2015 Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Changsha (Super Detailed Guide + Beautiful Illustrations)

Jan 6 - Departure - Shanghai to Changsha by plane - Changsha Day 1 - Overnight in Changsha, visit Tianxin Pavilion - Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street - Bar Street - Snacks

Jan 7 - Changsha Day 2 - Bus to Zhangjiajie - Overnight in Zhangjiajie, enjoy Zhangjiajie snacks

Jan 8 - Zhangjiajie Day 1 - Overnight in the National Forest Park within the scenic area - Golden Whip Stream - Bailong Elevator - Yuanjiajie - Gathering of the Divine Soldiers - Sky Farm

Jan 9 - Zhangjiajie Day 2 - Grand View Terrace - Yangjiajie - Heavenly Wave Mansion - Tianzi Mountain - Shen Tang Bay - Afternoon bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town - Night view

Jan 10 - Fenghuang Day 1 - Overnight in the ancient town, stroll around - snacks - night view - bar

Jan 11 - Fenghuang Day 2 - Bus to Changsha - Overnight in Changsha, stroll around the ancient town

Jan 12 - Return - Depart from Huanghua Airport

Travel Plan — Preparation

As early as December, my classmate Xiaomin and I discussed going out, and later decided to go to Hunan in January, because it is the off-season with fewer people and cheaper airfare. We booked the tickets a month in advance... Round trip cost just over 700 RMB per person, very affordable. The flight was from Shanghai to Changsha. We didn't book tickets to Zhangjiajie for two reasons: first, we wanted to visit Changsha anyway; second, a colleague said tickets to Zhangjiajie were more expensive. Sticking to the budget and to satisfy my foodie cravings (Changsha is a food paradise — snacks & Hunan cuisine), we flew to Changsha Airport.

This trip had three destinations: Changsha - Zhangjiajie - Fenghuang

I did my homework online and concluded: Changsha and Fenghuang are cultural landscapes with small scenic areas, so we could explore them on our own, no tour group or guide. Zhangjiajie is a natural scenic area, vast in size, and many backpackers hire guides. We decided to hire a guide too, but not from a shopping tour group. We found a local self-guided travel club with good online reviews, no shopping stops, flexible viewing time, and more importantly, cost-effective. After some research, we found Chen Feng's self-guided tour in Zhangjiajie, got his contact info from a forum, great service! The guide was very honest.

Addition: Train tickets from Shanghai to Hunan cost about the same as airfare, but take longer. If you really want to take the train, recommend going by train and returning by plane to save energy. You can enjoy the scenery on the way there, and on the return, you're tired and want to get home quickly.

First, our reasons for going to Hunan:

Changsha: "Alone in cold autumn, the Xiang River flows north, at Orange Isle." This is from Chairman Mao's poem "Changsha · Spring in a Pleasure Garden" we learned long ago. Besides the Xiang River and Orange Isle, there is also the Loving Evening Pavilion from "Parking to watch maple groves in late evening," the Yuelu Academy (one of the four great ancient academies of China), the famous Tianxin Pavilion, and the Mawangdui Han Tombs, all steeped in rich cultural heritage. Also, it's the base for shows like "Happy Camp" and "Day Day Up." But what really attracted us was Hunan cuisine, one of China's eight major cuisines, and Changsha snacks. Of course, the most authentic is in Changsha!

Zhangjiajie: Zhangjiajie's mountains are magnificent and endless! Yangjiajie, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain — whether looking up or down, each view has its charm. I mainly wanted to take photos there and appreciate the great rivers and mountains of our motherland!

Fenghuang: A place as leisurely as Gulangyu, but with the charm of an ancient town. Day and night feel like two different worlds. Our goal was to walk around, experience the simple folk customs, and eat some local delicacies.

First, preparation before going:

1. ID card, bank card, student ID — all necessary. Student ID can get student tickets at scenic spots, saving money.

2. Toiletries; inside Zhangjiajie scenic area, only farmhouses, no hotels. For environmental reasons, they don't provide them, so bring your own.

