Zhangjiajie One Day Helicopter Tour: A Sky-High Journey Above Avatar Mountains

Tour Itinerary

At Your Way Holiday, we specialize in crafting immersive, personalized experiences that go far beyond ordinary sightseeing. From the first warm greeting by your private local guide holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign at your hotel, every detail of your journey is handled with care and attention. Whether you're taking in breathtaking aerial views by helicopter or exploring iconic landmarks like Baofeng Lake up close, each part of your day is seamlessly designed to reflect your pace, preferences, and curiosity. With us, your journey isn’t just a tour—it’s a story written your way.

Your day takes flight with a breathtaking private helicopter ride over Zhangjiajie’s legendary peak forest landscape—an awe-inspiring sea of towering quartz-sandstone pillars that pierce through the mist like natural skyscrapers. As the helicopter ascends, you’ll witness the surreal beauty that inspired the world of Avatar, with jagged spires rising from emerald valleys and drifting clouds wrapping the cliffs in a dreamlike veil. From this rare aerial vantage point, the vastness and mystery of Zhangjiajie’s geological masterpiece unfold beneath you, offering an unforgettable journey through nature’s most dramatic architecture—an experience of pure wonder, comfort, and cinematic grandeur.

Your journey continues to the breathtaking Tianzi Mountain, one of the most iconic highlights within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where quiet villages and terraced fields paint a picture of rural tranquility. Upon arrival at the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, your local guide will assist with tickets and lead you to the cable car station. As you ascend, the panoramic views unfold—towering sandstone peaks pierce through the clouds, offering a breathtaking first impression of this natural wonder. At the summit, your expert guide will take you on a walking tour through a series of paved trails and panoramic platforms. Together, you’ll visit iconic spots such as Fairy Maid Scattering Flowers and Warrior Taming Horse, where your guide will share fascinating local legends, cultural anecdotes, and explain the significance behind the mountain’s poetic name.

After a morning of exploring the awe-inspiring vistas of Tianzi Mountain, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch break at a charming local eatery tucked at the foot of the mountain. This family-owned restaurant, known for its hospitality and rustic charm, provides the ideal setting to recharge while savoring authentic Hunan flavors. Your dedicated guide will join you during the meal, helping you navigate the menu and offering personalized suggestions based on your taste preferences. Expect a variety of regional specialties made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients—perhaps smoked pork with dried bamboo shoots, spicy tofu stew, or handpicked mountain mushrooms sautéed in garlic and chili. As you enjoy your meal, your guide will share stories about the origins of the dishes, how they reflect the daily life and culinary heritage of Zhangjiajie, and the ways in which food and family are interwoven in local culture.

After a delightful lunch, your journey continues to the awe-inspiring Yuanjiajie Scenic Area — a surreal realm of towering sandstone pillars and dense greenery that famously inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. Accompanied by your knowledgeable local guide, you’ll begin your ascent aboard the legendary Bailong Elevator — the world’s tallest outdoor lift. As the glass elevator climbs dramatically up the cliff face, your guide will point out notable geological features and share insights into the engineering marvel beneath your feet. Once at the top, your guided walk takes you through a dreamlike landscape of narrow trails and panoramic viewpoints. With each step, your guide will highlight iconic landmarks such as the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, explaining its cinematic significance and its connection to local myths. 

After exploring the stunning landscapes of Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, you’ll experience a thrilling ride down to the valley floor aboard the Bailong Elevator — an engineering marvel and a highlight of any Zhangjiajie visit. As the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, it swiftly descends 326 meters along the cliff face in just over a minute, offering breathtaking panoramic views through its glass enclosure of the towering sandstone pillars and dense greenery below. Throughout the journey, your knowledgeable guide will accompany you, providing intriguing insights into the region’s unique geological formations, the elevator’s impressive construction, and the rich cultural legends that make this area so captivating. This seamless combination of convenience and spectacular scenery makes the Bailong Elevator descent an unforgettable part of your Zhangjiajie experience.

After your breathtaking helicopter flight over Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, your journey continues with a peaceful stroll along the enchanting Golden Whip Stream. This gentle 7.5-kilometer trail winds through verdant forests and beneath soaring sandstone pillars, creating a serene escape into nature’s calm embrace. Accompanied by your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll take in the crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings while discovering the rich biodiversity of the area. Along the way, your guide will share captivating legends and insights about notable rock formations like Golden Whip Rock, Eagle Guarding the Whip, and Meeting from Afar, enriching your connection to this magical landscape. The easy, shaded pathway makes it an ideal experience for visitors of all ages seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the towering sandstone pillars, your descent from the mountaintop begins aboard the cable car, providing a final breathtaking panorama of Zhangjiajie’s stunning landscape. The slow, peaceful journey allows you to soak in the magnificent views of Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie one last time. If time allows, your guide may suggest a leisurely walk along the serene Golden Whip Stream, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water and marvel at the ancient trees lining the peaceful trail beneath steep cliffs. This tranquil interlude offers a perfect contrast to the day's exhilarating heights. Throughout the journey back to your hotel, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories, answer any questions, and assist you with plans for the next day. Arriving at your accommodation, you’ll carry with you not only stunning memories and photos but also a deeper appreciation for the magic and mystery of Zhangjiajie.

Price Per Person in US Dollars