07:00

National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie)

Enter from the southern sector of the park and reach Yuanjiajie on foot along the trail that climbs up from the Golden Whip Stream area: expect several hours of walking and a steep ascent, and check on-site for accessible trails and shuttle buses. From the viewpoints, admire the sandstone pillars, including the one often associated with the Avatar landscape; allow time for stops and photos. The park ticket is roughly in the 200–250 CNY range, but the fare, validity, and included services should be checked on the official website.

The hike up is strenuous: set off early, bring water, and check the weather and trail conditions before you start walking.

11:30

Bailong Elevator

From the Yuanjiajie viewpoints, head toward the elevator’s upper station, following the signage and the park’s internal shuttle buses. The descent by elevator offers a close-up view of the rock faces and usually involves a short wait, which can vary a lot depending on visitor numbers; the ticket is typically around 65–75 CNY per ride. Check the park’s official website for availability, prices, and access details.

Allow time for the queues and keep your ticket until you exit the station.

13:00

Tianzi Mountain

From the lower station, use the park shuttles and reach the cable car or the connection indicated for the Tianzi Mountain area; travel times depend on connections and the queue. Set aside about two hours for the viewpoints, where you can make out ridges and pinnacles rising from the vegetation, and take a lunch break at the food stops available along the route. The cable car and internal transport may involve extra charges, roughly 70–80 CNY for a cable car ride: check the official fares and routes.

Low clouds and rain can reduce visibility; allow some extra time before moving on.

16:30

Ten Mile Gallery (Ten-Mile Gallery)

Descend into the valley via the indicated connection and reach Ten Mile Gallery, a scenic corridor at the foot of the rock formations. Walk the route on foot, allowing around an hour or more to admire the shapes of the rocks and stop at the viewpoints; at certain times, a paid sightseeing train may be available, typically 30–40 CNY per leg. Check on site and through official channels whether the service and tickets are available.

Plan your return to the Wulingyuan exit in advance, taking into account the distance from the internal stops.

08:00

Glass Bridge of the Grand Canyon

From Wulingyuan, reach the Grand Canyon by private car with a driver or taxi, allowing roughly 45–75 minutes each way depending on traffic and your starting point; arrange the return in advance. Set aside about three hours for the booked visit, including access checks, crossing the bridge, and walking in the permitted areas: the visit may take longer if there are queues. Packages and activities may vary, with indicative costs of around 200–350 CNY; check the official website for rules, booking, prices, and restrictions on allowed items.

The bridge may not be suitable for people who suffer from vertigo; also check any procedures for bags and electronic devices.

13:30

Baofeng Lake

After lunch and the road transfer to Wulingyuan, reach the Baofeng Lake area; allow about 45–75 minutes from the Grand Canyon, depending on traffic and the route. The visit usually combines a walking section and a scenic boat ride, with green cliffs and peaks reflected in the water; set aside about two and a half hours. The entrance and boat package can cost approximately 90–120 CNY, to be confirmed on the official website before departure.

Bring a light jacket: on the lake and during the boat ride it can be cooler.

08:00

Tianmen Mountain

From Zhangjiajie city, reach the cable car station or the boarding point specified by the purchased route; access to the mountain depends on the type of ticket and the assigned itinerary. Set aside about three hours for the scenic paths, walkways, and viewpoints, choosing the route based on your tolerance for heights and stairs. The access package with transport can cost roughly 250–350 CNY; consult the official website for bookings, routes, and supplements.

Book in advance when required and check the weather conditions before choosing an exposed route.

12:00

Heaven’s Gate (Tianmen Cave)

Follow the indicated circuit to reach the large opening in the cliff face, connected to the mountain trails by stairs and, depending on the ticket and the current setup, by mechanized links. Allow about two hours to admire the cavern, visit the viewpoints, and tackle the ascent or descent: the famous staircase is steep and demanding. Any escalators or internal transport may require an extra fee, roughly 30–50 CNY; check fares and accessibility on official channels.

If you want to avoid lots of stairs, ask in advance about the accessible route included with the ticket.