Nature of China
15-Day Private Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Yangtze River Cruise
Pandora is far, but Zhangjiajie is near. Movie Avatar makes the floating Hallelujah Mountain famous, so Zhangjiajie becomes popular among westerners in recent years. A book named River Town published in 2012, written by American writer Peter Hessler records life changes in a town on the Yangtze River, which reflects China's development in the passed 20 years.
This 15 days private tour brings these two places close to you and shows you the essence of China in Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, Enjoy the beauty of China with stunning natural views.
Highlights
- Be amazed at the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is viewable from outer space
- Experience over 8,000 majestic and well-preserved sculptures of the Terracotta Army
- Soak up the beauty of pillar-like formations and mysterious Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains
- Feel your heart almost jump up at Suspended Glass Walkway —a mile high!
- Observe the three gorges and the big dam from the relaxing Yangtze River Cruise
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98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
We had a wonderful time in Hunan. All sites we visited were spectacular. The Nature around Zhangjiajie is perhaps most beautiful on the Planet. The trip was prepared perfectly, and we were very lucky with the weather. Our personal guide, ToNy, was perfect: he is a very nice person, very responsive, with full head of ideas of making the trip nicer than in the itinerary. I would recommend him as a personal guide to everybody. more
May 2023,
Pawel from Warsaw
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Zhangjiajie magic
Our tour guide Tony was very friendly and enthusiastic about sharing his magical hometown. We really enjoyed our trip with him, and especially appreciated his ordering recommendations at lunch (which were all delicious), taking us to the ‘secret’ quiet spots, great photography skills and sharing facts about the local people and customs. We would recommend a trip to Zhangjiajie with China highlights and Tony to other travellers. more
Apr 2023,
Rhiannon E
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Spectacular landscapes
Our guide David from China Highlights was awesome and showed us the best spots and also some secret spots off the beaten track. He was always helpful with restaurant recommendations and make sure we have a pleasant stay. Thanks David. more
Mar 2023,
Steffen Wet
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CNY in Zhangjiajie
We are a family of four. My 10 year old twins really enjoyed the scenary and overall atmosphere in Zhangjiajie. David was very helpful and accomodating. He even took time to teach us how to make dumplings. more
Jan 2023,
Leticia D
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Great experience
We did a private tour to Zhangjiajie with China Highlights in July and had a great time! It was hot, but our tour guide Chris was awesome at making sure we went to the best places at the best times to avoid the heat and lines. He obviously knows the area inside and out! We got to see some amazing (and completely empty) parts of the park that didn’t seem to be on any other tourists radar - and they weee STUNNING. We’re so glad we did this tour! Thanks Chris!! more
Jul 2022,
clschomaker1
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Spectacular Scenery- great family trip!
Everything was so smooth and easy with them- they knew our flight had been changed (we traveled during a low season) even before we did! Everybody in our family enjoyed the stunning scenery and breathtaking/scary glass sky walks- recommend this trip for adults and families alike. Having a tour guide is best- we would have wasted a lot of time with logistics otherwise. Ann knew the best times and methods of getting around everywhere and made good recommendations on everything from food to timing. We especially appreciated that we never felt like we were being fleeced because we were tourists- nobody steering us toward overpriced junk souvenirs. We also especially enjoyed Ann’s sharing of local culture, stories, and songs (bonus: Ann has a beautiful singing voice!) more
Jun 2021,
christinajeanne
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A “Must Do” for nature lovers
It’s true what others have posted about the Chinese tourists literally pushing their way through for things, and huge queues. I’m an early riser, so I was shocked that Tony suggested we start at 10am most days; however, his logic was sound. All the Chinese tour busses are up and heading out at 730/8am and then in they are in the queues. If we had gone at that time, I would have been standing for hours for the elevator or cable cars instead of using the hotel gym or having a leisurely breakfast. more
May 2021,
MusicMandy
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DO NOT MISS Zhangjiajie
This has got to be the most beautiful place in China! It was an amazing trip! I was nervous to travel alone with two young children, but Ann made it so easy and fun! She is an excellent guide! She took us to some delicious restaurants. She even sang us some beautiful, traditional Chinese songs! more
Apr 2021,
lacallis
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Touring ZJJ with Tony !
