1 Day Mini Group Zhangjiajie Tour, No Shopping

We will confirm the exact pick-up time with you one day in advance and our professional guide will show up at your hotel lobby on time this morning. After gathering all group members, let’s set out to take an in-depth exploration of the UNSECO-honored Zhangjiajie National Forest Park boasting unique karst landscapes in the world.

► Advice on Hotel Choice for Your Convenience:
We recommend that you book a hotel near the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as this area is rich in decent food, accommodation and transportation options, which can basically meet all your needs. Based on our experience of multiple field visits, the 4-star Expert Village Courtyard Hotel and the 5-star Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel are our top recommendations for their overall comfort.

Follow our guide to enter through the East Gate, and then get on the eco-friendly shuttle bus of the scenic area directly to the lower station of the world’s tallest Bailong Elevator. From the outside, this striking silver-gray giant attaches tightly to the cliff, standing proudly. Riding inside, the elevator will take you from the foot of the mountain to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area at the top in 88 seconds, bringing you a strong speed and visual impact. Start in the dark, and then about ten seconds later, the soaring odd-shaped peaks and lush virgin forest will suddenly burst into your sight, making you can’t help but wow. Out of the elevator, take your time to admire one natural spectacle after another in this magical Pandora world. Get ready to be shocked by the iconic Hallelujah Mountain, the prototype of the floating mountain in American sci-fi blockbuster ‘Avatar’. This isolated peak is topped by dense green Wuling pines, jutting into the clouds. It is also known as Qiankun Pillar, with Qian referring to heaven and Kun to earth in Chinese, proudly symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. Don't miss other incredible sights like the Enchanting Platform and the No.1 Bridge under Heaven.

After exploring Yuanjiajie, it is almost noon. We have thoughtfully included the lunch today, so just follow our guide to a restaurant on the mountain specializing in local cuisine to boost your energy.

After lunch, hop in the eco-bus again to Yangjiajie Scenic Area, a niche attraction where vegetation coverage can reach 95%. “Jie” is pronounced as “Gai” in the local dialect, meaning “high mountains”, so Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie actually all refer to scenic spots that sit on the mountains. It is certainly not enough to just witness the peak cluster, and we won’t let you miss the peak wall, the Natural Great Wall here. In the 380 million years of sea and land changes, its embryonic form gradually emerged. Undulating among the luxuriant greenery, it can be peaks or a wall from different angles. A famous American journalist Simon Winchester once praised Zhangjiajie in the New York Times, and it is said that his article was right inspired by this distinctive sight.

After that, continue our visit to the Tianzi Mountain. Here, you'll be fascinated by the stories of two local celebrities. One is a Tujia hero of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) named Xiang Da Kun, who called himself “Tianzi” which literally means “Son of Heaven”, and was martyred under the cliff of Shentang Gulf after his defeat against the Ming army. Many of the spots here we will visit are related to his past activities, such as Warrior Training Horse, Nod-to-the-General Platform, and Imperial Brush Peaks. Another one is He Long, one of the founding marshals of modern China. There is a park named after him, owning several viewing platforms, and our guide will lead you to the one where you can enjoy Imperial Brush Peaks well. Looking far away, dozens of beautiful peaks protrude from the valley into the blue sky, and the verdant pines on their tips are right like the Wolf's hairs of the writing brushes. Finally, let’s descend the mountain by cable car.

Bid farewell to your mini group Zhangjiajie day tour now, and our guide will send you back to your hotel near the East Gate. Haven’t had enough? Want to take a leisurely hike along the Golden Whip Stream or experience the thrilling Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon? Then contact us to show you more of our Zhangjiajie routes and customize one to your satisfaction.

► Recommended Nighttime Activities (at your own expense):
This evening, maybe spend some time enjoying a grand performance of “Charming Xiangxi” at a theater near the East Gate of the Park. More than 100 local actors dressed in gorgeous ethnic costumes sing and dance, presenting the magical customs of the Tujia, Miao, and Bai ethnic groups in Zhangjiajie. The percussion of the drums and the passionate singing will surely make you shocked by the folk culture of western Hunan. There are three sessions every night, at 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00, each lasting 80 minutes. If you are interested, our guide will be glad to assist you book the ticket and locate it. Also if you want to try some authentic local flavors, we recommend you patronize the restaurant Feng Wei Tu Cai Guan, which has been opened for 20 years and is highly praised by locals. Its dishes’ good taste, generous portions and reasonable prices won’t let you down. A meal costs around CNY 40 / USD 5.5 per person.