Looking to relax and capture some stunning photos in Hunan? Check out this leisurely and exciting travel route to explore "Greater Zhangjiajie." 

Day 1-3: A tour to explore spectacular peaks in Zhangjiajie 

Upon arriving in Zhangjiajie, you cannot miss the Wulingyuan Scenic Area where every step along the Ten-Mile Gallery reveals breathtaking scenery. It is recommended that you ascend Yuanjiajie via the Bailong Elevator to admire the prototype of the floating Hallelujah Mountain in the movie Avatar, while clouds roll like dreamlike seas over Tianzi Mountain. Tourists can stroll along the Golden Whip Stream and explore the perilous wonders of Huangshizhai, then ascend Tianmen Mountain and enjoy a thrilling walk on the glass walkway. At night, immerse yourself in the enchantment of the "Charming Xiangxi" show, savoring the rich allure of Tujia and Miao folk traditions.

The scenery of mist-shrouded Tianzi Mountain at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. (Photo/Wu Yongbing)

Day 4-5: A tour to discover the charm of Changde 

It is delightful to visit the Taohuayuan Scenic Area in Changde to take in its idyllic beauty. You can take a boat tour on Liuye Lake, stroll through the Poetry Wall Park, savor Changde rice noodles and spicy salted duck, then wander the bustling riverside streets by night, experiencing the cultural heritage of the Yuanshui and Lishui rivers.

Taohuayuan Scenic Area in Changde. (Photo provided by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)

Day 6-7: A tour to enjoy the folk culture of Xiangxi

You can explore Qianzhou Ancient Town and visit the Aizhai Bridge to witness how a natural barrier became a thoroughfare. At Dehang Miao Village, tourists have the chance to attend a lanmen wine ceremony, make ciba -- a delicious round-shaped glutinous rice cake, and enjoy the majestic Liusha Waterfalls cascading down a steep cliff. At Fenghuang Ancient Town, you can take a boat trip on the Tuojiang River to capture the stunning night view, watching the flickering lights of stilted houses and listening to the melodious Miao songs and Nuo opera.

Aizhai Bridge. (Photo provided by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)

Day 8: A tour to unlock ancient trade stories in Huaihua

Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town is a must-see attraction in Huaihua, where courtyard-like buildings built in the Ming and Qiang dynasties whisper tales of bygone prosperity. For more cultural heritage here, the Furong Tower in Qianyang Ancient Town is a good choice. Afterwards, you can take the Xuefeng Mountain Cableway to appreciate the breathtaking vistas of Chuanyan Mountain, Beidouxi Town, and the Huayao terraced fields. Meanwhile, here it is worthwhile to savor Zhijiang duck and Dong-style fermented pork. 

Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town. (Photo provided by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)

Day 9-10: A tour to unveil the wonders of the Danxia landscape in Shaoyang

Langshan Mountain in Xinning County is hailed as "the soul of Danxia and a treasure of the world." The Huangsang National Nature Reserve in Suining County has been rated by UNESCO as "an unspoiled oasis." You can also enjoy the cloud scenery of Dahuayao in Longhui County. On the return trip, you can take a moment to appreciate natural and cultural heritages that are captured during the ten-day journey.

Langshan Mountain in Xinning County. (Photo provided by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)

This journey begins in Zhangjiajie and connects major regions of Changde, Xiangxi, Huaihua, and Shaoyang, creating an in-depth premium tour highlighting Zhangjiajie, Changde's Taohuayuan Scenic Area, Xiangxi's Fenghuang Ancient Town, Huaihua's Xuefeng Mountain, Shaoyang's Langshan Mountain, and Changsha. Leveraging air travel, high-speed rail, and expressways, the route seamlessly connects natural wonders, ethnic cultures, and historical heritage.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Voice of Hunan