China is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, and Guilin and Zhangjiajie stand at the pinnacle of its natural wonders. In just five days, this itinerary takes you on a seamless journey through misty karst mountains, emerald rivers, and sky-high sandstone peaks. Whether you seek tranquility or adventure, this trip blends both in perfect harmony.
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin – A Land Painted by Nature
Arriving in Guilin, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Chinese landscape painting. Towering karst peaks, winding rivers, and lush greenery create a scene so surreal it has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
• Afternoon: Begin your journey with a tranquil visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, an iconic symbol of Guilin, where the Li River gracefully curves around a rock formation resembling an elephant drinking water.
• Evening: Stroll along the Two Rivers & Four Lakes scenic area, where ancient bridges, pagodas, and floating lanterns illuminate the night. Enjoy a quiet dinner by the water, indulging in Guilin’s famous rice noodles.
Day 2: Li River Cruise – A Journey Through China’s Living Postcard
As dawn breaks, embark on a luxurious Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a four-hour voyage through landscapes that defy imagination.
• Morning: Glide along the Li River as mist drapes over towering karst mountains. Every turn reveals another postcard-perfect scene—fishermen on bamboo rafts, grazing water buffalo, and reflections so vivid they seem otherworldly.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo, where the landscape shifts from serene rivers to rolling countryside. Rent a bike or take a private electric cart ride through the Yulong River Valley, past rice paddies, ancient villages, and hidden caves.
• Evening: Experience the Impression Liu Sanjie show, a spectacular open-air performance staged on the river, with a backdrop of illuminated karst peaks.
🌙 Overnight in Yangshuo – A boutique riverside retreat awaits.
Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces – Walking on the Edge of Heaven
Escape the lowlands and ascend to one of China’s most awe-inspiring rural landscapes—the Longji Rice Terraces, where generations of farmers have sculpted the mountains into cascading layers of gold and green.
• Morning: Journey into the highlands, where the air grows crisp and the scenery transforms. At Ping’an Village, begin your hike through the terraces, following winding stone paths and wooden bridges.
• Midday: Enjoy a home-cooked meal in a traditional stilted wooden house, savoring bamboo-cooked rice and local mountain vegetables.
• Afternoon: Absorb panoramic views from the “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” viewpoint, where the terraces ripple like waves in the sun.
✈️ Evening: Fly to Zhangjiajie, the next chapter of your adventure.
Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Avatar Mountains Await
If Guilin is China’s dreamscape, Zhangjiajie is its fantasy world. This UNESCO-listed national park inspired the floating peaks of Pandora in Avatar, and today, you’ll step into its otherworldly embrace.
• Morning: Take the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor lift, 326 meters straight up a sheer cliff, unveiling the surreal spires of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
• Midday: Walk across “The First Bridge Under Heaven”, a natural rock formation suspended between two towering peaks. Gaze upon the “Hallelujah Mountain,” the real-life inspiration for the movie Avatar.
• Afternoon: Continue to Tianzi Mountain, where clouds roll through the stone forests, creating an ethereal sea of mist. The views stretch endlessly, with hundreds of sandstone pillars rising toward the heavens.
🌙 Overnight in Zhangjiajie – A mountain retreat immersed in nature.
Day 5: Tianmen Mountain – Walking Among the Clouds
Your final day is a testament to both beauty and bravery, as you conquer one of China’s most exhilarating experiences—Tianmen Mountain.
• Morning: Take the world’s longest cable car ride (7.5 km) up to Tianmen Mountain, where you’ll walk the famous Cliff-Hanging Skywalk, a narrow glass pathway that clings to the mountainside.
• Midday: Drive along the legendary 99-Bend Road, a twisting mountain pass that leads to the mystical Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a final breathtaking panorama before descending and catching your flight home.
✈️ Evening: Depart from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, carrying with you the memories of China’s most mesmerizing landscapes.
Why This Itinerary?
✔️ Curated for Nature Lovers & Adventurers – Combines serene beauty with exhilarating experiences.
✔️ Efficient Yet Immersive – Maximizes travel time without feeling rushed.
✔️ Seamless Travel Flow – From tranquil rivers to sky-high peaks, each location builds on the last.
✔️ A Journey Beyond Sightseeing – Engage with local culture, history, and cuisine at every step.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a journey into China’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Are you ready to experience it for yourself? 🌿🏔️✨