From the famous Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest, to the waterfalls in Furong, to the beautiful river houses and Miao people in Fenghuang, these places will show you a side of China you’ve never seen before.

Because of their close locations to each other in the northern Hunan province, you can easily visit all three places in one trip. I created this 8 day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Hunan and see the best parts based on my own personal experiences traveling to these places.

Day 1: Travel to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Your travel time will depend on what destination you’re coming from. Zhangjiajie is the most convenient city to start off your trip in Hunan. There is an airport in Zhangjiajie you can fly directly to, or you can take a slow speed train or a bus from a local Hunan city (there are no high speed trains to Zhangjiajie).

Alternatively, Changsha is also an excellent starting point. Changsha is the capital city of Hunan and has a bigger airport with more flights in and out. You can fly to Changsha Airport, or take a train there. From Changsha, you can take a train to Zhangjiajie city (6 hours).

Once you’re in Zhangjiajie, you will take a bus, mini van, or taxi to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (45 minutes). The city itself is separate from the park where the scenic mountains are.

For more information about getting to the park and planning your route inside, check out My Guide for visiting Zhangjiajie.

Day 2: Wulingyuan Scenic Area

I spent one full day in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. This area is where the famous Hallelujah Mountain is located (the inspiration for the movie Avatar), so it’s very popular to visit and a must-see if you come to Zhangjiajie.

• Take the shuttle bus from the Park Entrance to the Tianzi Mountain Cableway
• Cable car to the top up Tianzi Mountain
• Hike down to the 10 Mile Gallery and other trails
• Bus over to Yangjiajie Area – hike up to
  Bus from Yangjiajie to Yuanjianie to see the Hallelujah Mountain
• Bailing Elevator down
• Bus to park entrance

This was a lot to cram into one day,  but I had limited time and wanted to see the main attractions and spend more leisure time hiking the next day.

Day 3: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Area

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a separate park, but it is still connected to Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It’s recommended to come to this area if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter hike in nature! The best way to get there is by walking along the Golden Whip Area.

• Shuttle bus to Jinbian (Golden Whip Stream)
• Stroll along the Golden Whip (1-2 hours)
• Bus to Huangshi Village Cableway
• Take the cable car up the mountain (alternatively you can also hike up the mountain)
• Walk the loop around the National Forest
• Hike down the Huangshi Mountain (1+ hour)
• Walk back along the Golden Whip Stream
• Bus back to the Park Entrance

Day 4: Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain is a gorgeous mountain in the middle of Zhangjiajie City. You need to take a bus back to the city center to get here. You can buy your tickets for the mountain on the day of your visit, but it’s recommended you buy your ticket ahead of time if you have a time preference for going up the mountain. Your ticket will have a time slot on it, and you can’t go on the cablecar or take the bus up the mountain before the time on your ticket.

• Early morning bus to the Zhangjiajie City Center
• Walk to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Entrance
• Cable Car up the top of Tianmen Mountain
• Walk the East Loop around the top
• Visit the Heaven’s Gate
• Bus down the mountain back to the city center

Take a look at more incredible views I saw at the top of Tianmen Mountain

Day 5: Travel to Furong

There are a few buses that leave to Furong everyday, but it’s best to check the bus schedule in Zhangjiajie. There is usually a bus leaving around 8:30 or 9am, and it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive to Furong. The bus will drop you off at the Furong bus station, then you take a little van for 15 minutes to the tourist area (2 RMB).

You can spend the day exploring around the little village and enjoy the magical atmosphere at night! Read my guide for visiting Furong here.

Day 6: Travel to Fenghuang

There is no direct bus from Furong to Fenghuang, so you first need to take a bus from the Furong Bus Station to the Jishou North Bus Station. From there you can get a bus to Fenghuang.

Day 7: Fenghuang Ancient Phoenix Town 

One day is plenty of time to explore Fenghuang – stroll around the river area, try some local snacks, and get your feet nibbled on by little fish. Make sure you stay out to enjoy the night life as the evening is when Fenghuang really comes alive! Bars and restaurants along the river will light up, and you’ll hear live music all around.

See my complete guide to Fenghuang here!

Day 8: Travel Day

Fenghuang doesn’t have an airport or train station, so you’ll need to take a bus to Huaihua or Changsha, and then a high speed train or plane from there.

Here’s a short video of my trip to Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie:

Visiting the Hunan Province

If you’re planning a visit to the Hunan Province in China, Zhangjiajie, Furong, and Fenghuang are three sites you can’t miss! Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, a break from city-life, or more traditional Chinese culture, you’ll find all that and more here.

Have you been to Zhangjiajie, Furong, or Fenghuang? How was your experience traveling in the Hunan Province?

Read more about the Hunan Province:

• Hiking The Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie
• 7 Incredible Views on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
• A Complete Guide To Fenghuang: The Ancient Phoenix Village in China
• What Do You Eat In China?

Because of their close locations, you can easily visit both cities in one trip. I created this 6 day itinerary to help you make the most of your time and see the best parts.

