Tailor-made Tour Package Refundable Quick Response 3,910+ comments
  •  
(1,970+ reviews)
Contact Us Form Email us: info@chinadiscovery.com Call us: +86-28-85223672 / 85227275
Breaking News! 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025. 2) Best China Tour Packages specially recommended for Singapore travelers. Learn more »
You are here: Home » Zhangjiajie Guilin Tours » 8 Days Zhangjiajie Guilin Scenic Tour with Sidetrip to Fenghuang

8 Days Zhangjiajie Guilin Scenic Tour with Sidetrip to Fenghuang

Enhance Breathtaking Scenery with a Cultural Twist

Want to explore amazing nature and traditional Chinese culture in one tour? You can't miss these three destinations. Zhangjiajie captivates with its towering sandstone pillars and lush forests, famously inspiring the floating mountains in "Avatar." Not far from Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town enchants with its well-preserved architecture and vibrant riverside culture, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese life. Guilin’s striking karst mountains and serene rivers provide a picturesque backdrop perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers. A combined tour of these destinations reveals an array of stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, ensuring a diverse and memorable experience.

Our carefully designed itinerary begins in Zhangjiajie, where you'll explore the mesmerizing Avatar Mountains and experience the thrilling Glass Skywalk. Then, after a private car transfer, immerse yourself in the historical charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, strolling through its ancient streets and picturesque riversides. Finally, get to Guilin by high-speed train, marvel at the stunning Longji Rice Terraces and enjoy a tranquil Li River cruise, where you’ll float through some of the most beautiful karst scenery in the world. Each destination promises unique experiences and breathtaking sights.

This private tour offers flexibility and tailored service, with expert guides and dedicated drivers ensuring your comfort. The itinerary is fully customizable, allowing you to explore according to your interests and pace.

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-ZFGT-08
  • Price : from Request
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Trip Length : 8D/7N
  • Theme : Nature / Adventure / Culture

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Wander through the breathtaking sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Park, famously inspiring the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar."
  • Go to Tianmen Mountain to embrace the awesome scenery and take your ultimate challenge of the impossible hanging plank road.
  • Discover the charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, where centuries-old architecture meets riverside beauty and vibrant local culture.
  • Marvel at the intricate beauty of the Longji Rice Terraces, where mountainsides are transformed into a living tapestry of rice fields.
  • Sail along the picturesque Li River, surrounded by Guilin's iconic karst landscapes and passing traditional villages along the way.
  • Admire the well-known Elephant Trunk Hill and those variform gorgeous stalactite and stalagmite at Reed Flute Cave in Guilin.
Make an Inquiry
Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
Expand all

Day 1 Zhangjiajie Arrival

Zhangjiajie Airport of Train Station Pick-up

Welcome to Zhangjiajie! Upon your arrival, our 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.

Arrival Ideas: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport 6 kilometers from city downtown serves flights between major domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Qingdao, etc. and some international cities like Bangkok, Osaka, etc. Besides, you can also take a normal train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station from many destinations, like Changsha (4.5-5.5 hours), Yichang (4.5-5 hours), Tongren (about 7 hours), Wuhan (10 hours), Xian (15 hours), Shanghai (20 hours), Beijing (23 hours), and so on.

  • Zhangjiajie City View Zhangjiajie City View

Day 2 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (B)

Ten Miles Gallery - 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 (十里画廊), 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 (袁家界). 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 (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.

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.

  • Tianzi Mountain-202405-Mazurek's Group from Poland Mazurek's Group from Poland visited Tianzi Mountain in May 2024.
  • Yuanjiajie-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil Lenise's Group from Brasil visited Yuanjiajie in March 2024.
  • Bailong Elevator, Taken from Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area Bailong Elevator, Taken from Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area

Day 3 Tianmen Mountain - Fenghuang Ancient Town (B)

Tianmen Cable Car - Tianmen Temple - Glass Skywalk - Ghost Valley Plank Road - Tianmen Cave

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. On this day, you will make a great trip to Tianmen Mountain, another magnificent national forest park in Zhangjiajie City.

