6-Day Chongqing Zhangjiajie Tour: From Mountain City to Avatar Peaks

Summary

Day 1 Chongqing Arrival
Day 2 Chongqing:Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Bai Xiang Ju, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Yangtze River Cableway, Hongya Cave
Day 3 Chongqing-Zhanjiang:Xibu Old Street
Day 4 Zhangjiajie:Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Day 5 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon:Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Glass Bridge, Gloden Whip Stream
Day 6 Zhangjiajie:Tianmen Mountain

Day 1 Chongqing Arrival

Welcome to Chongqing! As soon as you arrive at the airport or train station, your personal guide will be waiting for you with a clearly marked “Your Way Holiday” sign. From the very beginning, your guide will ensure a hassle-free and pleasant start to your visit. They’ll help with your luggage, arrange a smooth transfer to your hotel, and offer helpful local tips and interesting stories about Chongqing during the ride. We're excited to have you here and look forward to making your time in this vibrant city truly memorable. Let the journey begin!

If your schedule allows, we warmly suggest joining the Chongqing Two Rivers Night Tour, a magical way to end your day in the city. After dinner, your private guide will escort you to the dock, where you’ll step aboard a well-appointed cruise vessel. As the boat sets sail along the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, you'll be immersed in a breathtaking panorama of Chongqing's illuminated skyline. With expert narration from your guide, you’ll gain insight into the city's rich history and striking urban development. Admire the dramatic interplay between sleek skyscrapers and traditional hillside dwellings, all reflected in the water's surface. You’ll cruise past architectural landmarks such as the Chongqing Grand Theater, Chaotianmen Port, and a series of brilliantly lit bridges, each with its own story. The gentle river breeze, the city lights, and the atmosphere onboard combine to offer a peaceful yet spectacular close to your exploration of Chongqing.

Day 2 Chongqing

Your day starts with a warm greeting from your professional guide in the hotel lobby, marking the beginning of an immersive journey through Chongqing’s vibrant heart. Our adventure begins at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, the bustling urban core and a landmark of the city’s post-war revival and modern transformation.

As your journey starts, your guide will provide engaging commentary about the area's rich historical significance, especially the Jiefangbei Monument, a proud symbol of Chongqing’s perseverance during the Second World War. Walking through the energetic streets, you'll be surrounded by a fusion of historic charm and contemporary life—gleaming skyscrapers, fashionable shops, and the inviting aromas of local street food. The guide will highlight architectural contrasts, share stories of Jiefangbei’s development into a financial and cultural hub, and suggest local delicacies worth trying. This stop offers a perfect introduction to the soul of Chongqing, where tradition meets progress.

Our journey continues with a visit to Bai Xiang Ju, a captivating enclave tucked away in Chongqing’s urban landscape. Often overlooked by casual tourists, this hidden neighborhood is a living testament to the city’s iconic “mountain city” character. Accompanied by your expert guide, you’ll wander through narrow stairways and tiered alleyways that reveal how locals have harmoniously built their lives into the hillsides. As you explore, your guide will delve into the history behind the striking stilted houses, explaining how they’ve evolved to meet the challenges of Chongqing’s steep terrain. With panoramic views that contrast rustic charm against a modern skyline, Bai Xiang Ju is a dream for photographers and storytellers alike. Be sure to have your camera ready—your guide will point out some of the most photogenic angles and unique architectural elements that make this neighborhood one of Chongqing’s most authentic and atmospheric spots.

After your immersive stroll through the vibrant Bai Xiang Ju neighborhood, your guide will escort you to a well-loved local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. Along the way, they will share fascinating stories and insights into Chongqing’s distinctive food culture—famous for its fiery heat, deep aromas, and mouthwatering complexity. At the restaurant, your guide will assist in selecting traditional favorites such as Chongqing-style hotpot, “Xiaomian” (local spicy noodles), and the ever-popular “Laziji” (crispy chili chicken). They'll explain how these dishes reflect the region’s bold culinary identity and offer advice on spice levels and ingredient combinations to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re adventurous with heat or looking for something gentler, your guide will make sure your meal is both authentic and enjoyable.

After a satisfying lunch, your exploration continues with a visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town, a cultural gem that captures the timeless spirit of old Chongqing. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll step into a world of cobblestone alleys and centuries-old architecture, where echoes of the Ming and Qing Dynasties still resonate. Once a flourishing hub for porcelain artisans and river trade, Ciqikou today charms visitors with its vibrant street life and well-preserved historical character. As you walk past intricately carved wooden homes, quaint teahouses, and bustling snack stalls, your guide will share intriguing stories about the town’s legacy and daily life in bygone eras. You’ll have ample free time to soak in the atmosphere—whether you're tasting traditional treats, picking up handcrafted souvenirs, or pausing for a serene cup of tea in a riverside teahouse. With your guide nearby for assistance and cultural context, your time in Ciqikou will be both enriching and memorable.

