Encounter Three Thousand Peaks｜Our 3D2N Zhangjiajie Trip for Three Travelers
We are three travelers from Taiwan, China. We have long dreamed of seeing the unique quartz sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie. Descriptions from textbooks and the floating mountains in Avatar drew us here. We decided to leave our daily routines behind and travel to western Hunan to admire the magnificent landscape and Tujia local culture.
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
1. Cost Guide
At first we planned the trip by ourselves and compared offers from multiple online travel agencies. The estimated total budget for three people was about NT$18,600. After booking a private tour customized by guide A Zhe, all attraction tickets, private transfer and two nights accommodation were pre-arranged. The total cost was only NT$16,200, saving NT$2,400. All prices are clearly stated with zero hidden charges.
Email: hunanVIP_intltravel_Riyue@hotmail.com
2. Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie City - Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - 72 Wonders Building
Our tour guide picked us up and we checked into the city hotel. We spent the whole day visiting Tianmen Mountain. We took the mountain cableway to the mountaintop, walked along the Ghost Valley Plank Road, visited the glass walkway and viewed Tianmen Cave up close. After descending the mountain in the evening, we visited the 72 Wonders Building at night, admired the lit Tujia stilt houses and tasted characteristic western Hunan food. The schedule was relaxed. No need to get up early for long queues. We stopped to take photos along the way. It felt like walking among clouds when mist drifted by. Tianmen Mountain is far more spectacular than imagined. The cableway ride across mountains is unforgettable. The night lights at 72 Wonders Building create an amazing atmosphere.
·Tianmen Cave is a natural mountain cave formed by millions of years of water erosion. Local people regarded it as an auspicious site since ancient times.
·Temperature on the mountain is lower than downtown. Bring a light jacket. Shoe covers are required for the glass walkway. Slow down on wet walkways on rainy days.
Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park｜Yuanjiajie - Tianzi Mountain
We entered the park from Wulingyuan South Gate in the morning and took the shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie. We visited Qiankun Pillar, the First Bridge under Heaven and Soul Confusing Platform. In the afternoon, we headed to Tianzi Mountain viewing platform to see landmark peaks such as Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Scattering Flowers. We listened to the guide’s introduction while hiking. We had plenty of time for photos and waiting for sea of clouds. No rushing. We saw the prototype of the floating mountains in Avatar. Stone peaks rise straight from the ground. It feels like stepping into a fairyland when fog rolls in.
·Qiankun Pillar at Yuanjiajie served as the prototype of Hallelujah Mountain in the movie Avatar.
·The scenic park is huge. Wear non-slip sneakers. There are few shops on the mountain, bring drinking water with you.
Day 3: Golden Whip Stream - Yellow Dragon Cave - Departure
We hiked the highlight section of Golden Whip Stream in the early morning, walking alongside the stream and enjoying canyon peaks and primeval forest. Then we went to Yellow Dragon Cave to explore the huge karst cave, underground river and the famous "Magic Sea Needle" stalactite. After lunch, our guide transferred us to the airport for departure. There were few tourists in the early morning with fresh air. The cave was cool and comfortable. It was a relaxing day. Golden Whip Stream is quiet and soothing. The underground karst landscape in Yellow Dragon Cave is breathtaking. We experienced two totally different natural scenes in one trip.
·The "Magic Sea Needle" stalactite inside Yellow Dragon Cave is a famous scenic spot insured for hundreds of millions.
·Wild macaques live along Golden Whip Stream. Do not carry plastic bags in hand to prevent monkey snatching. The cave floor is slippery, watch your steps.
4. The advantages of traveling with tour guide Riyue
He knows geological stories and Tujia folk legends of every scenic spot. He can adjust the route according to weather to avoid crowded tourist groups. All tickets are booked in advance to skip long queues. A private car serves us throughout the trip. He understands the eating habits of visitors from Taiwan, China and recommends authentic local food at reasonable prices. The schedule can be adjusted anytime. No shopping stops, only pure sightseeing.
5.Personal Travel Tips
1. Mountain weather changes rapidly. Bring a lightweight raincoat instead of an umbrella when hiking.
2. There are countless stone steps in scenic areas. Wear non-slip sneakers and avoid sandals.
3. The chance of sea of clouds is higher in early mornings after rain.
4. Be cautious of cheap tour solicitors on the street, as they may be shopping tours.
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Riyue's email address: hunanVIP_intltravel_Riyue@hotmail.com
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