3. Various medicines, especially diarrhea and cold medicine.

4. Umbrella or disposable raincoat. If you don't bring one and it rains, it's a tragedy!!!

Jan 6 - Departure - Shanghai to Changsha by plane - Changsha Day 1 - Overnight in Changsha

Visit Tianxin Pavilion - Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street - Bar Street - Snacks

Transportation: We flew to Changsha Huanghua Airport, took the airport bus to the city center, 16.5 RMB per person. Then took a taxi to our lodging. Changsha taxi starting fare is 7 RMB, then 1.6-1.8 RMB per km depending on urban/suburban area.

Bus fare is 1 RMB. Hunan basically doesn't accept coins, so bring plenty of 1 RMB notes. Buses can reach most attractions, provided you can bear the terrible traffic jams.

Tianxin Pavilion: Since we arrived in the afternoon, we only quickly visited Tianxin Pavilion. Ticket price: 16 RMB, 8 RMB with student ID. The pavilion closes at 5:30 PM, so to enjoy it, you need to enter before 3:30 PM, otherwise no time for photos.

Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street: Originally planned to go to Nanmenkou, but we turned into Huangxing Road at Jiefang Road. Actually, it's like Nanjing Road in Shanghai — same thing, different name. Very lively street, and pickpockets are also active, so be careful.

Bar Street: A Changsha specialty, the whole street is bars. Hard to get a taxi there, and very congested. Close to Huangxing Road. Hunan people love lively places; even before late night, bars are already full.

Photo description: Classic stinky tofu, location: Changsha Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street

Snacks: We went to Huogongdian (Fire Palace). I can only say it's a total rip-off... Their snacks no longer have the authentic Changsha taste. Don't be fooled by outdated online guides. Locals never eat there; it's only for tourists. The service was terrible, almost made me angry. Their spicy pig trotters were okay.

Photo description: Spicy pig trotters, location: Changsha Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street

Photo description: Lots of snacks... location: Changsha Huogongdian

Stinky tofu: Changsha's stinky tofu is very distinctive — black outside, crispy, tender inside. They make a hole in the fried tofu and pour in chili sauce and special broth. One bite is like Shanghai's soup dumplings, very fragrant. Recommend street stalls, about 5 RMB for 5 pieces.

First, let me emphasize Changsha's traffic. Overall, it felt chaotic: pedestrians jaywalking, overloaded motorcycles weaving through traffic, very dangerous. We witnessed a family of four hit by a car; women and children fell. Buses are slow due to heavy traffic; sometimes a road becomes like a one-lane with three rows blocking the way, moving inch by inch. As for taxis, according to a driver, ten years ago there were over 6,000 taxis in Changsha, and the number hasn't changed. Drivers are picky; if the destination is too close or the route goes through congested urban areas, you'll likely be rejected. So illegal taxis are everywhere. Traffic is smooth before 7 AM.

Jan 7 - Changsha Day 2 - Bus to Zhangjiajie - Overnight in Zhangjiajie

According to the itinerary, we took an afternoon bus to Zhangjiajie.

Transportation: Bus route 1: 1 RMB per person; Long-distance bus to Zhangjiajie: 85 RMB per person, about 5 hours.

First Normal School: Don't show your student ID too early at the First Normal School; sneak in quietly. Otherwise, they'll make you buy a ticket: 15 RMB, student price 8 RMB. To avoid taxes, they gave us a deck of playing cards as a ticket substitute.

Photo description: First Normal University, location: Changsha First Normal School

The First Normal School has a classic, antique campus, mostly wooden structures. While strolling, I thought fire escape must be a big problem, so they must have good fire safety. In spring, the school must be full of flowers, vibrant with spring.

Photo description: Yuelu Academy, location: Changsha Yuelu Academy

Yuelu Academy: Ticket 30 RMB, student ticket 15 RMB. We hired a human guide for 40 RMB. The advantage is understanding the academy's background, the meaning of various elements, and historical context.

Yuelu Mountain: We only went up a bit, just to the Loving Evening Pavilion. Yuelu Mountain is free.

