Following the Path of Avatar: 4 Days in China

Dreaming of a world where nature has created the most fantastic landscapes on the planet? Then this itinerary is for you! In just 4 days, you'll visit places that look like ready-made movie sets. The journey begins in Zhangjiajie. 📍 Itinerary: Furong → Avatar Mountains (2 days) → Tianmen Day 1: Enchanting Furong Furong, also known as Furong Town, is famous not only for its unique architecture but also for a massive waterfall right in the middle of the town. In the evening, when the lights come on, it feels like stepping into a magical world reminiscent of the spirit realm from Miyazaki's animated film "Spirited Away." It's the perfect place for atmospheric photos and a dive into history. How to get there from Zhangjiajie: · Train: From Zhangjiajie West Station (Zhangjiajiexi, 张家界西站) to Furongzhen Station (芙蓉镇站). · Travel time: About 20 minutes. · Ticket price: 32–40 yuan. · Entrance fee to the town: 108 yuan. Day 2-3: The Fantastic Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie) For convenience, it's best to stay in a hotel in Wulingyuan Village for these two days. How to get there from Zhangjiajie: · Bus: From Zhangjiajie West Station (Zhangjiajiexi, 张家界西站) to Wulingyuan. You can show the driver or staff the sign 武陵源 (Wǔlíngyuán) to find the right bus. · Ticket price: 13 yuan. · Entrance fee to the park: From 227 yuan. Dedicate the next two days to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — the very Avatar Mountains! ⛰️ It's important to choose the right route depending on the weather (cloudy and sunny days offer completely different views). On rainy days, the upper trail might be shrouded in mist, obscuring the Avatar Mountains! · Day 2 (Upper Trail): Take the cable car to the top of the mountain range. Walk along the "Upper Trail" for breathtaking views of the quartzite pillars. · Day 3 (Lower Trail): Descend and walk along the "Lower Trail" by the picturesque Golden Whip Stream. The air here is incredibly fresh, and your main companions are the local monkeys! 🐒 Be cautious: they're very charming but love to beg for food and might steal your belongings. In the evening, return to Zhangjiajie. Day 4: Tianmen Mountain and the Heavenly Gate Entrance fee to the park: From 288 yuan. End your tour by conquering Tianmen Mountain ("Heavenly Gate"). You'll experience one of the longest cable cars in the world, the dizzying "Glass Skywalk" on the cliffside, and the legendary "Heavenly Gate" cave-arch, reached by climbing 999 steps. It's both a challenge and a thrill!