3-Day Zhangjiajie Tour from Shanghai: Avatar Mountains & Glass Bridge Adventure
Tour Overview
Travel from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie and step into an otherworldly landscape where mist-shrouded peaks rise above deep valleys and ancient forests. Ride a cable car to Tianmen Mountain and walk its thrilling glass skywalk high above the cliffs. Ascend the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie, home to the sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar. Follow the crystal-clear waters of Golden Whip Stream before reaching Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and its iconic Glass Bridge, where sweeping views unfold across one of China’s most ethereal landscapes.
Travel destinations: Shanghai, Zhangjiajie
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Adventurers
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Shanghai – Zhangjiajie
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Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Ride the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, walk the Glass Skywalk, and visit Tianmen Cave
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2
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Zhangjiajie
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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Ascend the Bailong Elevator, explore Yuanjiajie’s Avatar-inspired sandstone pillars, and hike along Golden Whip Stream
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3
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Zhangjiajie
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Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Cross the world-famous Glass Bridge, one of the world’s highest and longest glass-bottom bridges
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Highlights of this tour:
Ascend to Heaven’s Gate:
Ride one of the world’s longest cable cars to Tianmen Mountain, soaring above forests, cliffs, and winding mountain roads. Walk the glass skywalk along the mountainside before climbing the famous 999 Steps to Tianmen Cave, a vast natural arch set high among the peaks.
See the Avatar Mountains of Yuanjiajie: Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie, where sandstone pillars emerge from deep valleys and drifting clouds. The dramatic scenery here inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
Cross the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: Stretching across Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, this transparent bridge offers panoramic views of the cliffs, forests, and canyon floor far below.
Walk Along Golden Whip Stream: Spend around 2 hours to follow a tranquil stream beneath Zhangjiajie’s iconic sandstone peaks, where birdsong echoes through the forest and wild monkeys can often be spotted among the trees.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: From Shanghai to Zhangjiajie: Tianmen Mountain National Forest ParkRide above the clouds and discover Tianmen's heavenly wonders
Begin your 3-day Zhangjiajie tour from Shanghai, trading the glittering skyline of this cosmopolitan metropolis for the mist-shrouded peaks and breathtaking scenery of Zhangjiajie.
Your trip begins with a private transfer from your downtown Shanghai hotel to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie.
Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the airport. After lunch, head to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. Ride one of the world's longest mountain cable cars, stretching 7,455 meters, as it glides above forests, cliffs, and rolling seas of cloud. Walk the thrilling Glass Skywalk and Guigu Cliffside Walkway, both suspended high above dramatic valleys. Continue to Tianmen Temple, a peaceful mountain sanctuary with a history spanning centuries, before admiring Tianmen Cave, a colossal natural arch rising 131.5 meters high among the peaks. Afterward, descend by cable car and return to your hotel.
Warm Tips: During the winter season, the Glass Skywalk may be temporarily closed due to heavy snow accumulation. If necessary, your travel advisor will contact you to adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Optional Activity:
Tianmen Fox Fairy: Set beneath the towering peaks of Tianmen Mountain, this open-air musical transforms the surrounding landscape into a living stage. Combining powerful music, graceful choreography, and cutting-edge visual effects, it retells a beloved local legend in a truly immersive way.
- Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Full-Day In-Depth TourExplore Avatar-inspired peaks and walk beside mountain streams
This morning, visit Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, famed for its extraordinary quartz-sandstone formations, including Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Scattering Flowers.
Continue exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where the sightseeing route may be adjusted according to visitor flow and on-site conditions. You may travel between Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie by eco-bus and experience the famous Bailong Elevator either ascending or descending (Your guide will determine the most suitable route to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit). Rising 326 meters along a sheer cliff face, it carries visitors from the valley floor to the mountaintop in about 66 seconds, offering spectacular panoramic views along the way. Explore the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the inspiration behind the floating mountains in Avatar, and visit First Bridge Under Heaven, a remarkable natural stone bridge linking two mountain peaks high above the valley.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic hike along the 7.5-kilometer Golden Whip Stream trail. Winding through lush forests beneath towering sandstone peaks, the trail follows crystal-clear waters and offers frequent opportunities to spot wild monkeys among the trees. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and showcases some of the most picturesque scenery in Zhangjiajie.
After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Wulingyuan.
Friendly reminder:
- Encountering the monkeys along the Golden Whip Stream is a delightful part of the hike. However, please refrain from feeding them or showing food, as they may attack y
- We recommend bringing a pair of water shoes or sandals during your hike, making it easy to wade into the stream and splash around whenever you like.
- Day 3: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon - Zhangjiajie/Shanghai DepartureCross the Glass Bridge and admire the canyon from above
After breakfast, visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and experience its world-famous Glass Bridge. Stretching 430 meters across the canyon and hanging 300 meters above the valley floor, the glass bridge seems to float in the sky, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, emerald forests, and the vast gorge far below.
After the tour, you will be transferred to Zhangjiajie Airport or the railway station for your departure. If you are returning to Shanghai, we can also arrange a private airport pickup and transfer you directly to your hotel upon arrival.
Optional Activity: Soar across the canyon on a zipline and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the gorge below. Please note that wait times can reach up to one hour during busy periods.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and se lected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
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Accommodation For This 3-Day Zhangjiajie Tour from Shanghai
4-Star Hotel in Wulingyuan
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can selectĀ luxury 5-star hotelsĀ for unparalleled comfort,Ā cozy 4-starĀ accommodations, orĀ value-for-money 3-starĀ options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked forĀ their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped withĀ standard amenitiesĀ like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
InĀ some hotels, there are English-speaking staffĀ who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