Photo location: Changsha Loving Evening Pavilion

Photo description: Snack - crispy rice, location: Changsha

Photo description: Zhangjiajie Railway Station, location: Zhangjiajie

We arrived in Zhangjiajie in the afternoon. As soon as we got off, we had to descend a steep staircase to the parking lot. Many people will try to sell you multi-day tours. Don't show interest, or you'll be surrounded by enthusiastic old ladies. Head straight to the large square left of the exit. Best to contact your chosen guide online before leaving home, and have them meet you at the station for safety. That saves a lot of trouble. We found guide Chen Feng from someone's travel blog; he was very popular. At first, we were wary, but meeting him put our minds at ease. He was great, had good local connections, warned us what to buy and what not to buy, and never took us shopping. For three days two nights in Zhangjiajie, we paid Chen Feng 850 RMB, including food, lodging, Zhangjiajie Forest Park ticket (248 RMB) and Tianmen Mountain ticket (261 RMB). Without a guide, you'd get ripped off badly in Zhangjiajie. Merchants are very shady, unfriendly to tourists, won't give correct directions, and prices are extremely high (e.g., an egg soup costs tens of RMB). If it's your first time in Zhangjiajie, strongly recommend hiring a guide to avoid getting lost and cheated! Our guide Chen Feng was excellent; I recommend him to friends. After that, Chen Feng took us to the Wanhao Hotel opposite the bus station; he got us a great deal, and the environment was very satisfactory.

A photo of Brother Feng for recognition, haha.

Taxi: Starting fare 5 RMB, 1.6 RMB per km. From city to scenic area, usually take bus for 12 RMB per person. Buses are mostly ignored.

Zhangjiajie, Chen Feng, self-guided tour

Zhangjiajie essence tour routes and prices:

Route A: Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain 2-day tour 520 RMB (includes entrance fee 248 RMB, 3 meals + 1 breakfast, 1 night accommodation in scenic area, guide service, round-trip transportation within city and scenic area. Excludes cable car and elevator)

Route B: Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Grand View Terrace 3-day tour 580 RMB (includes entrance fee 248 RMB, 5 meals + 2 breakfasts, 2 nights accommodation in scenic area, guide service, round-trip transportation within city and scenic area. Excludes cable car and elevator)

Route C: Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Yuanjiajie, Golden Whip Stream, Tianmen Mountain 3-day tour 850 RMB (includes Forest Park entrance fee 248 RMB, Tianmen Mountain 258 RMB, 5 meals + 2 breakfasts, 2 nights accommodation, guide service, round-trip transportation within city and scenic area. Excludes cable car and elevator)

Route D: Wulingyuan Natural Heritage Grand Canyon 3-day tour 770 RMB (includes tickets, 2 nights accommodation, 5 meals + 2 breakfasts, guide service, round-trip transportation within city and scenic area. Excludes cable car and elevator)

Route E: Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Mengdong River rafting 3-day tour 850 RMB (includes tickets, 2 nights accommodation, 5 meals + 2 breakfasts, guide service, round-trip transportation within city and scenic area. Excludes cable car and elevator)

Route F: Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Maoyan River rafting, Jiudong Cave, Kuzhu Village 3-day tour 950 RMB (includes tickets, 2 nights accommodation, 5 meals + 2 breakfasts, guide service, round-trip transportation within city and scenic area. Excludes cable car and elevator)

We chose Route C recommended by Chen Feng's self-guided tour:

Day 1: Walk through the forest maze Golden Whip Stream, explore the stunning Yuanjiajie (prototype of the floating mountains in Avatar), optional add-on: Laowuchang

