China's Surreal Peaks: Discover Zhangjiajie & Fanjingshan in 7 Days
Step into a world that feels almost otherworldly - a place where mountains float above misty valleys and ancient temples sit among the clouds.
Our 7-Day Zhangjiajie Fangjiangshan Tour takes you deep into China’s most surreal landscapes, from the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, immortalized in Avatar, to the sacred serenity of Fanjingshan’s cloud-wreathed peaks. Along the way, unwind in the riverside charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, where lantern-lit stilted houses line the Tuojiang River.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Avatar’s Alien Realm
Explore Zhangjiajie’s UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan, a sci-fi fantasy realm of 3,000 jagged quartzite pillars piercing the clouds – the landscape that inspired Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains. Feel your pulse race on the thrilling Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, suspended high above a chasm, or rocket up cliffs via the Bailong Elevator for surreal vistas. Ascend Tianmen Mountain on the world's longest cable car, walk dizzying cliff-clinging glass skywalks, and witness the awe-inspiring “Heaven's Gate” natural arch.
Welcome to Zhangjiajie City, an incredible destination where you can experience the reality of Hallelujah Mountain from the Movie Avatar! Upon your arrival in Zhangjiajie, the local guide and driver will meet you at the airport exit and accompany you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (35km, 1 hour drive). After checking in at the hotel, you will have some free time to explore the area at your leisure.
Arrival Ideas:
After breakfast, you will visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan, where you will explore Yuanjiajie and behold the awe-inspiring Hallelujah Mountains (乾坤柱). Following lunch, you will be transferred to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve in Wulingyuan, where you will have the opportunity to explore Tianzi Mountain (天子山). Throughout the day, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a captivating haven of nature adorned with over 3,000 slender quartz sandstone pillars.
In the morning, your first destination will be Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is the first national forest park in China. This park showcases a unique landform characterized by towering stone peaks in various shapes, abundant vegetation, and a majestic landscape. You will board a sightseeing bus to reach the Bailong Elevator, widely known as the “World’s No.1 Ladder“. This elevator holds the Guinness World Records for being the tallest, fastest, and heaviest outdoor elevator for sightseeing. In just 118 seconds, you will ascend 326 meters from the valley bottom to the pinnacle of the pillar. Next, you will hike into a mysterious Pandora World – Yuanjiajie (袁家界), the actual filming location of the movie “Avatar” and the renowned Hallelujah Mountains (哈利路亚山) in reality. Don’t miss the chance to capture the South Sky Pillar (南天一柱; Avatar Mountain), the Floating Mountain (1,074m;悬浮山), a towering vertical peak standing approximately 150 meters high from the deep valley, resembling a giant standing upright under the heavens. Take your time to walk along the Yuanjiajie Scenic Trail, which spans 3,500 meters and is built on the edge of a precipice. The trail is adorned with red prayer ribbons, and as you journey, you will be able to admire breathtaking natural wonders such as the Backyard Garden (后花园), Lost Soul Platform (迷魂台; The Best Natural Viewing Platform in Yuanjiajie), and the First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥, a natural stone bridge and the landmark of Yuanjiajie). While immersing yourself in the extraordinary beauty, you will also deepen your understanding of Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peaks and forest landforms. This unique landscape is the result of specific geological structures, tectonic movements, and external forces, making it an exceptionally rare and remarkable phenomenon.
Next, board the sightseeing bus to reach the second tourist site – Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, which derives its named from Xiang Dakun (Xiang Tianzi), the leader of the local Tujia ethnic group who referred to himself as “Tianzi” ( 天子), meaning the Son of Heaven or the emperor in Chinese, during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Tianzi Mountain (天子山) is currently in the prime stage of its peak forest evolution and is renowned as the “King of Peaks”. It gained fame as a fairyland in the popupar Chinese TV Series – Journey to The West. Tianzi Mountain (1,262m) is well-known for its magnificent sunrise, sea of clouds, red moon, winter snow, red leaves, and grand forest of peaks. You can proceed to Dianjiangtai Platform (点将台) to overlook the West Sea Peaks Forest (西海峰林), where rugged rocks rise from the depths of a misty canyon. You will not like to miss a view of the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks (御笔峰) which are a row of six stone pillars, each standing approximately a hundred meters tall. They are arranged in a square shape, intricately connected, and exhibit varying thickness from top to bottom, resembling the shape of a pen. According to legend, it is believed to be the pen used by Xiang Tianzi. Afterwards, hike to He Long Park (贺龙公园) to visit the bronze statue of Marshal He Long and his warhorse, as well as the Tianzige Pavilion(天子阁). The Tianzige Pavilion, standing at 30 meters, offers a panoramic view of Tianzi Mountain, with its peaks and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The scene is truly spectacular. After the tour, return to your hotel for a good rest.
