The Best of Hunan
Hunan Province warmly welcomes you to a world of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Changsha to the serene landscapes of Zhangjiajie and the timeless charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, our 7-day tour ensures you experience the best of this diverse region.
Our expert advisors are dedicated to crafting a seamless and unforgettable journey, tailored to your preferences. Feel free to extend your stay and explore even more of China's hidden gems.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Changsha |
Juzi Island, Huangxing Road |
| 3-5 Zhangjiajie |
The Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Peak, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain |
| 6-7 Fenghuang |
The Tuojiang River, Hongqiao Art Building, Wanshou Palace |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Heart-pounding Walk on a Transparent Bridge Spanning a Deep Canyon.
Experience the thrill of walking on the world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge, soaring 300 meters above the ground.
Witness a Naturally Formed Cave High on the Mountainside.
Take the world's longest cable car to the peak of Tianmen Mountain for a panoramic views ot surrounding mountains and valleys.
See the Iconic Pillar-like Formations that Inspired the Movie Avatar.
The unique geological formations, with their towering heights and otherworldly appearance, created the perfect backdrop for the film's fantastical world.
Immerse in the Vibrant Culture of the Miao and Tujia Ethnic Minorities.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Fenghuang Ancient City, often hailed as "China's most beautiful town." Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture.
Experience the Enchanting Atmosphere of the City at Night.
Enjoy a mesmerizing light show that illuminates the buildings of distinctive minority architectural style, characterized by wooden structures built on stilts.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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No crowds, breathtaking scenery in winter low season
We arrived at Zhangjiajie High Speed Rail station on Jan 2nd and were met by our local guide Bree (dressed in traditional Miao ethnic minority costume !) and our driver Mr Wu. This "no queuing" experience became a recurring feature on our next few days and is very satisfying (and time-saving), as long as you don't mind the colder temperatures in January ! We want to give special thanks to our guide, Bree, who organized everything for us so efficiently and accommodated us with our last minute requests such as wanting to see the cultural show and the 72 Wonder Tower. She is very knowledgeable about the area and culture and we learned many fascinating facts from her during the hikes and in the mini-van as we went from location to location. One of our party had sprained her ankle during the hike in the Grand Canyon and had some discomfort in walking. This would have been an issue on the last day as there was still so much to see on Tianmen Mountain and we had a train to catch that afternoon. Bree was not flustered by this and had worked out an alternative, less strenuous route for the injured party to meet up with the rest of us along the way. Luckily, we did not need to use this in the end. We were willing to forego lunch to make up for lost time due to the slower pace but Bree timed everything well. We managed to see everything that was planned on our schedule and still had time for a full lunch before we headed to the train station. We also want to give a shout-out to the driver Mr Wu too, for his pleasant disposition and patience in waiting for us all day as we went sightseeing. He kept us hydrated with bottled water in the mini-van and provided snacks and fruits. He even brought us his own home-grown organic oranges which tasted very sweet. Thank you ! We have had such a great experience travelling with China Highlights that we have already planned our third trip with them, this time going to Jiu Zhai Gou later this year. more
Jan 2025, Damian C
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A unique and fantastic three days, discovering China's limestone country
What a fantastic experience. We spent three days in the company of Abbie, our amazing guide. Being in our late 70's Abbie looked after us as if we were her own parents! Always getting us to the front of queues. Finding interesting local eateries. The sights we saw were stunning, the steps we climbed were many. I can thoroughly recommend the Zhangjiajie tour, a unique part of the world, it has to be seen to be believed. more
Jan 2025, GrandTour24467632574
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Could not recommend more!
My family and I are currently traveling around China with China Highlights and it has been amazing. All the cars have been excellent, very comfortable, spacious and new. Lily, our guide in Zhangjiajie, was exceptional. Incredibly kind, attentive to our needs, and always with a smile. She always had snacks for us, was warm and joyous, and very knowledgeable. Of all the guides we have used across our travels, she may be one of the best. Highly recommend China Highlights and if you’re considering a visit to Zhangjiajie, Lily will make your trip very memorable. more
Dec 2024, Ana B
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Suggested Itinerary
After a flight to Changsha, you will meet your guide and private driver at the airport, and then be transferred directly to your hotel.
Changsha is one of the "Top Snacks Cities" in China, so when you are in Changsha make sure you never waste your free time! Local snacks are available everywhere, and you can also go to the Fire Palace, a snack street, to fulfill your appetite.
You'll first visit Juzi Island, a small emerald nestled in the Xiang River, which is renowned as China's most famous inland river island. Its distinctive shape, resembling a green navel orange, has earned it the nickname "Orange Island."
Huangxing Road is a vibrant shopping district that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. The pedestrian-friendly environment makes exploring the area a pleasant experience. Whether you're strolling through the shops or enjoying a meal, you can do so in peace and safety.
In the afternoon, you'll embark on a 2.5-hour high-speed train journey to Zhangjiajie. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of majestic mountains and lush forests.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in Wulingyuan Scenic Area, about 40 minutes' drive from the city. Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie are the most classic and popular sites in Zhangjiajie.
To save your time and energy, we will arrange the cable car (or elevator) trips to take you up and down the mountain. Take the cable car up Tianzi Mountain, and look through the glass walkway to see large areas of spiky sandstone peaks below that are thrusting up from the ground.
The namesake and inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountain in Avatar is located in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which you will visit in the afternoon after taking a shuttle bus from Tianzi Mountain.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon boasts stunning mountains, winding streams, mysterious caves, towering cliffs, and lush forests. This scenic area is also home to the world's longest and highest glass bridge. For the adventurous, walking across the glass-bottomed bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground, is an unforgettable experience.
Baofeng Lake is in a basin created by the terrain in the middle of this mountainous area. Take a wooden boat ride for a leisurely experience as you float across the clear water, see the hills of various shapes, and enjoy entertainment by the local minority people as they sing their traditional songs.
Tianmen Mountain, the towering soul of Zhangjiajie, offers breathtaking views of ancient trees, dramatic karst formations, and winding roads carved into the mountainside. A 30-minute cable car ride, the world's longest, transports visitors from the city center to the mountaintop.
Prepare for an adrenaline rush as you ascend the world's longest cable car, traverse the suspended glass walkway nearly a mile above the ground, and navigate the thrilling "99 Bends" mountain road.
Tianmen Cave (literally meaning 'Heaven's Gate Hole') is a 30-meter-high hole formed naturally in the mountain like a doorway. It is well-known for being glided through by a world-class stuntman in a wingsuit. To reach the hole, you can climb for about half an hour up the 'Stairway to Heaven'.
A scenic 3.5-hour drive from Zhangjiajie will take you to Fenghuang. With your knowledgeable guide by your side, the journey will be filled with interesting stories and insights, making the time fly by.
Different from other ancient towns in China, Fenghuang Ancient Town is a secluded and tranquil town located on the bank of the river and surrounded by mountains. It is a good idea to stroll in this ancient town and visit some interesting shops and homes, and discover some interesting nooks. The ethnic handicrafts are really delicate and special in this region.
The night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town is beautiful and attracts many photographers. At night, the town becomes more quiet and peaceful. Sitting in a bar and appreciating the sunset is wonderful.
Your guide will escort you to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, where your journey continues. Zhangjiajie is well-connected to major Chinese cities like Changsha, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guangzhou via direct flights. If you require assistance with your onward travel, please don't hesitate to ask.
Tour Price
Price includes: