Day 1 Gathering Day ★ Anywhere → or → Changsha
All day
Today is the all-day gathering day for the event. Tourists from all over the world will choose their own transportation to arrive at the designated hotel in Changsha for check-in, room arrangement, and then free time at leisure.
If you need to meet in Zhangjiajie, please note this when placing your order. You will need to book your own hotel in Zhangjiajie, and the first day's hotel fee will be refunded. Please be sure to contact your tour leader in advance and meet at Zhangjiajie West Interchange on the second day to meet up with the shuttle.
Recommended Itinerary |
Changsha's charm is worth experiencing. Tourists arriving early can visit Orange Island, enjoy the Xiangjiang River's evening breeze, try the flavors of Cha Yan Yue Se, sip on Changsha rice noodles, and experience the hustle and bustle of life.
You can also hike Yuelu Mountain, visit the thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy, pass by Hunan Normal University and experience the place where Chairman Mao once studied, then wander around the ancient city and experience the slow pace of life...
You can also visit the Hunan Museum to learn about the history of Hunan;
Warm reminder: Hunan Museum requires reservations via mobile phone 7 days in advance
At night, tourists can head to Huangxing Square, where Changsha's bustling downtown area is located. Don't forget to try the snacks at Huoguangdian (Fire Palace), where you can also try some Hunan snacks and experience the lively nightlife of Changsha people.
Day 2 Changsha → Zhangjiajie → Binglang Valley
All day
The lesser-known Xiangxi river valleys, dark caves and tiankengs |
After breakfast, we set off from Changsha and arrived in Zhangjiajie at noon. After lunch, we drove to Zhangjiajie's niche destination [Benlang Valley]
Located near Zhangjiajie's Luotaping Township, Binglang Valley is a hidden gem of an outdoor paradise. It preserves pristine natural scenery, boasting unique karst landforms, lush forests, canyons, and caves. It's a gem of a landscape etched in the shadows of eons of transformation. It's a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Before embarking on your journey through Zhangjiajie, exploring the three caves here and experiencing the "bandit flavor" of western Hunan is a perfect way to experience it.
Led by our guide, we first entered Star Valley, a vast, dry valley surrounded by towering black and white limestone walls on three sides. Green grass and a gurgling mountain spring filled the valley. After crossing the valley, we arrived at our first challenging cave. Navigating the cave with headlights, it felt like the world of "Grave Robbers' Chronicles." Let's play the role of Zhang Qiling for once—it was truly unforgettable! Remember, the story of "Grave Robbers' Chronicles" begins in Hunan.
If you look carefully in the cave, you will find stalactites hanging on the rock wall. The narrow hole opens up suddenly, like the eyes of God. You can always marvel at the wonders of nature. Here is a silhouette photo of the creation.
Climbing out of the cave, we arrived at the highlight of this trip, the City of Angels. This large karst cave, resembling a secret passage left by angels, is home to a hidden river and countless branching tunnels, known as the "Maze Cave." After a few twists and turns, we suddenly find ourselves at a clear view of the Stone Bridge, a scene rivaling the Tiankeng Stone Bridge in Wulong. It feels like a portal to another world. Passing through the Tiankeng, we can gaze out over the Maoyan River.
This loop, covering approximately 6 kilometers, offers three unique caves. Even at a 1.5-star difficulty level, it's still a fun and engaging hike for everyone. This hidden gem is known only to outdoorsy types, with no regular tourists.
Tips: This route selects the three cave exploration highlights of Binglang Valley, which are suitable for most people. There is also a hook in the depths of Binglang Valley, which requires rope climbing and has a huge vertical drop. Considering the time and difficulty, this trip does not go to the hook.
Mountain View Accommodation |
Tonight we stayed at a unique mountain view inn near the west gate of Zhangjiajie Forest Park. It was very peaceful here, nestled against the mountain. Every room had a door that let us see the distant mountains and the sounds of birds.
Compared to staying in the downtown area of Zhangjiajie, you will feel very comfortable here, as if you have come to a paradise, where you can enjoy the quiet night to your heart's content.
Day 3 Jiuqu Bridge → Yangjiajie → Tianzi Mountain → Yuanjiajie → Golden Whip Stream → Wulingyuan
·morning
Traveling through Zhangjiajie |
After breakfast, we'll head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a landmark Hunan forest park with unique landforms, to witness the splendor of this World Heritage site. As we hike, we'll admire Zhangjiajie's breathtaking scenery. If we're lucky enough to experience a light rain, we might even witness a rare sea of clouds, which will dramatically enhance Zhangjiajie's landscape, shrouding it in a hazy, mysterious white veil. Once the mist dissipates, the full landscape of the mountains and forests will reveal itself, with the drifting clouds weaving through the towering stone pillars, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.
We will hike through two lesser-known Zhangjiajie routes: Nine-Curve Bridge-Yangjiajie and Yuanjiajie-Golden Whip Stream-Wulingyuan.
