7 Days Chengdu Zhangjiajie Wonders Tour
Panda Encounter, Cultural Stroll & Avatar Mountains Exploration
Panda Encounter, Cultural Stroll & Avatar Mountains Exploration
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey, combining two of China’s most captivating destinations for a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural wonder! Chengdu offers a unique glimpse into traditional Chinese life and the chance to encounter the beloved Giant Pandas, while Zhangjiajie’s dramatic landscapes provide a breathtaking adventure through otherworldly scenery.
Begin your journey in Chengdu, where you’ll experience the city’s relaxed ambiance at People’s Park and engage with local culture. Delight in a visit to the Giant Panda Base, and explore the vibrant Jinli Old Street and Wenshu Temple. Also, take a side trip to Leshan to marval at Leshan Giant Buddha. Next, travel to Zhangjiajie to witness the stunning landscapes that inspired Avatar, including the awe-inspiring sandstone pillars and the thrilling Glass Bridge adventure. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, where you can take a spectacular cable car ride and walk along the famous cliffside glass walkway for unforgettable views.
This tour is a hassle-free package, carefully designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience. Every detail is expertly managed, from private drivers and tour guides to hand-picked comfortable hotels and a fully customized itinerary, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of these stunning destinations.
Day 1 Chengdu Arrival
Chengdu Airport or Train Station Pick-up
Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of the Giant Panda. Your local guide will meet you at the airport/train station and then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is yours to relax in the panda city on your own.
Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is only about 2~3 hours flying from the majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also get to Chengdu by high speed trains from Xian (4hrs), Chongqing (1hrs), Guilin (6hrs), Kunming (6hrs), etc.
Our tour guide picked up guests at Chengdu East Railway Station
Day 2 Chengdu - Leshan Giant Buddha - Chengdu (B)
Leshan Giant Buddha In-depth Exploration
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and then be driven about 2 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is carved into a mountain rock cliff and overlooking the river below him. As the largest and tallest Buddha statue, he enjoys a total height of 71 meters, with14.7-meter long and 10-meter wide head, 7-meter long ears, 8.5-meter broad insteps and 8.5-meter long toes. Even his small fingernail is taller than an averagely-tall adult. The Giant Buddha was constructed in AD 713 to bless the boatmen from swift currents in river hollows. In spite of long history of over 1300 years, it is well-preserved as there is a smart water-drainage system designed inside the body to prevent weathering.
You can start your close sight of his magnitude from the top mountain, opposite the Buddha head, and then walk down the narrow stone stairway to his feet to enjoy a Liliputian perspective. Please note you may have to queue up to enter the stone stairway if you visit the Giant Buddha during the busy hours. After the close view of Giant Buddha, leave the scenic area and appreciate a 30 minutes' amazing boat experience. The boat will drive you to front of the Giant Buddha and appreciate a wonderful panoramic view of him.
After your sightseeing in Leshan, you will be transferred back to Chengdu.
Day 3 Chengdu (B)
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding - Wenshu Temple - People's Park - Jinli Old Street
This morning you will make a stirring visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is not only the most important panda scientific research center, but also dwelling home to more than 100 Giant Pandas. Walk at leisure through the bamboo framed paths, and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, climbing trees, etc. Don't miss the chance to visit the most adorable panda cubs in the panda kindergartens. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the precious panda babies in the nursery rooms. There is also a very informative Panda Museum where you can learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas.
Leaving the panda center, you will be taken to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in the bustling downtown of Chengdu - Wenshu Temple. Marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the peaceful paths. Adjacent to the monastery is a small bazaar (Wenshufang) where you can enjoy a leisure stroll through to experience local market and living style.
Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment - napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning... Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.
At the end, your guide will escort you to your hotel.
Recommended Optional Evening Activities: 1) enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine (or hotpot) at a local restaurant; 2) watch a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, and other delightful entertainment (usually performs during 20:00~21:30).
Day 4 Chengdu - Zhangjiajie (B)
Transfer from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie by Flight
Today is free for you to relax until you are escorted to Chengdu Tianfu Airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie City (about 1.5 hours usually). After your arrival, your local tour guide will meet you with a sign on which says your name at the arrival hall in the airport or train station. Then our guide and driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in Wulingyuan downtown in Zhangjiajie by our comfortable private car (non-smoking), and the guide will help you check in. The rest of today is on your own to explore this fabulous city in China.
