6 Days History & Nature Exploration Tour from Xian to Zhangjiajie

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival ( no meal )

   Upon your arrival at Xian airport / train station, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for rest of the day.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian Highlight Day Tour
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street, Yongxingfang Food & Culture Quarter ( B, L )

   AM: Your Xian exploration begins with world’s heritage Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”, it was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into one of the most important attractions in China and the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. The museum includes Pit 1(the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-3 hours. Listening to the explanation from the expert tour guide, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and history of their owner: First Emperor of Qin who is also the first emperor of China.

   Noon: Lunch at local restaurant.

   

   PM: Head back to Xian downtown area for another historical highlight- Ancient City Wall. It is the most complete preserved and the largest city wall in China, which was built for the military defense in the ancient time. Since it is cycling the city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall ( optional).

   Later, take a nice stroll down Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street. This quaint street lined with many shops selling the four basic items for Chinese calligraphy (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper) is different from any other streets in Xian. The structures built in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties add the place more charm. If you are interested in Chinese arts and crafts, you can pick some souvenirs here. Don’t forget to bargain.

   Last, follow your guide to check out Yongxingfang Food & Culture Quarter. The street is an amazing place to sample some delicious local food and see how the local people relax themselves. There are plenty of food options. If you are that kind of person who like to try all kinds of new food, this street will not disappoint you, and remember to visit it on an empty stomach.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

3. Day 3: Xian - Zhangjiajie by Flight
   Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell and Drum Tower Square, Muslim Quarter ( B, L)

   As one of the most famous historical cities, Xian has lots of interesting places to go! Today you will explore the must-see sights in Xian downtown area.

   AM: Firstly, come to the Shaanxi History Museum( closed on every Monday),which is one of the biggest and most famous museums in China. The museum houses the cultural heritage unearthed in Shaanxi Province. Although it’s a provincial Museum, the collection of relics here is at national level from both quantity and quality as Xian had been Capitals for more than 13 dynasties in ancient China. Following the tour guide, walk and stop at those priceless exhibits to learn the hidden history and splendid civilization of China.

   After that, move on to Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the way to the attraction spot, your guide will introduce the history and culture of this ancient city for you to catch a glimpse of reason why so many well-known relics were discovered on this land. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in Tang Dyansty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The design of the buildings and statues is in Tang style, showing people the ever glory of that great time. It’s busier in the evening when many activities with Tang elements held by local amateur.

   Noon: Lunch at local restaurant.

   

   PM: Continue your visit to Bell and Drum Tower Square, which locates in the very center of the city and is considered as the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to Muslim Quarter where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, and purchase some Terracotta Warriors imitation as souvenirs.

   Last, transfer to airport for your evening flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival,our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to hotel for check-in. Have a good rest for tomorrow’s adventure!

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

   

4. Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
   Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yellow Stone Village, Golden Whip Stream, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge ( B, L )

   Today, you’ll start your adventure with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It’s the first national forest park in China and was included in World Natural Heritage List in 1992 for the queer forest of quartz sandstone peaks. You will see the pillars rise hundreds of meters into the sky, stroll along tranquil valleys and feel rejuvenated by the fresh air.

   Then, head to Yellow Stone Village. With an altitude of more than 1200 meters, it’s the largest and best observation deck to overlook the quartz sandstone peak forest. You can hear the story of Zhang Liang being saved by Huang Shi from your guide while you are walking, and you may come across the cute monkeys on the way.

   After that, move on to Golden Whip Stream, one of the most beautiful sites in Zhangjiajie. The stream winds its way through the hills and valleys and got its name because of passing by the Golden Whip Rock. Just listen to the murmurs of the stream, stroll along the valley and stop to watch the fish swimming in the crystal clear water.

   After the relaxing hiking, take the sightseeing bus to exit the forest park and drive around 40 minutes to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Move on to challenge yourself at the longest and highest Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in the world with a length of 430 meters. You can have a panoramic view of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon while walking on the transparent glass floor. You may be scared to step on the bridge at first, but once you take the first step, you will enjoy the magnificent view of flying waterfalls, lush forests, running streams.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

   

5. Day 5: Tianzi Mountain & Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
   Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator ( B, L )

   Today’s first stop is Tianzi Mountain. There is a saying that you will not want to see any other mountains after visiting Tianzi Mountain. One of the spectacular sights is the sea of clouds after rain if you are lucky. You will witness rugged rocks and a forest of stone peaks which looks like a group of warriors listening to orders

   

   After that, continue to explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in the super famous movie Avatar. You also can experience Bailong Elevator, the highest and heaviest outdoor elevator in the world. You will be amazed by the speed of the elevator, only 1 minute and 58 seconds up to Yuanjiajie. When you step out of the elevator, a magical landscape painting will unfold in front of you. The massive quartz-sandstone pillars are just towering over you or next to you.

   Finish all the activities, transfer to Zhangjiajie downtown area for overnight.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Downtown Area

   

6. Day 6: Zhangjiajie Departure
   Tianmen Mountain, Tianmen Temple, Skywalk, Tianmen Cave, 99-bend Road (B, L )

   After breakfast, follow your guide to explore another highlights of Zhangjiajie - the Tianmen Mountain National Park.

   Firstly, drive to the cableway base for you to take the cable car up to the top of Tianmen Mountain.With a length of 7445 meters, Tianmen Mountain cableway is regarded as the longest cableway in the world. The one way cable car ride take about 28 minutes. And the half-hour riding is an excellent chance to see the picturesque scenery of the mountain

   Arriving at the mountain top, you will firstly pay a visit to Tianmen Temple. The temple was built in the Ming Dynasty and is the Buddhist activity center in the western Hunan Province.

   Next you will take a walk on the vertiginous Skywalk built by transparent glass. For some people it is really a test of courage! Then move to the Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s door cave). This natural stone archway is 131.5 meters high and 57 meters wide. It will take about half an hour to walk through the famous cave.

   Last, take a shuttle bus down to the mountain foot by the 99-bend Road– the scenic round hill road. You’ll be dropped off at Zhangjiajie airport / train station for departure.

   Accommodation: N/A