China’s Natural Wonders: Mountains, Rivers & Karst Peaks
Zhangjiajie – Fenghuang – Longji Rice Terraces – Guilin – Yangshuo – Huangshan（13Days Private Tour）
Discover China’s wild side on this immersive 13-day nature journey. From the surreal sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie to the misty peaks of Huangshan, this itinerary showcases China’s most breathtaking landscapes. Walk ancient rice terraces, cruise past limestone karsts, and soak in the timeless charm of riverside villages. Ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility, this trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in China’s great outdoors.
📅 Recommended Duration: 13 Days 12 Nights
🎯 Ideal For: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, wellness travelers
🚄 Transportation: Includes airport pick-up, high-speed trains, private transfers, and one domestic flight
🍽 Meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
💼 Tour Features: Private guided tour through China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Includes all major scenic tickets and cultural experiences.
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 pick-up and hotel check-in.
Free time to relax or take a walk along the Tujia-style streets near your hotel.
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Zhangjiajie
🍽 Meals: None
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Avatar Mountains
Full-day exploration of the UNESCO-listed Zhangjiajie Forest Park. Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie (inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains). Walk along the glass skywalk at Tianzi Mountain.
🥢 Dinner: Local-style welcome dinner (Hunan cuisine)
🛏️ Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tianmen Mountain – Glass Skywalk – Drive to Fenghuang
- Morning: Cable car ride to Tianmen Mountain, known for its natural arch and cliff-hugging plank walk.
- Afternoon: Scenic drive (~3 hrs) to Fenghuang Ancient Town.
🥢 Dinner: Free time in Fenghuang – try ginger candy, river fish, or grilled tofu.
🛏️ Accommodation: Boutique riverside guesthouse in Fenghuang
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
Fenghuang Ancient Town
Explore the charming old town with a local guide. Walk across rainbow bridges and visit traditional stilt houses. Optional boat ride on the Tuojiang River.
🥢 Dinner: Riverside hotpot or grilled skewers (optional group dinner)
🛏️ Accommodation: Fenghuang
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Optional/Self-arranged
Transfer to Longji Rice Terraces
- Scenic drive (~5 hrs) through countryside and mountains.
- Afternoon: Check in to a hillside lodge in a Yao or Zhuang minority village. Enjoy sunset over the terraced fields.
🥢 Dinner: Farm-to-table village meal (included)
🛏️ Accommodation: Traditional lodge in Longji
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Lunch: En route
Hiking in Longji Rice Terraces
Full day of hiking through layered rice paddies and ethnic villages. Learn about terrace farming and minority culture.
Flexible routes (2–4 hrs) available based on preference.
🥢 Dinner: Local specialty: Bamboo rice or sticky rice cake
🛏️ Accommodation: Longji
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Guilin – Elephant Trunk Hill – Reed Flute Cave
Morning drive to Guilin (~2.5 hrs).
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and the colorful Reed Flute Cave.
🥢 Dinner: Free evening to explore Guilin night market
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Guilin
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Board a scenic cruise along the Li River (4–5 hrs), passing limestone karst peaks and villages.
Arrive in Yangshuo and transfer to countryside hotel.
🥢 Dinner: Optional rooftop dinner overlooking karst landscape
🛏️ Accommodation: Boutique retreat in Yangshuo countryside
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Optional/Self-arranged
Yangshuo Countryside Exploration
- Morning： countryside cycling or bamboo rafting on Yulong River.
- Afternoon options: Cooking class, cormorant fishing demo, tea plantation visit.
🥢 Dinner: Group meal in local restaurant (optional)
🛏️ Accommodation: Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Optional/Self-arranged
Free Morning + High-Speed Train to Huangshan
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Yangshuo.
Afternoon high-speed train (~6 hrs) to Huangshan. Evening check-in and rest.
🛏️ Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Tunxi Old Town
🍽 Meals: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner: Self-arranged
Mt. Huangshan – Cable Car Up – West Sea Grand Canyon
- Take cable car to the summit of Mt. Huangshan. Walk through pine forests, granite peaks, and possibly a sea of clouds.
- Optional: Sunset at Bright Summit Peak
🥢 Dinner: Hotel dinner on the mountain
🛏️ Accommodation: Mountain-top hotel
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Huangshan Sunrise – Downhill Hike – Ancient Village (Optional)
Early wake-up for sunrise (optional).
Descend via cable car.
Afternoon option: Visit Hongcun or Chengkan Village for traditional Anhui architecture.
🛏️ Accommodation: Tunxi
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
Private transfer to Huangshan airport/train station (or upgrade to fast train to Shanghai/PVG for departure).
🛫 We hope you enjoyed China’s natural side!
🍽 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
“This was one of the most relaxing and beautiful trips we’ve ever taken. The bamboo rafting and quiet mountain trails gave us exactly the escape we were looking for. Huge thanks to our guide Lily!”
— Daniel K, 6 May 2025
“I can’t believe how much we saw in just under two weeks – ancient towns, forests, rice fields, rivers, mountains… it was the perfect nature-focused trip. We especially appreciated the flexibility and personal touch.”
— Amanda & Robert V., 19 Jun 2024
“The landscapes were simply out of this world! Zhangjiajie felt like stepping into a fantasy film, and we loved cycling through Yangshuo’s countryside. Everything was well-paced, and our guide was incredibly thoughtful.”
— Laura Thompson, 15 Sep 2023
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.