Morning: Guide and driver pick up at airport, station, or hotel with a sign, then take air-conditioned tourist bus (enjoy 40 minutes of Xiangxi pastoral scenery along the way) directly to the Forest Park ticket entrance (ticket 248 RMB included); hike through "the most beautiful canyon in the world" — Golden Whip Stream scenic area (includes spots like Immortal Sending Son, Piggy Backing His Wife, Divine Eagle Protecting the Whip, Splitting Mountain to Save Mother, Journey to the West filming location, Longevity Spring, Couple Meeting, etc.). After walking Golden Whip Stream, there are two ways to ascend to Yuanjiajie on the mountaintop (1: from Couple Meeting at Golden Whip Stream, take the chaotic slope trail to Yuanjiajie on foot; 2: from Water Winding Four Gates, take an eco-car to the lower station of Bailong Elevator, then take the world's highest outdoor elevator to Yuanjiajie)

Afternoon: After lunch, explore the core of the world natural heritage — Yuanjiajie scenic area (includes the prototype of "Hallelujah Mountain" from the movie Avatar — "Heavenly Pillar", First Bridge Under Heaven, Nine Heavens Mystic Ladder, Heavenly Pillar, Lianxin Bridge, Sino-Korean Friendship Pavilion, Divine Tortoise Asking Heaven, Soul-Losing Terrace, etc.). Yuanjiajie is one of the most spectacular and unique viewpoints on the mountaintop, surpassing Huangshizhai and Tianzi Mountain... Then take an eco-car about 20 minutes to the accommodation area at Grand View Terrace. Those with energy can go with the guide to explore the undeveloped scenic area — Laowuchang, to see the pristine Sky Farm and the spectacular Gathering of the Divine Soldiers.

Accommodation: Tianzi Mountain Grand View Terrace area (the only place within the scenic area to see sunrise).

Tip: On the first day, you'll enter the scenic area and play while heading to the lodging. Recommend packing light, wearing comfortable walking shoes or sportswear.

Day 2: The bandit-like Yangjiajie Wuzhai, beautiful Tianzi Mountain and Ten Mile Gallery

Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise (if weather permits). After breakfast, visit the most beautiful part of Zhangjiajie — Yangjiajie scenic area (spots: Golden Rooster Reporting Dawn, Wuzhai, Three Ghost Gates, Women Generals of Yang Family, Echo Wall, Lovers Peak, Five Fingers Mountain, Heavenly Wave Mansion, etc.). The most famous bandit stronghold in western Hunan — Wuzhai, named for its perilous terrain resembling a black dragon coiling on the ridge at night. Yangjiajie's scenery, like Zhangjiajie, is mainly natural beauty. Compared with Zhangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Suoxiyu, besides similar geology and peaks, it has unique features—different from yet surpassing Zhangjiajie. It's an excellent scenic area that regular tour groups don't have time to visit...

Afternoon: After lunch, visit "expanded bonsai, reduced fairyland" — Tianzi Mountain scenic area (spots: Fairy Scattering Flowers, Imperial Writing Brush Peak, Tianzi Pavilion, Yunqing Rock, etc.), He Long Park, the bronze statue of Marshal He Long, then downhill to visit Ten Mile Gallery (Three Sisters Peak, Old Man Gathering Herbs, Family Photo, Index Finger Peak, Camel Peak, etc.). Take a tourist bus about 50 minutes back to the city, passing through the "ancient battlefield" Baizhang Gorge exit: a gorge with a nearly 100-zhang high cliff piercing the sky, hence the name. Return to Zhangjiajie city; on clear days, you can see the majestic Tianmen Mountain and Tianmen Cave.

Accommodation: Zhangjiajie city (evening you can taste Zhangjiajie's special snacks like Three Pot or iron plate BBQ).

Tip: Many attractions visited today, so be prepared for a lot of walking. Few shops in the mountains; bring snacks and water to replenish energy.

