8 Days • 7 Nights
Zhangjiajie & the Avatar Mountains
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll ride the world's highest outdoor lift up a cliff face, walk the glass-bottomed skywalk over a canyon, wander the towering pillars of the national park, and cross the world's longest glass bridge. The ancient riverside town of Fenghuang and the buzz of Shanghai complete the contrast.
With comfortable hotels, private guides and the cable cars and park passes arranged, it is China at its most jaw-dropping and adventurous.
Trip Highlights
- The towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Park
- The 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' and Bailong glass elevator
- The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge
- Tianmen Mountain and its cliff-hanging skywalk
- The Tianmen cable car, one of the world's longest
- The ancient riverside town of Fenghuang
- The Bund and skyline of Shanghai
- A blend of wild scenery and city dazzle
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in Shanghai and settle in, with an evening walk along the glittering Bund and a welcome dinner.
Fly to Zhangjiajie and transfer into the national park area, with your first views of the mist-wrapped sandstone pillars.
Ride the Bailong glass elevator up a sheer cliff to the Yuanjiajie plateau, walking among the towering pillars including the famous 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain'.
Explore the Tianzi Mountain viewpoints by cable car, then walk the serene Golden Whip Stream on the valley floor beneath the peaks.
Cross the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon on the world's longest and highest glass bridge, with the canyon and waterfalls far below.
Ride one of the world's longest cable cars up Tianmen Mountain for the cliff-edge skywalk and the Heaven's Gate arch, then transfer to the ancient riverside town of Fenghuang.
Wander the stilted houses and stone bridges of Fenghuang along the Tuojiang River, then travel to Changsha for your onward connection.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Changsha airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private guide and driver throughout
- 1 night Shanghai, 4 nights Zhangjiajie, 1 night Fenghuang, 1 night Changsha
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with cable cars and the Bailong elevator
- The Grand Canyon glass bridge and Tianmen Mountain with cable car and skywalk
- A visit to the ancient town of Fenghuang
- A Shanghai Bund walk on arrival
- Domestic flights and high-speed trains as per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from China
- China visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a China tourist (L) visa arranged in advance, though visa-free transit and regional schemes exist for some passports. We can advise, and your passport should be valid at least six months
- The Great Firewall: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and many Western sites are blocked in China. Install a reputable VPN and download offline maps before you arrive
- Currency & payments: The currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB). China is largely cashless via WeChat Pay and Alipay; set these up if you can, and carry some cash as a backup
- Language: English is not widely spoken outside hotels, which is exactly why your guide and private driver make all the difference
- Getting around: China's high-speed trains are superb and some legs use domestic flights, all arranged for you with seat reservations
- Altitude: Tibet (Lhasa 3,650m) and Shangri-La sit high; we build in gentle acclimatisation, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor
- Best seasons: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal nationwide; summer is hot and can be rainy, and the far north is bitterly cold in winter
- Etiquette: Tipping was not traditional but is now expected for guides and drivers on tours. A little patience and a smile go a long way
- Health: Drink bottled or boiled water only, and carry hand sanitiser. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: Buy a local SIM or an eSIM for data, and bring a universal adapter (China uses types A, C and I at 220V)
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary, such as a Peking duck dinner or a dumpling banquet. Other meals are left free so you can explore China's incredible regional food.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver in each city, so there is nothing to arrange on the ground.
Do I need a visa for China?
Most visitors need a China tourist visa arranged in advance, though some passports qualify for visa-free transit. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
Will my phone work in China?
Roaming works but Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked by the Great Firewall, so install a VPN before you travel. A local SIM or eSIM gives you reliable data.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather and clearest skies. Summer is hot and busier; winter is cold in the north but quiet and atmospheric.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, cities and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Yangtze cruise, Tibet or Hong Kong. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
By China's excellent high-speed trains and, for longer hops, domestic flights — all included and arranged with reservations.
Is Zhangjiajie a lot of walking?
There is a good deal of walking and some steps, but cable cars, lifts and shuttle buses do much of the climbing. A reasonable level of fitness makes it very enjoyable.
Is the glass bridge safe for those with a fear of heights?
The bridge and skywalks are very safe and hugely popular, though they are not for the truly vertigo-prone. There are always alternative viewpoints if you prefer to skip them.
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