Notes: If you are traveling during the peak season, your guide may consider reversing the itinerary to avoid the largest crowds of tourists.
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is approximately 56 km away and takes about 1.5 hours by car. There, you will have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Following that, enjoy a delicious lunch before proceeding to Baofeng Lake for a relaxing boat trip. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Zhangjiajie city.
Well-known for its numerous waterfalls and fresh air in the valley, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is must-visit scenic spot in Zhangjiajie, especially for photographers and adventurers. The Glass Bridge is the highlight of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, as it is the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, stretching between two dramatic cliffs. It spans 375 meters in length and stands 300 meters high. Designed by Israeli Haim Dotan Architects, the bridge is capable of accommodating up to 800 people at a time. It is entirely made of glass, with no steel structure. In the middle of the bridge, there is a bungee jumping platform, which is the highest in the world. Here, you can experience the thrill of the highest bungee jump and fulfill your dream of flying like Spider-Man (bungee jump fees are self-pay). Exploring the Glass Bridge typically takes about 1 hour. People from around the world are excited to take on the challenge of walking on the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. While walking on the bridge, you can look down through the crystal-clear base, which hovers above a lush forest and a mist-filled canyon. Standing on the transparent glass feels like floating in the air, offering a superb panoramic view of the entire Grand Canyon. Come and take the sky-walk on the glass bridge to showcase your courage to the world!
After your “tremble” on the glass bridge, move to the mirror-like Baofeng Lake to restore your inner peace. From the entrance, you will take a shuttle bus to reach the pier. Then, take a wooden boat ride on Baofeng Lake, a crystal-clear alpine lake. Spanning 2.5 kilometers in length, 200-1000 meters in width, and with an average depth of 72 meters, Baofeng Lake is nestled in a basin amidst the surrounding mountains. It is adorned with lush green trees and unique rock formations, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation. As you leisurely cruise on the boat, you will be captivated by the reflections of the magnificent peaks in the water and serenaded by traditional folk songs performed by the local minority people.
After the tour, return to Zhangjiajie City, which is approximately 35 kilometers away and takes about 1 hour by car, for an overnight stay.
Today, you will spend a half day tour on Tianmen Mountain in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, known as as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie” and the “No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan Province”. Located only 8 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie city center, the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is unique in that it is suitable for people of all ages, and climbing is not necessary. There is the world’s longest cable car, spanning 7,455 meters, which takes you directly to the mountaintop. Additionally, there is a small cableway available on the mountaintop. The only section that requires walking is the Tianmen Cave staircase, but don’t worry, there is also an elevator available. Then, head to Fenghuang Ancient Town in the afternoon.
First, take the 30-minute cable car (7,455 meters) ride from Zhangjiajie City to the top of Tianmen Mountain. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the winding mountain road with 99 bends (the Road to Heaven) and the breathtaking beauty of the bonsai gardens. Now, brace yourself for a thrilling challenge. Take a deep breath and step on the cliff path hanging on the mountainside. Walk along the Glass Walkway, a transparent glass path that stretches for 60 meters and hovers 1,430 meters above the bottomless valley, giving you a thrilling sensation of walking in the sky. Additionally, experience the 1.6-kilometer-long Cliff-Hanging Walkway, which is built along the edges of the mountain’s summits. It’s truly an amazing adventure! Next, you have the option to visit Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist structure that embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). It is surrounded by lush green forests, providing a serene atmosphere. And, you can also visit Yunmenxianding (云梦仙顶; 1,518m), the highest point in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.
Afterward, go down by escalator from the mountaintop to Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest natural mountain through cave which spans 131.5 meters. Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate Hole (天门洞), is frequently enveloped in swirling clouds and mist, and at other times, it is illuminated by ethereal rays of sunlight, resulting in a mesmerizing and ever-changing display of light and shadows. Take your time there to capture some beautiful photographs. Following that, you have the option to either walk down the 999 steps or take the elevator down. Then, welcome back to another cable car station. Take the cable car down the mountain.
After the Tianmen Mountain Tour, it is the time to move to Fenghuang Ancient Town, located about 3.5 hours (237km) away by car (There is high-speed train between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, it takes only 1 hour for single way).
The night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town is truly enchanting. As you stroll through the old courtyards and well-preserved wooden houses along the riverside, you will witness the vibrant atmosphere of the night market and bars. The dazzling lights create a magical ambiance, making it a truly wonderful experience.