Day 3: Thrilling and breathtaking Tianmen Mountain, Ghost Valley Plank Road, Tianmen Cave, Sky Temple

Morning: Take a bus to the lower station of Tianmen Mountain cable car, visit Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (258 RMB ticket and cable car included). Tianmen Mountain has profound cultural heritage, known as the "Soul of Wuling" and the "First Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan", combining peaks, rocks, springs, streams, clouds, and forests, embodying majesty, wonder, beauty, danger, and seclusion—a pristine garden in the sky. Take the Tianmen Mountain cable car to visit: Tianmen Cave, 99-bend road wonder (Heavenly Road), Li Na Villa, Ghost Valley Plank Road, Ghost Valley Military Depot, Yunmeng Fairy Peak, Tianmen Mountain Temple, Lingquan Temple, Wood-Stone Love, etc. Tianmen Cable Car: 7455 meters long, with a vertical drop of 1279 meters, the world's longest single-loop detachable gondola cableway, like a rainbow bridging "earth" and "heaven", or a dragon soaring in the clouds, magnificent and spectacular—one of the "Four Wonders" of Tianmen Mountain. The Heavenly Road: 99 bends, winding like a jade belt, tightly connected, layer upon layer, leaning against the mountain, soaring into the sky—a "World's Number One Road Wonder". From the cable car, it looks like a dense spider web with a vertical drop of about 1000 meters. Tianmen Cave: 999 steps lead to the cave, climbing to pray for blessings. 131.5 meters high, over 50 meters wide, open north-south on a thousand-meter cliff, majestic and towering—a rare high-altitude through cave, a natural wonder. In 2006, the Russian Air Force aerobatic performance at Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain made Tianmen Cave even more famous globally. Ghost Valley Plank Road: Below is endless green wilderness, groups of birds playing in the valley, occasionally an eagle flies by. Close your eyes, steady your trembling legs, calm your racing heart, spread your arms—you get the most perfect, thrilling, and nature-close SPA. This kind of cliffside viewing is extraordinary.

Afternoon: Return to the city around 2:30 PM, ending the happy trip...

Tip: There are no suitable restaurants on Tianmen Mountain, so bring your own food; the temperature at the top is about 8°C lower than the city, so dress warmly.

Snacks: We had dinner in Zhangjiajie. The "Yinmandou Three Pot" was tasty, fairly clean, and cheap. Two people spent about 70 RMB. If you can't handle spicy, ask for less chili. The seasonal vegetables were good. If you eat spicy, drink more tea.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel early to rest, saving energy for the scenic area.

Jan 10 - Zhangjiajie Day 1 - Overnight inside the scenic area

National Forest Park - Golden Whip Stream - Water Winding Four Gates Eco-Station - Bailong Elevator - Yuanjiajie - Gathering of the Divine Soldiers - Sky Farm

National Forest Park --- Golden Whip Stream --- Water Winding Four Gates Eco-Station --- Bailong Elevator --- Yuanjiajie --- Gathering of the Divine Soldiers, Sky Farm

Transportation: To the National Forest Park gate, take the scenic area shuttle bus for 40 minutes, but it doesn't reach the ticket office; need to walk 2 minutes.

Attractions: We entered via the National Forest Park entrance. Ticket: 248 RMB, student ticket: 168 RMB. Make sure your student ID is clear.

Our route: Walk 7.5 li (3.75 km) of Golden Whip Stream, about 3.5 hours.

Photo description: Quiet stream, location: Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream

Passing Golden Whip Rock, Longevity Spring, Double Turtles Exploring the Stream, Flower and Fruit Mountain, etc., arrive at Water Winding Four Gates Eco-Station.

Photo description: Couple Meeting, also known as Husband-Wife Rock, location: Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream

Photo description: So magnificent, location: Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream

(Note: Walking the chaotic slope path, nearly 3000 steps, takes about 1-2 hours. That's climbing up without the Bailong Elevator to reach Yuanjiajie—imagine how tiring!) Take eco-car to Bailong Elevator Eco-Station.

Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. P.S. The mountain road is very winding; if you get carsick, either bring a bag, take motion sickness pills, or have a companion knock you unconscious and drag you away. When someone got carsick, I seriously considered the last option!!!

Enter the scenic area around 9:30 AM, reach Yuanjiajie around 12:30-1:00 PM. Bailong Elevator ticket: 72 RMB one-way, student ticket 60% off.

