4D3N Zhangjiajie : Wander in Avatar’s Stone Forest
We have long dreamed of visiting the magical mountain scenery of Zhangjiajie, famous as the inspiration for the movie Avatar. After comparing many travel plans online, we booked a private tour arranged by Kai. It turned out to be the best decision for our trip to China.
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
1. Cost Guide
We originally planned to travel independently to Zhangjiajie. After calculating flight, hotel, attraction tickets and local transport, our estimated budget was 2480 SGD for two people. After connecting with Kai, he customized our private itinerary, booked all entrance tickets and arranged a comfortable private car with English-speaking driver. The total cost came to 1960 SGD, saving us 520 SGD in total. Kai responded quickly to all my messages before the trip and patiently adjusted our schedule according to our preference for slow sightseeing. Strongly recommend!
This is Kai's WhatsApp +86 18907331470
Email: zhangjiajiekai@outlook.com
Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie, 24h airport pick-up & Visit 72 Qilou
We landed at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport in the afternoon. Kai’s driver was already waiting for us outside the arrival hall. No need to queue for taxis after a long flight. We checked into our well-located hotel, then headed to 72 Qilou in the evening. The buildings blend modern design and Tujia ethnic style. We strolled along the streets, tried local Tujia snacks and watched the beautiful night lights.
• The lights turn on after 7 pm, best time for photos.
• Try cured meat and wild vegetable hot pot.
Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Bailong Elevator & Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain)
We started early this morning to avoid crowds. Riding the famous 88-second Bailong Elevator straight up the cliff was such an incredible experience. We walked around Yuanjiajie, saw the iconic Hallelujah Mountain, the inspiration for Avatar’s floating peaks. Kai shared geological stories and local legends about these quartz sandstone pillars. We took many photos among thousands of jagged stone peaks shrouded in thin mist.
• The stone pillars formed over hundreds of millions of years.
• Kai explained the Tujia people’s traditional stories connected with these mountains.
Day 3: Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery & Huanglong Cave
In the morning we visited Tianzi Mountain, enjoying panoramic views of the vast sea of peaks. We took the sightseeing train along Ten-mile Gallery, where rock formations look like natural stone sculptures. In the afternoon we went into Huanglong Cave. The cave stays around 16℃ all year round. Giant stalactites and underground rivers created a magical underground world.
• We met a local elder selling handmade small crafts near the cave entrance.
• Bring a light jacket for the cave, it is cool inside.
Day 4: Tianmen Mountain, Tianmen Cave & Cliff Glass Walkway, Departure
Our last day was for Tianmen Mountain. We rode the cable car across the valley and saw the huge natural Tianmen Cave. We walked on the cliff glass skywalk with mountains dropping far below our feet. After finishing our sightseeing, the private car transferred us directly to the airport for our flight back home.
• The 99-bend Tongtian Avenue is breathtaking when viewed from above.
• Wear comfortable non-slip shoes for the glass walkway.
Experience with Guide Kai
I have been talking with Kai for about half a month, from the very first enquiry to the end of our trip. His replies were always quick, patient and never pushy.
Before we arrived, Kai helped us design every day of the route based on our pace, booked all the entrance tickets and arranged a clean private car with a safe English-speaking driver. We did not need to worry about anything.
Compared with the rigid packaged tours we saw online, Kai’s local private plan suited us much better. We saved both money and time, and the whole trip felt relaxed rather than rushed.
Many travellers coming to Zhangjiajie now ask him to help plan their itineraries and book tickets. It is cost-effective and fun, and you even get to make a new friend along the way.
Personal Suggestio
Do not waste hours reading piles of copied travel guides online. Most of them repeat the same old information and can easily mislead you.
My advice: find a reliable local guide and let him arrange the whole trip for you. It saves money and energy on every single journey.
Personal feeling: the value for money is excellent. We could move at our own speed, enjoy the scenery freely and never felt forced into shopping or extra spending.
Gratitude: I am truly grateful to Kai for planning everything throughout our trip. My partner and I had an unforgettable time, so I am happy to give Kai this little recommendation.
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Kai 's email address: zhangjiajiekai@outlook.com
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