13-Day China Nature & Culture Discovery Tour
Zhangjiajie – Fenghuang – Guilin & Yangshuo （Private Tour）
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of southern China on this 13-day private journey through Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Guilin, and Yangshuo. From the otherworldly peaks of Avatar’s mountain inspiration to the lantern-lit alleys of an ancient riverside town, and from bamboo rafting down the Li River to cycling through idyllic countryside, this tour blends natural beauty with rich ethnic heritage. Perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike, this thoughtfully paced itinerary offers immersive experiences, personalized service, and unforgettable moments off the beaten path.
📅 Suggested Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights (Flexible)
🎯 Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences
🧭 Private Tour: 100% customized for you — no group joining
🚗 Transport: All-inclusive private transfers, high-speed trains, airport pickups
🍽 Meals: 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 6 dinners
🧑🏫 Guide: English-speaking local guide throughout the trip
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Our standard itineraries are for reference only — just let us know your preferences in the form, and our travel experts will customize a trip just for you!
- Private airport pickup and transfer to your hotel
- Free time to rest or explore on your own
- Optional Dinner: Try local specialties like spicy hotpot or rice noodles
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Zhangjiajie
🍽 Meals: None
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Bailong Elevator – Yuanjiajie – Golden Whip Stream
- Ride the famous Bailong Elevator up to the mountaintop
- Visit Yuanjiajie (inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains)
- Hike along the scenic Golden Whip Stream valley
🛏️ Accommodation: Wulingyuan Area
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: On your own
Tianzi Mountain – Ten-Mile Gallery – Optional Evening Show
- Take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain for breathtaking views
- Visit the Ten-Mile Gallery (mini train ride available)
- Optional: Attend the Charming Xiangxi cultural show
🛏️ Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Optional
Tianmen Mountain – Glass Walkway – 99 Bends Road
- Ascend Tianmen Mountain via the world’s longest cableway
- Walk the thrilling Glass Skywalk
- Marvel at the winding “99 Bends Road” from above
🛏️ Accommodation: Zhangjiajie City
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Tujia Cuisine)
Drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town – Night Riverwalk
- Scenic drive to Fenghuang Old Town (approx. 4 hours)
- Check into a boutique inn overlooking the Tuojiang River
- Evening walk along lantern-lit riverside streets
🛏️ Accommodation: Traditional Boutique Guesthouse
🍽 Meals: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner: On your own
Fenghuang Exploration – Optional Miao Village Visit
- Morning: Boat ride on the Tuo River, visit historical homes and Rainbow Bridge
- Afternoon: Optional visit to Nanhua Miao Village (folk costume, silver crafts)
- Enjoy free time for souvenirs or tea by the river
🛏️ Accommodation: Fenghuang Old Town
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Miao-style Cuisine)
High-Speed Train to Guilin – Lakes & Rivers Night Walk
- Transfer to high-speed train station (approx. 5–6 hours to Guilin)
- Evening stroll by the scenic Two Rivers & Four Lakes area
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Guilin
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Lunch: On your own
Li River Bamboo Raft – Xingping Old Town – Yangshuo West Street
- Bamboo rafting from Yangdi to Xingping (Li River highlights)
- See the scenery printed on the ¥20 banknote
- Transfer to Yangshuo and explore the famous West Street
🛏️ Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: On your own
Yulong River Biking – Silver Cave
- Morning countryside cycling along Yulong River (approx. 10 km)
- Visit the impressive Silver Cave (karst formation)
- Optional: Evening Impression Liu Sanjie outdoor light show
🛏️ Accommodation: Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free Day in Yangshuo,Enjoy a day at your own pace:
- Optional: Rock climbing, tea tasting, village walks, or Moon Hill hike
- Perfect for photography or a relaxed countryside escape
🛏️ Accommodation: Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner: On your own
- Drive back to Guilin
- Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, or Jingjiang Prince City
- Optional: Chinese calligraphy or tea ceremony experience
🛏️ Accommodation: Guilin
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free Day in Guilin
- Time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing stroll
- Assistance with packing, check-out, or tax-free refund guidance
🛏️ Accommodation: Guilin
🍽 Meals: Breakfast | Other meals: On your own
- Private transfer to Guilin Liangjiang Airport or train station
- Thank you for traveling with us — see you again in China!
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
Value-added Services
Where You’ll Stay
Standard Accommodation
You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels offering a comfortable blend of modern convenience and warm hospitality — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Upgrade Options
While the standard is twin-sharing rooms in 4-star hotels, you can easily upgrade to single rooms or opt for 5-star hotels or preferred properties to suit your tastes and preferences.
Unique Traditional Stays
In select destinations, enjoy a night or two in charming boutique guesthouses featuring traditional Chinese architecture and local character, for a truly immersive experience.
Tour Testimonials
Breathtaking scenery and seamless planning from start to finish.
Zhangjiajie’s Avatar mountains were surreal, and rafting on the Li River felt like floating through a painting. Our private guide knew all the hidden spots and local stories — we never felt rushed. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a deeper, more personal look at China.
— Rachel Gomez, 9 Mar 2024
A perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Cycling through the Yangshuo countryside was unforgettable, and the night walk in Fenghuang Old Town felt like stepping into a fairytale. Every hotel was charming, and our guide went above and beyond to make us feel cared for.
— Liam Anderson, 27 Apr 2025
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The combination of natural beauty and local culture was exactly what we were looking for. We loved the Miao village visit — so authentic and heartfelt. Having a private driver and guide gave us total freedom to explore at our own pace.
— Emily Tran, 16 May 2025
Photo Highlights
Useful Information
At Travel China, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries are here to inspire—but every trip can be fully customized to match your interests, pace, and preferences. Simply share your ideas with us through the form, and our travel experts will craft a tailor-made adventure just for you, along with a personalized quote.
All our tours can be adjusted to suit your needs—whether it’s adding destinations, changing pace, or tailoring experiences. Just tell us what you have in mind!
A small deposit of just 10% per person confirms your booking and secures your hotels, tickets, and private transport. The remaining balance is paid upon your arrival in China.
A visa is required for travel to mainland China. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.
Ages 14–70 must apply in person at a Visa Application Center.
Ages 13 and under / 71 and over can apply online.
We’ll provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Comfortable private cars are arranged within cities. For intercity travel, we use China’s efficient high-speed trains or domestic flights. Please note: lighters and aerosols are not allowed on trains or planes.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB / CNY / Yuan). We suggest exchanging money before departure. US dollars are also commonly accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and malls, but small shops may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.
Hotels may require a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in.
You’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Throughout your trip, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you in each city to offer expert insight and support.
We handpick hotels for comfort, location, and character—typically at a 4-star standard. Ratings may differ from international norms, but we inspect all our partner properties regularly to ensure quality. All rooms come with private bathrooms.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
If your visit falls during a major Chinese holiday, such as Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (May 1–3 & Oct 1–7), note that transportation may be busier and attractions more crowded. Shops may close temporarily, but scenic sites remain open.