It is your free time to explore Fenghuang Ancient Town this morning. When Fenghuang Ancient Town is mentioned, it is often associated with the famous Chinese writer and historian Shen Congwen (1902-1988), whose book “The Border Town 边城” brought fame to this small town worldwide. During your visit, you can leisurely explore the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, the Ancient East Gate, Hongqiao Bridge (the iconic landmark of Fenghuang), and more.
As one of the most beautiful towns in China, Fenghuang Ancient Town is home to various ethnic groups, primarily the Miao and Tujia peoples. It is renowned for its picturesque setting along the tranquil Tuo River, where traditional stilt houses (Diaojiaolou;吊脚楼) are tightly packed. Along the riverbanks, women can be seen washing clothes and cleaning rice and vegetables, while men fish using their nets. The preparation of food on the riverbank remains much the same as it has been for centuries. Taking a short 10-minute boat ride along the Tuo Jiang River is a delightful way to relax and immerse oneself in the surroundings.
After this, take a 2-hour drive to your carefully selected hotel in Jiangkou County, situated at the foot of Mount Fanjingshan.
Climbing Time: 4-5 Hours (Sightseeing Bus, Cable Car Included)
Route: Fanjingshan Sightseeing Bus – Cable Car – Mushroom Stone – Red Clouds Golden Summit – Chengen Temple – Cable Car – Sightseeing Bus – Return to Hotel
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you from your hotel to the entrance of Fanjingshan. Today, you’ll spend entire day on this mountain. Breathe in that super fresh air, and head into the misty heights!
Fanjingshan (梵净山), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site listed in 2018, is the No. 5 Buddhist Mountain in China and the sacred site of Maitreya Bodhisattva, its name meaning “Pure Land.” As a global green oasis, it preserves living fossils from the dinosaur era, such as the Dove tree (珙桐). This peculiar non-karst mountain rising from a karst sea has chilled for ages. You could even say hi to it if you traveled back 800-1000 million years.
First, you’ll take a 30-minute sightseeing bus up the mountain, followed by a 20-minute cable car ride. From above, glance up at the distant skyline, with ever-changing clouds occasionally engulfing the cable car.
After getting off cable car, you’ll begin hiking along winding Forest Hiking Road, reaching the landmark, Mushroom Stone (蘑菇石), in about 40 minutes. This is a natural wonder of Fanjingshan, a huge mushroom-shaped rock, rectangular on top and conical at the bottom, about ten meters high. It lists drunkenly but has stood on mountain for a billion years. Be sure to take a photo with this iconic symbol of Fanjingshan! (Optional: enjoy 10-minute to Old Summit Peak.)
Next, descend along stone steps, passing Pudu Square (普渡广场), and continue for about 1.5 hours towards the closely adjacent baguette-shaped Red Clouds Golden Summit (红云金顶). You’ll see a decisive crack firmly separating the middle of the Summit. This is Fanjingshan’s highlight and an important pilgrimage site for the Maitreya Bodhisattva’s sacred ground.
At an altitude of 2336 meters, two Buddhist temples (Sakyamuni Hall and Maitreya Hall) are built on the peaks on either side of the Red Clouds Golden Summit, connected by a stone bridge, symbolizing the transition from “reality” to the “future.”
While climbing, you’ll need to hold onto iron chains and carefully ascend narrow 85-degree steps. The initial section is very narrow, opening up to a stone path wide enough for one person before suddenly emerging from the clouds – congratulations, you’ve reached the summit! After reaching top, first pay homage to Sakyamuni Buddha to pray for present life, then cross stone bridge to Maitreya Buddha to pray for future. Standing by stone fence, look down at clouds zooming by mountainside, and soak up sun feeling good on your tired body.
Tip: Around sunrise, you can witness beautiful red clouds as sunlight pierces through the layers of mist.
After visiting the must-see spots, descend and return to Pudu Square to visit Chengen Temple (承恩寺). This Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple is a must-visit for Buddhist pilgrims, backing against the Red Clouds Golden Summit and facing endless mountains. After hiking challenge, chill out here.
After Fanjingshan hike tour, take cable car and sightseeing bus back down the same route. Your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Jiangkou County. Have a good sleep!
Tips:
Today, you will be transferred to the Tongren airport/train station for your departure.
Extension Ideas:
If you wish to extend your Guizhou tour, consider exploring: Kaili (the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture), Huangguoshu Waterfall (Asia’s largest waterfall), Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (known as Earth’s Green Emerald Belt), or Guiyang (the vibrant capital of Guizhou Province). Please consult your travel advisor about your preferences.
Departure Information:
Fanjingshan is 78km from Tongren city. Tongren has an airport and two train stations that connect to major Chinese cities. You can fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, and other destinations, or take high-speed trains to Guiyang, Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Changsha, and beyond.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Zhangjiajie Fanjingshan Tour. We are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!
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