8 Days Guilin-Zhangjiajie In-depth Tour by High-speed Train
Tour Overview
Guilin and ZhangjiajieĀ have two of the most representative landscapes in China – karst landforms and sandstone landforms. Your journey beginsĀ in Guilin, where you will be led on a hike through the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, a 2000 year old wonder. Enjoy a leisurely 4-hour Li River cruiseĀ to Yangshuo countryside.
Next, take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, the hometown of the Avatar Mountains. There, you will walk cross the world’s longest glass bridge, take the world’s tallest outdoor elevatorĀ (only 66 seconds to reach the mountaintop), explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and challenge the 999 steps of Tianmen MountainĀ to Tianmen Cave. This 8-day China adventure offers magnificent natural scenery. Whether you are admiring the Elephant Trunk HillĀ in GuilinĀ cityĀ or the Grand Canyon in Zhangjiajie, this trip will bring you an unparalleled photography experience.
Travel destinations: Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie
Suitable for: Adventurers, Nature Lovers, Shutterbugs
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Trek through beautiful riceĀ paddiesĀ of Longji Rice Terraces and see traditional farming practices in the “Dragon’s Backbone” and views of sunrise from the “Seven Stars Around Moon” viewpoint.
- Cruise down through the Li River and enjoy the beautiful landscapes, taking in amazing karst peaks, such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill, and the beauty of Yangshuoās countryside.
- Visit, the feature hill that resembles an elephant drinking from the river, the famous “Water Moon Cave” in Guilin city, which provides plenty of photo opportunities.
- Hike through the Golden Whip Stream, among the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The beautiful rock formations, lush landscapes, and amazing views of this area were the inspiration for the movie Avatar.
- Walk across Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon’s transparent Glass Bridge, which, at 430 meters long, hangs 300 meters above the canyon floor, provides quite the thrill.
- Ride the world’s longest cable car, explore the largest natural arch known as Tianmen Cave, walk along the Glass Skywalk, and up the 999 steps!
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Guilin Arrival
Upon your arrival at Guilin airport / train station, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for the rest of the day.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Guilin
- Day 2: Longji Rice TerracesHike among the Layers of Rice Paddies
Hello, good morning! Meet your tour guide at your hotel and you will drive for 1.5 hours to Longji Rice Terraces, built over 2,000 years ago by Zhuang and Yao minorities. It resembles dragon scales cascading down mountains (hence "Dragon's Backbone"). Hike through Ping'an village to witness farmers using traditional water buffalo plowing methods. At Huangluo "Long Hair Village," watch Yao women perform hair dances with 2-meter-long tresses.
Visit in spring to see mirror-like flooded fields, or autumn for golden harvest vistas. Don't miss the "Seven Stars Around Moon" viewpoint's breathtaking sunrise panoramas.
Longji Rice Terraces Last, the Bamboo Tube Rice is waiting for you. It is a signature Guilin dish where glutinous rice is steamed inside fresh bamboo over pinewood fires. You can watch locals stuff rice with mushrooms or chestnuts into bamboo sections, then taste the smoky, aromatic results. The cracking-open ceremony releases herbal fragrances from pandan leaves lining the tubes.
After that, go back to Guilin downtown hotel for a good rest.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Guilin
- Day 3: Guilin - Yangshuo by Cruise ShipEnjoy a Li River Cruise amidst the Picturesque Countryside Scenery
Todayās morning is absolutely a highlight of your Guilin tour. During the 3-star Li River cruise from Guilin, you will spend 4 hours through Chinaās most beautiful karst landscapes. Enjoy open-air decks while marveling at highlights like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Xingpingās peaks featured on the CNY 20 banknote. Snacks and simple lunch are available onboard. If you want to upgrade more comfortable one (4/5-star ship), you can tell your travel consultant before booking the tour.
Li River Cruise Disembark at the dock around 1:30 pm in Yangshuo Town. The driver will directly take us to Yangshuo West Street for sightseeing. Yangshuo West Street is a lively blend of East and West. Strolling around the cobbled lanes, admire Qing-era buildings, bontique cafes & bars, and souvenir shops. Try local snacks like beer fish or browse handcrafted souvenirs. After that, drive you to the local hotel for check-in.