After immersing yourself in the timeless charm of Ciqikou Ancient Town, your Chongqing adventure continues with a ride on the famous Yangtze River Cableway. Your experienced guide will accompany you every step of the way, offering insights into how this unique mode of transportation has become a symbol of local life and resilience. As you make your way to the cableway station, enjoy stories that connect the city's past and present. Once at the terminal, your guide will help with tickets and boarding, making the process effortless. As the cable car soars across the expansive Yangtze River, take in sweeping views of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline, meandering riverbanks, and layered cityscape. Your guide will highlight key sights visible from above and share engaging details that bring the scenery to life. This journey from the old-world atmosphere of Ciqikou to the aerial views over modern Chongqing perfectly captures the city’s rich contrasts and evolving spirit.

After your unforgettable experience aboard the Yangtze River Cableway, your guide will accompany you on a leisurely stroll to Hongya Cave—one of Chongqing’s most iconic landmarks. During the walk, your guide will share fascinating insights into the city’s history, pointing out cultural landmarks and hidden gems along the route. Upon reaching Hongya Cave, you'll dive into a world of traditional architecture, vibrant shops, and local delicacies. With your guide’s expert knowledge, you’ll discover the best angles for stunning photographs, learn the stories behind the famous stilted buildings, and get introduced to must-try street foods. As you explore the many layers of Hongya Cave, from riverside terraces to lantern-lit corridors, your guide will tailor the visit to your preferences, ensuring a deeply engaging and immersive experience in the heart of Chongqing.

As the day draws to a close, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, leaving you with lasting impressions of the day’s discoveries. With your mind full of vivid sights and new insights, take this time to relax and recharge—tomorrow holds even more remarkable experiences to uncover.

Day 3 Zhangjiajie

Upon your arrival at Zhangjiajie Railway Station, our friendly guide will be waiting to welcome you at the exit, holding a sign that reads “Your Way Holiday” for easy identification. From there, you’ll be escorted comfortably to your hotel for check-in and a smooth start to your Zhangjiajie experience.

On this day, you will have time to explore Xibu Old Street, a charming pedestrian area rich in local culture, traditional architecture, and authentic street food. With your professional private guide accompanying you, you’ll gain insight into the history of the area, discover hidden gems, and interact with local artisans. You can wander through stone-paved alleys, browse unique souvenir shops, taste local specialties such as stinky tofu, rice cakes, and handmade noodles, or relax with a cup of tea in one of the quaint teahouses overlooking the river. The area also features cultural performances and small museums that give a deeper look into the region’s heritage. Your guide will ensure a smooth and engaging experience, offering historical background, food recommendations, and help with any language needs throughout the visit.

Day 4 Zhangjiajie

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will meet you in the lobby for the day’s exciting adventure to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of China’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. Upon arrival, you will board the eco-friendly sightseeing bus that takes you deep into the heart of the park. Your first stop is the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator, rising over 300 meters alongside a sheer cliff face. In just a few seconds, you’ll be transported from the valley floor to the top of the towering quartz sandstone pillars, enjoying panoramic views as you ascend. With your guide’s assistance, you’ll smoothly navigate through the ticketing and boarding process. In just a few seconds, you’ll be transported from the valley floor to the top of the towering quartz sandstone pillars, enjoying panoramic views as you ascend—while your guide shares interesting background stories and geological facts about this engineering marvel.

Next, you’ll explore the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, an awe-inspiring landscape famously known as the real-life inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s film Avatar. With its surreal rock formations and towering sandstone pillars shrouded in mist, Yuanjiajie offers some of the most iconic and cinematic views in Zhangjiajie. You’ll follow well-maintained trails and glass walkways that wind through the peaks and cliffs, providing thrilling and photogenic vantage points. Among the highlights is the First Bridge Under Heaven, a naturally formed stone bridge suspended between two mountain peaks—an incredible feat of nature that will leave you in awe. Your professional English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing expert commentary on the area’s geological wonders, local legends, and ecological significance.

Then, continue your way to one of the most awe-inspiring highlights of the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is the First Bridge Under Heaven, a naturally formed stone bridge suspended between two colossal mountain peaks. Soaring over 350 meters above the valley floor, this gravity-defying natural marvel offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, misty cliffs, and dense forest canopy far below. Your professional English-speaking guide will lead you safely across the bridge’s scenic walkway, pointing out the best photo opportunities where you can capture the dramatic landscape. As you walk along this high-altitude path, your guide will also share captivating local legends and cultural stories surrounding the bridge — tales that have been passed down through generations and add a mystical dimension to the experience.

After a morning of exploration and stunning views, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Hunan-style dishes, known for their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and regional specialties such as stir-fried mountain vegetables, smoked pork, and spicy tofu. Your guide will assist you in selecting dishes that suit your dietary preferences and spice tolerance. Vegetarian options are available, and all food is freshly prepared and locally sourced. This is not only a great chance to recharge for the afternoon but also an opportunity to experience the local food culture of Zhangjiajie.