Walking on these two roads, you can basically avoid the crowds, breathe the fresh air of Zhangjiajie, and see the hidden and niche scenery of Zhangjiajie. Only the tourists who are traveling with you can enjoy this "private" area that belongs only to tourists.
The highlight of the morning is at Tianzi Mountain, known as the "WANG of Peaks". Here, there are numerous stone peaks and ravines. There are stone pillars shaped like fairies scattering flowers, and rows of straight Yubi Peaks like brushes... You can have lunch here.
Tips: If you are physically weak, you can take the cable car up the mountain at your own expense in Yangjiajie, leaving your energy for the more classic scenery later.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we will go to Yuanjiajie, where you can see the Hallelujah Mountain (formerly known as Qiankun Pillar) from the movie "Avatar" and the naturally formed No. 1 Bridge in the World. You can walk and see and enjoy the mysterious world of Zhangjiajie with its floating mountains and scattered stars.
Afterwards, we'll hike past Luancuanpo to Jinbian Creek, one of the world's most beautiful canyons, known for its breathtaking scenery: "Five steps to the horizon, breathtaking views; seven steps to the horizon, jaw-dropping views; and ten steps to the horizon." This place is renowned for its breathtaking peaks, secluded valleys, and picturesque forests. Three thousand stone peaks rise from the ground in various shapes, while deep canyons and gurgling streams intersect the peaks and forests. It's also known for its perpetual flow during a thousand-year drought and turquoise waters during ten thousand years of continuous rain.
Tips: Tourists with weaker stamina can take the Bailong Elevator from Yuanjiajie to Golden Whip Stream at their own expense.
After leaving the forest park, we will check into a hotel near Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
For dinner, you can invite your friends to try the authentic Tujia three-hot pot. If you have enough energy, you can also go to Xibu Street, a nearby antique commercial street, to experience the lively atmosphere of Wulingyuan; or choose a bar by the river, empty your mind, listen to music, and have a drink to say goodbye to the fatigue of the day.
Special note: Due to weather, renovation and upgrading, and other reasons, some small attractions in some areas of the scenic area may be closed from time to time, making it impossible to enter. If a small attraction cannot be visited due to force majeure, other small attractions in the scenic area will be chosen as substitutes. We hope you understand.
Day 4 Wulingyuan → Jiemuxi
All day
Lightweight Trekking |
After breakfast, we will head to Jiemuxi National Nature Reserve. We will hike through the east gate with light luggage, walk to the inn in the mountains, stay overnight, and then exit the mountain through the west gate.
Jiemu Creek is a rare gully original secondary forest in China and a nature reserve, but it is rarely known to outsiders and is basically deserted. You can stroll along the forest path beside the creek, through the dense forest, with the shade of the trees blocking the sunlight, leaving only a cool and unrestrained feeling. On the way, you will pass several small bridges across the creek. You can walk in the middle of the bridge to take pictures, or squat down to scoop up a handful of clear creek water to wash your face. The beauty here is refreshing and the creek water is incredibly clear. When the weather is hot, local children will bathe and play in the creek.
A 24-hour escape |
Since we traveled to the mountains to stay here, it is basically isolated from the Internet, so we can calm down and feel the natural atmosphere and have a face-to-face communication. The walls of the mountain village are hung with homemade smoked bacon, and the quaint charcoal braziers in the house have a unique Xiangxi charm. You can also ask the innkeeper about the origin of the name Jiemuxi. This is a unique "Yuanhua culture" of Yuanling, and it is also a somewhat sad story.
Tujia Diaojiaolou Inn |
At night we will stay in the Tujia stilt house in Jiemuxi Village, an ancient Tujia village that is like a paradise on earth. There is still no road access. When you open the door of the room, you can see the horses in the backyard and the mountains in the distance. The stream flows down from the laundry pool of the inn. The neighbor's cat occasionally basks in the sun on the roof. The inn has a large courtyard where you can drink tea, chat and feel the mountain breeze. You can also light up colorful lights and turn on the speakers for a party exclusively for tourists. Use the bonfire to drive away physical fatigue and fall asleep at night listening to the gurgling sound of the stream.
Kind tips:
Hunan tourism is heavily affected by the weather. In the event of severe weather or natural disasters, Jiemuxi will be closed and entering is very dangerous. For the personal safety of tourists,
The itinerary for D4D5 will be changed, please understand!
The alternative itinerary is: Day 4 Huangshizhai - Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon; Day 5 Zhangjiajie - Fengtan Wharf - Furong Town
In case of itinerary changes, all excess expenses during the change period will be borne by China-TravelNote.
Day 5 Jiemu Creek → Chenjia Creek → Fengtan → Furong Town
·morning
Departure Fengtan |
Wake up in the mountains this morning. After breakfast, we'll hike out of the mountains to Chenjia Creek. Along the way, you'll see lush, verdant trees, cascading streams, and small waterfalls. As you weave through the dense forests and water, you'll feel incredibly close to nature.
From early morning to noon, we will arrive at Chenjia Creek. The two-day and one-night crossing route is extremely unforgettable.
After a free lunch, we will take a car to Fengtan Wharf. The mountain road is rugged but the scenery is beautiful. Let's enjoy the pristine natural scenery along the way.
