4-Day Pure Play Tour of Zhangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, and Fenghuang Ancient Town [Pure Play Independent Travel]

🗓️ 4day(s)3night(s) 📍 Zhangjiajie

张家界自助游纯玩线路

US$140.63≈¥940/Adult

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📞 Contact & Local Agency

No dedicated consultant is listed for this tour yet，Please contact our hotline：400-8369-788

Overview

This route is currently the most popular among self-guided tour routes, the favorite route of backpackers, the route with the largest number of self-guided tourists at present, and also the most economical and affordable route. Going deep into the core scenic area, you can enjoy the most beautiful scenery of Zhangjiajie. At the same time, the itinerary is highly flexible with few restrictions, but because there is a lot of walking, it has certain physical requirements! Added is Fenghuang Ancient Town, the most beautiful ancient town in China, where you can freely stroll through the ancient town and learn about the Miao ethnic customs of Xiangxi.

🧭 Itinerary

Walk through the peak forest maze of Golden Whip Stream and the extraordinary and beautiful Yuanjiajie (the prototype of the mountain in the movie Avatar)

Morning: The guide or driver will pick you up at the airport or train station, then take an air-conditioned tour bus (enjoying 40 minutes of Xiangxi rural scenery along the way) and enter the scenic area directly from the Forest Park ticket gate (the 248 yuan ticket is included); hike through the "most beautiful canyon in the world"---Golden Whip Stream Scenic Area (including attractions such as Guanyin Presenting a Child, Pig Bajie Carrying His Bride, Divine Eagle Guarding the Whip, Cleaving the Mountain to Save the Mother, the filming location of Journey to the West, Longevity Spring, and Meeting After a Thousand Miles). After finishing Golden Whip Stream, there are two ways to go up to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area at the mountaintop (Option one: from Meeting After a Thousand Miles at Golden Whip Stream, hike up to Yuanjiajie via Luancuan Slope; Option two: at your own expense of 180 yuan/person (including the one-way Bailong Elevator ride and the mountaintop Tujia mountain village—Yuanjia Village ticket), take the shuttle bus from Shuiraosimen to the lower station of the Bailong Elevator, then ride the world's No. 1 outdoor elevator to Yuanjiajie at the mountaintop. Afternoon: After lunch, visit the core of the World Natural Heritage---Yuanjiajie Scenic Area (including attractions such as the prototype of the "Hallelujah Mountain" in the movie Avatar, the "Qiankun Pillar", the No. 1 Bridge Under Heaven, the Nine Heavens Mystic Ladder, the Qiankun Pillar, the Heart-Linking Bridge, the China-Korea Friendship Pavilion, the Divine Turtle Asking Heaven, and the Ecstasy Terrace). Yuanjiajie is one of the most peculiar and spectacular viewing areas at the mountaintop of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, surpassing Huangshizhai and Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area... Afterward, take about a 20-minute shuttle bus to the accommodation at Daguantai. Accommodation location: Daguantai Scenic Area at the top of Tianzi Mountain (convenient for enjoying the magnificent sunrise when the weather is good) Special tips:

The unparalleled One Step to Heaven, and the naturally immortal, bandit-spirited Wulong Village

