A Magical Journey to Western Hunan — Zhangjiajie
I remember my last trip to Zhangjiajie was quite short. I joined a tour group in Yunnan with over 20 people lumped together. At each scenic spot we had to rush to take photos and then hurry on, with very little free time—not satisfying at all. After returning, I always felt something was missing. This year I finally got the chance: my workplace sent me and three colleagues to Changsha on business, and we had plenty of time, so we...
This article is compiled from the original travel notes on the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com); it is a record of trips from earlier years. Time-sensitive information such as ticket prices, schedules, and accommodation prices is subject to the latest announcements from scenic areas and transportation authorities; the itinerary ideas and attraction introductions still have reference value.
I remember last time I visited Zhangjiajie the trip was relatively short. I was with a tour group in Yunnan, and more than 20 people were lumped into one group. At each scenic spot we had to hurry through taking photos and then rush on—there was very little free time, and it was far from satisfying. After returning I always felt it hadn't been enough.
This year I finally got a chance. My work unit sent me and three colleagues to Changsha on business, and we had plenty of time, so the few of us discussed squeezing in a few days in Zhangjiajie as well. I consulted a colleague at work who had just come back from vacationing there. He told me his guide this time was a good person, very down-to-earth, a Zhangjiajie local named Luo Qiying.
On May 27, when my colleagues and I arrived by plane at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, it was already past 4 in the afternoon. From the airport to the city, the taxi driver we rode with enthusiastically introduced us to local travel agencies and hotels. At first we thought he was a decent guy and trusted him. We followed him to a travel agency on Daqiao Road and asked the price: 3 days of touring, 1,280 yuan per person, not including meals. Honestly, it was way too expensive—we were shocked. So we declined the taxi driver's and the travel agency staff's kind offers. After discussing among ourselves, we decided to call the guide Luo that our friend had recommended. The phone connected, and Guide Luo said: "If we chat on the phone, your mobile is long-distance plus roaming—not cost-effective. How about we discuss it online?" Afterward, Guide Luo gave us a detailed itinerary for touring Zhangjiajie. Faced with such a thoughtful guide who considers tourists' interests in every way, what reason did we have to refuse?
The next morning, we met this guide at the hotel entrance. Our first impression was deep: her standard Mandarin, witty conversation, and warm, straightforward Tujia personality made us feel even more at ease. After breakfast, we set off. We had planned to take a taxi to the Forest Park entrance, but when we asked the price it was actually 120 yuan. Later, with Guide Luo's help, we got it done for only 80 yuan. We didn't waste any time and it was very comfortable—both economical and practical. Along the way, the scenery was beautiful, pleasing to the eye, and too much to take in. In the car, Guide Luo told us about the area's history and development, local customs and traditions. The 40-minute drive passed in a blink.
When we arrived at the main entrance, Guide Luo helped us buy tickets at 248 yuan per person. Her budget for us was 470 yuan per person (including entrance ticket, accommodation, and meals). One of my colleagues suggested paying the remaining money to the guide. Unexpectedly, she said: "No rush—you don't know yet how my service is. Why not pay after the tour is over?" In the morning we visited Huangshizhai, Golden Whip Stream, Wenxing Rock, Jiangjiang Terrace, Heavenly Book Box, South Heaven Pillar, Star-Picking Terrace, Front Garden, Five Finger Peak, Golden Whip Rock, Guanyin Delivering a Child, Zicao Pool, Meeting After a Thousand Miles...
Guide Luo truly lives up to being an experienced guide—extraordinary indeed. She knew every scenic spot like the back of her hand. While we took in the beautiful scenery, we also heard beautiful legends. (Personally, I think if you visit Zhangjiajie and don't hear these beautiful historical tales, that's a reflection of your guide's skill and also a great regret of your Zhangjiajie trip.) Things like Zhu Bajie Carrying His Bride, Qin Shi Huang and Meng Jiangnu... In the afternoon we went up to Yuanjiajie via Luanchuanpo, which took over two hours (if you're not up to it physically, you can also take the elevator). Climbing to the top felt like arriving in a paradise, truly experiencing the mood of "households amid white clouds." Dinner was at a family inn in Yuanjiajie—three meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup, and it tasted pretty good. The accommodation was both clean and comfortable—truly a fairy's dwelling!
On the third day we visited the No. 1 Bridge under Heaven, the Back Garden, *** Terrace... The No. 1 Bridge under Heaven was naturally formed by two rocky peaks growing together—created by nature's uncanny workmanship. Its title of "No. 1 under Heaven" is truly well-deserved! We also went to see Helong Park—Yubi Peak, Fairy Presenting Flowers, West Sea, One Step Hard to Take... All the scenic spots were unforgettable. At West Sea, we were even lucky enough to see a rare sea of clouds. According to Guide Luo, several photography enthusiasts once waited there for almost a month without capturing it.
On the fourth day, we went to the former bandit lair—Wulong Village. The terrain there is strategically dangerous, easy to defend and hard to attack. The village gate straddles the mountain pass, with a deep abyss on the left and a sheer cliff on the right. Once through the gate, there's a steep flight of stone steps. The city wall of Tianbo Mansion looked incredibly lifelike—its resemblance was beyond compare. After descending the mountain, although the itinerary had ended, Guide Luo still responded to our every request. She helped us arrange accommodation, buy bus tickets... All her help was free of charge, unlike some guides who care only about money. Such a person is truly rare in this materialistic society! And we were lucky enough to meet one.
This trip to Zhangjiajie was more enjoyable than the last one, and we spent less money too. I think this pleasant trip owes thanks to that warm and responsible Guide Luo—I feel very fortunate to have found such a good guide. I believe that under her guidance, you will surely come with high spirits and return fully satisfied, just like me.