Photo description: Cute little monkey, location: Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream

Note: When passing Flower and Fruit Mountain, hide your food; don't carry plastic bags or monkeys will grab them. There are monkeys nearby that will snatch food. They are smart, keeping watch, waiting for you to approach, then attacking—scary. P.S. If you have no place to put your bag, if your clothes are big enough, you can pretend to be pregnant. Mr. Liu did that; passersby stopped looking at the monkeys and looked at him, and even the monkeys stopped watching and stared at him!!!!

Photo description: Monkey on sentry duty in a tree, location: Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream

Guide Chen had a famous saying: "When eating your own food, watch the monkeys' expressions." Haha.

Food on the mountain is expensive, so bring your own. However, fruit on the mountain is quite cheap: oranges 1 RMB per jin, or 2 RMB per jin for better ones.

Afternoon: Start touring Yuanjiajie. You can stand on the mountain and gaze at the endless majestic peaks. Attractions include: Soul-Losing Terrace, Heavenly Pillar, First Bridge Under Heaven.

Focus on First Bridge Under Heaven—a naturally formed bridge between two mountains; stand on the viewing platform to see it. They also sell love locks; if you're a couple, you can buy one and lock it on the bridge's iron railing—romantic at an altitude of 1500 meters.

Avatar movie's Pandora planet Hallelujah Mountain, magnificent, right? Location: Yuanjiajie

Photo description: Wow... afraid of falling, location: Zhangjiajie Yuanjiajie

After that, we took an eco-car from the First Bridge Under Heaven station to Dingxiangrong Village, where we stayed. It was about 4 PM, arrived at lodging around 4:30 PM.

There's also an undeveloped scenic area in Zhangjiajie that the eco-car doesn't reach; you need to hire a car in the village.

Photo description: Close up with Gathering of the Divine Soldiers... location: Zhangjiajie Laowuchang

Strongly recommend the Laowuchang Gathering of the Divine Soldiers. About half an hour later, stand on the mountain and see the Bailong Elevator opposite, below is the famous Sky Farm. There are two Sky Farms; the smaller one is prettier—both are terraced fields, the smaller one grows rice, nice shape. Go forward, descend to a platform, that's Gathering of the Divine Soldiers. Standing there, you can see all of Zhangjiajie's strange peaks and rocks—breathtaking. But the downhill path is difficult, no guardrails, not properly paved, just like a village path. Be careful not to slip. It takes about 20 minutes to descend to the platform, but the view is worth it!!

This area is not officially open yet; you need to take a car from Dingxiangrong. The road is unpaved and extremely bumpy. After about 15-20 minutes of bumping, you can get off to see the Sky Farm—another wonder. But the Gathering of the Divine Soldiers can't be reached directly by car; you need to walk a rough mountain path. At the end of the road, the path begins, initially very narrow, only enough for one person. After a few dozen steps, you reach an open space, turn left, and it opens up. Clusters of peaks stand tall, totaling 56 divine soldiers. They seem to hold weapons, guarding solemnly. At dusk, the setting sun shines on them, making them radiant and golden. Only by being there can you feel the shock. There are no guardrails in front; a misstep could send you into the abyss. Silence speaks louder than words; just gazing at them makes you feel one with nature. After visiting here, you'll feel Zhangjiajie is truly worth it! However, if possible, schedule Gathering of the Divine Soldiers last. Personally, I think Soul-Losing Terrace, Shen Tang Bay, or Heavenly Wave Mansion all pale in comparison. Visiting those first makes the Gathering of the Divine Soldiers elevate your impression of Zhangjiajie instantly!

Photo description: Very special farmland, location: Zhangjiajie Sky Farm

Dinner: We had the Three Pot cooked by the innkeeper, with lots of good stuff, especially the cured meat—delicious.