Morning: After breakfast, you can watch the sunrise, one of the four wonders of Zhangjiajie (requires good weather). Morning: Visit Yangjiajie Scenic Area, the most beautiful place in Zhangjiajie Scenic Area (including attractions such as Tianbo Mansion, One Step to Heaven, Sky Corridor, Three Ghost Passes, Yang Family Female Warriors, Echo Wall, Lovers Peak, Five Finger Mountain, Tianbo Mansion, and Fifth Son Worshipping Buddha), and Wulong Village, the most famous bandit den in greater Xiangxi. It is named because the mountain stronghold is perched on a dangerous mountain terrain, and when night falls it looks like a black dragon coiled on the mountain ridge! The scenery of Yangjiajie, like Zhangjiajie, is mainly pristine natural beauty. Compared with Zhangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Suoxiyu, besides having basically the same geology, geomorphology, and some peaks, it also has its own unique features. It is not like Zhangjiajie, yet even better than Zhangjiajie. It is an excellent scenic area that regular tour groups do not have time to visit... Afternoon: Visit Daguantai Scenic Area (Tianzi Seat, Immortal Bridge, Divine Chicken Pecking Food, One Step Difficult to Walk), and view the panorama of Ten-Mile Gallery from afar; among the Daguantai Scenic Area, Immortal Bridge is the most breathtaking! A stone bridge about 1.5 meters wide and more than 10 meters long spans two sheer cliffs thousands of feet high; below the bridge, clouds and mist swirl, and the bottom is invisible! Occasionally, strange sounds of birds and beasts rise from the valley bottom! This adds a touch of mystery to the Immortal Bridge Scenic Area. In the evening, watch the sunset over Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie - brilliant colorful clouds. Accommodation location: Daguantai Scenic Area at the top of Tianzi Mountain Special tips: There are many attractions to visit during the day. Because mountain-type scenic areas mostly involve walking, sightseeing is relatively tiring, and there are few places to buy things in the scenic area. It is recommended to bring some snacks or drinking water to replenish energy and moisture.

Savor the legends of Tianzi Mountain, then drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town

Morning: Visit Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area (Fairy Maiden Scattering Flowers, Imperial Brush Peak, Tianzi Pavilion, Cloud Rock, etc.), known as the "King of Peak Forests" and praised as an "enlarged bonsai, miniature fairyland", and Helong Park, where you can see the bronze statue of Helong, one of the Ten Marshals. Afterwards, head down the mountain to visit the scenic area below. (There are two ways down: 1. Hike down via Wolong Ridge to the Ten-Mile Gallery Scenic Area at the foot of the mountain. 2. Take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway from the upper station down for ￥67 at your own expense, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to Wulingyuan Gate.) Afternoon: Take a tour bus for about 50 minutes back to the city, passing through Baizhang Gorge, the "ancient battlefield of a thousand years", on the way out of the scenic area: the gorge is named because its nearly hundred-zhang-high stone cliffs pierce the sky, making one afraid to look up. Return to Zhangjiajie City; if the weather is clear, you can also view the majestic Tianmen Mountain and Tianmen Cave, the "soul of Wuling", from the bus. At about 14:30, depart by bus via Jishou to Fenghuang Ancient Town: Fenghuang Ancient Town is a national historical and cultural city and was once praised by the famous New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as the most beautiful small town in China. Enjoy the scenery of Xiangxi along the way and experience the customs of ethnic minorities. At night, view the night scenery of the Tuo River; as thousands of lights along both banks of the Tuo River are lit one after another, the whole area sparkles with color, placing you in a scene of golden splendor. Step into the bars of Fenghuang Ancient Town and experience its lively yet romantic atmosphere. You can also choose a lotus lantern, make your best wish, and put them together into the long Tuo River... Accommodation: Fenghuang Special Tips: There will be frequent transfers between scenic areas and regions today. It is recommended to check and keep your belongings with you for a smooth journey...