Day 1: Travel to Zhangjiajie

Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll most likely need a day to travel to Zhangjiajie. There’s no high speed train to Zhangjiajie, so you’ll either need to fly, take a slow train, or grab a bus from a nearby Hunan city. Once you’re in Zhangjiajie, take a bus, mini van, or taxi to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Here’s how I traveled from Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie:

• High speed train from Guangzhou to Changsha South Railway (2.5 hours)
• Metro to Changsha Normal Railway
• Slow train from Changsha Normal Railway to Zhangjiajie (6 hours)
• Bus from Zhangjiajie city center to Wulingyuan Area
• Check into hostel

For more information about getting to the park and planning your route inside, check out My Guide for visiting Zhangjiajie.

Day 2: Wulingyuan Scenic Area

I spent one full day in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. This area is where the famous Hallelujah Mountain is located (the inspiration for the movie Avatar), so it’s very popular to visit and a must-see if you come to Zhangjiajie.

• Take the shuttle bus from the Park Entrance to the Tianzi Mountain Cableway
• Cable car to the top up Tianzi Mountain
• Hike down to the 10 Mile Gallery and other trails
• Bus over to Yangjiajie Area – hike up to
  Bus from Yangjiajie to Yuanjianie to see the Hallelujah Mountain
• Bailing Elevator down
• Bus to park entrance

This was a lot to cram into one day,  but I had limited time and wanted to see the main attractions and spend more leisure time hiking the next day.

Day 3: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Area

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a separate park, but it is still connected to Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It’s recommended to come to this area if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter hike in nature! The best way to get there is by walking along the Golden Whip Area.

• Shuttle bus to Jinbian (Golden Whip Stream)
• Stroll along the Golden Whip (1-2 hours)
• Bus to Huangshi Village Cableway
• Take the cable car up the mountain (alternatively you can also hike up the mountain)
• Walk the loop around the National Forest
• Hike down the Huangshi Mountain (1+ hour)
• Walk back along the Golden Whip Stream
• Bus back to the Park Entrance

Day 4: Tianmen Mountain + Travel to Fenghuang

Tianmen Mountain is a gorgeous mountain in the middle of Zhangjiajie City. You need to take a bus back to the city center to get here. You can buy your tickets for the mountain on the day of your visit, but it’s recommend to buy your ticket ahead of time if you have a time preference for going up the mountain. Your ticket will have a time slot on it, and you can’t go on the cablecar or take the bus up the mountain before the time on your ticket.

• Early morning bus to the Zhangjiajie City Center
• Walk to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Entrance
• Cable Car up the top of Tianmen Mountain
• Walk the East Loop around the top
• Visit the Heaven’s Gate
• Bus down the mountain back to the city center
• Depending on how much time you spend on top of Tianmen Mountain, you should have time to catch a bus from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang in the evening (3.5 hour bus ride to Fenghuang)

Take a look at more incredible views I saw at the top of Tianmen Mountain

Day 5: Fenghuang Ancient Phoenix Town 

Fenghuang is a little ancient town in Western Hunan province. It’s a beautiful place to see a more traditional way of Chinese life, and also one of the most photographic sites I’ve ever seen in China!

One day is plenty of time to explore Fenghuang – stroll around the river area, try some local snacks, and get your feet nibbled on by little fish. Make sure you stay out to enjoy the night life as the evening is when Fenghuang really comes alive! Bars and restaurants along the river will light up, and you’ll hear live music all around.

See my complete guide to Fenghuang here!

Day 6: Travel Day

After a day in Fenghuang, it was time for the return trip home. Fenghuang doesn’t have an airport or train station, so you’ll need to take a bus to Huaihua or Changsha, and then a high speed train or plane from there.

If you’re planning a visit to the Hunan Province in China, Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang are two sites you can’t miss. Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, a break from city-life, or more traditional Chinese culture, you’ll find all that and more here.

Here’s a short video of my trip to Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie:

Have you been to Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang? How was your experience traveling in the Hunan Province?

Read more about the Hunan Province:

• Hiking The Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie
• 7 Incredible Views on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
• A Complete Guide To Fenghuang: The Ancient Phoenix Village in China
• What Do You Eat In China?

I first heard about this city my first year teaching in China – my university students always told me it was one of the most beautiful places in China, and I finally had the chance to see what they meant.

With beautiful riverside buildings, old temples, traditional Miao culture, picturesque mountain surroundings, and an amazing night-time atmosphere, there’s so much to see in this little town!

HOW TO GET TO FENGHUANG

There are no trains to Fenghuang – only buses. You can take a bus from Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Huaihua, or a few other Hunan cities. I took a bus from Zhangjiajie that was about 3.5 hours long.

WHAT NOT TO MISS IN FENGHUANG

While it is not the easiest place to get to, I think Fenghuang is 100% worth a visit if you’re looking for a more traditional Chinese city that not many foreigners visit.

Recommended Time in Fenghuang: One to two days is plenty of time because the city isn’t very big and can easily be walked in a day. If you have more time you can visited the Great Southern Wall of China or attractions outside the city of Fenghuang.

