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| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Shanghai | Zhujiajiao Water Town, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Shanghai Tower |
| 4–5 | Zhangjiajie | Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Peak, and the Glass Bridge |
| 6 | Furong | Tianmen Mountain, traditional Tujia architecture, and minority culture performances |
| 7 | Fenghuang | Tuojiang River boat tour, Hongqiao Art Building, and Wanshou Palace |
| 8 | Changsha | Departure from Changsha |
From
Discover China with TravelTidesChina, a specialist in customized inbound China tours designed by experienced local travel experts. We create thoughtfully curated itineraries that showcase China's iconic landmarks, rich history, and authentic local life-crafted entirely around your interests, travel pace, and budget.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, your TravelTidesChina private guide will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals hall. A comfortable, non-smoking private vehicle with an experienced driver will be ready to transfer your group. Relax as we introduce you to one of China’s most dynamic cities and ensure a smooth, well-organized start to your journey.
Travel to Zhujiajiao, one of the best-preserved water towns near Shanghai. Interlaced canals, stone bridges, and traditional residences offer a window into the lifestyle of ancient water villages.
At lunch, savor the iconic Beijing Roast Duck. Watch the chef’s refined carving technique, taste the perfectly crisp skin, and learn the traditional way to enjoy this famous dish.
With your guide, explore three representative landmarks. Visit Chenghuang Temple, dedicated to the City God, then stroll through Helong Gallery, home to a diverse collection of traditional Chinese art. Pause at a classic teahouse to enjoy aromatic Chinese tea and local snacks before wandering through Kezhi Garden, a refined classical garden designed for quiet reflection.
Return to Shanghai and end the day at Tianzifang, a lively artistic neighborhood filled with boutique shops, galleries, and cafés tucked into restored lane houses.
Start the day along the Bund, where historic architecture recalls Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past. Listen as your guide shares stories of the city’s colonial-era transformation while you admire the waterfront skyline.
Continue to Yuyuan Garden, a peaceful retreat showcasing classical Chinese landscaping, ornate pavilions, and winding pathways.
Later, ascend Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, and take in sweeping panoramic views of the metropolis from above. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie, with your guide and driver ensuring a seamless departure.
Today you’ll explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a dramatic world of towering sandstone pillars rising from dense forest. Walk among these extraordinary formations and visit the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, whose surreal scenery inspired the landscapes in Avatar.
Your admission includes the Bailong Sightseeing Elevator and the Tianzi Mountain cable car. Ride the world’s tallest outdoor elevator to the mountaintop, then glide above peaks and forests by cable car for breathtaking aerial views.
Discover the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where cliffs, waterfalls, streams, and lush vegetation create a striking natural setting. The highlight is the renowned glass bridge, stretching 430 meters across the canyon and suspended 300 meters above the ground.
Walking across the transparent bridge offers thrilling views straight down into the canyon below - an exhilarating experience that tests courage and rewards you with unforgettable scenery.
As evening approaches, visit the 72 Wonder Tower, a visually stunning complex inspired by ancient legends. This neon-lit stilt structure rises 109 meters high and comes alive at night with color and energy.
In the morning, visit Tianmen Mountain, the highest and most iconic peak in Zhangjiajie. Known for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling viewpoints, the mountain delivers sweeping vistas and unforgettable moments.
After lunch, drive approximately two hours to Furong Town. Built directly beside a cascading waterfall, this ancient settlement features Tujia stilt houses on one side and Yuwang Palace on the other. Stay overnight to admire the town’s magical illuminated scenery after dark.
Drive about 1.5 hours to Fenghuang Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved riverside town rich in ethnic minority culture. Surrounded by mountains and straddling the Tuo River, Fenghuang offers some of the most photogenic scenery in southern China.
Your guided walk includes highlights such as the Hongqiao Art Building, Wanshou Palace, and Chongde Hall, each reflecting the town’s layered history and architecture.
After sunset, enjoy a boat cruise on the Tuo River as Fenghuang transforms with glowing lights, live music, and a lively nightlife atmosphere that reveals a completely different side of the town.
Transfer by high-speed train from Fenghuang to Changsha in approximately two hours. Your TravelTidesChina team will ensure a smooth connection to your international departure flight, assisting with transfers and timing so your journey concludes comfortably and stress-free.
If you wish to extend your trip or explore additional destinations, simply let your personal TravelTidesChina consultant know—we’re always ready to tailor the journey to your interests.
We listen: Share your travel goals and preferences, and we bring them to life.
We plan: Every detail of your itinerary is carefully arranged by our travel experts.
We refine: We collaborate with you to perfect your trip, even if plans change while traveling.
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📩 Want to tailor this itinerary?
Tell your TravelTidesChina travel advisor what you’d like to adjust - pace, hotels, experiences, or destinations - and we’ll design it around you.