·afternoon
Cruise the Youshui River and experience authentic Hunan-style transportation |
We'll board the boat from the dock upstream of the reservoir and sail upstream. For Xiangxi, the river is its true lifeblood. This is a waterway rarely traveled by tourists. Sailing on the Youshui River, savor the breathtaking beauty along the way. The boat passes through the mountains, glimpsing the clusters of houses on either side. Looking up, you'll see the azure sky, while looking down, you'll see the echoing Youshui. Sit at the bow, enjoy the breeze, and snap a photo of your journey. If you happen to have Shen Congwen's "Xiangxi Notes" handy, why not open a few pages? This is the true soul of Xiangxi.
Check in at the internet-famous Millennium Hibiscus |
The boat will sail on the Youshui River for three hours before arriving at Furong Town Pier. After taking a bus to your hotel, you can explore Furong Town on your own. Originally known as Wangcun, Furong Town boasts a history of over 2,000 years. It was later renamed Furong Town after the film "Furong Town," starring Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing, was filmed there.
Winding, secluded streets and alleys, Tujia stilt houses nestled by the water, and a five-mile-long street paved with bluestone. A small river flows along the town, plunging over a cliff as it joins the Youshui River, forming the spectacular Furong Town Waterfall. This transforms Furong Town into a thousand-year-old town suspended on a waterfall. Here, you can enjoy a bowl of Liu Xiaoqing's signature rice tofu.
Special Note:
After getting off the boat, it takes about 10 minutes by car to get to the hotel.
Day 6 Furong Town → Zuolong Gorge → Border Town Chadong
·morning
Walking through Zuolong Gorge and dancing among the cliffs
After breakfast, we will go to Zuolong Gorge, which is known as the most unique gorge in Central and South China. It has the only special tourist trail in China. All the trails are built deep in the canyon, following the terrain. They are carefully carved yet look natural.
Crossing the canyon requires a certain amount of courage and willpower. We followed the rock wall, holding on to the iron chain, and walked forward. There was a stream next to us. The canyon was narrow and only one person could pass through. It was very exciting! After walking through Zuolong Gorge, I felt a deep awe for nature.
The simple wooden plank road allows you to get close to the serene pool and hear the sound of the mountain spring; the exquisite jumping piers allow you to play with the flowing spring and touch the waterfall.
The pristine stone path forces you to mobilize all your physical and mental energy to carefully climb and appreciate the canyon;
The iron ladder, which is safe but not dangerous, allows you to experience a sense of comfort amidst the fear as the stream roars beneath your feet.
Along the way, there are cliffs stacked up, streams and waterfalls hanging horizontally, cliff trees leaning and leaning, and strange grasses covering the slopes.
This short 3-hour route combines fun and challenges, so don't miss it!
·afternoon
Searching for memories in Shen Congwen's writings in Border Town |
Drive to Chadong, Cuicui's hometown in the novel "Border Town." This idyllic ancient town straddles Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces. Everything here slows down, with stilt houses jutting out along the Qingshui River. With Hunan on one side and Chongqing on the other, this small town boasts a unique charm.
You can sit on the balcony and reread Shen Congwen's classic works, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch the boats coming and going in the distance and the people strolling on the other side of the river;
You can go to the ferry and take a Lala Ferry (2 yuan one way, at your own expense) to experience the wonder of traveling between the two provinces. The old man pulls the rope to get from one province to the other.
You can also walk up a few steps to the Three Provinces Viewing Platform, overlooking the entire border town and the intersection of three provinces, with Hunan on the left, Chongqing on the right, Guizhou in front, and the beautiful Jiangxin Island in the middle - Cuicui Island
You can also sit quietly in a cafe by the river for a while and enjoy this rare rest time.
During your short time here, I wonder if you can find the feeling of "an old man, a girl, and a yellow dog" in the novel?
We will stay in the border town at night to experience the atmosphere of the small town and feel the tranquility described by Shen Congwen.
Chapter 7: Tianbiancheng Chadong → Huaihua → Return to other places
All day
Free time |
The border town in the early morning is peaceful and beautiful. You can choose to walk along the river or just sit there in a daze, feeling the Xiangxi that Shen Congwen loved so much. It's a pleasant end to the trip.
Return Disbandment |
We headed back early in the morning to say goodbye to Xiangxi. We then drove back to Huaihua for our final destination, arriving at Huaihua South Station around 12:30 PM.
The tour group will disband at the nearest high-speed rail station, which saves a lot of travel time compared to taking the bus to Changsha. This gives everyone more time to enjoy a wonderful border town. After arriving in Huaihua, you can also explore on your own. There are also many high-speed trains from Huaihua to Changsha, so don't worry.
Special Tips:
Arrive at Huaihua South Station around 12:00 noon and disband. It is recommended to buy a train after 12:30.
If you encounter major holidays (such as May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, National Day, etc.), traffic jams are likely to occur! ! It is recommended to buy tickets that depart slightly later than the recommended time! ! !
