

• Tianmen Mountain: Take the world’s longest cable car ride to the summit. Walk the Glass Skywalk (a cliff-hugging glass path) and visit the Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), a natural arch carved into the mountain.
• Lunch: Dine at a mountaintop café with views of the winding 99-Bend Road.

Afternoon:

• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Explore the Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. For adrenaline seekers, try the bungee jump or zipline.
• Optional - Visit Baofeng Lake for a tranquil boat ride surrounded by karst peaks.

Evening:

• Dinner: Feast on river fish hotpot at a lakeside restaurant.
• Optional - Night Stroll: Wander Wulingyuan’s streets, browsing local handicrafts and snacks.

Morning:

• Huanglong Cave: Explore one of Asia’s most spectacular karst caves, featuring towering stalactites, underground rivers, and colorful light displays.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant near the cave.

Afternoon:

• Transfer to Furong Ancient Town: Depart for Furong (approx. 2.5-hour drive).
• Check-in: Arrive at a riverside guesthouse with traditional architecture.

Evening:

• Explore Furong Ancient Town: Stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets, visit the Tujia Stilt Houses, and admire the Waterfall Illumination Show at night.
• Dinner: Try local Tujia dishes like smoked pork and bamboo tube rice.

Morning:

• Transfer to Fenghuang: Depart early for a 2-hour drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town.
• Check-in: Arrive at a riverside guesthouse with traditional architecture.

Afternoon:

• Explore Fenghuang: Stroll along the Tuojiang River, cross ancient stone bridges, and visit the Hongqiao Rainbow Bridge. Wander through narrow alleys lined with stilt houses, artisan shops, and tea houses.
• Lunch: Try local Miao dishes like blood tofu and sticky rice cakes.

Evening:

• Nightfall in Fenghuang: Watch the town light up with lanterns reflecting on the river. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a riverside restaurant.
• Optional: Take a boat ride to see the illuminated town from the water.

Morning:

• Miao Village Visit: Explore a nearby Miao village, learn about their traditions, and participate in a handicraft workshop (e.g., batik dyeing or silver jewelry making).
• Lunch: Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family.

Afternoon:

• Final Exploration: Spend your last hours wandering Fenghuang’s quieter corners or shopping for souvenirs.
• Transfer to Airport/Train Station: Depart Fenghuang with unforgettable memories.