Zhangjiajie, China 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Zhangjiajie

Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG).

After clearing customs, you will be transferred to your hotel in Zhangjiajie city.

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your accommodation, settle in, and take some time to relax after your journey.

Evening City Walk

Take a leisurely walk around the local area near your hotel to get a feel for Zhangjiajie city.

Explore local shops and soak in the atmosphere.

Authentic Hunan Dinner

Enjoy your first taste of Hunan cuisine.

Look for local restaurants serving spicy dishes unique to the region.

Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Embark on a full day of exploring the iconic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering sandstone pillars. Visit Yuanjiajie to see the 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' and other breathtaking formations. Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor elevator, for stunning views. Continue to Tianzi Mountain for panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The park is vast, so be prepared for extensive walking and use the shuttle buses inside the park. Bring snacks and water.

Dinner near Park Gate

Enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants situated near the Wulingyuan park entrance, offering a variety of Chinese dishes.

Tianmen Mountain Tour

Visit Tianmen Mountain, famous for its 'Heaven's Gate' (Tianmen Cave) and the world's longest cable car ride.

Experience the thrilling glass skywalks clinging to the cliffside and walk along the Plank Road. Ascend to the summit for spectacular views.

The cable car ride is an experience in itself. Be aware that the glass skywalks require shoe covers, available for a small fee. Weather conditions can affect visibility.

Dinner in City Center

Return to Zhangjiajie city for dinner.

Explore more local eateries or try a popular hotpot restaurant.

Golden Whip Stream Hike

Enjoy a peaceful and scenic hike along the Golden Whip Stream, a beautiful valley known for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and towering cliffs.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including monkeys.

This is a relatively flat and easy walk, perfect for enjoying nature. It's inside the national forest park, so your ticket from Day 2 is still valid.

Lunch inside Park

Grab a quick and simple lunch at one of the small eateries within the national park.

Yellow Stone Village Views

Ascend to Yellow Stone Village (Huangshizhai) by cable car for some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Zhangjiajie peaks. The loop walk at the top offers various viewpoints.

The cable car ride itself provides great views. The walking path at the top is well-maintained.

Hotpot Dinner

Indulge in a traditional Chinese hotpot dinner, a must-try culinary experience.

Choose your broths and ingredients for a flavorful meal.

Baofeng Lake Boat Trip

Visit Baofeng Lake, a picturesque body of water nestled among the mountains.

Enjoy a serene boat trip, marvel at the tranquil surroundings, and listen to local folk songs.

Lunch & Hotel Check-out

Enjoy a final lunch in Zhangjiajie, then return to your hotel to check out and prepare for your departure to Chengdu.

Transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport

Transfer from your hotel to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) for your domestic flight to Chengdu.

Travel to Chengdu

Depart from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

Upon arrival, take a taxi or airport shuttle to your hotel.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Chengdu.

Settle in and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Explore Jinli Ancient Street

Wander through the charming Jinli Ancient Street, renowned for its traditional architecture, local snacks, and handicrafts. It's a vibrant place to soak in Chengdu's historical atmosphere.

Try some local street food here, like Sanpaochu, sticky rice balls.

Sichuan Opera Show

Experience the unique and colorful Sichuan Opera, featuring face-changing, hand shadows, puppetry, and traditional music.

Many teahouses offer shows combined with dinner.

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a non-profit research and breeding facility for giant pandas and other rare animals.

Arrive early to see pandas at their most active during feeding time.

Take a taxi or public bus to the base. Wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the expansive grounds.

Authentic Sichuan Hotpot Lunch

Indulge in a quintessential Chengdu experience with a spicy Sichuan hotpot lunch.

Choose your broth (spicy, non-spicy, or '鸳鸯 Yuanyang' half-and-half) and various ingredients.

Be prepared for the spiciness! Ask for 'wei la' (mild spicy) if you're not used to strong spice.

Wuhou Shrine Museum

Explore the Wuhou Shrine Museum, a memorial temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the chancellor of the Shu Han kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period.

Stroll Kuanzhai Alley

Visit Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley), a historical area featuring well-preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, charming cafes, and unique boutiques.

It's perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or browse for local souvenirs.

Dinner: Dandan Noodles

Enjoy a delicious and authentic dinner of Dandan Noodles, a classic Sichuan dish known for its spicy and savory flavor.

High-Speed Train to Chongqing

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Chongqing North or West Railway Station.

This scenic journey offers a glimpse of the Sichuan countryside.

Hotel Check-in Chongqing

Check into your hotel in Chongqing, a vibrant metropolis known for its mountainous terrain and unique urban landscape.

Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town

Wander through Ciqikou Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic neighborhood with traditional architecture, tea houses, street food, and local crafts. It offers a glimpse into old Chongqing.

Try the spicy maocai (hot pot skewers) and local porcelain crafts.

Evening at Hongyadong

Visit Hongyadong Commercial Street in the evening to witness its stunning illuminated architecture, reminiscent of Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away'.

Enjoy the multi-story complex with food, shops, and river views.

Best visited after sunset for the magical lighting. Can be very crowded, especially on weekends.

Yangtze River Cableway

Take a ride on the iconic Yangtze River Cableway for breathtaking panoramic views of the city's unique mountainous landscape and the Yangtze River.

A must-do experience in Chongqing. Lines can be long, so consider going early.

Eling Park Visit

Relax and enjoy the greenery and commanding views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers from Eling Park, one of Chongqing's oldest private gardens.

Lunch: Chongqing Xiaomian

Savor Chongqing's famous Xiaomian (small noodles) for lunch.

This spicy and savory noodle dish is a local staple and comfort food.

There are many variations; try different toppings and broths.

Jiefangbei CBD & Shopping

Explore the bustling Jiefangbei Central Business District, centered around the People's Liberation Monument.

This area is a prime spot for shopping, dining, and experiencing modern Chongqing.

Yangtze River Night Cruise

Embark on a relaxing night cruise along the Yangtze River to admire Chongqing's dazzling skyline and illuminated bridges.

It's a spectacular way to see the city lights.

Liziba Monorail Station

Visit the unique Liziba Light Rail Station, famous for its monorail track that passes directly through a residential building.

It's a marvel of urban planning and a great photo opportunity.

Take the monorail for the experience and get off at Liziba for the best views.

Explore Local Market

Immerse yourself in local life by visiting a traditional wet market or a specialty food market.

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of local produce, spices, and street food.

A great place to observe daily life and find unique local ingredients.

Last Chongqing Lunch

Enjoy a final authentic Chongqing meal before heading to the airport.

Consider trying a local specialty like Ma La Xiang Guo (spicy dry pot).

Souvenir Shopping

Grab any last-minute souvenirs or gifts from local shops.

Jiefangbei or a local craft market would be good options.

Transfer to Chongqing Airport

Transfer from your hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) for your departure.