After enjoying a relaxing lunch, your journey continues to the breathtaking Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, renowned for its dramatic peaks, misty spires, and panoramic views that inspired scenes in Avatar. Accompanied by your experienced guide, you'll take a comfortable cable car ride up the mountain and explore key highlights such as Helong Park, Imperial Brush Peak, and the West Sea Stone Forest. Throughout the visit, your guide will share fascinating stories, geological facts, and cultural legends, ensuring a deeper understanding of the area's natural wonders. With their support, you'll navigate the scenic trails efficiently and capture the best photo spots along the way.

After exploring the breathtaking scenery of Tianzi Mountain, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Along the way, they will continue to offer insights and assistance, ensuring a smooth and comfortable return. Whether answering questions or helping with local tips, your guide remains at your service to make the end of your day just as enjoyable as the beginning.

Day 5 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will set off with your professional guide toward the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. During the journey, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the region’s natural wonders and cultural background, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience from the very beginning of your day. Upon arrival, get ready to marvel at the breathtaking views and test your courage on the world-famous glass-bottom bridge suspended high above the canyon.

Next, explore the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon—a natural wonder known for its dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the longest and highest of its kind. Accompanied by our professional local guide, you’ll enjoy an in-depth experience of the canyon’s highlights, from scenic hiking paths and crystal-clear streams to thrilling views from the glass bridge suspended over the deep gorge. The guide will ensure your safety, share fascinating insights into the area's geology and history, and assist with any logistics along the way. Whether you’re seeking adventure or scenic beauty, this visit to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon promises unforgettable memories in one of China’s most stunning landscapes.

After your breathtaking exploration of the Grand Canyon, your guide will accompany you to a well-selected local restaurant for a relaxing lunch. Here, you’ll enjoy a variety of authentic regional dishes such as braised tofu with vegetables, stir-fried seasonal greens, local-style chicken or fish, and freshly steamed rice, with vegetarian options also available. Throughout the meal, your guide will be there to assist with ordering, explain the dishes, and ensure any dietary needs are communicated to the restaurant staff—making your lunch not only delicious, but also seamless and stress-free.

After enjoying a satisfying lunch, we will head to the downtown area of Zhangjiajie, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the unique "72 Strange Buildings" (Qi Lou)—a fascinating architectural complex that blends traditional Tujia ethnic styles with modern creativity. These buildings are not only visually striking but also filled with cultural significance and local artistry. Our professional guide will accompany you throughout, offering insightful commentary on the history, symbolism, and stories behind each structure, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of Zhangjiajie’s rich heritage.

After exploring the fascinating architecture, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, ensuring a safe and comfortable return. Throughout the visit, your guide will be on hand to provide rich historical context, share local legends, and answer any questions you may have, making the experience both informative and engaging. With their attentive service, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of this unique architectural gem and its cultural significance.

Day 6 Zhangjiajie

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you and accompany you to begin the day’s adventure with a ride on the famous Tianmen Mountain cable car. Known as the longest passenger cableway in the world, the Tianmen Mountain cable car stretches over 7 kilometers and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Zhangjiajie, the winding mountain roads, and the dramatic cliffs below. Your guide will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, sharing fascinating stories and background about Tianmen Mountain’s natural beauty, cultural importance, and the engineering marvel of the cable car itself.

As you begin your ascent, your professional guide will introduce you to the iconic 99-bend mountain road, often called the "Road to Heaven," offering panoramic views that wind dramatically through the cliffs. Along the way, you’ll admire the stunning bonsai-style mountain scenery, a natural masterpiece shaped over millions of years. With your guide leading the way and ensuring your safety, prepare for one of Tianmen Mountain’s most exciting highlights—the Glass Walkway. Suspended 1,430 meters above a sheer valley and stretching 60 meters along the cliff, this transparent path gives the illusion of walking in the sky—a thrilling moment you won’t forget. You’ll also explore the Cliff-Hanging Walkway, a 1.6-kilometer path built directly into the rock face. With your guide offering insights and local legends, every step becomes part of a deeper cultural experience. Finally, cap off your journey with a visit to Yunmenxianding, the highest point of the park at 1,518 meters, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Tianmen landscape.

After reaching the mountaintop, your guide will lead you to descend by escalator to the awe-inspiring Tianmen Cave—also known as Heaven’s Gate Hole—the world’s highest natural mountain arch, soaring 131.5 meters high. Often shrouded in mist or dramatically lit by beams of sunlight piercing through the clouds, this iconic site offers ever-changing views perfect for photography. Your guide will share the cultural and geological significance of the cave while helping you find the best angles for memorable photos. After exploring the area, you can choose to descend the famous 999 steps for a thrilling walk down, or opt for the more relaxed elevator ride. The journey concludes with a scenic transfer to the next cable car station, with your guide ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout.

As your memorable journey comes to an end, our dedicated guide will escort you safely back to your hotel, the airport, or the train station—whichever suits your travel plans. Throughout the day, your guide has been by your side, offering insightful commentary, cultural context, and personalized assistance to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. We hope today's tour leaves you with lasting memories, and we wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Price Per Person in US Dollars