Travel Diary of Foreign Visitor to Zhangjiajie: Fantasy Peaks and the Charm of Tujia Culture in Western Hunan
I am a travel enthusiast from Japan. Together with one friend, the two of us joined a 4-day pure-play small group tour in Zhangjiajie. This 4-day-3-night trip offers great value for money with transparent pricing and no hidden charges at all. We were accompanied by our guide Kai throughout the journey. He knows well about the mountain scenery and the folk stories of the Tujia people. The itinerary is relaxing, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the amazing mountains and unique ethnic customs of western Hunan.
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
1. Cost Guide
This 4-day-3-night trip offers great value for money with transparent pricing and no hidden charges at all. We were accompanied by our guide Kai throughout the journey. He knows well about the mountain scenery and the folk stories of the Tujia people. The itinerary is relaxing, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the amazing mountains and unique ethnic customs of western Hunan.
This is Kai's WhatsApp +86 18907331470
Email: zhangjiajiekai@outlook.com
Day 1: Arrive at Wulingyuan & Explore Huanglong Cave
• After a long journey, we arrived in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie and checked in at Pullman Hotel. Green rolling peaks are visible right outside the hotel. The air here is fresh and moist, washing away all our travel fatigue.
• After settling in, we headed to Huanglong Cave. The huge natural cave stays cool inside. Various stalactites look magical under colourful lights. We took a small boat along the underground river and witnessed the geological wonders formed over hundreds of millions of years.
• In the evening we returned to Wulingyuan downtown and dined at a local restaurant, tasting Tujia cured meat, rice tofu and other local specialties. After dinner, we strolled along the streets, gazing at the peaks in twilight, full of anticipation for the mountain adventure ahead.
Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Discover the Avatar Peaks
• Early in the morning, we entered Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Mist lingered among the mountains, and everything was lush and green, just like a giant natural oxygen bar.
• We took the Bailong Elevator straight up to the top of the mountain and reached Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Quartz sandstone peaks rise abruptly from the ground. Clouds drift slowly between the stone pillars. We saw the prototype of Hallelujah Mountain from the movie Avatar — Qiankun Pillar. The view was absolutely breathtaking.
• In the afternoon we visited Tianzi Mountain, enjoying classic rock formations such as the Imperial Brush Peaks and Fairy Scattering Flowers. Later we rode the sightseeing train along the Ten-Mile Gallery. Strange rocks line both sides of the path. Our guide told us folk legends behind those rocks, letting us enjoy the mountain scenery at a leisurely pace.
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain Sky Tour & Furong Town Waterfall Night View
• Today we visited Tianmen Mountain, known as “the No.1 sacred mountain in western Hunan”. We boarded the long alpine cable car climbing toward the clouds, with cities, valleys and mountains unfolding beneath us.
• We walked along the ghost valley glass plank road on the cliff. On one side is a steep drop. Clouds gather and disperse freely around the mountain. Then we looked up at the grand Tianmen Cave, a huge natural cave piercing through the cliff, magnificent and imposing.
• In the evening we took the high-speed train to Furong Town, an ancient Tujia town built above a waterfall. When night falls, all lights turn on. The waterfall roars down. Ancient buildings, flowing water and lights blend together, creating a dreamlike night view that impressed us deeply.
Day 4: Wander around Fenghuang Ancient Town & Conclude the Western Hunan Trip
• On the last day, we explored Fenghuang Ancient Town at a slow pace. The Tuojiang River runs through the town. Stilt houses stand along the riverbank. We crossed the stepping stones on the river and wandered on Hongqiao Wind and Rain Tower and the ancient flagstone streets.
• Silver jewellery shops and hand-woven textile stores scatter along alleys. You can feel the integrated lifestyle of Tujia and Miao ethnic groups. The breeze by the river is gentle. The peaceful and relaxing vibe of the ancient town makes us reluctant to leave.
• Our four-day trip came to an end. Magnificent peaks, fantastic cave, waterfall ancient town and riverside old city weave together. The landscape and local life of western Hunan have become precious memories of our travel.
Final Thoughts
Zhangjiajie is not only famous for its amazing peaks. The cave wonders, waterfall towns and diverse ethnic cultures together form the complete beauty of western Hunan, which is well worth a visit for travellers all over the world. Special thanks to our guide Kai. His explanations are vivid and professional with rich knowledge of local history and folk customs. The itinerary is well arranged with a balanced pace, no rushing around. He is warm and thoughtful, solving all kinds of small problems during the trip and greatly improving our travel experience.
Share kai's whatsApp: +8618907331470
Kai 's email address: zhangjiajiekai@outlook.com
Kai's wechat ID: s1025566476
