8 days in Zhangjiajie,Furong, Fenghuang, and Shanghai

About the Trip

Peaks, Waterways & Ancient Towns – An 8-Day Adventure Through Eastern & Western China

Trip Highlights

Begin your journey in Shanghai, where modern skyscrapers meet historic lanes. Visit the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao, known for its canals, stone bridges, and ancient architecture.

Head west to Zhangjiajie, famed for its surreal sandstone peaks, sky-high glass bridges, and misty mountain landscapes that inspired Avatar.

Discover Furong, a cliffside town built beside a cascading waterfall — a magical blend of history and nature.

Stroll through the riverside beauty of Fenghuang, where ancient stilt houses and glowing night views create a timeless atmosphere.

Conclude your journey in Changsha with a smooth high-speed train ride, and savor some of China’s best street food in one of its top culinary cities.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a dramatic blend of cultural richness, thrilling landscapes, and unforgettable moments.‍

The Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Shanghai | Gateway to China

Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet your personal guide in the arrivals hall. Your private, non-smoking vehicle will transfer you to your hotel, allowing time to relax or enjoy your first taste of China’s most vibrant metropolis.

Activities:

Meet your guide in the arrivals hall

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Activities:

DAY 2 – Zhujiajiao Water Town & Creative Alleys

Visit Zhujiajiao, a photogenic canal town with ancient bridges and preserved architecture. Explore Chenghuang Temple, Helong Gallery, and Kezhi Garden, and enjoy fragrant tea at a traditional teahouse. End the day at Tianzifang, a trendy arts district filled with boutique shops and cafés.

Activities:

Chenghuang Temple visit

Helong Gallery traditional art viewing

Chinese tea break at local teahouse

Kezhi Garden walk

Tianzi Fang art and shopping district stroll

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DAY 3 – Shanghai Icons & Fly to Zhangjiajie

Stroll the Bund, learning the story behind Shanghai’s colonial architecture. Step into tranquility at Yuyuan Garden, then ride to the top of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, for panoramic city views. Fly to Zhangjiajie in the evening.

Activities:

The Bund historic waterfront walk

Yuyuan Garden cultural escape

Shanghai Tower observation deck view

Flight to Zhangjiajie

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DAY 4 – Zhangjiajie | Avatar-Inspired Peaks

Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home of the Hallelujah Mountains from Avatar. Ride the Bailong Elevator, the tallest outdoor lift in the world, and glide above sandstone spires via the Tianzi Mountain cable car. Hike through fantastical ridges and forest trails.

Activities:

Bailong Elevator ascent to Avatar Hallelujah Mountains

Tianzi Mountain cable car ride

Scenic hikes through sandstone pillars and forest

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DAY 5 – Glass Bridge Adventure & 72 Wonder Tower

Experience Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, crossing the glass-bottom bridge suspended 300 meters above ground. In the evening, explore the 72 Wonder Tower, a neon-lit architectural marvel that connects legend and light in the city’s nightscape.

Activities:

Glass Bridge walk above canyon

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon trail and cave tour

72 Wonder Tower neon-lit stilt city visit

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DAY 6 – Tianmen Mountain to Furong Waterfall Town

Take the world’s longest cable car to the summit of Tianmen Mountain. Dare to walk the glass skywalk and climb the Stairway to Heaven leading to Tianmen Cave. Then drive to Furong Town, perched above a scenic waterfall, before continuing to Fenghuang Ancient Town for your overnight stay.

Activities:

Tianmen Mountain cable car and skywalk

Stairway to Heaven and Tianmen Cave visit

Furong Town waterfall-side village walk

Transfer to Fenghuang Ancient Town

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DAY 7 – Fenghuang Ancient Town | Riverside Charm & Local Culture

Explore Fenghuang, a Miao minority village of ancient stilt houses and river bridges. Visit the Hongqiao Art Building, Wanshou Palace, and Chongde Hall. After dark, enjoy the illuminated town from a riverside bar as traditional music floats through the night.

Activities:

Hongqiao Art Building and ancient palace visits

Chongde Hall and riverfront walk

Nightlife and live music experience by Tuo River

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DAY 8 – Fenghuang to Changsha | Departure

Ride a high-speed train from Fenghuang to Changsha (approx. 2 hours), where your guide will assist you with your international departure or onward travel.

Activities:

High-speed train to Changsha Airport transfer for international departure

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Trip Include

Airport/train station pickup and drop-off with a professional driver.

Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides throughout the tour.

All your activities, hotels, and meals are planned out just as shown in the itinerary.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for all scheduled sightseeing.

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Contact us

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Phone (China):+86 150 0950 1040
Email:venturevalyn@gmail.com