Recommended Optional Evening Activities: 1) Talk a leisurely walk on Xibu Street at Wulingyuan downtown. You can stroll at the Tujia ethnic flavored shopping pedestrian street to taste local snacks, find interesting artifacts and enjoy the beautiful night view with colorful lights. 2) Watch the Charming Xiangxi Show, one of the grand folk shows in China and the best window to learn about the ethnic culture of Hunan Province.
Day 5 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (B)
Huangshi Village - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge - Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Today, after breakfast, you will be met by our guide and driver and then driven to start your exciting visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You will first take the cable car up to Huangshi Village to appreciate the wide forest park on its peaks. The village site has an altitude of 1080 meters, which is praised for its similar charm of pillar forest of Colorado in the USA. Enjoying the flat the wide visual environment, it is so far the largest natural viewing deck for visitors for a perfect admiration of its various rising stones and hills. Enjoy your fresh walk to visit the top famous sights including Star Picking Stand, Five Finger Peak, and so on, and find those looking like a book box, bridge piers, nestling couple, etc. from a distance.
After that, take a sightseeing bus to exit the park and take a 40-minute drive to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you'll experience a mix of adrenaline and serenity. Step onto the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, a marvel of engineering and the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Spanning 430 meters and suspended 400 meters above the valley floor, it offers a breathtaking view that makes you feel like you're walking on air. After conquering your fears, walk a distance to the Lookout Deck, take a moment to appreciate the panoramic view of the area. Next, descend into the valley on foot or via transportation facilities (kindly share your preferences with your tour guide, as services like elevators, slide ways, and zip lines may come with extra fees). At the lush valley, explore Rainbow Square, Momo Cave, and Shenquan Lake, where you can enjoy the cool shade of the forest, a tranquil boating experience on the emerald lakes, and the vibrant colors of the local flora. The valley tour features some gentle paths, with the entire walk taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
After the visiting, be driven back to your hotel in Wulingyuan. Have a good sleep!
Day 6 Yuanjiajie - Tianzi Mountain (B)
Bailong Elevator - Avatar Mountain - Yuanjiajie - Tianzi Mountain
Kick off your day with an early breakfast, then head to the UNESCO World Heritage site - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You will visit Ten-mile Gallery, Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain which is the Core Scenic Area of the national park.
Begin your adventure at the Ten-mile Gallery, where sightseeing trams glide past stunning formations like The God of Longevity Welcoming Guests, the Old Herb Picker, and the Three Sisters Peaks. This leisurely journey leads you through a captivating valley filled with storytelling landscapes. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, you’ll take a tram in and stroll back out, soaking in the beauty along the way.
Your next destination is Yuanjiajie. Begin your exploration on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s fastest and tallest outdoor lift, which ascends from the valley floor to the peak in just 1.5 minutes, providing a stunning bird’s-eye view of the remarkable landscape. Once you arrive at Yuanjiajie, immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty, renowned for its towering sandstone columns. Hike through this enchanting terrain, often shrouded in mist, and discover the inspiration behind the floating Hallelujah Mountains from the film Avatar. At the Ecstasy Terrace, soak in breathtaking vistas of hundreds of distinctive stone peaks. Finally, explore the natural wonder of The First Bridge, a striking stone bridge connecting two peaks with a 5-meter platform, showcasing a rare geological marvel.
After exploring Yuanjiajie, hop on a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain. At Helong Park, you'll discover one of the area's finest viewing decks, providing close-up views of the majestic and unique Yubi Peak, and find the romantic Fairy Flowers among the hundreds of bizarre sandstone peaks. If you have the energy, you can venture a bit deeper to the Warrior Training Horse where dozens of unusual peaks stand tall, among which one peak resembles a proud steed with its mane held high, while next to it, a rock looks like a warrior holding the reins of a horse. End your visit at Tianzi Mountain with an exhilarating ride on the Cable Car, descending through a landscape of sandstone pillars that seem to rush past your window.
Following this thrilling tour, your guide and driver will take you to Zhangjiajie’s downtown area for hotel check-in.
Today 's Optional Attraction - Kongzhong Tianyuan, also known as The Field in the Sky (around 1~2 hours):
Kongzhong Tianyuan is a scenic spot that is less frequented by tour groups but features breathtaking views, making it especially suitable for photography. Typically, visitors need to take a sightseeing bus to reach the area (round trip CNY 64/pp not included in the ticket price). Here, you can see dozens of terraced fields layered amidst hundreds of towering stone peaks, and you can also gaze at the Bailong Elevator rising like a giant dragon into the sky. It’s important to note that to get a close-up view of the Avatar peaks from the lower observation platforms, you'll need to walk about half an hour. Be extra cautious while walking during rainy days and in winter.
