From Shanghai Skyline to Zhangjiajie Peaks: A 10-Day China Discovery

Accommodation: Shanghai

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private guide will greet you outside the baggage claim area. On the way to the pre-booked five-star downtown hotel, the guide will introduce Shanghai’s famous attractions and historical background. After dinner, return to the hotel and check in.

Accommodation: Shanghai

After breakfast, visit Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park and the Chenghuang Temple Commercial Area. Stroll along The Bund and take a Huangpu River cruise. After dinner, return to the hotel for rest.

Accommodation: Shanghai

After breakfast, visit Shikumen Xintiandi near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, a representative example of Shanghai’s distinctive architectural style; Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery; and the Oriental Pearl Tower, including a tower experience. Then continue to the Shanghai History and Development Museum before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, check out and take a flight or other transportation from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival at Zhangjiajie Airport or Railway Station, you will be warmly welcomed by the driver and transferred to the hotel for rest.

Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the core scenic zone of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The sightseeing walkway built along the cliffside allows visitors to experience nature’s masterpiece up close. This area is known as the filming location and real-life inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains and floating peaks in Avatar. Famous sights such as the Enchanting Terrace and the Number One Bridge in the World are also located here. Afterwards, proceed to Tianzi Mountain, a mesa in the northwest of Wulingyuan. From the top, the view opens widely, making it an excellent place to admire the panoramic landscape of the nature reserve, Helong Park, and the sea of clouds. Descend by Tianzi Mountain Cable Car.

Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, return to the park and take a walk along Golden Whip Stream. This 7.6-kilometer stream runs through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, winding through the canyon beside shaded paths. Wild macaques can often be seen playing in the woods or lingering along the trail.

In the afternoon, head to the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge area to challenge your courage on the transparent bridge and admire the magnificent canyon scenery. First experience the 536-meter-long glass bridge, then descend to the canyon floor for a hiking adventure. Activities may include VR experience, zip line, slide, boating, and other experiences in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Tianmen Mountain. Take the cable car up the mountain and walk along the cliffside plank road. When the mist still lingers, the scenery feels like a fairyland. The most breathtaking sight on Tianmen Mountain is Tianmen Cave, meaning “a door to heaven” in Chinese, famous for having been glided through by a world-class stunt performer in a wingsuit. Popular attractions include the Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Cave, and the 99-Bend Road.

In the evening, visit the 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings. More than just a building, it celebrates Zhangjiajie’s cultural diversity and architectural ingenuity. The tower night light show is a must-see experience during a Zhangjiajie trip.

Accommodation: Furong Ancient Town

After breakfast, drive to Furong Ancient Town. With a history of more than 2,000 years, it is known as “an ancient town hanging above a waterfall.” When night falls and the lights come on, the illuminated residences reflect on the waterfall, transforming the town into a fairytale-like scene.

Accommodation: Fenghuang Ancient Town

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Fenghuang Ancient Town. You will stay at Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hot Springs Fenghuang. The hotel features a 506-square-meter infinity pool, while the “Phoenix Magical Hot Springs” center offers 68 fluorinated metasilicate hot spring pools with wellness value. Guests may enjoy the hotel facilities for around 4 hours. As evening falls and the lights illuminate the streets, the town awakens with vendors’ calls and travelers’ cheers. Enjoy the fabulous night view of this charming ancient town.

Accommodation: None

On the final morning, enjoy the serene dawn view of the ancient town: the Tuo River veiled in lingering mist, with stilted houses standing quietly along both banks. Wander through the streets and alleyways, listening to the stories embedded in the old city. Around noon, return to Zhangjiajie or depart for the next destination according to the itinerary. Fenghuang Ancient Town is well connected to Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Chongqing, and other cities.