8-Day Shanghai and Zhangjiajie Tour: Cityscapes, Mountains & Ancient Towns
Tour Overview
Designed for travelers seeking more than just typical city sightseeing, the 8-day Shanghai & Zhangjiajie private tour combines iconic city landmarks, thrilling mountain experiences, and charming ancient towns.
Explore Shanghai’s historic Bund, the Shanghai Tower skyline, and Jiangnan water town of Zhujiajiao. Then journey into Zhangjiajie’s spectacular sandstone peaks, experience the thrill of the Glass Bridge and ride a scenic mountain cable car.
Slow down in Furong and Fenghuang Ancient Towns to immerse yourself in the dreamy night views and stroll around to appreciate waterfalls, rivers and stilt houses. With private transportation and local guides throughout, this multi-city trip is both comfortable and effortless to enjoy.
Travel Destination: Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Furong Town, Fenghuang Town
Suitable for: First-time visitors to China, nature & adventure lovers, photographers
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destinations
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What to See & Do
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1 – 3
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Shanghai
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Zhujiajiao Water Town, Tianzifang alleys, historic buildings at The Bund, classic Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower skyline
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4 – 6
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Zhangjiajie
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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Bailong Elevator ride, Yuanjiajie floating mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge, 72 Strange Buildings, Tianmen Mountain, Tianmen Cave, Furong Ancient Town night view
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7
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Fenghuang Ancient Town
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Tuojiang River boat ride, Rainbow Bridge, stilt houses, nightscape photography
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8
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Fenghuang to Changsha Departure
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High-speed train to Changsha, airport transfer
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Highlights of this tour
Experience the striking contrasts of Shanghai by walking along the Bund between grand historic buildings and the futuristic Pudong skyline, and visiting the classic Yu Garden and the water town of Zhujiajiao.
Step into a giant natural world in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Hike among surreal sandstone pillars, misty valleys, and lush forests and ride the world’s highest outdoor elevator — Bailong Elevator.
Walk across the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge suspended hundreds of meters above the ground and look straight through the transparent walkway at the cliffs and forests below.
Wander leisurely along riverside lanes, explore traditional stilt houses and capture enchanting scenes at night in Furong and Fenghuang Ancient Towns.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Upon arrival in Shanghai, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the well-selected hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing time during the rest of the day. If you arrive early, take a leisurely walk around your hotel and explore the surrounding streets.
Optional Night Activity: Watch the world-renowned ERA 2 — Spirit of Shanghai acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World. The most eye-catching performances include motorcycle stunts inside a giant sphere, graceful aerial silk performances accompanied by live doves, and award-winning balancing acts.
- Day 2: Zhujiajiao Water TownExperience Tranquil Water-town Life and Wander Through Historic Alleys
Take a private vehicle to Zhujiajiao Water Town in the morning, about a 1.5-hour journey. This Jiangnan-style water town is known for its canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. Stroll along the riverside lanes to experience its slow-paced life.
Enjoy a boat ride along waterways in Zhujiajiao Water Town Follow your guide through North Street and other historic lanes to admire the riverside houses and shops, which feature white walls and gray-tiled roofs. At Fangsheng Bridge, you can capture the canal and buildings on both banks in a single frame. Then, take a break at a teahouse to enjoy Chinese tea and local snacks.
Visit Kezhi Garden in the afternoon. Stroll through its pavilions, ponds, and greenery, and appreciate the refined design of this classical garden.
Optional Experience: Take a traditional boat ride to see the ancient town from the water (at your own expense). If needed, your guide can help you purchase tickets on site.
Return to downtown Shanghai to explore Tianzifang. This lively neighborhood preserves its Shikumen architecture while blending it with art studios, boutique shops, and cafés. Wander through the alleys to see how old Shanghai buildings coexist with the modern city.
- Day 3: Shanghai City Tour & Flight to ZhangjiajieAdmire Historic Buildings, Shanghai Skyline and a Classic Garden
Start today’s Shanghai exploration with a leisurely stroll along the Bund waterfront promenade, admiring the historic Western-style buildings on one side and futuristic Pudong skyscrapers on the other. Your guide will introduce the history of the Bund and explain how Shanghai evolved from a trading port into one of China’s leading global cities.
Continue to Yu Garden to explore its pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and courtyards while learning about the principles of classical Chinese garden design.
Traditional pavilions and corridors at Yuyuan Garden in autumn Head to Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building. Take a high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observation deck for sweeping views of the Huangpu River, Pudong skyline, and the cityscape.
