6 Days Chongqing Zhangjiajie Surreal Adventure with Wulong Karst
Savor the Superb Landscapes of 8D Chongqing, Wulong Karst and Avatar Mountains
Savor the Superb Landscapes of 8D Chongqing, Wulong Karst and Avatar Mountains
Ready to dive into a 6-day expedition that harmoniously merges the vigor of China's cities with the lavishness of its natural wonders? Experience the enchanting 8D cityscape of Chongqing, the dramatic Karst formations of Wulong, and the dreamlike vistas of Zhangjiajie's landscapes, which inspired the floating mountains in "Avatar." This tour is a feast for the eyes and soul, designed to enthrall you at every step.
Embark from the pulsating heart of Chongqing, famed for its distinctive hilly terrain and a complex tapestry of roads and bridges. Dedicate a day to exploring its best highlights, such as the iconic Liziba Subway Station, the glittering nightscape of Hongya Cave, and the historical tapestry woven at the Three Gorges Museum. Then, proceed to the Wulong Karst National Geological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you'll witness the grandeur of the Three Natural Bridges and the stunning Longshuixia Gorge. Immerse yourself in this natural splendor, enveloped by cliffs, lush forests, and tumbling waterfalls. Your odyssey culminates in Zhangjiajie, the epitome of China's natural beauty, with its iconic landscapes. Hike among the distinctive sandstone pillars at Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the cradle of the fabled Hallelujah Mountains. Your adventure's finale is at Tianmen Mountain, where the legendary Tianmen Cave offers a majestic setting for your visit.
Crafted for a seamless experience, this tour offers private transportation, expert guidance, and premium accommodations, ensuring a holistic and enriching journey. It's an adventure that masterfully blends the excitement of urban discovery with the tranquility of nature's most awe-inspiring scenes. Don't hesitate—join us on this unforgettable voyage that captures the essence of China's urban ingenuity and the majesty of its natural splendors.
Day 1 Chongqing Arrival
Chongqing Airport or Train Station Pick-up
Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival, our local tour guide will meet you with a sign which says your name at the arrival hall at the airport or train station. Then, our guide and driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in Chongqing downtown 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.
Arrival Ideas: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, about 20 kilometers from the city downtown, serves flights between major domestic cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Huangshan, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Kunming, Lhasa, etc., and some international cities like New York, Singapore, London, Sydney, etc. Besides, you can also take a normal train to the 4 railway stations in Chongqing from many destinations, like Chengdu (1-2 hours), Xian (5.5 hours around), Guiyang (2 hours around), Guilin (4-5 hours), Shanghai (11.5 hours around), Beijing (12 hours around), Guangzhou (7.5 hours around), and so on.
Chongqing Nightlife | Places to Visit & Travel Inspirations: 1. Hongya Cave: Visit the historic Hongya Cave for a dazzling night view of the Yangtze River. Explore its traditional architecture and enjoy the area's bright lights and cultural atmosphere. 2. Nanbin Road: Take an evening walk along Nanbin Road to see Chongqing's cityscape lit up. This scenic route offers great views of the river and the city's vibrant nightlife. 3. Night Cruise: Experience Chongqing's beauty from the water on a night cruise. Sail past famous landmarks, enjoy live performances, and soak in the city's sparkling nightscape.
Hongya Cave Night View
Day 2 Chongqing City Tour (B, L)
Three Gorges Museum - People‘s Assembly Hall - Liziba Metro Station - E’ling Park - Hongya Cave
After breakfast, your local guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. On this day, you’ll have the chance to fully experience the uniqueness of the Mountain City and the culture of the Yangtze River. First, be escorted to the Three Gorges Museum (重庆中国三峡博物馆) in the city downtown. The vast collection of more than 280 thousand pieces of precious historical relics will let you have an amazing understanding of the great Yangtze River and the formation of the magnificent Three Gorges, and tell you the gradual thriving of Chongqing from 3,000 years ago, to its war defense in 20s century, and developmental path to be one of the 4 prosperous municipalities in China. Stepping out from the museum, have a nice look at the People’s Assembly Hall (重庆市人民大礼堂) that is popular with fancy classical exterior design and was listed into the History of Architecture compiled in London in 1987.
Later, be transferred to take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station to Liziba Metro Station (李子坝站) to look at the city’s prototype from a different angle. Then, get off to have the never-seen magic of the train going through an 11-storey block of flats, existing only in the fantastically structured Chongqing built against mountains.
After that, travel up to E’ling Park (鹅岭公园) and embrace the impressive panorama of Chongqing City, which has been highly praised as “Little Hong Kong” with its well-arranged row upon row of modern skyscrapers and two winding rivers surrounding. Then, go down to Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) to catch the symbolic view of Chongqing. The featured Ba & Shu regional wooden structures are tiered up to 11 floors on a hillside, creating a stunning sight with neon lights at night. Enjoy your leisure walk there and take some beautiful photos!