Visit Fenghuang Ancient Town, see off the group in the afternoon

Morning: Visit the Nine Scenic Spots of Fenghuang Ancient Town (ticket ￥148 included): Fenghuang Ancient Town has beautiful scenery, a long history, and many places of interest. Inside the town, ancient city towers and Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards still retain their charm, while the ancient and simple Tuo River flows quietly. Here, you can visit the former residence of Shen Congwen, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and father of local literature; the former residence of Xiong Xiling, Premier of the Republic of China; the East Gate Tower, one of the four great city gates of Fenghuang; the Ancient Town Museum; the Yang Family Ancestral Hall; Chongde Hall; the elegant and antique Hongqiao Art Building; the Wanshou Palace, praised as "a grand showcase of architectural art with gathered palaces, towers, and terraces"; and, while listening to the distinctive folk songs of Miao girls, take a boat on the clear and green Tuo River, visiting along the way the century-old Tujia stilted houses on both banks. In addition, in your spare time, you can walk on the "jumping rocks" of the Tuo River and the small flagstone streets in Ming and Qing style, then follow the scent of ginger candy to stroll along the Folk Customs Street. You will find shops along the street full of Tujia silver jewelry, Xilankapu, bamboo ware, and other handicrafts, and taste local specialty snacks that will whet your appetite and be unforgettable, letting you experience a truly leisurely trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town! Afternoon: Drive for 1 hour to Jishou Railway Station to see off the group, ending the pleasant Xiangxi journey! (If needed, we can also send guests back to Zhangjiajie for free to see off the group, arriving in Zhangjiajie City at around 18:00 that day.)

💰 What's included / not included

Item	Included?
1. Tickets: includes tickets to the attractions listed in the above itinerary;	✓ Included
2. Accommodation: includes three nights' accommodation, with two people staying in one standard double room each night. If a single room supplement occurs, the room fee must be paid additionally. Accommodation grade description:	✓ Included
Economy: provides standard rooms in guesthouses within the scenic area; (including private bathroom, hot water, color TV, Simmons beds, etc.);	✓ Included
Comfort: provides comfortable guesthouses within the scenic area (newly opened Building B guest rooms of Zhangjiajie Mengpa Inn);	✓ Included
Deluxe: provides distinctive luxury inns in the scenic area: Mengpa Inn Building A or other distinctive luxury inns, etc.	✓ Included
3. Meals: the above itinerary includes two breakfasts and five main meals within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park scenic area. Meal standards are arranged accordingly based on the number of people (farmhouse meals are arranged within the scenic area);	✓ Included
4. Guide: includes the full-process considerate service fee of a nationally certified guide;	✓ Included
5. Transportation: tourist route vehicles between the urban area and the scenic area. Vehicle use scope: within the travel itinerary;	✓ Included
6. Insurance: includes travel agency liability insurance and scenic area accident insurance;	✓ Included
1. Scenic area cableways: fees for cable cars, ropeways, sightseeing mini-trains, elevators, and other transportation tools within the scenic area;	✕ Not included
2. Major transportation costs: does not include major transportation costs such as air tickets and train tickets to and from Zhangjiajie from the tourist's location;	✕ Not included
3. Other expenses: personal consumption, optional paid items, and additional expenses caused by force majeure factors, etc.;	✕ Not included
Note: Scenic area hotels use combined consumption; meals are not refunded if unused. If attractions cannot be visited due to force majeure factors, or if discount tickets are generated with discount certificates, only the difference after the discounted settlement price will be refunded.	✕ Not included
Discussion and execution of travel services:	✕ Not included
Please provide your supplementary requirements to the customer service manager, and finally execute according to the contract agreement signed after mutual consultation.	✕ Not included
Warm tips:	✕ Not included
Discount and free ticket policy for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park scenic area tickets:	✕ Not included
1. Tourists holding the new version of press cards, active-duty officer cards, military disability cards, civilian cadre cards, student cards, police officer cards (armed police), soldier cards, and retired officer cards, and children under 1.2 meters can pass directly through special channels with valid certificates;	✕ Not included
2. Seniors over 70 years old can purchase a 68 yuan shuttle bus ticket with their ID card;	✕ Not included
3. Seniors aged 60-69 can purchase a 163 yuan discount ticket with their ID card (must be full age);	✕ Not included
4. Students over 1.2 meters and under 24 years old can purchase a 163 yuan discount ticket with their student card and ID card;	✕ Not included
5. Children over 1.2 meters and under 1.5 meters can directly purchase a 163 yuan discount ticket.	✕ Not included
6. Holders of first- and second-level disability certificates issued by the Disabled Persons' Federation can purchase a 68 yuan shuttle bus ticket; please verify the certificates and number of people before purchasing tickets, and present the certificates when purchasing tickets.	✕ Not included
However, the final implementation shall be subject to the specific rules of the ticket gate.	✕ Not included