Entrance fee: free! There is a ticket you can buy for 148RMB that will get you into several temples, some ancient buildings, and a boat ride. I highly recommend not buying the ticket! If you’re just there for a day or two there is plenty to see and do for free. You can still walk everywhere and take photos of everything.

Here are some things you should not miss in Fenghuang!

THE PHOENIX STATUE

Fenghuang means “Phoenix” in Chinese. Legend has it that two phoenixes flew over the city and didn’t want to leave because it was so beautiful.

THE STEPPING STONES

Fenghuang has a famous stepping stone bridge stretching across the river in the middle of the city. If you walk by it at a lucky time not many people will be there, but other times the bridge will be crazy packed.

When I went to the stepping stone bridge these three ladies were doing this super cute walk across it together. FRIENDSHIP GOALS. I snapped their photo and went to show them the photo (My Chinese is finally at a level where I can communicate basic ideas haha.) They were so nice and asked if I could send them the photo! I then asked if they could help me take mine.

Asking Chinese people for help taking photos is quite an experience and they were so sweet helping me, blocking off the bridge from other people to help me take some photos!

SEE THE MIAO ETHNIC MINORITY

Many people in Fenghuang are of the the Miao Ethnic Minority in China. You’ll see lots of people wearing the traditional clothes of the Miao people and you can pay a fee to dress in the clothes and take photos.

EXPLORE THE STREETS

There are tons of little alleys and old streets waiting to be explored! I spent a lot of time wandering around taking photos, trying some snacks, and browsing local shops. It’s a very laid back place (aside from lots of tour groups).

FISH PEDICURE

Little fish pedicure shops are all over the streets of Fenghuang! If you’ve never tried one before, it’s a unique experience. These fish will nibble at your feet – it tickles a bit at first and is a little strange, but really fun! You can pay around 30 RMB for 30 minutes and relax after walking around.

I thought it was really funny and ironic that next door to this shop was a restaurant with big fish tanks where you could choose which fish to eat instead of the fish nibbling on you! Classic China.

SIT BY THE RIVER

If you’re tired of walking, sit by the river. There is so much activity going on and it’s nice to people watch or just enjoy the beautiful atmosphere!

See more about my trip to Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang in this video:

NIGHT LIFE

Fenghuang is beautiful during the day, but the night-time is when it really comes alive! The entire riverside area lights up and there are tons of restaurants and bars that will play live music and have parties. It’s a fun atmosphere!

I ventured into a place and ended up becoming friends with some nice Chinese guys inside. They asked me to join their table and enjoy the live music. It turned out one of the guys was the owner and I asked if the singer would take requests. They said yes of course! And they played 平凡之路 (Ping Fan Zhi Lu) and 夜空中最亮的心 (Yekong Zhong Zui Liang De Xing) for me.

As the night went on the owner had to help run the place, but he and his friends were so fun and hospitable. After a few more songs he asked me if I would sing a song – all my Chinese KTV experience prepared me for this moment. I sang my favorite Chinese song Ni Zhan. I asked if he knew any English songs and he said “Yes, I know Baby!” So he asked me to sing Justin Bieber later, too.

It was just a super fun low key Chinese bar and it was the perfect way to enjoy Fenghuang at night.

TIPS FOR FENGHUANG

It’s a bit hard traveling to smaller cities in China, especially in the Hunan province where not many people speak English. It can be a confusing process making sure you get the right bus tickets, directions, etc., so here’s a few tips.

Plan ahead and be prepared! Don’t be afraid of trying off-the-beaten-path places in China like Fenghuang. Just make sure to do careful planning ahead of time, get all locations and addresses in Chinese, and make sure you have an offline translation app. Just like traveling anywhere, some people may take advantage of the fact that you’re unfamiliar with the local culture and language, but many Chinese people are extremely helpful and kind.

Take an interest in their culture! Chinese people love to see that you are trying, even if your Chinese is very bad or you don’t understand everything. I had the best time meeting local people and Chinese travelers. Fenghuang isn’t easy to get to, so not as many foreigners will travel here. Seeing a foreigner here, especially a girl by herself, was so interesting to many Chinese people and I was asked for lots of photos.

Going early is not always best here! I had one full day in Fenghuang and planned to wake up early because I though it would be better for photos. It was so packed around the river area though because of all the tour groups!

The best time is actually afternoon time right after lunch when everyone goes to rest and get away from the heat. I was able to take so many more photos.

One place at 8:30 a.m. in the morning…

…and the same place at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon!

MAKE A TRIP TO FENGHUANG

I really loved Fenghuang and understand why so many people told me to come here! I enjoy seeing traditional Chinese buildings and walking around old streets taking photos. Fenghuang is a photographer’s paradise. The riverside buildings, ancient streets, hanging lanterns, narrow alleys, and surrounding mountains create the most amazing photo opportunities and I’m glad I finally had the chance to capture them. The people I met here also made this trip so wonderful!

 If you have the extra time to travel here, I highly recommend you add Fenghuang to your China Bucket List!