From Shanghai's Skyline to Avatar Mountains and Ancient Riverside Towns

Experience Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Furong, and Fenghuang in one diverse journey. Explore classical gardens, Avatar-like peaks, glass bridges, Tianmen Mountain, waterfall towns, and illuminated riverside streets before departing through Changsha.

8 Days Zhangjiajie, Central China

Experience Shanghai from Water Town to Skyline

Discover two contrasting sides of Shanghai: the canals and traditional architecture of Zhujiajiao Water Town, then the historic Bund, classical Yuyuan Garden, and panoramic views from Shanghai Tower.

Step Into Zhangjiajie's Avatar Landscape

Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, ride the Bailong Elevator, travel across the mountains by Tianzi Mountain Cable Car, and see the sandstone pillar landscape associated with the famous Hallelujah Mountains.

See the 72 Wonder Tower After Dark

Experience Zhangjiajie's 72 Wonder Tower, where traditional Tujia-inspired architecture, colorful night lighting, and ethnic performances create a completely different evening atmosphere.

Itinerary

Detailed 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, where your private guide will meet you in the airport arrivals hall.
A private, non-smoking vehicle with an experienced driver will be ready to transfer you into the city and begin your journey comfortably.
The rest of the day can be arranged around your arrival schedule, giving you time to settle in before the sightseeing program begins.
Day 2
Shanghai — Zhujiajiao Water Town & Tianzifang
Today reveals Shanghai's quieter, more traditional side.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Travel to Zhujiajiao, a historic water town characterized by canals, stone bridges, narrow lanes, and well-preserved traditional architecture.
Begin at Chenghuang Temple, dedicated to the local city god and closely connected with the town's traditional religious culture.
Helong Gallery
Continue on foot to Helong Gallery, where you can explore a collection of traditional Chinese artwork.
Traditional Tea House
Take a leisurely break at a local tea house, enjoying fragrant Chinese tea accompanied by light snacks.
This slower moment offers a chance to experience a more relaxed side of water-town life.
Kezhi Garden
Visit Kezhi Garden, a classical Chinese garden designed with elegant architecture, landscaped courtyards, and peaceful surroundings.
Tianzifang
Return to central Shanghai and finish the day in Tianzifang, a lively neighborhood filled with boutique shops, art galleries, cafés, and creative spaces set among old Shanghai lanes.
Day 3
Shanghai → Zhangjiajie — The Bund, Yuyuan Garden & Shanghai Tower
Spend the morning discovering Shanghai's essential city landmarks before flying to Zhangjiajie in the evening.
The Bund
Begin with a walk along The Bund, Shanghai's historic waterfront.
Admire its heritage architecture while learning about the city's colonial-era development and the stories behind its transformation into an international metropolis.
Yuyuan Garden
Continue to Yuyuan Garden, a peaceful classical Chinese garden hidden within Shanghai's busy urban landscape.
Explore traditional pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and landscaped spaces that reflect the elegance of traditional Chinese garden design.
Shanghai Tower
Travel into Pudong and ascend Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China.
From the observation level, take in sweeping views across Shanghai's skyline and the Huangpu River.
Evening Flight to Zhangjiajie
After sightseeing, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for the evening flight from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie.
Day 4
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — Avatar World, Bailong Elevator & Tianzi Mountain
Today is dedicated to the extraordinary landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Walk among soaring sandstone pillars whose unusual shapes have made this region one of China's most recognizable natural destinations.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
Hike through the scenery associated with the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, where narrow ridges and towering stone columns rise dramatically above forested valleys.
The combination of steep cliffs, mist, and vertical rock formations creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Bailong Sightseeing Elevator
Ride the Bailong Elevator, described on the itinerary as the world's tallest outdoor elevator, to reach the upper area of the park.
Tianzi Mountain Cable Car
Continue with the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car, passing above forests and sandstone pillars while enjoying a completely different perspective of the park. Both the elevator and cable car are included in the original itinerary.
Day 5
Zhangjiajie — Grand Canyon Glass Bridge & 72 Wonder Tower
Continue exploring Zhangjiajie with a combination of dramatic natural scenery and an illuminated cultural attraction.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where mountains, streams, caves, steep cliffs, and dense forests form a spectacular canyon landscape.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Walk across the famous Glass Bridge, approximately 430 meters long and 300 meters above the canyon.
Its transparent floor provides uninterrupted views directly into the landscape below, creating one of the trip's most exhilarating experiences.
72 Wonder Tower
As evening arrives, visit the 72 Wonder Tower.
The centerpiece is a towering 109-meter stilt-style building, surrounded by a night-time atmosphere of traditional-inspired architecture, bright lights, and entertainment.
The attraction also showcases elements of local Tujia and Miao culture, including traditional music and dance performances.
Day 6
Zhangjiajie → Furong — Tianmen Mountain & Waterfall Ancient Town
Begin the day at one of Zhangjiajie's most famous mountain attractions.
Tianmen Mountain
Visit Tianmen Mountain in the morning.
As the highest peak in the Zhangjiajie area, it offers dramatic mountain scenery and expansive views, providing another perspective on the region's natural landscapes.
Drive to Furong Town
After lunch, travel approximately 2 hours by road to Furong Town.
Furong Ancient Town
Discover a historic town dramatically constructed around a cascading waterfall.
On one side stand traditional Tujia stilt houses, while Yuwang Palace occupies the opposite side, with the waterfall flowing between them.
Stay overnight in Furong so you can also enjoy the ancient town after dark, when its illuminated buildings and waterfall create one of the most memorable scenes of the journey.
Day 7
Furong → Fenghuang — Ancient Town, Historic Buildings & Tuojiang River Cruise
Leave Furong and travel approximately 1½ hours by road to Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Surrounded by green mountains and built along the Tuo River, Fenghuang preserves centuries of architecture and strong ethnic minority cultural influences.
Hongqiao Art Building
Visit Hongqiao Art Building, one of Fenghuang's recognizable historic landmarks.
Wanshou Palace
Continue to Wanshou Palace, another important heritage site within the ancient town.
Chongde Hall
Explore Chongde Hall, completing the group of specific historical attractions listed in the original itinerary.
Tuojiang River Boat Cruise
When evening arrives, board a boat for a cruise along the Tuojiang River.
See Fenghuang from the water as riverside buildings illuminate after sunset and live music, bars, and night-time activity transform the town into a much livelier scene.
Day 8
Fenghuang → Changsha — Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train from Fenghuang to Changsha, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival in Changsha, continue to the airport for your international departure, bringing the eight-day journey to an end.