First transfer to take the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car and ascend from Zhangjiajie downtown up to the peak of Tianmen Mountain of over 1,400 meters above the sea. Travel by the about 7,455 meters long cableway that is so far the longest one among the whole world and have a shocking look at the wandering Avenue toward Heaven from the glass. Then, take the Forest Sightseeing Cable Car to visit Tianmen Temple originated from Tang Dynasty on the mountain peak, which is one of the only world 5 Buddhist temples preserving the Buddha body relics. Walk around the temple cluster to appreciate the featured Qing Dynasty styled Buddhist structure with verdant forest surrounding by.

And then, hold your breath to take two scary walks on the cliff path circling the mountain body. One is the 60-meter long and 1.6-meter wide Glass Skywalk with transparent glass material 1430 meters above the bottomless valley, which makes you feel walking in the air in sunny days and fairyland in misty and cloudy days, while another must be the 1600-meter long Ghost-Valley Plank Road hanging on the cliff. Just step on and try!

After that, take the escalator from the peak down to Tianmen Cave to see the giant hole on the mountain. Formed by natural pressing and collapsing into 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide and 60 meters deep, this cave is really a rare wonder of the world. Next, walk downstairs along the super steep 999-steps with the highest inclination up to 45°, which is the only access to Tianmen Cave from the foot of the mountain for a lot of prayers worshiping there. Lastly, walk several minutes to take a cable car to descend the mountain.

Travel tips: For safety reasons, the Ghost-Valley Plank Road and Tianmen Cave may be closed in winter if there are heavy snows, freezing weather or regular maintenance. Your travel consultant and tour guide will adjust your itinerary accordingly.

After the visiting, your guide and driver will escort to Fenghuang Ancient Town which is about 200 kilometers from Zhangjiajie, taking 3.5 hours for driving. Upon arrival, your guide will help you check in your hotel. When night falls, every old house lights up and the whole atmosphere becomes festive, colorful and amazing. Take a relaxing walk and appreciate the fabulous night view of this ancient town.

  • Guigu Cliffside Path, Tianmen Mountain-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil Lenise's Group from Brasil visited Tianmen Mountain in March 2024.
  • Tianmen Cave, Tianmen Mountain-202309-Manolis' Group from Greece Manolis' Group from Greece visited Tianmen Cave in September 2023.
  • Tianmen Mountain Temple Inner Tianmen Mountain Temple Inner
  • Tianmen Mountain Tongtian Avenue Tongtian Avenue, View from Tianmen Mountain Cableway

Day 4 Fenghuang Ancient Town - Zhangjiajie (B)

Tuojiang River boat experience - Former Residence of Shen Congwen - Rainbow Bridge

In this morning, you’ll have a nice tour in Fenghuang Ancient Town. With over 300 years’ history, it is located on the western edge of Hunan Province and next to Guizhou Province. Praised as the most beautiful tiny town in China, it sets an example of what villages were like before the start of modernization. In the town dozens of lanes are paved with stones that run between the wooden houses built on stilts. Generations of local people have stepped on the lanes and worn them down bit by bit.

Fenghuang Ancient Town offers a totally different day views which would really bring you back to ancient time. Have a slow walk and feel the calmness and zen of this beautiful place. Take a small boat ride on the Tuojiang River passing through the most essence part of the old town (from Beimen Pier to Longevity Palace) to imagine what life was going in the past. Visit Former Residence of Shen Congwen to listen to the beautifully novel of “Border Town” which is Shen Congwen's masterpiece for its brilliant portrayal of Chinese rural life before the Communist Revolution. Enjoy more memorable time to have a look at the landmark of the ancient town - Rainbow Bridge and explore East Gate Tower, Wanming Pagoda, etc.

After the visiting, drive back to Zhangjiajie City. Have a good rest!

