4-Day Zhangjiajie Furong Ancient Town Tour with 72 Strange Buildings
Tour Overview
Our exclusive 4-day journey through Zhangjiajie takes you from soaring rock formations to the Tujia culture and waterfall scenery of Furong Ancient Town.
Start in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where you’ll see the sandstone peaks that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Then take the world’s longest high-altitude passenger cableway up Tianmen Mountain. Walk along the cliffside glass skywalk and continue to the famous Tianmen Cave.
The itinerary includes a visit to 72 Strange Buildings — a Guinness World Record holder for the tallest stilted building. At night, the lighting transforms its distinctive architecture into a colorful wonderland. You’ll then have an overnight stay in Furong Ancient Town, where traditional stilted houses line the waterways and the town’s famous waterfall cascades right through its center.
Travel destinations: Zhangjiajie, Furong Ancient Town
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Photographers
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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Zhangjiajie
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Zhangjiajie Arrival & 72 Strange Buildings, Ethnic Folk Performances
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2
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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
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Bailong Elevator ride, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Tianzi Mountain Cableway descent
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3
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Downtown Zhangjiajie & Furong
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Tianmen Mountain cableway, glass skywalk walk, Tianmen Cave visit, ancient town night view
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4
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Furong Ancient Town, Departure
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Tujia stilt houses visit, waterfall exploration, return drive to Zhangjiajie
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Highlights of this tour
Enjoy a wide variety of fascinating folk performances at the 72 Strange Buildings. Step into the intangible cultural heritage workshops, where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as brocade weaving and wood carving.
See the towering sandstone peaks that helped inspire the floating mountains in Avatar. Hundreds of quartz sandstone pillars rise from the valleys, creating one of Zhangjiajie’s most recognizable landscapes.
Ride the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from downtown Zhangjiajie to the mountaintop, then walk along a glass skywalk built against the cliffs and take in the mountain views below.
Explore the ancient town hailed as ‘the town suspended above the waterfall’. By day, mist from the waterfall adds to the atmosphere; after dark, lights illuminate the old town and its riverside buildings.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Zhangjiajie Arrival & 72 Strange BuildingsEnjoy folk performances and watch demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage crafts
Welcome to Zhangjiajie! Today, your local guide will meet you at the airport/train station holding a sign that reads "China Xian Tour." You will then be driven to your downtown hotel for check-in.
Later, start your visit at the 72 Strange Buildings, where you can enjoy a variety of folk performances. At the intangible cultural heritage workshops, watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as brocade weaving and wood carving. Also, browse the stalls to pick up some little souvenirs. Or simply wander around and sample some local specialties.
Old Street in 72 Strange Buildings After dark, the complex is illuminated with brilliant lights. If a bonfire party is scheduled that evening, you can join in and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ExplorationRide the Bailong Elevator and explore Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peaks
Today, drive to Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. Note that the order of visits may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and visitor numbers.
Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, built into the mountainside. It takes only about 66 seconds from the valley to the top of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. You will then see the mist-shrouded, otherworldly landscape. This is where you’ll see the towering sandstone peaks that helped inspire the floating mountains in Avatar.
Bailong Elevator in Yuanjiajie - the tallest outdoor elevator in the world A sightseeing bus will transfer you to Tianzi Mountain. He Long Park offers one of the best viewpoints, where you can admire the distinctive Yubi Peak rising among the surrounding sandstone pillars. Among the hundreds of uniquely shaped peaks scattered throughout the forest, you can look out for the romantic scenic spot known as "Fairy Scattering Flowers."
Then, take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway for a thrilling descent down the mountain. After all activities, transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in.
The amazing sandstone pillars at Tianzi Mountain - Day 3: Tianmen Mountain & Drive to Furong Ancient TownWalk along the glass walkway and gaze out over the steep valley
Spend this morning at Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. Your journey begins with a ride on the cableway, which takes you from downtown Zhangjiajie up to the mountaintop. The cableway stretches roughly 7,455 meters (24,459 feet), and through the glass windows, overlook the winding Avenue to Heaven — the mountain highway with its dramatic switchbacks.
Colorful cable cars soaring over the misty Tianmen Mountains. At the top, follow your guide along one of Tianmen Mountain's glass skywalks, built against the steep cliffs. Through the transparent floor beneath your feet, you can look straight down into the valley below.
Continue to the famous Tianmen Cave. If weather and site conditions permit, you may also climb the 999-step "Sky Ladder" leading up to the cave and experience this spectacular natural arch up close.
Our customers took a photo at Tianmen Cave. Recommended Evening Show: In the evening, watch the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show at the foot of Tianmen Mountain. It is a large-scale musical performance staged against the backdrop of the mountain's natural peaks and valleys. (Show time: approximately 8:15 PM to 9:50 PM.)
Travel Note: For safety reasons, some attractions or sections of Tianmen Mountain including the glass skywalks, may be temporarily closed due to severe weather or routine maintenance. Your travel advisor and tour guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
After the tour, you'll take a comfortable private car to Furong Ancient Town. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you with hotel check-in. Then enjoy the evening at your leisure — perhaps choose a restaurant overlooking the town to sample some local cuisine.
- Day 4: Furong Ancient Town & Drive Back to Zhangjiajie for DepartureExplore the historic town and admire traditional Tujia stilt houses
Walk along the bluestone streets and through neighborhoods lined with traditional Tujia stilt houses this morning, and then head toward the waterfall that runs through the town.
Follow the walkway near the falls and, if conditions allow, step behind the curtain of water for a different view of the town. Your guide will share the history of Furong Town and the traditions of the local Tujia people along the way.
Stilted wooden houses of Furong Ancient Town After lunch, drive approximately 1.5 hours back to Zhangjiajie. Your driver will transfer you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Travel Tip: The waterfall usually carries more water from May to October. Water levels may be lower during winter and early spring.
In the afternoon, drive back to Zhangjiajie City, where the driver will drop you off at the airport or train station for your departure. A late-afternoon or evening departure is recommended. Your 4-day Zhangjiajie adventure comes to an end as you head off.
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 4-Day 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 special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
