Why Use These Itineraries?
Discover Chongqing’s vibrant urban highlights, including the Liziba Subway Station, the picturesque Hongya Cave, and the Three Gorges Museum. Explore Wulong Karst National Geological Park, a UNESCO-listed site with dramatic Three Natural Bridges and the scenic Longshuixia Gorge. In Zhangjiajie, hike among the towering sandstone pillars of Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, and marvel at the majestic Tianmen Cave atop Tianmen Mountain. This 6-day route blends dynamic city culture with natural landscapes for an immersive southwest China adventure.
Highlights
- Explore Chongqing, famously known as the “Mountain City of China.”
- Discover the history and culture of Chongqing and the Yangtze River region.
- Hike through Wulong Karst, the dramatic setting of Transformers: Age of Extinction.
- Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and photograph the iconic Hallelujah Mountains.
- Experience Tianmen Mountain with its cableway, glass skywalk, and cliff-side paths.
- Climb or descend the 999 steps to Tianmen Cave and enjoy panoramic views.
Detailed Itinerary
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Upon arrival, a local tour guide will meet you at the airport or train station with a sign displaying your name. You will then be transferred directly to your downtown hotel in a comfortable private car, and the guide will assist with check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace.
Nightview of Hongya Cave After breakfast, meet your guide and driver to explore Chongqing. Begin at the Three Gorges Museum, where over 280,000 relics showcase the Yangtze River, the formation of the Three Gorges, and Chongqing’s rich history from ancient times to the modern era. Step outside to admire the People’s Assembly Hall, a landmark of classical Chinese architecture.
Take Metro Line 2 to Liziba Station and witness the extraordinary train passing through an 11-story residential building, a unique example of Chongqing’s hillside urban design. Ascend to the “Eye in the Clouds” Observation Deck for sweeping 360° views of the city’s bridges, rivers, and hills. End the day at Hongya Cave, where tiered Ba & Shu-style wooden structures rise dramatically along the riverbank, offering vibrant nightlife, photo opportunities, and traditional local snacks.
Qinglong Bridge Travel to Wulong (about 3 hours) to explore Wulong Karst National Geological Park. Renowned for its giant dolines (sinkholes), natural bridges, and caves, Wulong Karst is part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a filming location for Transformers IV.
Upon arrival at Wulong Tourist Center, take a sightseeing bus to the Three Natural Bridges, Asia’s largest natural bridge cluster. Descend via the sightseeing elevator to the valley floor and admire towering karst formations, miraculous caves, and cascading waterfalls. Hike through scenic spots such as Tianlong Bridge, Tianfu Post House (featured in Zhang Yimou’s The City of Golden Armor), Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge.
Next, take the bus to Longshuixia Gap, a dramatic gorge and key part of Wulong Karst. Stroll along its 2-kilometer trail to experience One Line Sky, Dragon Pool Minoring the Moon, and enjoy cliffs, lush forests, and hidden waterfalls along the way.
Your visit ends with a transfer back to the hotel in Fairy Town.
Fairy Mountain Start your day at Fairy Mountain, a scenic highland in Wulong famous for its expansive grasslands, dense forests, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The area offers gentle hiking trails, panoramic views, and seasonal wildflowers, making it a serene spot to experience the region’s natural beauty.
In the afternoon, travel to Wulong South Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you at the station with a name sign and escort you to your hotel in Wulingyuan District via a comfortable private car. The guide will assist with check-in, and the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Begin your day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting the Core Scenic Areas: Ten-mile Gallery, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain.
Begin at Ten-mile Gallery, where sightseeing trams glide past unique rock formations like the God of Longevity, Old Herb Picker, and Three Sisters Peaks. Enjoy the valley’s storytelling landscapes with minimal walking.
Next, take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains. Hike among towering sandstone pillars, visit the Ecstasy Terrace for panoramic views, and see The First Bridge, a natural stone bridge connecting two peaks.
Finally, head to Tianzi Mountain, stopping at Helong Park for spectacular views of Yubi Peak and the Fairy Flowers. Venture to the Warrior Training Horse formation, then descend via cable car through the park’s dramatic sandstone pillars.
Tianmen Cave After breakfast, depart for Tianmen Mountain, famous for its record-breaking cableway and the spectacular Tianmen Cave. Take the 7.4 km Tianmen Mountain Cableway from downtown Zhangjiajie to the peak, enjoying sweeping views of Tongtian Avenue below.
Explore the West Line route, including the cliffside Guigu Path and the historic Tianmen Temple. Optionally, continue along the East Line to see Yuhu Peak, Immortal Source, and Happy Grove, or ride the forest cable car (extra fee) to Yunmeng Fairy Summit for panoramic views.
Descend via the Transmountain Escalator to Tianmen Cave, a natural opening 131.5 m high and 57 m wide, then walk down the dramatic 999 Steps (Stairway to Heaven). Finish the day with the Tianmen Mountain Express Cableway down to the parking lot, followed by a shuttle transfer to the tourist center.
Conclude your journey with a transfer to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport or train station.
FAQs for Travel Partners on Zhangjiajie Tours
The ideal time is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November), when weather is mild, skies are clear, and both city views and natural landscapes like Wulong Karst and Zhangjiajie’s sandstone pillars are at their most scenic.
Yes. The tour offers flexible activity levels, including cableways at Tianmen Mountain, sightseeing trams in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and moderate hiking. The sightseeing order can be adjusted to match different fitness levels.
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for variable weather, a camera for scenic spots, and light rain gear are recommended. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are useful for mountain hikes and sightseeing.
Yes, optional hikes like the 999 steps at Tianmen Mountain or trails in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park can be skipped or replaced with cableways for a less strenuous experience.
Meals may not always be included, but local specialties are recommended, such as Chongqing hotpot, Hunan-style dishes in Zhangjiajie, and snacks near scenic areas. Optional meals can be arranged.
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