Photo description: Three Pot, location: Dingxiangrong Inn

Photo description: Authentic Tujia cured sausage, super tasty. Location: Dingxiangrong Inn

Jan 11 - Zhangjiajie Day 2 - Bus to Fenghuang - Overnight in ancient town

Grand View Terrace - Yangjiajie - Heavenly Wave Mansion - Tianzi Mountain - Shen Tang Bay - Afternoon bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town - Night view

Grand View Terrace - Yangjiajie --- Heavenly Wave Mansion --- Tianzi Mountain - Shen Tang Bay

At 9:30 AM, we took an eco-car from Dingxiangrong to Yangjiajie to see Heavenly Wave Mansion. Wuzhai was once a bandit stronghold; reportedly even the army couldn't dislodge them, so they were persuaded to surrender. The path to Heavenly Wave Mansion is particularly tough in some sections—you have to bend down, as they say, "walking under rocks, one must bow head." A long part is only wide enough for one person; we joked that fat people couldn't get through. But the hardest part is climbing up to Heavenly Wave Mansion—a vertical ladder with no safety harness, only handrails to hold, next to a cliff. Once up, the view is truly beautiful—just a small platform, but it showcases the magnificence of Zhangjiajie. When it was time to go down, the girl hesitated, her legs shaking!

Photo description: Heavenly Wave Mansion's four city walls, location: Yangjiajie Wuzhai

Photo description: Wuzhai main entrance, location: Yangjiajie

Photo description: The ghost gate of Wulong Mountain, location: Wulong Mountain

Photo description: Meeting in a narrow path, location: Zhangjiajie Yangjiajie Wuzhai

The way back from Heavenly Wave Mansion is mostly the same path.

Then take an eco-car to Tianzi Mountain. We only briefly explored Tianzi Mountain, saw Shen Tang Bay, then took the Tianzi Mountain cable car down. Cable car ticket: 67 RMB, student ticket 60% off. Exit at Wulingyuan exit, then take a taxi (5 RMB) to the bus station, then bus to the city (12 RMB per person).

Photo description: If you don't visit Tianzi Mountain, how can you know Tianzi's face? Location: Zhangjiajie Tianzi Mountain

Photo description: Stone boat sailing out to sea... location: Tianzi Mountain

In the afternoon, we went to the mighty Tianmen Mountain. The only way up is by cable car; ticket plus round-trip cable car 261 RMB. The world's longest and highest cable car, 35 minutes one way to the top. Sitting in the cable car feels like riding the clouds—thrilling and awesome. After half an hour, from base to summit, with a very steep section, the scenery is magnificent; you get close to the peaks while seeing the winding mountain road (99 bends) like a giant dragon lying between mountains. At the top, we walked the Ghost Valley Plank Road. But personally, it's nowhere near as exciting as the Glass Plank Road. One suggestion: For visitors coming from south or north, if your itinerary allows, it's better to visit Fenghuang after Zhangjiajie. After the rough mountain roads and continuous sharp turns of eco-cars, visiting Zhangjiajie really drains your energy. Then going to Fenghuang afterward will give you a full physical and mental relaxation.

Tianmen Mountain Cable Car,

This is Tianmen Mountain, named after this Tianmen Cave.

It is said that the most valuable thing on Tianmen Mountain is not the cave, but the 99-bend Heavenly Road.

What a magnificent plank road, with a bottomless abyss below—be sure to keep an eye on your kids, haha...

At Yunmeng Fairy Peak, we saw a sea of clouds.

The most thrilling is this glass plank road.

Goodbye, Zhangjiajie... Thank you, Guide Chen, for your company and care. O(∩_∩)O Thank you.

In the afternoon, we took a 5:30 PM bus to Fenghuang. It rained on the way, road conditions poor; arrived around 9 PM. We quickly dropped our luggage at the inn and went out.

Snacks: There is a BBQ street in the city; we ate there hastily. BBQ prices are generally high; a casual meal cost over 30 RMB. Notably, beef skewers were tiny and cost 1 RMB each; lamb skewers 2 RMB. More expensive than Shanghai, obviously targeting tourists. Later, locals told us there's another BBQ street outside the city on Xinma Road, with affordable food where locals go. Next time in Fenghuang, I'll try that.

