Five People Traveling Together | 5-Day Itinerary: Zhangjiajie, Furong Town, and Fenghuang Ancient City
The five of us have known each other for over ten years, but we have never gone on a long trip together. This time, we finally managed to get a vacation and decided to go to Zhangjiajie. For five days, we didn't want to rush, didn't want to join a tour group, but just wanted to slowly admire the mountains and walk around the ancient city. Before departure, we only decided on one thing: to find Riyue for a customized private tour.
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
1. Cost Guide
This 5D4N itinerary offers great value for money. All costs are clearly stated upfront with zero hidden charges. Our guide Riyue accompanied us throughout the trip. He has in-depth knowledge of Zhangjiajie’s geology, landscapes and folk legends, and is well-versed in the spectacular peaks, valleys and local Tujia culture. The trip is arranged at a relaxed pace, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking natural scenery of Wulingyuan and the authentic local ethnic life.
This is Riyue's WhatsApp +86 19522591430
Email: hunanVIP_intltravel_Riyue@hotmail.com
2. Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Zhangjiajie · Night View of the 72 Wonders Tower
In the afternoon, the high-speed train arrived at Zhangjiajie West Station. Ri Yue was already waiting for us. The five of us plus five suitcases could fit perfectly in a 7-seater business car. We checked into a guesthouse near the Tianmen Mountain Cableway in the city center. It was a three-bedroom apartment. In the evening, we wandered around the Dangyang Ancient City casually, then went to the Seventy-Two Wonders Building. We didn't buy tickets to enter, so we took pictures of the night view on the opposite side of the road. When the lights came on, the entire building seemed to be suspended in mid-air. The five of us took turns holding our phones to take group photos. Passersby even voluntarily took a family photo for us.
·The name "Seventy-Two" of this building comes from an ancient legend in the Wuling Mountain area - "Nine Arches and Eighteen Villages with Seventy-Two Wondrous Towers". In ancient times, the ethnic minorities in western Hunan used towering stilt houses for meetings and defense. Seventy-Two was a fictitious number, meaning "a great many".
Day 2: Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area · Yuanjiajie · Tianzishan
At 7 o'clock in the morning, we entered the park through the sign gate, avoiding the peak tourist season. We took the eco-friendly vehicle to the bottom station of the Bailong Sky Lift and waited in line for less than 20 minutes. At the moment the sky lift rose, all five of us exclaimed "Wow" simultaneously - the stone pillars outside the window emerged like bamboo shoots from the ground. Old Chen said, "Standing inside the sky lift and watching the peak forest rapidly sink, it's even more exaggerated than in the movies." After reaching Yanzhijuan, we first visited the Qiankun Pillar. That was the prototype of the suspended mountain in "Avatar", a 150-meter-high stone pillar standing alone in the canyon, with trees growing on its top.
In the afternoon, we went to Yangjiazhen and then took the Tianzi Mountain Cableway to descend. When the cableway slid through the peak forest, Tingting felt a bit scared and closed her eyes, not daring to look. Big Liu kept saying beside her, "It's okay, it's okay, we're almost there."
·The prototypes of various elements in the "Pandora Planet" in "Avatar" include the image of "Nan Tian Yi Zhi" (also known as the Heavenly and Earth Column), which became the prototype of the suspended mountain "Hallelujah Mountain".
Day 3: Jinbianxi · Ten-Lane Gallery · Transition to Tianmashan
Today I visited the park for the second time, following the footpath at the foot of the mountain. I entered Jinbianxi from the opposite direction of the water surrounding the Four Gates. There were almost no people along the way. The water in the stream was so clear that you could see the stones at the bottom. Monkeys were jumping around in the trees. Old Chen was holding a plastic bag in his hand. Suddenly, a monkey rushed over to snatch it. It scared him so much that he threw the bag directly away - inside was some tissues. The monkey jumped around twice and then left. Reminder: Never carry a plastic bag in your hand.
·Jinbianxi gets its name because it flows through Jinbian Rock. Jinbian Rock is over 380 meters high. The entire rock is composed of quartz sand and reflects a brilliant golden light under the sunlight, hence it is called "Jinbian".
Day 4: Tianmen Mountain · Fuhong Town
At 7:30 in the morning, we took the cable car to Tianmen Mountain on the A line. The cable car is over 7 kilometers long and directly ascends to the top of the mountain from the city. Underfoot is a 99-kilometer winding mountain road, like a white snake coiled around the mountain ridge. After walking the glass walkway, the Guigui walkway is all flat roads, and the cloud sea is surging right beneath our feet. Five people took dozens of photos, but couldn't decide which one was the best. At noon, we descended and headed straight for Furong Town. At 4 p.m., we arrived and checked into a bamboo-structured guesthouse by the waterfall. At 7 p.m., the lights were turned on, and the entire waterfall was wrapped in warm yellow light, with the sound of water roaring loudly.
·Even to this day, a saying is still passed down in the area: "In Dangyang, there is a Heavenly Gate Mountain. It is only three feet and three inches away from the sky."
Day 5: Fenghuang Ancient Town · Return Journey
In the morning, I walked around Furong Town again. In the early morning, there weren't many people in the ancient town. The cobblestone roads were wet, and the mist from the waterfall was blowing on my face, making it very comfortable.At 10 o'clock, we set off for Fenghuang Ancient Town. The journey took about 2 hours. We arrived at noon and checked into the Linjiang Inn by the Tuojiang River. In the afternoon, the five of us changed into Miao costumes and took photos by the Tuojiang River. Passers-by thought we were from some tour group. In the evening, we took a boat ride on the Tuojiang River. The lights on both banks reflected in the water, like a scattered river of stars.
·The water is crystal clear. The jumping rocks on the river are typical of the scenery of western Hunan - on a river over 100 meters long, there are two rows of rocks standing at different heights. Many people and stories have passed over the jumping rocks.
4. Summary
Five people, five days, from the strange peaks and sea of clouds in Zhangjiajie to the waterfall and lights in Furong Town, and then to the night scenery of Tuojiang River in Fenghuang Ancient Town. We didn't move very fast, visiting only one or two places each day, but we saw, photographed and chatted thoroughly in every place.
Before the trip, some people worried that "would the five of us get into arguments?" But not once did it happen. On the Jinbi Stream, we shared instant noodles together; on the glass walkway of Tianmen Mountain, we supported each other; in the night of Furong Town, we watched the waterfall in silence together - these moments were more precious than any scenery.
5.Personal Travel Tips
1. Zhangjiajie’s scenic spots cover a large area with plenty of walking. It is necessary to wear comfortable non-slip sports shoes to avoid fatigue.
2. Mountain weather is changeable with frequent morning mist. It is recommended to carry light coats and portable rain gear all year round.
3. Core scenic spots, cable cars and elevator tickets need real-name advance reservation. It is recommended to book in advance during peak tourist seasons.
4. Wild macaques are active in the forest area. Do not carry food in your hands or tease them to ensure travel safety.
Share Riyue's whatsApp: +8619522591430
Riyue's email address: hunanVIP_intltravel_Riyue@hotmail.com
Riyue's wechat ID: 19522591430