  • Fenghuang Ancient Town - Helen from Australia Fenghuang Ancient Town Shot by Our Customer Helen in October 2019
  • Mrs.Tracey's Group from USA - Fenghuang Ancient Town Our clients Mrs.Tracey's groupfrom USA visited Fenghuang Ancient Town in May, 2019

Day 5 Zhangjiajie - Guilin (B)

Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin by High-Speed Train

On this day, you’ll get up early to take a high speed bullet train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin (about 7.5 hours). Be picked up by your local tour guide, then drive to check in at your downtown hotel. Have a nice rest!

Note: We suggest you prepare some snacks on the train journey as the train usually arrives in Guilin in the afternoon.

  • Guilin High Speed Bullet Train Guilin High Speed Bullet Train

Day 6 Guilin - Longsheng - Guilin (B)

Longji Rice Terrace - Huangluo Yao Village

In this morning, you’ll be driven about 80 kilometers (about 1.5 hours) to witness one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China - Longji Rice Terrace, an amazing feat of farm engineering rising up to 1000m high in Longsheng County. There are several featured Zhuang and Yao minority villages along the road and you’ll take a visit to the special Huangluo Yao Village, the First Village of Long Hair in the World, where you can see women in red ethnic clothes with very long hairs (the longest can reach up to 1.7 meters).

Later, continue your drive to a beautiful 600-year-old Zhuang Village - Ping’an. The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Ping’an, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages. Hike half day around, then back to Guilin for accommodation. 

Good to Know:

1. Best time to visit: Longji Rice Terrace can be visited all year round. Go mid-April to late June for mirror-like irrigated terrace and rice transplanting scene; go July to mid-September for green terraces; go late September to early-November for golden and harvest scene; or go late December to early February for silvery terraces.

2. Walking: When arriving at Ping’an Village, you can only be dropped at Ping’an Village Tourist Center parking lot that you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!

3. Luggage carrying: For the aged or travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own).

4. Notice: The Viewing Platform of Seven Stars with Moon is under a reconstruction which means it is closed for travelers at present. The hiking route between Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers would do some adjustment during the construction. You won’t miss the amazing rice terraces scenery when visiting.

  • Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers), Photo by China Discovery in Early October, 2018
  • Claire from UK - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin Claire from UK visited Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon) in October 2021
  • Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin Santos from Canada visited Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers) in 2018
  • Gerhard from Germany - Huangluo Yao Village, Longsheng, Guilin Gerhard's group from Germany visited Huangluo Yao Village late August, 2019
  • Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers), Photo by Our Customer Steven in Spring

Day 7 Guilin - Li River Cruise - Yangshuo (B)

Li River Cruise - Yangshuo Yulong River - West Street

As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, amazing scene of A Painting of Nine Horses, and notable view printed on the back of the 20 RMB note. (Please note: Lunch is served by the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine. And you can take some snacks when getting on board.)

After about 4 hours's cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check into your hotel.

After a short break, start your impressive exploration of the best charming sightseeing and ideal countryside ease at Yulong River. Let all the refreshing scenes please your eyes and souls to the utmost. Just enjoy every moment with the Karst hills dotted around, chatting stream, rippling mountain reflection, swaying floras, patches of vivid crops, comfortable breeze... There are diverse kinds of ways for your enjoyment of the fun and beauty, including biking, hiking, bamboo rafting and scooter. You can easily choose and combine your ideal way(s) and part of Yulong River. (Please tell your likes to your travel consultants before booking the tour, as the final prices will differ by activities you choose).

Biking (some physically demanding & sightseeing by the river) - Ride to enjoy the river view and the real fields (route: Yangshuo - Jima - Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge - West Street; for 1.5-2 hours).

Bamboo Rafting (relaxing and interesting & sightseeing on the river) - have fun with the classic bamboo rafting (Route A: Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 40-50 minutes; Route B: Jima Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 1.5 hours) to see the more serene view like pieces of traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings.

Driving (most leisurable and comfortable & sightseeing on the road) - drive and travel from Jima to Gongnong Bridge to appreciate the lovely countryside view (about 0.5 hour). You can get off and on anywhere on the middle way to explore more about your interested place.

After that, walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

Note: according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.

Optional evening activity:

Watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director - Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).

  • Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin Guilin Li River Scenery on 20 RMB Chinese Note, Taken by Claire from UK in October 2021
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin Josh's Group from USA Enjoyed Cycling along Yangshuo Yulong River in July, 2023
  • Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin Christina's Group from Denmark Enjoyed Yulong River Bamboo Rafting in July 2021
  • Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin Li River Scenery, Taken by Our Customer Santos from Canada in September, 2018
  • Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Giorgia's group from Italy visited Yulong River in August, 2019
  • Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin Chusi's Family from USA Visited Yangshuo West Street in June, 2018

Day 8 Yangshuo - Guilin Departure (B)

Elephant Trunk Hill - Reed Flute Cave - Flight or Train off Guilin

After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin in a comfortable vehicle (1.5~2 hours). Then make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill – a giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, if time allows, there are many historical sites here for you to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, etc. Then, drive about 7 kilometers (about 20 minutes' drive) to the next attraction - Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with sparkling different colors. The magical Mother Nature condenses millions years of natural efforts to form the incredible stalactite, stalagmite, stone shield and stone waterfall of different sizes and shapes.

Lastly, your tour guide will take you to catch your flight or train to your next destination. Tour ends!

  • Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Santos from Canada Visited Elephant Trunk Hill in 2018
  • Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin Delma from Ireland visited Reed Flute Cave in July, 2021

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

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 prices 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.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Dear Rita,

I am very satisfied with tour arrangements. I have recommended your company to many friends/relatives.

Overall, we are very happy with the trip. Our driver Ms Liu was a very pleasant & careful driver. I highly recommend her.

Mona

Mona‚ Malaysia, September 12, 2024

Hi Rita,

As my trip is coming to an end tomorrow, I would like to express my appreciations to the following individuals who had made my trip possible and memorable.

1) Ms Rita Jiang for helping me to plan my itinerary from scratch and in my budgeting.

2) Mr Wine Wang for being a friendly driver-cum-tour guide in Kunming.

3) Mr Andy Wang for his untiring driving from Dali to Lijiang and Shangri-La for sightseeings.

Both Wine and Wang speak good English and are knowledgeable about sightseeing attractions and local authentic food outlets. I would definitely recommend them to any of my friends and travel buddies from around the world who speak only English.

Last but not least, thanks to the Government of China for granting 15-days visa free entry to China for tourists who hold Australian passports, among many other countries. It’s timely to open up China to the world to see for themselves a modern China blended in with history-rich ancient cities, towns and villages in multi-minority communities of Yunnan Province from a tourist perspective.

Once again, thanks to Rita and her team.

Best regards,

Ping

Ping‚ Australia, September 10, 2024

Dear Rita,

My husband and I were on the 13-Day Beijing/Xian/Guilin/Zhangjiajie/Shanghai Tour with China Discovery from 15-27 May 2024.

Overall, we had a wonderful time on our trip.

Organisation

Everything went very smoothly, just like clockwork.

Guides

In each city, on our arrival we were met by our guide who took very good care of us.

Our guides were: Beijing- Andy; Xian - Grace; Guilin - Peter; Zhangjiajie - Nina; Shanghai - Jeff.

All the guides we had were knowledgeable about their city, its history, and culture. They were also friendly, and flexible in accommodating our requests and also showed their professionalism by always being on time in the morning and during our time with them, they were always helpful, patient and understanding.

I would like to mention that 2 of our guides (Andy in Beijing and Peter in Guilin) were excellent. Their English was fluent. It was also obvious that both took great pride in their work.

Peter was very earnest, and very clear and systematic in his explanation of what we would see and do in the places we visited and he was also extremely helpful.

Andy was the best guide we have ever had. In addition to the qualities mentioned above, we found him very energetic, enthusiastic, lively and with an amazing sense of humour. He was very flexible and really went out of his way to accommodate our requests, for example, to visit a place which was not on our itinerary, but which both of us wanted to see - a Catholic Church associated with Matteo Ricci. He knew interesting little areas and eating places to which he took us for local food and snacks. He even got us some snacks when he thought we might need some sustenance. We had interesting conversations with him and it seemed more like we were spending time with a friend rather than with a guide we had just met.