Night view... Special place Fenghuang Ancient Town

Kiwi juice. Fenghuang has large kiwifruit production; everywhere sells kiwi products, including juice. 2-3 RMB a cup, sweet and sour, goes well with BBQ.

Photo description: Quite beautiful, location: Fenghuang Ancient Town

Jan 12 - Fenghuang Day 1 - Overnight in ancient town

Stroll around the ancient town - snacks - night view - bar

Still in Fenghuang. Morning is especially quiet and fresh. Sleep leisurely until 8 or 9 AM, as shops in non-peak season usually open around 9:30-10 AM, so you can rest more.

Photo description: Very peaceful in the morning, location: Fenghuang Ancient Town

A full loop of Fenghuang takes about 2 hours. Since there is a Miao village nearby, the ethnic flavor is strong; you can rent Miao costumes for photos.

If you have time and interest, you can go boating at Baozigou (Leopard Bay). Locals say there used to be leopards there that attacked children.

For attractions, there are Shen Congwen's Former Residence, Xiong Xiling's Former Residence, Wanshou Palace, etc. A combo ticket costs 148 RMB.

Chance Encounter Milk Tea Shop: We were the first customers of the day. The shop felt like those on Gulangyu, with many customer notes. The owner was friendly and chatted with us, recommended some local eateries. The Chance Encounter milk tea is the signature. The owner brews coffee with a machine, not instant. A cup of milk tea costs 10 RMB; there are also special combos for 30 RMB.

Bars: Briefly, Fenghuang also has a bar street, mostly along the river, very lively at night. Various songs drift around. Customers can sing on stage for about 20 RMB per song; your voice echoes by the Tuo River.

Note: Better not to eat inside Fenghuang Ancient Town; most places overcharge, food not great, and not clean. Try to eat outside the town; the more locals, the better—you need to find those with a sharp eye.

In the morning, it becomes quiet and peaceful again, revealing the ancient town's rich charm. Schoolchildren nimbly cross the Tiaoyan (jumping rock) to school, women squat by the Tuo River washing clothes, elderly locals exercise under the city wall. Miao grandmothers set out their handmade silver jewelry, cloth flowers, embroidered shoes early, waiting for tourists. Shops are mostly closed, few people; wandering the alleys, you feel the tranquility of Fenghuang.

Jan 13 - Fenghuang Day 2 - Bus to Changsha - Overnight in Changsha

Day 6, we need to return to Changsha in the afternoon.

Transportation: Take bus from Fenghuang to Changsha: 130 RMB per person, about 5.5 hours. Take a taxi from Fenghuang to North Bus Station: starting fare 3 RMB, about 6-7 RMB tops. We took the 2 PM bus to Changsha Railway Station; each bus arrives at different locations, so pay attention.

On our last day in Fenghuang, we still didn't visit attractions, just browsed small shops and bought souvenirs for parents. P.S. Those who like silver jewelry: The silver sold by roadside grannies is fake, no doubt; about 3-4 RMB per piece.

Junzi Restaurant. This restaurant is mentioned in many Fenghuang guides; we tried it—it was okay. A bit oily, not very clean, not as good as Laogen Restaurant. Blood Cake Duck is a local specialty, but this place didn't make me like it. Just average. Per person about 40-50 RMB.

In the afternoon, we took a 5.5-hour bus back to Changsha.

Jan 14 - Return

Depart from Huanghua Airport.

Back to Shanghai. Arrived at Changsha Huanghua Airport at 6:30 AM for a 9:30 AM flight. Fearing the peak-hour traffic jams in Changsha, we preferred to arrive early and sleep at the airport.

P.S. Remember: If you go out after 7 AM in Changsha, you'll hit rush hour. Can't get a taxi; a 20-minute trip can take over an hour due to traffic. Changsha drivers are crazy, reckless; traffic police just whistle and shout helplessly, ignored. If you're in a hurry, leave early.

Aha~ Finally finished writing this 7-day, 6-night Hunan travel guide!! With beautiful photos attached! Hope it helps friends who want to visit Hunan!

Enjoy the beautiful pictures: