Nestled in the heart of China, Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars served as inspiration for James Cameron's cinematic masterpiece Avatar, offering visitors a surreal landscape that feels ripped from the realms of fantasy.
Meanwhile, the majestic Yangtze River, China's longest river, weaves through a tapestry of history, showcasing ancient traditions, breathtaking vistas, and the pulsating heartbeat of the nation. This article will help you to plan an extraordinary adventure to discover Zhangjiajie and the Yangtze River.
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- How Long to Spend
- A Classic Itinerary
- Best Times to Visit
- Zhangjiajie and Yangtze Cruise Cost
- Accommodation Tips
- Transportation Tips
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Zhangjiajie
We stayed in Zhangjiajie for 2 days and besides the colder weather we really enjoyed the outdoors and the beautiful mountains. I would highly recommend Wendy as a tour guide. She knows all of the locations very well and the best food we had was in Zhangjiajie. more
Mar 2025, Jessica h
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Excellent Experience
My wife and I with 2 other couples have just completed a 10-day tour of Ziangjiajie that was conducted by China Highlights. Needless to say we were very impressed by the spectacular geological features, the sceneries and such man-made attractions as the glass bridge. Even more impressive was the tour itself: everything was up to expectations and ran like clockwork from the moment we arrived at the airport to the point of departure. We are especially grateful to the guide, Wendy, who was excellent. She spoke good English, was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. We would highly recommend her to anyone planning to visit this area. more
Mar 2025, ahmad c
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Unforgettable Zhangjiajie
I had an amazing time at Zhangjiajie and already started to miss this beautiful scenic. The nature, the mountains, the air, stunning views etc. No words or photos can do justice of this stunning place! Thank you very much to Eileen from ZJJ for sharing this beautiful memory with me. Definitely left a part of me in ZJJ (: more
Mar 2025, Joey L
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How Long to Spend on a Zhangjiajie and Yangtze River Cruise Tour
Zhangjiajie Hallelujah MountainGenerally, a classic itinerary encompassing Zhangjiajie and a Yangtze River cruise typically spans a week. Spend 3–4 days exploring Zhangjiajie and an equal number of days for the Yangtze River cruise. Since the cruise usually lasts for 3 nights, it is recommended to arrive in Chongqing in the afternoon to embark at about 4pm.
How Long to Spend in Zhangjiajie
To ensure that you fully immerse yourself in the classic experience of Zhangjiajie, we suggest allocating a minimum of 4 days for your visit, including a day for exploring the national park, another day for Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with its glass bridge, a day dedicated to Tianmen Mountain, and an additional day for settling in and transfers.
How Long to Spend on a Yangtze River Cruise
When considering the duration of a Yangtze River cruise, there are two options to choose from: sailing downstream (from Chongqing to Yichang, a 4-day and 3-night journey) and sailing upstream (from Yichang to Chongqing, a 5-day and 4-night voyage).
The downstream and upstream cruises offer numerous shore excursions and sightseeing opportunities. The key variation lies in the duration of the journey, with the upstream cruise requiring more time due to its slower speed. For a time-saving option and ease of connections, we recommend selecting the downstream route that begins in Chongqing, the transportation hub in central China.
A Classic 7-Day Zhangjiajie and Yangtze Cruise Itinerary
- Day 1: Zhangjiajie arrival
- Day 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Day 3: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (the glass bridge) and Baofeng Lake
- Day 4: Tianmen Mountain; Zhangjiajie departure for Chongqing, embarking on your Yangtze cruise from 4:30pm to 8pm
- Day 5: Yangtze River cruise with shore excursions to Fengdu Ghost City and the War Fire of Three Kingdoms show
- Day 6: Yangtze River cruise with shore excursions to White Emperor City and Shennǚ Stream
- Day 7: Disembarkation and a Three Gorges Dam visit
Tianmen Mountain CablewayIn Zhangjiajie, the national forest park is a must-visit attraction, where visitors marvel at Tianzi Mountain's imposing sandstone pillars and enchanting Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, reminiscent of the floating peaks in Avatar. Take a thrilling 2-minute descent from the area of the peaks utilizing the record-breaking Bailong Elevator.
Similar to other top scenic attractions, it tends to get crowded during the peak season and summer vacation. Accompanied by your knowledgeable local tour guide, you could escape the bustling crowds by exploring the tranquil Sky Field Garden located within Tianzi Mountain's Old House Area. This peaceful place provides a serene retreat with fantastic photo opportunities within a unique landscape.
When visiting Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, we suggest that you walk across the glass bridge, soak up the panoramic views, and capture extraordinary photographs instead of opting for the 4-hour walk through the canyon. Moreover, if you are an adventure enthusiast, there are heart-pounding outdoor activities, such as bungee jumping and a via ferrata that await you, ready to take your adrenaline to new heights.
When visiting Tianmen Mountain, we recommend taking a scenic ride on the world's longest cableway to ascend Tianmen Mountain. You could admire the grand views of the city, verdant forests, and sprawling valleys during the 30-minute cable car journey. Upon reaching the summit, visit Tianmen Cave and be mesmerized by its grandeur.
With the special arrangements of your local guide, you could uncover a hidden gem by cycling behind Tianmen Mountain and/or enjoying a peaceful afternoon tea there beside a picturesque reservoir for great scenery minus the tourists.