View full details

✅ Inclusions

1. Tickets: includes tickets to the attractions listed in the above itinerary; 2. Accommodation: includes three nights' accommodation, with two people staying in one standard double room each night. If a single room supplement occurs, the room fee must be paid additionally. Accommodation grade description: Economy: provides standard rooms in guesthouses within the scenic area; (including private bathroom, hot water, color TV, Simmons beds, etc.); Comfort: provides comfortable guesthouses within the scenic area (newly opened Building B guest rooms of Zhangjiajie Mengpa Inn); Deluxe: provides distinctive luxury inns in the scenic area: Mengpa Inn Building A or other distinctive luxury inns, etc. 3. Meals: the above itinerary includes two breakfasts and five main meals within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park scenic area. Meal standards are arranged accordingly based on the number of people (farmhouse meals are arranged within the scenic area); 4. Guide: includes the full-process considerate service fee of a nationally certified guide; 5. Transportation: tourist route vehicles between the urban area and the scenic area. Vehicle use scope: within the travel itinerary; 6. Insurance: includes travel agency liability insurance and scenic area accident insurance;

❌ Exclusions

1. Scenic area cableways: fees for cable cars, ropeways, sightseeing mini-trains, elevators, and other transportation tools within the scenic area; 2. Major transportation costs: does not include major transportation costs such as air tickets and train tickets to and from Zhangjiajie from the tourist's location; 3. Other expenses: personal consumption, optional paid items, and additional expenses caused by force majeure factors, etc.; Note: Scenic area hotels use combined consumption; meals are not refunded if unused. If attractions cannot be visited due to force majeure factors, or if discount tickets are generated with discount certificates, only the difference after the discounted settlement price will be refunded. Discussion and execution of travel services: Please provide your supplementary requirements to the customer service manager, and finally execute according to the contract agreement signed after mutual consultation. Warm tips: Discount and free ticket policy for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park scenic area tickets: 1. Tourists holding the new version of press cards, active-duty officer cards, military disability cards, civilian cadre cards, student cards, police officer cards (armed police), soldier cards, and retired officer cards, and children under 1.2 meters can pass directly through special channels with valid certificates; 2. Seniors over 70 years old can purchase a 68 yuan shuttle bus ticket with their ID card; 3. Seniors aged 60-69 can purchase a 163 yuan discount ticket with their ID card (must be full age); 4. Students over 1.2 meters and under 24 years old can purchase a 163 yuan discount ticket with their student card and ID card; 5. Children over 1.2 meters and under 1.5 meters can directly purchase a 163 yuan discount ticket. 6. Holders of first- and second-level disability certificates issued by the Disabled Persons' Federation can purchase a 68 yuan shuttle bus ticket; please verify the certificates and number of people before purchasing tickets, and present the certificates when purchasing tickets. However, the final implementation shall be subject to the specific rules of the ticket gate.

📋 Refund / Change

Cancellation / change timing	Terms
30 days or more before departure	Free cancellation or date change; any charges follow your order confirmation and the receiving party's written terms.
15–29 days before departure	Cancellation or date change allowed; any actual costs already incurred (visa, ticketing, etc.) are deducted and the balance refunded.
7–14 days before departure	Cancellation or date change allowed; the exact deduction follows your order confirmation and the receiving party's written terms.
3–6 days before departure	Cancellation or date change allowed; because resources are already committed close to departure, the deduction follows your order confirmation and the receiving party's written terms.
Within 48 hours of departure and after	Free change/refund is generally not available; in special cases please contact us promptly and we will coordinate, subject to your order confirmation and the receiving party's written terms.
Force majeure / visa refusal / flight cancellation	If a trip cannot proceed due to force majeure, visa refusal or flight cancellation, both parties will settle changes/refunds in good faith per the order terms and minimise losses.

The above is general guidance; the actual change/refund follows your order confirmation and the receiving party's written terms.

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