Tony is an amazing guide! He speaks good English and is a local who shares his growing up experience in the forest and daily life with us. Thanks to his great grasp of time, we were able to tour Zhangjiajie with very little crowd and having a quiet enjoying private tour ? thank you for your friendship and see you next time! --gomell ,Singapore more
Jan 2020,
gomell
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The Most Spectacular part of our 17-day China trip
We had doubts about going to this location because generally... not big fans of landscapes and pictures and also we had quite a long whole day road to reach this place, but it turned out that it was totally worth it. These natural parks are truly amazing.We already had had high expectations about the main Zhangjiajie park and it didn't let us down at all - very unique peaks there. We were expecting this park to outshine other attractions in this area, but it came to our surprise that it didn't.For instance, Tianmen Mountain is absolutely amazing too. We understood it right after we got on the shuttle bus which goes to the top - take a look at the road itself - it is one of the most picturesque mountain road I've been to. You won't understand how huge the hole in the mountain is from the pictures - need to see it with your eyes. Also it is not only the hole itself which is beautiful there, but actually the park above the cave - and they have built some sort of scary and exciting hanging bridges on the rocks, which create even better views of the area. Also the cave near Zhangjiajie park felt like a highlight too - nor only it is absolutely huge naturally with a deep river inside, which you can move along by boat but also it is well overhauled inside with huge stairways and lights - looks like some sort of magical castle (strangely it didn't have many tourists and to us it was offered as optional - but we found it to be on par with the main parks and also a nice location to see for a change). Thanks to our lovely guide Carrie, who's got very nice and soft personality, which goes along with the mountains) She also was very kind to gift us postcards of the parks, which is good since no one prints photos anymore and now I've got something to put on the worktable. --punkloire,Moscow, Russia more
Nov 2019,
punkloire
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Amazing trip to Zhangjiajie with our guide Niki (Tan Qi)
We are halfway with our 27 days Journey to China and I think Zhangjiajie is over the top. Zhangjiajie is just amazing, from Tianzishan, the Hallelujah Mountains, Bailong Glass Elevator, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake and of course the majestic Tianmenshan. Mt. Tianmen is just amazing, from the Cable Car Ride, Glass Walkway and Heaven’s Gate. Our local guide Niki (Tan) made our 4 days in Zhangjiajie very memorable. She picked us up at the train station, was with us everyday and checked us in at the airport for our next destination, Shanghai. Niki navigated for us the complexities of going through the sites of Zhangjiajie National Park and Mt. Tianmen. She changed our itinerary as she saw fit, so we avoid the rush hour and the tons of group tours. Our queue for every site was shortened because of her efficiency. Her English is excellent and her knowledge of Zhangjiajie is vast. She comes from the minority group of Tujia. We were able to visit the highlights of Zhangjiajie because of Niki. She introduced us to Hunan Cuisine which is very delicious, we end up requesting for lunch everyday. Niki went out of her way to book us reservations to watch Charm (Xian Xi) about the culture and traditions of the minority groups of Zhangjiajie (Tuija, Bai, Miao and Han). Niki was always looking out for us, so we won’t have any problems. I highly recommend to book your Zhangjiajie trip with China Highlights and request for Niki as your guide if she’s available . You are lucky if you can find a person who speaks English, so having a local guide will make your trip more enjoyable and trouble free. --oesca, US more
Oct 2019,
oesca
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Ann can sing too
What a lovely time we had seeing the incredible national parks with our guide Ann. So personal and caring. She even entertained us with traditional songs. Can’t say enough good things about her. Terrific guide and person. --Robert D， U.S more
Oct 2019,
Robert D
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A must for aventurers! Zhangjiajie
A must for aventurers! ZhangjiajieWe spent 4 incredible days at the mountains, visited 3 different places. Each one more impressive and amazing than the previous one!! Amber was our tour guide, she was very friendly, helpful and took great pictures of us. I would definetly book my next trip with China Highligths, congratulations for your excellent customer service and the great tour guides --Bea Damm,Mexico more
Oct 2019,
Bea Damm
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What a great 3 day trip in and around Zhangjiajie with our wonderful guide Ann from China Highlights! Ann was informative, funny and very caring making our trip memorable in so many different ways. Our trip went without a hitch but for the fog and high mountain mist. Loved Tianmem Mt cable car, the spires from Zhangjiajie National Park where the scenery inspired the movie Avatar. Ps - Ann has a great voice and sings local traditional songs. --CristinaDug more
Oct 2019,
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Suggested Itinerary
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town (Superior Room)
Whenever your flight lands your tour guide will be waiting for you at the arrival hall of the airport, greeting you with a smile and name plate. Transfer to your hotel by private van and driver.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town (Superior Room)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
You will visit iconic sights of the city: Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Tian'anmen Square at the heart of Beijing is the largest city square in the world, the witness of many major historical events. Walking northward from the square you will enter the Forbidden City, the imperial palace where treasures are hidden and history happened.