Nina, our guide in Zhangjiajie, was very sweet. Her English was not as fluent, but she was very caring, helpful, very patient and kind especially when we had to negotiate all the steps up and downhill in the mountains. She was always very concerned about how we were faring, even in the type of food we enjoyed when we told her we just wanted to try the local food.

Transportation

The cars we travelled in were very nice, clean and comfortable. All the drivers, besides being very helpful, especially with our luggage, were also skilful drivers who conveyed us safely through, often, very heavy traffic.

The express speed train from Beijing to Xian was an enjoyable experience. The train was very comfortable, and the toilets were very clean.

But the 7-hour journey on the high speed train which stopped at all the stations between Guilin and Zhnagjiajie was less comfortable.

The train itself was fine although the journey was long.

For one thing, there was a man just behind me who talked very loudly for hours on his mobile phone. I could not change seats because the train was quite full.

Then, there were 2 people quarrelling at the entrance of our compartment when we were trying to board the train. They blocked the entrance and refused to move until someone in charge of the compartment screamed (right next to my ear) for the security guard. We had to literally bulldoze our way into the train which was about to leave.

Hotels

The hotels, besides being grand, were clean, comfortable and had all the amenities we needed. The one in Guilin had a fantastic view.

In general the breakfasts provided by the hotels were also excellent.

Sights

We think China is a very beautiful country with so much history, culture and nature to enjoy. Being on a guided tour, we had less contact with the ordinary people than we would normally have when we do a free-and-easy trip. But, all in all, we had a great trip and we would like to visit China again.

So we are thinking of going to the following places sometime in October 2024, after the Chinese National Holiday in early October.

Thank you.

Loh

Loh‚ Singapore, September 4, 2024

Hello Rita,

Some of the most incredible sights I have ever seen are on Day1 & Day2.

Nothing was too much trouble for Bree. She took us to quiet places when we needed a rest from the noise.

We only ever waited a few minutes for our driver. He was good.

Jones

Jones‚ Australia, September 1, 2024

Hi Rita,

So sorry for the long delay, I am still travelling and haven’t been on the laptop so much.

Very good tour, very happy with all arrangements. I am willing to recommend your service to my friends who also have an interest to visit China.

Thanks

George

George‚ Britain, August 30, 2024
Read all reviews(3,910+)

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

avatar
Susila
"The tour guides' services were good. They took great care of us especially Lobsang who kept holding my friend's arm (over 80) to make sure she would not fall. The other guides, Grace, Sofie..." read more »
Reviewed on September 14, 2024
avatar
Susila
"The tour guides' services were good. They took great care of us especially Lobsang who kept holding my friend's arm (over 80) to make sure she would not fall. The other guides, Grace, Sofie..." read more »
Reviewed on September 14, 2024
Read all reviews(1,970+)

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"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.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

China Tour

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.

Local Tour Guides

China Tour

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!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

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!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

China Tour

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.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

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!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Zhangjiajie City View Zhangjiajie City View
  • Tianzi Mountain-202405-Mazurek's Group from Poland Tianzi Mountain-202405-Mazurek's Group from Poland
  • Yuanjiajie-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil Yuanjiajie-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil
  • Bailong Elevator, Taken from Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area Bailong Elevator, Taken from Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area
  • Guigu Cliffside Path, Tianmen Mountain-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil Guigu Cliffside Path, Tianmen Mountain-202403-Lenise's Group from Brasil
  • Tianmen Cave, Tianmen Mountain-202309-Manolis' Group from Greece Tianmen Cave, Tianmen Mountain-202309-Manolis' Group from Greece
  • Tianmen Mountain Temple Inner Tianmen Mountain Temple Inner
  • Tianmen Mountain Tongtian Avenue Tianmen Mountain Tongtian Avenue
  • Fenghuang Ancient Town - Helen from Australia Fenghuang Ancient Town - Helen from Australia
  • Mrs.Tracey's Group from USA - Fenghuang Ancient Town Mrs.Tracey's Group from USA - Fenghuang Ancient Town
  • Guilin High Speed Bullet Train Guilin High Speed Bullet Train
  • Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin
  • Claire from UK - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin Claire from UK - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin
  • Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin
  • Gerhard from Germany - Huangluo Yao Village, Longsheng, Guilin Gerhard from Germany - Huangluo Yao Village, Longsheng, Guilin
  • Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin
  • Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin Josh's Group from USA - Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin
  • Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
  • Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin

Most Important Travel Notes

1. How to Get to Zhangjiajie

Convenient flights and trains are available in Zhangjiajie City. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, with 10 minutes’ driving distance to the downtown, has good air connection with 42 domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, etc. and international cities including Bangkok, Osaka, etc. Besides, Zhangjiajie Railway Station is also frequently used for reaching the city, which is rightly at the city downtown. It serves trains from Changsha (4.5-5.5 hours), Yichang (4.5-5 hours), Tongren (about 7 hours), Wuhan (10 hours), Xian (15 hours), Shanghai (20 hours), Beijing (23 hours), etc.

2. Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie and Guilin

It is suitable to visit Zhangjiajie and Guilin at any time in a year, but the best traveling seasons are Spring (March ~ May) and Autumn (September ~ November) when the temperature is most mild and comfortable. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds, and many places in Zhangjiajie will be covered by snow, which is awesome for a photography tour. Given Zhangjiajie's and Guilin's frequent rain, particularly during April to July, you are advised to prepare your rain gears.

3. What to Wear during This Trip

For spring and autumn, light sweaters, long shirts and long pants are suggested for Zhangjiajie and Guilin 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. Apart from necessary rain gears, bring sunblock, sunglasses and hat to protect your skin and eyes as well. Because of the large temperature difference between day and night of Zhangjiajie, you need to keep warm in early morning and night.

4. Where to Stay During Your Trip

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 Wujiayu Ticket Station and 20 minutes to Forest Park Ticket Station by car. For a late-night arrival or if you plan to visit Tianmen Mountain, it is suggested to stay in Zhangjiajie downtown.

Though offering fewer hotels than large cities, Fenghuang Ancient Town owns different types of hotels, ranging from 3-star to 5-star. Tourists can choose to stay in or outside Fenghuang Ancient Town according to their needs and budgets.

Both Guilin and Yangshuo offers various hotels and hostels of different standards and levels. As an international tourist hot spot, most accommodations provide great facilities and equipment for your comfortable stay in Guilin and Yangshuo.

5. Know Zhangjiajie Main Scenic Attractions, Location & Distance

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.

6. Warm Tips for Visiting Yulong River

For biking: we suggest you wear comfortable and quick-drying clothes and trainers to enjoy a better biking experience and protect yourself from catching a cold after sweating. During summer, it may be a little hot for biking for a long time, so you can tell how much time you want to bike along the Yulong River to your guide. Also, you are highly suggested to prepare your hat, sunglasses and sun cream for UV protection.

For bamboo rafting: bamboo rafting is a classic activity to enjoy the fun and beauty of Yulong River. However, one raft can only hold 2 people, and children more than 1 meter high are required to take the raft together with adults. Besides, as the raft is slippery, it is better to sit on your chair for the sightseeing and avoid standing or walking in case of falling into the river. Furthermore, it would arouse some waves when passing weirs, so remember to lift your feet and protect your belongings especially mobiles and cameras.

Recommended or Similar Tour Packages You May Also Like

Fenghuang Ancient Town before night falling in June, 2024.
5 Days Amazing Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

Zhangjiajie / Fenghuang / Zhangjiajie

Luxury Yangtze River Cruise
15 Days Best China Zhangjiajie Landscape Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Shanghai / Guilin / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Changsha / Zhangjiajie / Beijing

Customize your own China Tour

China DIY Travel
We are here to help you design your own travel experience in China which suits your specific needs best.
Start Now

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip
Why Book with China Discovery
Contact