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel. Have a nice sleep! (You can decide whether to enjoy dinner at Hongya Cave or be escorted directly to your hotel.)
Day 3 Wulong Karst Geology Park (B, L)
Three Natural Bridges - Longshuixia Gap
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Wulong (about 3 hours). Today, you will explore Wulong Karst National Geological Park. Wulong Karst is well known for its giant dolines (sinkholes), natural bridges and caves, which were inscribed as a part of South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Besides, it is the shooting location of the globally famous movie “Transformers IV”.
After arrival at Wulong Tourist Center, hop on a sightseeing bus to the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia - Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥), where you can appreciate exceptionally high natural bridges with long stretches of deep unroofed caves. Take the sightseeing elevator down to the valley bottom to marvel at the magnificent Karst Mountains, miraculous caves, and beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy your hiking by passing Tianlong Bridge, Tianfu Post House (shooting location of Zhang Yimou’s movie “The City of Golden Armor”), Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge.
Then, take a sightseeing bus to Longshuixia Gap (龙水峡地缝), a gap-style gorge and the important part of Wulong Karst. In this natural oxygen bar, enjoy 2 kilometers of fun walking by One Line Sky, Dragon Pool Minoring the Moon, etc. and witness the cliffs on both sides, verdant original forests in the valley and mysterious waterfalls.
After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Xiannv Town. Have a nice sleep!
Day 4 Wulong Furong Cave & Train to Zhangjiajie (B, L)
Furong Cave - Train to Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you to start your expedition to Furong Cave (芙蓉洞), celebrated as one of the “Three Greatest Caves in the World”.
Formed during the Cambrian-Ordovician Period, this magnificent limestone cave stretches approximately 2,700 meters and covers an area of 37,000 square meters. It is renowned for its diverse speleothems, which create a dazzling display of karst landscapes. The cave features over 300 scenic spots, including the spectacular "Glory Hall" and impressive stone formations such as waterfalls, curtains, and palm-shaped stalagmites. The cave's interior is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with red coral and calcite formations considered very precious.
You will be driven to the Wulong Railway Station in the afternoon to catch a normal train to Zhangjiajie (around 4 hours). After your arrival, your local tour guide will meet you with a sign on which says your name at the arrival hall in train station. Then our guide and driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in Wulingyuan District 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.
Please note: There is no high-speed train running between Chongqing/Wulong and Zhangjiajie; only normal trains are available. The comfort level of a regular train cannot be compared to that of a high-speed train. If comfort is a concern, it is advisable to opt for a soft sleeper compartment.
Evening Idea: Xibu Street at Wulingyuan downtown is popular for leisure walks. You can stroll the Tujia ethnic-flavored shopping pedestrian street to taste local snacks, find interesting artifacts and enjoy the beautiful night view with colorful lights.
Day 5 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (B)
Wulingyuan Sign Gate (East Gate) - Ten-mile Gallery - Yuanjiajie - Tianzi Mountain
Kick off your day with an early breakfast, then head to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园), also known as Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Core Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Begin your adventure with a visit to the Ten-mile Gallery (十里画廊). Here, sightseeing trams pass by lifelike formations such as The God of Longevity Welcoming Guests, Old Herb Picker, and Three Sisters Peaks, offering a leisurely journey through a valley of story-telling landscapes.
Your next stop is Yuanjiajie (袁家界). Ride on the Bailong Elevator, the world's fastest and tallest outdoor elevator, which swiftly ascends from the valley floor to the peak in just 1.5 minutes, offering a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking landscape. Upon arrival at Yuanjiajie, hike through the ethereal landscape, often enveloped in mist, and explore the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains from the movie Avatar. At the Ecstasy Terrace, take in the awe-inspiring vistas of hundreds of unique stone peaks. Then, discover the natural wonder of The First Bridge, a natural stone bridge linking two peaks with a 5-meter long platform, a rare geological phenomenon.
After exploring Yuanjiajie, hop on a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain (天子山). At Helong Park (贺龙公园), 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.
After the exciting tour, your guide and driver will escort you to Zhangjiajie’s downtown area to check in at your hotel.
Today’s Optional Choice | Kong Zhong Tian Yuan, also known as The Field in the Sky (Time of Visit: around 2 hours):
En route to Helong Park, Tianzi Mountain, you’ll pass by the Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area (空中田园景区), known for its remarkable agricultural terraces that appear to float in the sky. An unmissable photography spot, where you can have a panoramic view of the Bailong Elevator and 48 sandstone peaks rising from the ground, resembling a group of generals standing in line. (Note: 1. The cost of transportation within the Kong Zhong Tian Yuan area is additional and not covered by the general admission to the forest park. The fare for a round trip is CNY 64/pp.)
