Pure Natural Landscapes: Avatar Mountains & Li River Karst

1

Overview

RouteZhangjiajie → Guilin & Yangshuo

Duration 7 Nights, 8 Days Feature Nature-Focus · Karst Mountains · Avatar Landscapes · Photography · Slow Travel

Embark on an 8-day journey through two of China's most breathtaking natural wonders - the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar, and the poetic karst peaks of the Li River that have inspired Chinese artists for millennia. This is a pure nature-focused itinerary, designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in China's most spectacular landscapes without the distraction of big-city sightseeing. You will hike through Wulingyuan Scenic Area, ride the world's tallest outdoor elevator, walk across the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, and experience the magical night scenery of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Then you will cruise down the legendary Li River through thousands of karst peaks, explore the idyllic Yangshuo countryside by bamboo raft, and capture the iconic view from Xianggong Hill. An optimized nature-focused itinerary with enhanced photography opportunities, timed for the best light conditions, and a deeper exploration of each scenic area creates a more immersive natural experience.

2

Trip Highlights

Day 1-4 ZhangjiajieDay 5-8 Guilin & Yangshuo

Wulingyuan Scenic Area · Avatar Mountains · Bailong Elevator · Yuanjiajie · Tianzi Mountain · Ten-Mile Gallery · Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge · Baofeng Lake · Fenghuang Ancient Town · Tuojiang River · Li River Cruise · Yangshuo · West Street · Xianggong Hill · Yulong River Bamboo Rafting · Reed Flute Cave · Guilin Karst Countryside

Show all 17

3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Zhangjiajie

Welcome to Zhangjiajie! Your guide will meet you at the airport, and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and prepare for your natural adventure.

In the evening, take a short walk around the city to get a feel for the local atmosphere, and enjoy a dinner of authentic Hunan cuisine - known for its spicy, flavorful dishes - to fuel up for the days ahead.

Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

Day 2

Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Avatar Mountains

Today your guide will take you to Wulingyuan Scenic Area to begin the day's journey. Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, up to the peaks of Wulingyuan.

Explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where tall sandstone pillars rise through the mist and inspired the film Avatar. Continue to Tianzi Mountain to see the "West Sea Stone Forest," a wide landscape of rock formations above the clouds. Then ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery by sightseeing train.

Stay until late afternoon to capture the magical golden hour light on the peaks - the best time for photography when the setting sun paints the sandstone pillars in warm, golden colors.

Meals: B/L Accommodation: Zhangjiajie Read more

Day 3

Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge

Today your guide will take you to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass bridge, standing 300 meters above the canyon. Enjoy wide views of cliffs and valleys below.

Continue to Baofeng Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Afterwards, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town. In the evening, explore Fenghuang Ancient Town at your own pace. Walk along the river and see traditional stilt houses with night lights.

Tonight you will stay in Fenghuang Ancient Town and enjoy its quiet night scenery.

Meals: B/L Accommodation: Fenghuang

Day 4

Fenghuang Morning & Transfer

This morning, wake up early to explore Fenghuang Ancient Town in the quiet morning light, before the crowds arrive. Walk along the Tuojiang River and see the traditional stilt houses reflected in the water.

Visit some of the town's historic temples and old streets. After lunch, transfer back to Zhangjiajie city and rest at your hotel, preparing for the next leg of the journey.

Meals: B/L Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

Day 5

Transfer & Arrive in Guilin

After breakfast, take a flight to Guilin (approx. 1.5 hours direct). Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city on your own. In the evening, enjoy a walk along the Li River and see the city lights reflected in the water.

Meals: B/L Accommodation: Guilin

Day 6

Li River Cruise & Yangshuo

Today, embark on a scenic cruise down the legendary Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Drift past thousands of karst peaks rising from the water, each with its own unique shape. The landscape is so iconic that it appears on the 20 RMB banknote.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, explore the lively West Street and enjoy the charming small-town atmosphere. In the evening, watch the famous Impression Sanjie Liu light show on the river (optional).

Meals: B/L Accommodation: Yangshuo

Day 7

Xianggong Hill Sunrise & Yangshuo Countryside

Wake up early for a sunrise visit to Xianggong Hill, where you can capture the iconic panoramic view of the Li River and surrounding karst peaks at the most beautiful time of day.

Then take a relaxing bamboo raft ride along the Yulong River, drifting through peaceful rural scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Reed Flute Cave, a magnificent limestone cave illuminated with colorful lights. Return to Guilin in the evening.

Meals: B/L Accommodation: Guilin

Day 8

Departure from Guilin

This morning, you will have some free time until your departure. Please make sure you have all your luggage with you. Your guide will escort you to Airport for your international departure flight.

We sincerely hope this incredible natural landscapes journey has left you with beautiful, lifelong memories, and we wish you a safe trip home!

Meals: B

4

What's Included & Excluded

Included

Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers
Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Airport pick-up and drop-off
24/7 On-Call Support

Excluded

International Airfare
Tips for guide and driver
Personal expenses
Entry Visa
Optional Activities
Payment processing fees

5

Add-on Options

Add-on	Description
Dinner	If you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes.

6

Hotels

Choose Your Hotel Style

We book accommodation tailored to your preferences and budget:

Comfort (3-star) — Well-located, great-value hotels
Premium (4-star) — Spacious rooms with quality amenities
Luxury (5-star, local brands) — Top Chinese hospitality with distinctive character
Luxury (5-star, international) — Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La and other global names

7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this private tour?

This private tour can include an English-speaking guide, private vehicle service, planned sightseeing arrangements, and support before and during the trip. Entrance tickets, meals, hotels, and transfers can be arranged based on the final itinerary and quotation.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. This is a private tour, so the route, pace, hotel level, meal arrangements, and add-on experiences can be adjusted around your travel dates, interests, and comfort.

Are hotels included?

Hotel arrangements can be included or quoted separately according to your preference. We can help arrange clean 3-star hotels, comfortable 4-star hotels, local 5-star hotels, or high-end international options.

How do I book this tour?

Send us your travel dates, group size, hotel preference, and any special interests. We will confirm the route, adjust the itinerary if needed, and provide a tailored quotation before booking.

How can I pay for the tour?

We accept most common payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, PayPal, and other available options depending on your location.

Can meals be customized according to personal needs?

Yes. Meals can be customized according to your needs. If you have special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, Muslim-friendly, or halal meals, we can coordinate suitable arrangements in advance.

8

Customize This Private Tour

This is a fully private tour — every route, pace, hotel level and meal can be reshaped around your dates, group size and interests.

Tell us a little and a real China specialist replies within 24 hours. No obligation.

Get a free itinerary

A tailored plan from a real expert — reply within 24 hours.

Name · required

Email · required

Phone / WhatsApp · recommended

Passport country / region · recommended

Name and email are all we need to start — everything below is optional, skip freely.

Help us tailor faster — trip preferences (optional)

Tap anything that applies — the more we know, the faster we can tailor your trip.

Cities you’re curious about · optional

Party size · optional

Children’s ages (if any) · optional

Preferred trip style · optional

Hotel level · optional

Interests · optional

Anything else? · optional

I agree that AriaTravel may use my information to respond to my enquiry and design my trip. Privacy Policy