Optional Evening Show: Enjoy your night to watch the popular Tianmen Fox Fairy Show at the foot of Tianmen Mountain, which is an excellent large-scaled musical drama performance with real landscape being the background and stage telling the touching story. Performance time: 20:15-21:50.
Day 7 Tianmen Mountain National Park & Zhangjiajie Departure (B)
Tianmen Cable Car - Tianmen Temple - Glass Skywalk - Ghost Valley Plank Road - Tianmen Cave - Flight / Train off Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel to embark on an exhilarating journey to Tianmen Mountain, a must-see attraction in Zhangjiajie, renowned for its record-breaking single-track circular alpine cableway and the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, Tianmen Cave.
You'll begin by taking the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, which ascends from downtown Zhangjiajie to the top of the mountain, over 1,400 meters above sea level. This approximately 7,455-meter-long cableway is currently the longest of its kind globally, offering a breathtaking view of the meandering Tongtian Avenue (Avenue toward Heaven) as seen from the transparent carriage.
The first part of your journey will be along the West Line Visiting Route (Looking for a Wonderland), which leads you through the mountain’s peak area. En route, you’ll be surrounded by natural marvels and thrilling experiences. The Guigu Cliffside Path awaits your adventurous spirit. At the end of the West Line, you’ll find the Tianmen Mountain Temple, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is situated atop the mountain.
After visiting the temple, you have the option to continue exploring the East Line (Jasper Terrace in The Green Field), hiking towards Yuhu Peak, and passing through South Overlooking Tianmen Cave, Immortal Source, Yu Hu Peak and Happy Grove, etc. Alternatively, you can take a refreshing forest sightseeing cable car (requires an extra fee of 25/pp for a single run) up to the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the best vantage point on Tianmen Mountain, then walk down to the Turbulent Water at Tianmen (Upper Station of Transmountain Escalator).
Next, you’ll take the Transmountain Escalator from the peak down to Tianmen Cave to witness the colossal natural opening in the mountain. This cave, formed by natural compression and collapse, measures 131.5 meters in height, 57 meters in width, and 60 meters in depth, making it an extraordinary geological wonder. Afterwards, you’ll walk down the extremely steep 999 steps (Stairway to Heaven), with an incline of up to 45°. Finally, you will take the Tianmen Mountain Express Cableway down to the mountain gate parking lot, then transfer to a shuttle bus back to the Tianmen Mountain Tourist Center, where your tour guide and driver will be waiting for you.
Following your exhilarating day, you’ll be escorted to Zhangjiajie’s airport or train station for your next adventure or journey home, marking the end of our services. Safe travels and fond memories!
Tianmen Mountain Travel Tips: 1. At Tianmen Mountain, there are three glass skywalks: one to the east and two to the west. It costs CNY 5-10/pp to walk on them. 2. If you have trouble moving around or want to save energy, you can take the escalator down to Tianmen Cave square. It costs an extra 32 per person per ride. 3. The tour of Tianmen Mountain offers great flexibility in operation. The guide arranges the specific order of sightseeing according to the flow of visitors in the scenic area on the day. If you have specific places you're keen on exploring, please share this with your guide.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2024 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Good morning, Tracy.
We have completed our travel in China. Thank you very much for arranging this wonderful tour for us.
You amended the itinerary 3 times according to our needs. One of the changes in the itinerary was your suggestion to add the Xingyi Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area which was an excellent recommendation. All of us enjoyed this beautiful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city as well as away from the regular tourist crowds.
I understand that you wish me to provide our reviews and feedback. Here they are:
Tracy is efficient and very patient with us. Tour was very well arranged. Everything is good.
The following is what I intend to post on tripadvisor. My user name in tripadvisor is Hing2013:
“CHINA DISCOVERY - AMAZING 13-DAY PRIVATE TOUR Our group of 8 seniors have just finished a wonderful 13-day private tour to Guizhou and Guilin arranged by Tracy. From the first email, Tracy had shown her willingness to help. She had been courteous and efficient. All my requests were attended promptly. Sceneries in both Guizhou and Guilin are spectacular. Everything was well arranged. The guides and drivers in both Guizhou and Guilin were caring. Guilin guide Kenny was particularly knowledgeable. It was a wonderful and memorable trip and we all enjoyed the tour. We will book with China Discovery again and have no hesitation to recommend China Discovery to anyone who is interested in traveling in China.”
Have a good day!
