Discover Hunan Through Urban Culture, Avatar Mountains & a Timeless Riverside Town

From Changsha's lively streets to Zhangjiajie's surreal mountains and Fenghuang's illuminated riverside houses, this seven-day journey combines dramatic scenery, thrilling mountain experiences, ethnic traditions, and one of China's most atmospheric ancient towns.

7 Days Zhangjiajie, Central China

Discover Changsha Beyond the Modern Skyline

Begin in Hunan's energetic capital, exploring Juzi Island in the Xiang River and the lively Huangxing Road pedestrian district before continuing to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train.

Step Into Zhangjiajie's “Avatar” Landscape

Explore Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie, where countless sandstone pillars rise dramatically from the forest and the famous Hallelujah Mountain scenery recalls the landscapes of Avatar.

Experience the Cultural Soul of Fenghuang

Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town, including classic landmarks such as the Tuojiang River, Hongqiao Art Building, and Wanshou Palace, while discovering Miao and Tujia cultural influences.

Itinerary

Detailed 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Changsha
Arrive in Changsha, where your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you directly to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free. Changsha is especially well known for its street-food culture, so you may use your spare time to explore local snacks independently. The original itinerary specifically mentions Fire Palace as an option for discovering the city's food scene.
Day 2
Changsha → Zhangjiajie — Juzi Island & Huangxing Road
Start your sightseeing at Juzi Island (Orange Island), a long green island lying in the middle of the Xiang River.
Its distinctive shape and riverside location make it one of Changsha's signature landmarks and a relaxing place to experience the city from a different perspective.
Huangxing Road
Continue to Huangxing Road, one of Changsha's busiest pedestrian areas.
Walk through its shops, restaurants, and commercial streets while experiencing the city's lively urban rhythm at an easy pace.
High-Speed Train to Zhangjiajie
In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, with the journey taking approximately 2½ hours.
Watch the scenery gradually shift from urban Hunan to greener mountains and forests as you approach Zhangjiajie.
Day 3
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — Tianzi Mountain & Yuanjiajie
Today is devoted to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Tianzi Mountain
Travel up Tianzi Mountain by cable car, saving both time and energy while gaining immediate access to the elevated viewpoints.
Look down through the glass walkway toward vast clusters of narrow sandstone peaks rising sharply from the forest below.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
After exploring Tianzi Mountain, take the scenic shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie.
This area contains the famous sandstone pillar associated with the Hallelujah Mountain imagery from Avatar. Walk among panoramic viewpoints where steep pillars, deep valleys, and forested cliffs create Zhangjiajie's unmistakable landscape.
Day 4
Zhangjiajie — Grand Canyon Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake
Continue your Zhangjiajie adventure with two very different experiences: an adrenaline-filled canyon crossing and a peaceful lake journey.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
Explore Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a landscape of cliffs, streams, caves, forests, and mountain scenery.
The highlight is the famous glass-bottom bridge, suspended approximately 300 meters above the canyon floor.
Walk across the transparent structure and look directly into the dramatic landscape below.
Baofeng Lake
After the excitement of the canyon, continue to Baofeng Lake.
Take a traditional wooden boat across the calm water, surrounded by unusually shaped hills and mountain scenery. During the ride, enjoy performances of traditional songs by local ethnic minority people.
Day 5
Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang — Tianmen Mountain
Today, explore Tianmen Mountain before continuing by road to Fenghuang.
Tianmen Mountain Cableway
Begin with the approximately 30-minute cable car ride from Zhangjiajie city toward the mountaintop.
The route provides sweeping views over forests, karst formations, valleys, and the spectacular mountain road below.
Glass Walkway & 99 Bends
At the summit area, experience the dramatic glass walkway suspended high along the mountain cliffs.
You will also encounter views of the famous 99 Bends, the winding road that snakes dramatically up the mountainside.
Tianmen Cave
Continue to Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven's Gate.
This naturally formed opening in the mountain rises around 30 meters high. Reach it via the famous Stairway to Heaven, creating one of the most iconic experiences of the journey.
Drive to Fenghuang
After completing the Tianmen Mountain visit, travel approximately 3.5 hours by road from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Day 6
Fenghuang Ancient Town — Nine Classic Sights & Riverside Nightscape
Spend the day exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town, a historic settlement surrounded by mountains and built along the river.
Unlike larger commercialized ancient towns, Fenghuang retains a more intimate atmosphere of narrow streets, traditional homes, small shops, and local handicrafts.
Fenghuang's Classic Landmarks
The original itinerary groups today as a visit to nine famous sights of Fenghuang. Its route summary specifically highlights the Tuojiang River, Hongqiao Art Building, and Wanshou Palace among the town's key attractions.
Take time to explore the riverside streets, traditional architecture, local homes, shops, and ethnic handicrafts while learning more about the Miao and Tujia cultures associated with the region.
Fenghuang at Night
Stay into the evening to experience another side of the ancient town.
As daylight fades, the riverside buildings and wooden stilt houses become illuminated, creating one of Fenghuang's most photogenic scenes. Enjoy the slower evening atmosphere and watch the sunset before the town lights come alive.
Day 7
Fenghuang → Zhangjiajie — Departure
After breakfast, leave Fenghuang and travel back toward Zhangjiajie.
Your guide will escort you to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport for your onward flight, bringing the seven-day Hunan journey to an end.