See the wonders of Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town on Cathay Holidays’ tour

Changsha is a city where history breathes, culture flourishes and food positively sizzles. It’s also a gateway to some of the Chinese Mainland’s most unmissable wonders, including the ancient town of Fenghuang and the fantastical Zhangjiajie - also known as the “Avatar Mountains”.  

With Cathay Holidays’ 6-day 5-night Natural Wonders of Zhangjiajie & Ancient Fenghuang Private Guided Tour, you can discover these places and more in one seamless trip. Our curated itinerary includes everything from transport and accommodation to unique experiences like a nighttime river cruise and the chance to try on traditional garments. Booking is open from now until 29 September 2026. 

Sample the bold flavours of Hunan and visit Changsha’s must-see attractions 

After touching down at Changsha airport, your first stop is Jiucaoyuan Road, more fondly known as Vermicelli Street. This 400-metre stretch is crammed with noodle shops serving steaming bowls of silky noodles in fragrant, fiery broth. Refresh with a cup of Changsha’s famous Chayan Yuese milk tea before exploring more of the city’s highlights, including Juzizhou Park, Taiping Old Street, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street and Pozi Food Street.  

Discover Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly rock towers and Tianmen Mountain 

From Changsha, you’ll drive to Zhangjiajie, your base for the next two days. The star attraction is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its towering rock pillars which inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar. Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, and watch the scenery unfold from lush ravine to the barren tips of the stone columns.  

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is also home to the Natural Great Wall, a scattering of flat weathered rocks resembling walls, and Tianzi Mountain, whose peaks stretch far into the misty horizon. Stroll along the Golden Whip Stream, a winding stone path at the mountain’s base, then hop on a train through the Ten-Mile Gallery Scenic Area, passing vast forests and jagged rock formations.  

At Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, meanwhile, you can test your mettle by crossing a colossal glass bridge with dizzying views of the forested valley. Subject to weather conditions, you’ll also enjoy a complimentary drone photoshoot and a VR experience simulating a hot-air balloon ride over the canyon. 

Equally breathtaking is Zhangjiajie’s second national park, Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. Step onto the world’s longest cableway above wispy clouds and uneven mountain folds, then take a futuristic escalator inside the mountain itself to view Tongtian Avenue, a serpentine road twisting like a dragon. 

Back in town, end the day with a performance of traditional folk dances and music. Under the night sky, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the 72 Strange Buildings, a gravity-defying structure lit in dazzling orange. 

Experience traditional village life at Furong Ancient Town 

The 2000-year-old Furong Ancient Town is nestled cosily into the hillside, overlooking cascading waterfalls. It’s wreathed in greenery by day and bathed in golden illuminations at night.  

Less than an hour’s drive away is the Fenghuang Ancient Town; situated on the Tuojiang River, it’s famed for its stilt houses sitting at the water’s edge. Visit the former residence of venerated 20th-century writer Shen Congwen, explore the ornate pavilions of the Qing dynasty-era Longevity Palace, and get a close-up view of the Hongqiao – or Rainbow Bridge – a 600-year-old stone bridge lined with old shophouses. Slip fully into the past with a two-hour dress-up experience, then take a romantic river cruise along the Tuojiang to watch the evening light show. 

Where you’ll stay during your trip 

In Zhangjiajie, travellers will stay at Wyndham Ruijingmanshan Hotel, Howard Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie or Wyndham Garden Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain. All three properties boast modern, spacious guest rooms generously stocked with amenities, from coffee makers to bath essentials. Each also features a fully equipped fitness centre, cosy children’s play area and numerous onsite restaurants.  

When you reach Furong Town, you’ll recharge at Annai Xizhou Ji Hotel. Just a 10-minute drive from the quaint environs of Furong Old Town, this trendy hotel pairs sleek interiors with high-tech functionality, including facial recognition-enabled room locks. 

In Fenghuang Town, you’ll stay at either Wingate by Wyndham Xiangxi Fenghuang or Fengxiwenhao International Hotel. The former embraces traditional Chinese architectural elements like tiled roofs and wooden panels, while the latter champions contemporary minimalism. Both are ideally situated close to town’s ancient site.