Lena
Hi Jack,
We had a great time on our trip thanks.
The trip went very well (apart from a rainy day in Pingyao), with no hitches.
Guides were all excellent, and took us to some great restaurants! All drivers were good as well - all punctual and drove safely.
Hotels were excellent, with the Beijing and Pingyao hotels standing out.
We had a great time and are sorry that it's over so quickly!
Many thanks.
Steve
Dear Jack,
We would like to thank you for the trip arrangement. It was very good and we had a wonderful time. Jessica, our guide, was very helpful and knowledgeable, and she took great care of us.
Thanks.
Warmest regards.
Sok Yong
Hi Jack,
The tour was excellent and so were the guides (Michelle and Cecilia) and driver (Mr Wei). Both Michelle and Cecilia were knowledgeable and helpful and made our trip a memorable one.
Regards,
Lawrence
Hi Leo,
Thanks for everything. I really enjoyed the Yunnan trip. Highly appreciated your tourist guides’ professional services. I will recommend your company to my friends. I definitely will come back again.
Ka
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Our tour guide picked up guests at Chengdu East Railway Station
UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha
Watching Leshan Giant Buddha from the River
Our dear clients was experiencing Chengdu local living style in the People's Park
Lovely Pandas in Chengdu Panda Base - Photographed by Our Guest Chona
Zhangjiajie City View
Xibu Street Night View
Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip, Golden Whip Stream-202405-Mazurek's Group from Poland
Immortal's Peak, Huangshi Village-20240430-Walter's Group from Germany
Claire from UK at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Bernhard’s group from German - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Tianzi Mountain-202405-Mazurek's Group from Poland
Yuanjiajie-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil
Bailong Elevator, Taken from Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area
Tianmen Cave, Tianmen Mountain-202309-Manolis' Group from Greece
Tianmen Mountain Temple Inner
Tianmen Mountain Tongtian Avenue
Guigu Cliffside Path, Tianmen Mountain-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil
Chengdu can be reached easily by flight or high speed train from many big cities of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xian, Chongqing, etc. Besides, there are also frequent international or regional flights from San Francisco, Singapore, Melbourne, Kathmandu, Paris, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. and some non-scheduled flights from Sydney, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid and Moscow.
It is suitable to visit Chengdu and Zhangjiajie at any time in a year, but the best traveling seasons are (March ~ May) Spring and Autumn (September ~ November) when the temperature is most mild and comfortable. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds and Zhangjiajie will be covered by snow which is awesome for a photography tour.
For spring and autumn, light sweaters, long shirts and long pants are suggested for Chengdu and Zhangjiajie trip. In summer, shirts and shorts are enough, besides, it is advised to prepare light coats for lower temperature in early morning and at night. In winter, it is a little cold, and down jackets, sweaters, warm pants and socks, scarves, gloves, etc. are better to keep warm. Remember to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers, because you will have a lot of steps to walk around those natural scenic spots. Besides, bring sunblock, sunglasses and hat to protect your skin and eyes. Because of the temperature difference between day and night in Zhangjiajie, you need to keep warm in early morning and night.
In Chengdu, there are lots of different kinds of hotels ranging from international brands to boutique style and providing you easeful stay. First-timers are strongly suggested to accommodate in the downtown area with most convenient transportation, shopping malls and great restaurants.
During your Zhangjiajie tour, you can stay in Wulingyuan Town or Zhangjiajie downtown area. For your several days discovering Wulingyuan Scenic Area, we suggest you arrange the hotel at Wulingyuan Town, which needs only 10 minutes to get to the National Park Entrance.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area include four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Huangshi Village and Golden Whip Stream), Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie. Travelers usually spend about two days exploring this vast area - one day to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and the other day to Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain.
To travel further with thrilling experience, many travelers would like to spend one more day to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge; and if you want to travel in a relaxing way, you can only go and challenge Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge over the Grand Canyon, and take an enjoyable visit to Baofeng Lake with boat experience passing through the incredible peaks or explore Yellow Dragon Cave underground.
Besides the Wulingyuan exploration, many travelers choose to spend one day in Zhangjiajie downtown area for a visit to Tianmen Mountain. To sum up, Zhangjiajie is a great destination well worth your time for 3 to 5 days visiting. You can combine some of them based on your likes, or tell us your needs to us and our travel consultants are glad to help you design your Zhangjiajie trip.
Zhangjiajie / Fenghuang / Zhangjiajie
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Hong Kong / Guilin / Zhangjiajie / Chengdu / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai / Xian / Beijing
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