The driver will then transfer you to the airport for the evening flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer to your hotel for the night.
- Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkVenture into Dramatic Peak Forests and Ride the World’s Highest Outdoor Elevator
Spend the whole day exploring the surreal mountain scenery of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Take the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie. At 362 meters, it is the world’s highest outdoor elevator, carrying you to the top in just 66 seconds. After getting off, stroll along the mountain trail and enjoy the towering quartz sandstone pillars, deep canyons and lush forest from various viewing platforms.
Bailong Elevator, the highest outdoor elevator in the world The area is famous for the Avatar-inspired peaks. If the weather permits, you'll see the thick mists drifting between the unique rock formations, making the peaks appear to float in the air.
Transfer to Tianzi Mountain by sightseeing bus. The boardwalks here are flat and gentle, making the trip easier for children and older travelers. Walk along the trails to appreciate the famous landscapes like Imperial Brush Peak and overlook the peak forests from different viewpoints.
Finally, descend via the Tianzi Mountain Cableway. Along the way, enjoy valleys, forests, and towering rock peaks below.
Note: The order of sightseeing may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and visitor numbers on the day.
- Day 5: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & 72 Strange BuildingsChallenge Glass Bridge and See the World's Tallest Stilt House
Today’s adventure begins at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where deep ravines, emerald green streams, lush forests and dramatic cliffs create a dramatic mountain landscape.
The highlight is a walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, suspended about 300 meters above the canyon floor. Step onto the 430-meter-long transparent glass walkway and look down through the glass beneath you, experiencing the thrill of "walking in the air". If you are afraid of heights, simply slow down to appreciate the surrounding mountain scenery.
Move on to 72 Strange Buildings, the world's tallest stilt-style architectural complex standing at 109.9 meters. After nightfall, the buildings are illuminated, creating a striking backdrop for photos. You can also watch local ethnic cultural performances, stroll through the lively alleys, browse unique shops and taste local snacks.
Zhangjiajie 72 Strange Buildings at night - Day 6: Tianmen Mountain & Furong Ancient TownTake a Scenic Cable Car Ride and Enjoy Dreamy Night View of an Ancient Town
Head to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park after breakfast. Ride the Tianmen Mountain cable car uphill. Along the way, Zhangjiajie’s urban landscape gives way to winding mountain roads and rolling mountain ranges.
At the summit, stroll along the trails and enjoy views of surrounding cliffs and valleys. Depending on which routes are open that day, continue to the Tianmen Cave for a closer look at this huge natural cave that pierces through the mountain.
A natural rock arch - Tianmen Cave in Tianmen Mountain Drive about 2 hours to Furong Ancient Town. Built into the cliffs, it is known for its 60-meter-high and 40-meter-wide waterfall flowing directly through the town. Take a leisurely walk along the stone-paved streets to appreciate the traditional stilt houses and the spectacular waterfall. Also, you can follow the Water Curtain Trail behind the waterfall to feel the cool mist.
After dark, the town comes alive with warm golden lights. Take panoramic photos of the illuminated waterfall and layers of stilt houses at Tuwang Bridge or Waterfall Viewing Platform. Wander along the riverside walkway and capture the reflections of buildings in the water.
- Day 7: Furong Town to Fenghuang Ancient TownWander Through Alleys, Enjoy a Boat Ride, and Lose Yourself in Night View
Set out for Fenghuang Ancient Town this morning, about 1.5 hours’ drive away. After arrival, meander along the Tuojiang River, crossing ancient bridges and wandering through traditional streets and alleys, while admiring the stilt houses built along the riverbanks.
Located at the center of the town, Rainbow Bridge is the landmark of the town. Standing at the viewing platform on the second floor, you can have a wide view of Tuo River and the surrounding stilt houses.
A boat ride on the river will be arranged for you to enjoy a different perspective of the scenery.
When night falls, the buildings on both sides are illuminated, their reflections shimmering in the water. The restaurants, bars and shops along the street gradually become lively. Stroll along the river freely to appreciate the night view. Stop at Nanhua Bridge for a sweeping view of the town and a panoramic night-time photo.
Night View of Fenghuang Ancient Town - Day 8: Fenghuang to Changsha & Departure
In the morning, you will be escorted to the train station for the high-speed train to Changsha, a 2-hour journey. Your local driver will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your departure.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 8-Day Shanghai & Zhangjiajie Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any
