6 Days History & Nature Exploration Tour to Xian and Zhangjiajie

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Xian

   Upon your arrival at Xian airport/train station, your private local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board marked "China Xian Tour". Then you will be transferred to the downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for the rest of the day.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian Highlight Day Tour
   Uncover Life-sized Warriors, Walk Historic Walls, Explore Cultural Treasures

   After breakfast ta your hotel, your Xian guide will pick you up and start your tour in Xian at the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. Known as the "eighth wonder of the world", the Terracotta Army was discovered by local farmers in 1974 and is now the most famous tourist attraction in Xi'an.

   Your expert guide will take you here for 2 and a half hours to mainly visit Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, and Pit 3. Learn about the stories behind these life sized soldiers and the history of their owner, Qin Shi Huang (the first emperor of China).

   

   After lunch, we will drive back to the Xian downtown area to visit the Ancient City Wall. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the city wall is about 12 meters high and has a circumference of 13.74 kilometers, looking quite magnificent and spectacular. Follow your guide to climb up the city wall, and you can walk or rent a bicycle (optional, at your own expense on site) to explore this well preserved defense structure.

   Later, take a nice stroll on Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street. Unlike other streets in Xi'an, this antique street is lined with many shops selling the four basic items of Chinese calligraphy (brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper). If you are interested in Chinese handicrafts, you can choose several souvenirs here. Don't forget to bargain.

   

   Finally, follow the guide to visit the Yongxingfang Food and Culture Street. Here, you can taste authentic snacks from various parts of Shaanxi. If you are the kind of person who likes to try various new foods, this street will not disappoint you.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

3. Day 3: History Tour, Xian to Zhangjiajie by Flight
   Discover Ancient Relics, Pagodas, City Landmark, Flavorful Local Snacks

   As one of the most famous historical cities in China, Xi'an has many places of historic interest to visit. Today, you will explore some highlights in the downtown area.

   The first stop is Xi'an Museum, located in the southern suburbs of Xian, integrating museums, historical sites, and urban gardens. You will appreciate cultural relics from various periods in Shaanxi, such as the gilded Phoenix Bell from the Western Han Dynasty and the Three Colored Running Horse from the Tang Dynasty.

   In this scenic area, you can also see the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in the Tang Dynasty and has stood firm after many earthquakes. Your guide will explain its legendary story to you. ‌

   

   Next, head to the landmark building in Xi'an - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This tower was built to store Buddhist scriptures and statues brought by Xuanzang from India. Continue your Xian trip to the central point of the city - the Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is a symbol of this ancient capital. Walk forward and you will arrive at the Muslim Quarter, where you can find many kinds of snacks such as Roujiamo (肉夹馍), Liangpi (凉皮), Ice Peak (冰峰), Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup (羊肉泡馍).

   

   After today's China history tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight from Xian to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, the Zhangjiajie local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and escort you to the local hotel for check-in.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

4. Day 4: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge Tour
   Walk Scenic Canyons, Cross a Thrilling Glass Bridge

   After breakfast, begin today's Zhangjiajie tour with a visit to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which integrates mountains, water, caves, and canyons. Stepping into the canyon, the fresh air and gurgling streams catch your eye, and waterfalls and springs can be seen everywhere.

   The Glass Bridge is a highlight here, spanning the canyon and located nearly 300 meters from the bottom of the valley. Transparent glass makes tourists feel like they are strolling in the clouds, with a panoramic view of the canyon scenery beneath their feet.

   

   Following that, transfer to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to hike along the Golden Whip Stream. Located in the eastern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, it is named after its flow through Jinbian Rock. We will hike here for about 2 hours, passing through the beautiful valleys, with fresh flowers and grasses along the stream, and birds singing and warbling. After the tour, escort you back to your hotel for a good rest.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

   

5. Day 5: Avatar Tour in Zhangjiajie
   Ascend Breathtaking Peaks by Riding Scenic Cableways

   After breakfast, your China nature tour will take you to Tianzi Mountain. Known as the "miniature fairyland", the scenic spot is renowned for its spectacular quartz sandstone peaks.

   Upon arrival, take the longest high-altitude passenger cableway in Asia to the top of the mountain (2084 meters long). Afterwards, enjoy iconic landscapes such as the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks and Fairy Offering Flowers. Every year from April to May, rhododendrons bloom all over the mountains, and in November, red leaves adorn the peaks.

   

   After that, continue to explore the enchanting Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, famously featured as Hallelujah Mountain in the movie Avatar. By riding the Bailong Elevator, you can instantly go up to a height of over 300 meters. In the transparent elevator, enjoy the stunning peaks and valleys. Scenic spots such as the Enchanting Platform and the First Bridge under the Heaven each have their unique features and should not be missed.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Downtown Area

   

6. Day 6: Zhangjiajie Departure
   Walk Exciting Glass Paths and Climb Legendary Steps

   On the last day of your trip, follow your guide to explore another highlight of Zhangjiajie - the Tianmen Mountain, the highest mountain in Zhangjiajie, with the main peak at an elevation of 1518.6 meters.

   Upon arrival, you will take a cable car around 7,500 meters long to reach the mountaintop. Get off the cable car and follow your tour guide to explore some classic attractions: the Glass Skywalk, a viewing platform stretching out from the sky; the Ghost Valley Plank Road, neither at the top nor on the side of a cliff but standing in the middle of cliffs; Tianmen Mountain Temple, the Buddhist center of western Hunan.

   

   Afterwards, go down to Tianmen Cave, the highest natural through-mountain cave in the world, which has been a fairyland described by literati and poets since ancient times. If you have the energy, you can conquer the 999 steps to the cave.

   Finally, take the sightseeing bus on the scenic 99-Bend Road and descend the mountain.

   This is the end of your 6-day private tour of China to Xian and Zhangjiajie. It's time to say goodbye to Zhangjiajie. Your driver will escort you to Zhangjiajie airport/train station for your departure.

   Accommodation: N/A