9 Days Top Changsha & Zhangjiajie Tour

Today you will take the flight to Changsha. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel for checking in. The rest of the day you can have a rest at the hotel or enjoy your leisure time on your own.

After a delectable breakfast, we will embark on a fast train journey destined for Chibi. Upon arrival, we will traverse the grounds of the ancient battlefield of the Three Kingdoms era. Nestled in Chibi, Hubei Province, this site marks the legendary scene of the Battle of Chibi, one of the seven epic clashes in ancient China that exemplified the triumph of the few over the many, the weak over the strong. Remarkably, it remains the sole ancient battlefield that has preserved its original grandeur. Within this historic site, you can admire the breathtaking panorama of three mountains intertwined, while also exploring the intricate carvings etched into the cliffs, the life-like statue of Zhou Yu, and the museum showcasing the relics of the momentous battle. Every brick, every tile on this hallowed ground whispers tales spanning a millennium, eagerly awaiting the ears and hearts of every visitor to listen and be moved.

After having a relaxing time in Chibi, we will take the fast train back to Changsha, and upon arrival, continue our tour to the Taiping Old Street, the most complete street in the ancient city of Changsha that retains the original layout of streets and alleys, and a microcosm of "ancient Changsha". Since the Warring States period, Changsha has been the core area of the ancient city and has remained unchanged for over 2000 years. Within the neighborhood, small green tiles, sloping roofs, white tile ridges, sealed fire walls, and wooden doors and windows are common features of residential buildings and shops in this area.

Lastly, we will embark on a visit to Pozi Street, an old street that carries with it the historical and cultural memories of Changsha, boasting a history spanning over 1,200 years. Speaking of Pozi Street, you cannot fail to mention the Fire God Palace, which has a history of over 200 years. Here, not only is it a superb destination to sample the delicious cuisine of Changsha, but it is also a great place to immerse yourself in the folk culture of the city. Furthermore, you can wander through traditional shops rich in cultural heritage, admire exquisite handicrafts, and appreciate the wisdom and creativity of the people of Changsha.

Today is a wonderful day in Changsha. We will first visit Changsha Museum to know more history of this province. Here you will see many treasures and cultural relics.

Then pay a visit to Tianxin Pavilion. It was first built in the late Ming Dynasty and was renovated during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. During the Anti-Japanese War, in 1938, the "Wenxi Fire" reduced the ancient city of Changsha to a wasteland, and the pavilion itself was completely destroyed, leaving only the solid Ming and Qing Dynasty city wall to silently weep. The Tianxin Pavilion we see today was rebuilt in 1984 on this historical site. It is not only a gate tower and landmark of the ancient Changsha city, but also a witness to the historical development and changes of Changsha.

Next, having fun in the famous Orange Isle. It is the largest sandbar among numerous alluvial sandbars in the lower reaches of the Xiang River, known as the "Number One Continent in China". It stretches from south to north, crossing the river center, facing the Yuelu Mountain to the west, and Changsha City to the east. Its shape is a long island, where the main attraction is Chairman Mao's Artistic Statue in His Youth.

After that, we will have some leisure time in Wenheyou, which is an 80s style leisure business district, all located within the building. In addition to many restaurants and main meals, there are also many unique scenes with lively photos, dilapidated old buildings, flashing neon lights, vintage posters, and grocery stores. Today's tour will end in enjoying Changsha night view.

Your today's trip now kicks off! After breakfast, we will head to visit Yuelu Mountain, which is a famous cultural mountain integrating Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism with the essence of Chinese culture. It encompasses the cultural connotations of Yuelu Mountain, which were jointly developed by the great masters of Confucianism, eminent monks and Taoist priests, and literati in history.

Following this is to stroll around Yuelu Academy, as one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, Yuelu Academy's ancient traditional academy architecture has been fully preserved to this day. Every group of courtyards, every stone tablet, every brick and tile, and every wind and lotus are shining with the humanistic spirit tempered by time.

As an integral part of Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion is also an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture. Inside it, you can feel the elegance and sentiment of ancient scholars and poets, as well as appreciate the unique charm of traditional Chinese architecture. Furthermore, Aiwan Pavilion serves as a significant venue for cultural exchange and inheritance, where numerous cultural activities and academic discussions are held.

After the visiting, you will take a fast train to Zhangjiajie, and upon arrival, hotel check in. Have a good rest!

Start today's exploration to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and you will see one of the best attractions here -- Tianzi Mountain. Ascend the mountain by cable-car and at the top and you will be able to enjoy views of Warrior Taming Horse Rock and the Western Sea which are two of the most stunning mountain formations in the whole park and are really a pleasure to see.

Next take shuttle bus to the top of Yuanjiajie area, which is now famous for Avatar shooting base. From here, you'll stand at the same level with the mid-age pillars, which is bigger than those on Tianzi mountain. Next, take the world's fastest elevator -- Bailong elevator down. Although 88 seconds seem like a fleeting moment, it takes you more than 300 meters straight up, giving you the sense of flying into the sky and entering a utopian paradise.

Then drive to enjoy Baofeng Lake, which is known as the "Classic of World Lakes". The Baofeng Lake Scenic Area integrates mountains and rivers, blending folk customs into one. It is particularly famous for its picturesque high gorge and flat lake scenery, the Baofeng Waterfall that "flies down three thousand feet", and the mysterious deep mountain ancient temple.

Today is a good day, in the morning, we will head to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is a new discovery outside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Nowadays, it is very famous and popular because of the longest glass bridge (430m long and over 300m above the ground), walk on the bridge is indeed a challenge of your courage.

After that, we will head to visit Yellow Dragon Cave, which is a typical karst landform, renowned for its vast three-dimensional cave space, rich cave landscapes, and a combination of water and land tourism routes, earning it the reputation of being a "wonder of karst caves in the world".

Another wonderful day in Zhangjiajie, today we will continue the trip to Yellow Stone Village. With an altitude of more than 1200 meters, this area, surrounded by knife like cliffs, is the best and largest viewing platform overlooking the sandstone peak forest landscape, but also the best choice to watch the sunrise.

Then pay a visit to one of the most beautiful valleys in the world - the Golden Whip Stream. The water in the stream is clear, the air pure and the site very well maintained. We will have a relaxing hiking along the stream. 

The journey is still ongoing. Today's first destination is Sandstone Painting Art House. Here, the artworks draw inspiration from the composition and mood of traditional Chinese painting, while incorporating the light, shadow, and hues of Western painting. Utilizing local natural sandstone, plants, and other comprehensive materials, these works are crafted through the use of glue to showcase the beauty of landscape scenery and the unique ethnic charm, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind sensory and visual experience.

Continue to appreciate Tianmen mountain (literally means gateway to the heaven) in Zhangjiajie city. As the highest mountain (1548.6m) in Zhangjiajie area, Tianmen mountain owned the longest cable car (7455m) in the world, which takes half an hour for one-way riding. On the cable car, you can have a bird view of the 99 curves Tongtian road. Enjoy the breathless walking along the glass bottom skywalk against the cliff. Then take the elevator to reach the amazing Tianmen Cave, the natural mountain-penetrating karst cave with the highest elevation in the world. Hanging on the towering cliff, it is indeed a big feast of your eyes!

After having fun, you will take a fast train to Fenghuang in the afternoon, upon arrival, if time permits, after the hotel checking in and a short break, you can find a nice bar beside the Tuojiang River to appreciate the night view and get yourself a drink with your beloved ones. Have a good rest!

Get up early and start your journey! Today you will enjoy a leisure time in the Fenghuang Ancient Town which is full of history and minority culture . As one of the most beautiful ancient towns in China (regarded by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley)---Fenghuang (literally means Phoenix) is an ancient town with a history of 300 years. It is famous for the stilted wooden buildings (Diaojiaolou) beside the river. Enjoy a peaceful boat-riding along the Tuojiang River and admire the Diaojiaolou from the best angle. You will also have your free time to paint the town red or buy some souvenirs if you like.

After having fun, it is time to say goodbye to our guests, we will transfer you to the train station for another destination. Wish you a happy journey, and hope we can serve you again!