Have lunch at a popular local restaurant, where your guide will help you order dishes to ensure an authentic Chinese flavor.
In the afternoon hop on a rickshaw to explore the charming hutongs ('lanes') — traditional Beijing neighborhood areas.
The Forbidden CityHotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town (Superior Room)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
This less-crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers superb views, as it snakes across mountains. After driving for about 2½ hours from Beijing city center, you will take a shuttle bus to the foot of the mountains. Cable cars are available to take you to a good section (avoiding climbing on steep steps), where you can walk along the wall and enjoy the view. You can descend by cable car, or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, drive back to the city and visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors held grand ceremonies to pray for good harvests. You will see local people enjoying leisure time inside the park, singing, dancing, and playing chess or musical instruments.
The Mutianyu Section of the Great WallHotel: Wyndham Grand Xian South (Deluxe Room) (TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning walk through the Summer Palace, an enormous park with pavilions, vividly-painted corridors, temples, and lakes surrounded by hills.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival in Xi'an, meet your guide at the arrival hall and go to your hotel by private van and driver.
Hotel: Pullman Zhangjiajie (Superior Room) (Rank No. 1 in Zhangjiajie on TripAdvisor)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive about one hour to the outskirts of Xi'an and admire the formidable underground army of Terracotta Warriors, which has been guarding 'First Emperor' Qin for over 2,000 years. Back in the city, walk on the ancient city wall, which divides the city into its inner and outer parts. Riding a bike on the massive wall is recommended.
Dinner is according to your own arrangement. Feel free to ask your tour guide for some insider recommendations. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, meet your guide at the arrival hall for your transfer to a Zhangjiajie city hotel.
Good to Know:
- To avoid waiting in long queues, your Zhangjiajie guide might suggest you get up early or alter your attraction schedule. Please kindly understand and cooperate.
The Terracotta ArmyHotel: Pullman Zhangjiajie (Superior Room)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast at a 4-star hotel at Zhangjiajie is very basic, so our guide will prepare bread, coffee, and fruit for you.
Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie are the most classic and popular sights of Zhangjiajie.
Take the cable car up Tianzi Mountain, and see through the glass below large areas of grotesque sandstone peaks thrusting up from the ground.
Have a simple lunch on the mountain.
If you prefer, we can arrange to have lunch at a McDonald's on the mountain, and have a break in the air-conditioned building.
The namesake and inspiration of Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain is located in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which you will visit in the afternoon after taking a shuttle bus from Tianzi Mountain.
Alternative: For getting back to the foot of the mountain, besides taking the cable car, there is also an option of taking Bailong Elevator, a glass elevator built on the side of a cliff, taking only 2 minutes. If you are interested, tell your tour guide in advance so that he/she can arrange to avoid long queues, which might take you 2 hours.
Zhangjiajie National ParkHotel: Pullman Zhangjiajie (Superior Room)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
Yangjiajie Scenic Area is a relatively recently developed area in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. With less people and pristine natural beauty, it takes a bit of an adventure to climb up and down the steep and sometimes narrow steps for the superb view. You will need to climb for about one hour, besides taking a cable car, to get up and down.
After visiting the National Park, let's head to Baofeng Lake to enjoy crystal clear water.
Alternative: If you do not want to walk so much, we recommend Gold Whip Stream for a pleasant stroll along the stream, surrounded by grotesque rocks. You might see some monkeys there. Please don't touch or scare them for safety reasons, but giving them food is ok.
Yangjiajie of the National ParkHotel:Zhangjiajie Sunshine Hotel (Superior Room)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
Tianmen literally means 'Heaven's Gate', and Tianmen Mountain does match its name. With an altitude of 1,518 meters (4,980 feet), its scenery is often locked in mist in the morning. Besides its beautiful scenery, it will make your heart beat fast as you walk across its glass walkway, suspended 1,430 meters up; ride the world's longest cable car from city to mountain top; and take a vehicle down the curvy mountain road of '99 Bends'.