In the evening, you optionally watch the performance - Impression Liu Sanjie. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this is an outdoor show on the Li River. Over 600 performers show Zhuang minority songs, bamboo raft dances, and costumes against karst mountains.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangshuo
- Day 4: City Sightseeing in Guilin DowntownVisit the Landmark Buildings in Guilin City Center
Today is a day for exploring the highlights in Guilin city center. āNamed after the reeds at its entrance that were used to make flutes, Reed Flute Caveā is magical underground world - home to many amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone formations shaped over millennia.
Fubo Hillā is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. You can climb the steps to shoot a panoramic view of the Li River and Guilinās skyline. No visit to Guilin is complete without seeing ā Elephant Trunk Hillā, the cityās landmark. Shaped like an elephant drinking from the river, it features an arch known as the "Water Moon Cave." Do capture photos with it.
Elephant Trunk Hill Seven Star Parkā is the last stop. It is Guilinās largest park, often called the cityās "green lung". Walk around and enjoy karst hills, ponds, and cultural relics. The park also houses a small zoo, which is a great place for kids.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Guilin
- Day 5: Guilin - Zhangjiajie by High-speed Train
Enjoy breakfast leisurely in the morning. It's time to say goodbye to Guilin afterwards. The driver will pick you up at the railway station and take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (suggest: D3968/14:38-22:02). The whole process takes about seven and a half hours. You are advised to prepare some food / snack before your departure from Guilin. (Note that there are no direct flights from Guilin to Zhangjiajie. Therefore, this is the best option)
Arrive in Zhangjiajie at about 10 p.m., and the local driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel in Wulingyuan. Take a good rest and prepare for tomorrow's adventure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
- Day 6: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Glass BridgeWalk on a 430 Meter Long Transparent Glass Bridge
After breakfast, start your visit at the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China's first national forest park. It is famed for its unique quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." Follow your guide to hike the Golden Whip Stream. 7.5 km long, it it features pristine waters and charming landscapes. Also, admire unique rock formations like the Golden Whip Rock, Mother and Child Peak, and the Welcoming Guests Rock. The stream is often referred to as "The Gallery of Landscape".
Golden Whip Stream After that, transfer you to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Its crown jewel, the Glass Bridge, stretches 430 meters across the canyon, suspended 300 meters above the ground. This is adrenaline pumping when you are on transparent glass. From a distance, tourists seem to be walking in the air. After that, walk along the scenic trails at the canyon to enjoy small waterfalls and crystal-clear streams.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
- Day 7: Zhangjiajie Avatar AdventureTake the World's Tallest Outdoor Elevator to Admire Avatar Mountain
Tianzi Mountain, is todayās first stop, in the northwest of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Here the towering sandstone pillars are often shrouded in mist. Known as the "Son of Heaven," it features over 80 viewing platforms, such as Tianzi Pavilion and Helong Park. Marvel at the "Sea of Clouds" in rainy days and explore formations like the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks. A convenient cable car ride allows easy access to the summit.
In the afternoon, continue to explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Yuanjiajie, nestled within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is famed as the real-life inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. You will take the world's tallest outdoor elevator (Bailong Elevator) to reach the top. The Southern Sky Column, is now dubbed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain," rising 150 meters. Other wonders include the Enchanting Platform and the No. 1 Bridge Under Heaven - a natural sandstone arch spanning a deep chasm.
Finish all the activities, escort you to Zhangjiajie downtown area for the night.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie Downtown
Tianzi Mountains Peaks - Day 8: Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain, DepartureBe Amazed at the Natural Wonder - Tianmen Cave
Today is the final day of your 8-day Guilin and Zhangjiajie tour. In the morning, your guide takes you to Tianmen Mountain. Take a ride on the āTianmen Mountain Cablewayā, the world's longest (7,445 meters). The 28-minute ascent give you the views of lush valleys, jagged peaks, and winding mountain roads.
On the summit, challenge yourself on the thrilling āGlass Skywalkā, a transparent pathway clinging to the cliffside 1,430 meters above ground. Continue to the āGhost Valley Plank Walkā, a narrow path carved into the mountainside. Also, your guide will lead you to āTianmenshan Templeā, a Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple nestled among the clouds.
The highlight? āTianmen Cave ("Heaven's Gate")ā, a colossal natural stone arch towering 131.5 meters high. If you are full of energy, try climbing the ā999 stepsā to its base, where you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views. Finally, we go down the mountain via cableway.
The driver will drop you off at Zhangjiajie airport/train station for departure.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie Downtown
Tianmen Cave