There are over 25 Yangtze cruise ships operating on the Yangtze under six cruise companies. Selecting the ideal option could be challenging amid the array of choices. To simplify your decision-making process, consider these crucial factors:
Choose your cruise route and boarding date: Ensure that the departure date aligns with your travel plans and that the cruise navigates the desired route. Refer to our Yangtze Cruise Departure Calendar for detailed information on departure dates and routes.
Choose the shore excursions: Cruises offer numerous attraction visits, including the top-visited ones: the Three Gorges Dam, the Three Gorges Tribe, Fengdu Ghost City, and White Emperor City. Not all cruises offer the same excursions, so check whether your preferred ones are included or optional.
Choose the cruise company:
- 1. Victoria Cruises, managed by an American company, features mostly new or recently refurbished ships.
- 2. Sanctuary Retreats operates the opulent Yangtze Explorer, renowned as the most luxurious cruise ship on the Yangtze River.
- 3. Century Cruises is a wholly-Chinese company with a Chongqing dock that delivers sophisticated European-style services.
- 4. Yangtze Gold Cruises and President Cruises have established reputations in the industry, delivering professional services and competitive prices.
Based on research data and customer feedback, here are our recommended cruise ships for various traveler groups:
Family-friendly (500–1,400 USD): Century Glory, President 7, and President 8. These family-friendly cruise ships offer charming family suites, including suites in pink Hello Kitty style and panda-themed designs. These ships also feature brand-new, stylish, and engaging facilities tailored for kids to ensure an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
Luxury (1,500–2,000 USD): Yangtze Explorer and Century Glory offer the best cabins and amenities, including softer bedding, spacious wardrobes, and a welcoming bottle of champagne, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
Best value (380–1,200 USD): Gold 7, Gold 8, Victoria Jenna, Century Legend, and Century Paragon.
Best Times to Visit Zhangjiajie and the Yangtze River
When determining the ideal time to visit Zhangjiajie and embark on a Yangtze River cruise, it is advisable to prioritize your visit to Zhangjiajie as the weather conditions have less impact on the Yangtze River cruise experience.
Best Times to Visit Zhangjiajie
The ideal times to explore Zhangjiajie fall in April to May, September, and mid-October to mid-November. These periods promise pleasant weather, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds for a more enjoyable visit. (The first weeks of May and October are peak travel times in China when crowds surge and prices may rise.)
During the summer, Zhangjiajie offers cooler mountain breezes, which are ideal for viewing waterfalls and streams. While July and August see significant crowds, there are ways to navigate these, such as seeking hidden spots with your private guide for unique viewpoints.
From December to March, Zhangjiajie experiences a low tourist season marked by dry, chilly weather. This period presents opportunities to witness snowy landscapes, which are particularly enchanting in December and January. The snowy vistas are best appreciated at Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Best Times to Cruise on the Yangtze River
Yangtze River CruiseThe ideal times to embark on a Yangtze River cruise are during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild, being neither too hot nor too cold. The prime months for this experience are April, May, September, and October. These months mark the peak seasons for Yangtze River cruises, with higher rates.
Travel Costs for Zhangjiajie and a Yangtze River Cruise
For a classic 4-day tour in Zhangjiajie, the cost averages about 750 USD per person for a group of 2–5 individuals. This includes attraction tickets, domestic transfers, a private vehicle, accommodation in 4-star hotels, and the services of a local English-speaking guide. In comparison, a popular 4-star Yangtze River cruise typically costs about 450 USD per person.
Accommodation Tips:
For accommodation in Zhangjiajie, we recommend staying in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a preferred choice among most tourists. Many of the key attractions in a Zhangjiajie itinerary are concentrated in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, ensuring convenient access, picturesque surroundings, and fresh air throughout your stay.
As you wrap up your time in Zhangjiajie and prepare for a train journey or flight to Chongqing for a Yangtze River cruise, it's advisable to spend your final night in the city center before departure. With easy access, it only takes 10–20 minutes to reach the airport or railway stations from the downtown area, facilitating a smooth and efficient transition.
When it comes to cabin decks, it's advisable to select higher deck cabins for better views and a closer proximity to the sun deck and onboard entertainment areas. Typically, cabins on higher decks come at a higher price. The cost of upgrading to a higher deck varies depending on the cruise company, usually averaging about US$23–50.
When traveling with your family, opt for cabins on the second or third deck as these positions are more accessible for seniors and young children. Cabin assignments are randomly determined by the cruise company and cannot be chosen by customers. All Yangtze River cruise ships provide twin cabin rooms. If three travelers are journeying together, you could request an extra bed.
How to Connect Zhangjiajie and a Yangtze River Cruise
For efficient and convenient travel arrangements, we recommend taking the Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing after your visit to Zhangjiajie. This option is particularly convenient as there are direct flights and trains connecting Chongqing and Zhangjiajie.
By flight: Direct flights from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing take approximately 1½ hours.
By train: While there are no high-speed bullet trains between Chongqing and Zhangjiajie, regular trains are available, taking about 7½ hours for the journey. Given that the regular train facilities do not meet the expectations of most Western travelers, due to older equipment and provincial conditions, it is advisable to opt for flights when traveling between Zhangjiajie and Chongqing.