Day 6 Tianmen Mountain & Zhangjiajie Departure (B)
Tianmen Mountain Cableway - Top of the Mountain West Line (Tianmen Temple, Guigu Cliffside Path, Glass Bottom Cliffside Path) - Transmountain Escalator - Tianmen Cave - Tianmen Cave Express Cableway - Mountain Gate
After breakfast, your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel to embark on an exhilarating journey to Tianmen Mountain (天门山), 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 (天门洞) 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.
Hi Jack,
My wife and I returned from our China trip yesterday. The crowds at most sites were overwhelming and something that we are not used to. However, I want to let you know that we had a wonderful time mostly due to China Discovery's wonderful tour guides!
Each guide enriched our experience with both their knowledge of the cities, sites, cultures, people, and foods. They were all prompt, patient, and engaging. They were very helpful in navigating the complexities of visiting China. My wife and I enjoyed their company and conversation greatly. I don't believe we would have had the same experience in China if we had traveled there by ourselves.
All the drivers were also very courteous, on-time, and helpful!
Unfortunately, my wife caught a respiratory illness on the Yangtze River Cruise and was quite sick at ZJJ. Our guide Tim, however, was there to assist at night and brought her to the hospital to see a doctor. Tim helped us navigate the Chinese health system, stayed with us throughout the hospital visit, and brought us back to the hotel late at night! We are very grateful to Tim's extraordinary assistance!
Although we provided a paper review at the end of each location, if China Discovery has an overall review of our trip that needs to be completed, please let me know!
Again, thank you for your assistance in all the planning prior to the trip and your quick responses to my questions during the trip. Knowing you were there to assist us throughout our journey was a great source of comfort!
Regards,
Alex
Hi Wonder,
Yes, you responded swiftly and clear. Both drivers pick up and drop off were good. Our guide, Gavin was a very good guide, and driver, he's attentive, knows history well, kind and well organized. We're very happy with him. Hotels Holiday Inn Express were OK, they served good breakfast. Location might be a bit stranded but perhaps chosen because most our trips are outskirts and not inner city.
Vivi
Hi Wonder,
Yes! The suzhou & hangzhou tour are fantastic. I will prepare the review soon when I return to Singapore tomorrow.
Shirley
Hi Wonder,
Very lucky whole journey no rain at all...The weather was good...So we can enjoy amazing view.
Stevany
Hi Reya,
Loved the entire trip planning and journey. Ms Lily our tour guide was remarkable and very informative. We had a great journey throughout the trip.
You were very responsive and what can I say, our guide Lily made the trip enriched with her hospitality. Beijing is indeed memorable.
Tqvm. This is really so kind of a 7-seat private car and thoughtful of your agency. Transportation in Beijing is so convenient and your upgrade did help. Tq again.
It was indeed a great trip! Loved every moment of it.
Thank you and your agency have made this trip memorable. Tq China Discovery!
Dan
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!
Hongya Cave Night View
Chongqing Night Cruise
Nanbin Road, Chongqing Night
Hongya Cave Daytime-2018-Leow's Group from Singapore
Beautiful Appearance of People's Assembly Hall
Chongqing Light Rail Going Through a Building at Liziba Metro Station
E'ling Park - Chongqing City Panorama
Three Natural Bridges-202309-Wilson from Singapore
Longshuixia Gap-202309-Wilson from Singapore
Three Natural Bridges-202407-Josh from USA
Furong Cave-202309-Wilson from Singapore
Tianzi Mountain-202405-Mazurek's Group from Poland
Yuanjiajie Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Yuanjiajie Ecstasy Terrace
Zhangjiajie Ten-mile Gallery
Tianmen Cave, Tianmen Mountain-202309-Manolis' Group from Greece
Tianmen Mountain Temple Inner
Tianmen Mountain Cableway from Yuhu Peak
Guigu Cliffside Path, Tianmen Mountain-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil
Chongqing can be reached easily by flight or high speed train from many big cities of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Guangzhou, Xian, Chengdu, etc. Besides, there are also frequent international flights from New York, Singapore, London, Sydney, etc.
It is suitable to visit Chongqing and Zhangjiajie at any time of the year. Still, the best travelling seasons are (March ~ June), 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 Chongqing and Zhangjiajie trips. In summer, shirts and shorts are enough. Besides, it is advised to prepare a raincoat and non-slip shoes for unexpected rains. 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 a hat to protect your skin and eyes. Because of the temperature difference between day and night in Zhangjiajie, you need to keep warm in the early morning and night.
In Chongqing, there are lots of different kinds of hotels ranging from international brands to boutique styles that provide you with an easy stay. First-timers are strongly advised to stay in the downtown area, like Yuzhong District, which has the most convenient transportation, shopping malls, and great restaurants.
While on your Zhangjiajie tour, you have the option to stay in either Wulingyuan Town or Zhangjiajie's downtown area. If your plan involves exploring the Wulingyuan Scenic Area for several days, we recommend staying in a hotel in Wulingyuan Town. This location is just 10 minutes away from 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.
Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Xian / Beijing
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