Tianmen Cave, a 30-meter-high, doorway-like hole in the mountain, can be reached by climbing 999 steps, if you'd like the challenge.
You will get back to the foot of the mountain at around 2 pm in the afternoon. After a late lunch enjoying local specialty mushroom hotpot.
Then we move to Yellow Dragon Cave stretches a total length of 7.5 kilometers with four layers. It's home to an impressive collections of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated in a variety of colored lights.
Good to Know: Show Opportunity: Tianmen Foxy Fairy is an outdoor musical telling an old Chinese love story, with Tianmen Mountain and its deep valleys as the backdrop. It has received good reviews on TripAdvisor. The show is on every night. If you are interested, please ask your guide to book tickets for you, at extra cost.
The Tianmen MountianHotel: Century Ledgend (Deluxe Cabin)
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Transfer to the train station for your Yichang-bound train (K1474, departing at 09:15 and arriving at 14:18). To ensure the most comfort for your China train experience, we book soft-sleeper carriages, where 4 people share a cabin.
Upon arrival at Yichang Train Station, meet your local guide for your port transfer, and board your Yangtze River Cruise, which embarks at 21:00.
Hotel: Century Ledgend (Deluxe Cabin)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tai chi exercise led by a teacher is offered in the early morning every day.
Sail through the first gorge — Xiling Gorge, and pass through the five-step ship lock and have a shore excursion to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam site. In the evening, a welcoming banquet is held, hosted by the captain. There's no dress code for the Yangtze River cruise; wearing comfortable clothing for traveling is completely fine.
Xiling GorgeHotel: Century Ledgend (Deluxe Cabin)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Take a shore excursion to visit Shennong Stream in small wooden boats, and see the mountain and water scenery more intimately. The cruise proceeds through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge.
You have the option of visiting White Emperor City (CNY280 per person extra), the source of inspiration for many ancient Chinese poets. Enjoy some interesting performances presented by the ship crew in the evening.
Shennong StreamHotel: Century Ledgend (Deluxe Cabin)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You will have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, a craggy hill by the Yangtze with a red pavilion and a walkway to the temple at the top of the hill. The Captain's Farewell Banquet is held in the evening.
ShibaozhaiHotel:Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai (Bund Studio River View)(TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017)
Meals Provided: Breakfast
The cruise will dock at Chongqing port at around 9 am. Your local tour guide will pick you up from the port for your airport transfer and flight to Shanghai. Upon landing in Shanghai, your Shanghai tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall for your hotel transfer and a good rest.
Hotel:Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai (Bund Studio River View)
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
Shanghai's charm of mixed cultures will be unveiled during your visit to the essential highlights of the city — the classical landscape garden of Yu Yuan; the Shanghai Tower with a history museum on the lower floor; and the Bund, where architecture of various Western styles are gathered.
Lunch is at a famous Old Shanghai Restaurant, where authentic Shanghai flavor is served in an old-fashioned dining environment.
The BundTrip Notes
Extend the tour:
- Guilin: add 3-4 days — Li River Cruise, Yangshuo countryside, Longji Terrace Field
- Chengdu: add 2–3 days — visit a Panda Research Center, the Giant Buddha, and Mt. Emei
- Suzhou and Hangzhou: add 2–4 days — visit scenic gardens, West Lake, and water towns
- Hong Kong: add 2–3 days — visit Victoria Peak, Disneyland, and day-tour Macau
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is reopened on September 28th, 2016! The other attractions in the Grand Canyon Area are still closed, so people can only visit the glass bridge at presen. If you are interested in the bridge, feel free to ask your travel advisor to add it.
About Accommodation in Zhangjiajie
Star-rated hotels in Zhangjiajie might not be up to the standard of those in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The hotels we use in the tour are carefully selected based on criteria like hotel environment, location, service, and previous customer feedback.
There are some hostels in the national park, with very basic facilities. If you would like to stay in a local guesthouse, we can arrange it. In this way you can save time on transportation, avoid tourist groups, and also cut the cost.
About Food in Zhangjiajie
Restaurant and cuisine choices are very limited in the national park. We will find the best available, but it is also suggested that you bring some snacks. Local villagers sell water and food like fruits and corn on the mountains, which are good to try while you climb the steps.
Breakfast at a 4-star hotel at Zhangjiajie is very basic, so our guide will prepare bread, coffee, and fruit for you.
Tour Price
Price includes:
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