Avatar is real
★★★★★
Standing on the glass bridge looking down 300 meters — incredible. The cliff elevator saved so much climbing. Guides kept a good pace and the photo spots were well chosen.
Liam O'Brien · Ireland 🇮🇪 · Sep 2026

张家界奇峰阿凡达 5 日
Two days deep in the Avatar filming location Zhangjiajie peaks, ascend Tianmen Mountain and walk the glass skywalk, concluding in Fenghuang Ancient Town. Bailong Elevator, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and forest park entrance tickets all included.
Zhangjiajie's quartz sandstone peak forests are a unique global landscape and the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The first two days delve deep into the national forest park: take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie in 66 seconds, search for the H Pillar between Soul-Drugging Terrace and the First Bridge Under Heaven, overlook thousands of peaks from Tianzi Mountain's viewing platforms, then take a gentle hike along Golden Whip Stream and ride the little train through Ten-Mile Gallery.
On day four, ascend Tianmen Mountain to walk the glass skywalk and navigate its 99 bends, visit the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in the afternoon, and in the evening drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town to see the night view of Tuojiang River's stilt buildings. The final half day includes a boat ride on Tuojiang before airport/station transfers. This 5-day tour has a moderate pace with significant walking in the mountains; comfortable sports shoes are recommended. The tour includes all entrance tickets, cable cars, and a private guide with dedicated vehicle, perfect for nature lovers and light hiking enthusiasts.
D1Arrive in Zhangjiajie
After being picked up from the airport or station by private vehicle, check into your hotel in Wulingyuan or downtown to rest. In the evening, explore Xibu Street, a Tujia ethnic风情 street: stilt-building clusters line the Suoxi River where you can taste Tujia Sanxiaguo (three-pot stew), smoked bacon, and watch a folk performance to recharge for the upcoming mountain adventures. Travel Tips: Zhangjiajie is rainy in summer; it's recommended to carry a light raincoat. Mountain areas have significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring a light jacket for evening outings. Breakfast is at 7:30 the next day, so please rest early.
D2National Forest Park · Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain
Full day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: enter from the iconic Zhihugate in the morning, take the Bailong Elevator (326 meters, 66 seconds to the top) directly to Yuanjiajie, and search for the 'H Pillar,' the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar, between Soul-Drugging Terrace and the First Bridge Under Heaven. In the afternoon, proceed to Tianzi Mountain to overlook thousands of peaks and sea of clouds from viewing platforms like Helong Park, Imperial Brush Peak, and Fairy Scattering Flowers. Environmental buses within the park are included. Travel Tips: Temperatures on the mountain are 4-6°C lower than in the city; bring a light jacket. Most viewing platforms are built along cliffs, so stay within railings when taking photos. Lunch features farm-to-table cuisine in the park (smoked bamboo shoots with bacon, Tujia Sanxiaguo).
D3Golden Whip Stream and Ten-Mile Gallery
Morning hike along Golden Whip Stream: this 7.5km gentle valley trail is hailed as one of the 'world's most beautiful gorges,' winding through primary secondary forest and peaks, taking about 2.5 hours to complete. In the afternoon, take the little train (or walk) through Ten-Mile Gallery to see anthropomorphic peaks like the Medicine Man Gatherer and the Three Sisters Peaks. Travel Tips: Monkeys often appear along Golden Whip Stream; do not carry plastic bags with food or attempt to feed them. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring drinking water for the hike. Return to the hotel in the evening to soak your feet and relax, recharging for the next day's adventures.
D4Tianmen Mountain · Grand Canyon Glass Bridge · Fenghuang Nightscape
An early start is recommended: ascend Tianmen Mountain via one of the world's longest passenger cable cars in the morning. Walk the glass skywalk (shoe covers included) and Ghost Valley plank road at the summit, visit Tianmen Mountain Temple, then descend via the 99-bend mountain road,仰望 Tianmen Cave's 999-step ladder to heaven. After lunch, drive about 1 hour to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (430 meters long, approximately 300 meters above the valley floor). The fully transparent bridge surface feels like walking on clouds. In the evening, drive about 3 hours to Fenghuang Ancient Town for check-in and explore the illuminated Tuojiang River两岸. Travel Tips: Drones and sharp objects are prohibited on the glass bridge; tickets require real-name booking in advance (included in this tour). The day involves significant driving; those prone to motion sickness should prepare medication. The most photogenic night views of Fenghuang are around Hong Bridge and the Ten Thousand Pagoda area.
D5Fenghuang Ancient Town · Departure Transfer
Morning exploration of Fenghuang Ancient Town: stroll along the Tuojiang River's stilt buildings and Hong Bridge, take a sculling boat to see the reflections of wooden houses on both banks, and optionally visit Shen Congwen's Former Residence. Lunch features Western Hunan specialties such as blood duck and sour fish soup. Afternoon transfer to airport/station based on your return method: Tongren Phoenix Airport (about 50 minutes drive) or Huaihua South High-speed Railway Station (about 1 hour). If returning to Zhangjiajie Lotus Airport for departure (approximately 3.5-4 hours drive), it's recommended to book flights after 19:00. Travel Tips: Ancient town streets and stone bridges are numerous; your driver will assist with luggage.




Avatar is real
★★★★★
Standing on the glass bridge looking down 300 meters — incredible. The cliff elevator saved so much climbing. Guides kept a good pace and the photo spots were well chosen.
Liam O'Brien · Ireland 🇮🇪 · Sep 2026