Discover Culture and Nature: Zhangjiajie Private Tour to Tujia Folk Custom Park and Maoyan River

Tour Itinerary

Upon your arrival at the hotel or train station, your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at the main entrance, holding a sign that reads "Your Way Holiday" for easy recognition. After a warm welcome, you’ll set off together toward the Tujia Folk Custom Park, a beautifully preserved cultural site that showcases the rich traditions, architecture, and lifestyle of the Tujia ethnic minority. With the assistance of your professional English-speaking tour guide, you’ll breeze through the entrance and begin your immersive journey into local heritage. As you explore the intricately designed stilted wooden houses, stone courtyards, and traditional handcraft displays, your guide will share fascinating stories and cultural insights, making the experience both educational and engaging. This visit offers a unique window into the vibrant ethnic culture of the region.

After breakfast, you will depart for the Tujia Folk Custom Park. Upon arrival, your professional guide will accompany you throughout the visit, providing insightful commentary on the unique cultural traditions of the Tujia ethnic group. One of the highlights is the Diaojiaolou, the traditional stilted wooden houses built along the hillsides, which reflect the architectural ingenuity of the Tujia people. You will also have the chance to witness the fascinating "Tujia Crying Marriage" ritual, a deeply emotional and symbolic tradition where brides express their sorrow and respect through ceremonial crying before marriage. In addition, the tour includes a visit to a Tujia brocade weaving workshop, where you can observe the intricate techniques used to produce their renowned handwoven textiles, known for their bold patterns and vibrant colors. This immersive cultural experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the living heritage of one of China’s most distinctive minority groups.

During your visit, our guide will take you to explore the traditional Diaojiaolou—the iconic stilted wooden houses built by the Tujia ethnic group along riverbanks and hillsides. These elevated structures, supported by wooden pillars, are not only an architectural adaptation to the mountainous terrain and humid climate, but also reflect the Tujia people's craftsmanship and way of life. As you walk through the village with your guide, you'll learn about the unique layout of these homes, which typically include an open balcony, a family altar, and elevated living quarters to avoid flooding and pests. Another fascinating highlight of the Tujia culture is the centuries-old crying marriage custom, known as “crying for marriage” or kujia. Traditionally, a Tujia bride begins to cry days or even weeks before her wedding, expressing sorrow over leaving her family while symbolizing gratitude and emotional depth. With the help of your guide, you will gain insight into the symbolic songs, the emotional rituals, and the deeper cultural meanings behind this performance, which combines sadness, respect, and even a touch of theatrical artistry. The guide will also share stories and interpretations of how this custom has evolved over time and its significance in modern Tujia society, giving you a rich and memorable cultural experience.

For lunch, you will enjoy a traditional Tujia-style meal, known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. The highlight is “Sanxia Guo”, a signature hot pot-style dish featuring a rich combination of stir-fried pork, local cured meats, and seasonal vegetables cooked together in a savory, aromatic broth. This dish is deeply rooted in Tujia culinary heritage and is often shared among family and friends as a symbol of unity and warmth. You’ll also taste Tujia-style cured pork (la rou), which is smoked and air-dried using traditional methods, giving it a deep, smoky flavor and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with rice or steamed buns. Another local specialty is haozi baba, a type of glutinous rice cake made with mugwort leaves, which gives it a natural green color and a slightly herbal fragrance. It’s usually pan-fried and served crispy on the outside and soft inside. Altogether, this meal offers a delicious and authentic glimpse into the unique culinary traditions of the Tujia ethnic group.

After enjoying lunch, you will set off on a scenic drive toward the Maoyan River area, a journey that takes you through lush mountain landscapes and picturesque countryside views. Upon arrival, you'll begin the exciting Maoyan River rafting experience—a thrilling yet safe adventure that takes place along a crystal-clear stretch of river framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and dense forest. The rafting route is known for its gentle rapids and calm sections, making it suitable for most ages while still offering plenty of fun and splashes. As you float downstream, you’ll have the chance to take in the natural beauty of the canyon, with occasional waterfalls, unique rock formations, and refreshing breezes adding to the immersive experience. The entire activity typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in a pristine natural setting.

At the end of the tour, our guide and driver will accompany you back to Zhangjiajie city, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey. Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, we will arrange drop-off at your hotel or any other designated location within the downtown area, such as the airport, train station, or a local restaurant of your choice. If you have large luggage or specific timing needs, please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and convenient conclusion to your day, with door-to-door service that provides both comfort and flexibility.

Price Per Person in US Dollars