Zhangjiajie & Guilin: An 8-Day Scenery Double Bill
Two of China's most jaw-dropping landscapes in one trip — the Avatar mountains of Zhangjiajie and the karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo. A day-by-day 8-day plan.
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If China could only show you two landscapes, they’d be these — the pillar forests of Zhangjiajie and the misty karst of the Li River. This eight-day route pairs the two great scenery destinations, with one short flight and a lot of walking in between.
The route at a glance
| Day | Destination | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhangjiajie | Arrive, settle in |
| 2 | Zhangjiajie | Yuanjiajie, Hallelujah Mountain |
| 3 | Zhangjiajie | Golden Whip Stream, glass bridge |
| 4 | Travel day | Fly to Guilin |
| 5 | Guilin | Reed Flute Cave, lake |
| 6 | Li River → Yangshuo | The 4-hour cruise |
| 7 | Yangshuo | Yulong River, countryside |
| 8 | Yangshuo / Longji | Terraces or depart |
Day 1 — Arrive in Zhangjiajie
Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport and settle into Wulingyuan town (the gateway to the national park). Keep it easy — the park is tomorrow’s effort. Full guide: Zhangjiajie.
Day 2 — Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain
- Morning: the Bailong Elevator up the cliff, then the mountaintop loop to the Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint (the “Avatar” rock).
- Afternoon: the Tianzi Mountain cable car and its viewpoints.
- Tip: the cable cars and elevator have long queues — go early or take the less-used shuttles.
Day 3 — Golden Whip Stream & the glass bridge
- Morning: walk Golden Whip Stream — the gentle, forested valley trail, best in the morning light.
- Afternoon: the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge, or a second look at the park if the weather was against you yesterday.
Day 4 — Fly to Guilin
Take the morning flight to Guilin (about 1.5 hours), then a relaxed afternoon along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes or the riverside park. Full guide: Guilin.
Day 5 — Guilin city
- Morning: Reed Flute Cave — the glittering limestone cavern just outside town.
- Afternoon: Elephant Trunk Hill and the lakeside promenade.
- Evening: prepare for tomorrow’s cruise.
Day 6 — The Li River to Yangshuo
The classic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (about 4 hours) — the karst scenery from the ¥20 note, best done on a morning with mist. Evening: West Street and the riverfront. Full guide: Yangshuo.
Day 7 — Yangshuo countryside
- Morning: a Yulong River bamboo raft — the calm, close-up version of the karst.
- Afternoon: cycle or e-bike the Ten-Mile Gallery (Shili Gallery) through the rice paddies.
Day 8 — Longji terraces or depart
If you have the day, the Longji Rice Terraces are a two-hour trip from Yangshuo — most dramatic at sunrise and during harvest (late September–October). Otherwise, head to Guilin airport for your onward flight.
Short on time? Cut Zhangjiajie to two full days and the route to six. With a full two weeks, add the classic Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai line before this — see our two-week route or the 14-day plan.
Practical tips
- Book flights and cable cars ahead — Zhangjiajie’s elevator and cable cars sell out in peak season, and the Zhangjiajie–Guilin flight needs an advance ticket.
- Weather is part of the scenery: misty mornings are the classic look for both — don’t cancel over rain.
- Pace yourself: Zhangjiajie is a physical slog; Guilin is the recovery half of this trip.
- Set up payment and data before you fly: Alipay, eSIM, and train booking for any rail legs.
Where this route fits
This is the perfect “scenery finale” after the cities of a first China trip — start from our first-timer planner to build the full trip around it.
FAQ highlights
- Can I do it on a budget? Yes — both areas are affordable, especially Yangshuo. The flight is the main extra cost.
- Do I need a guide? No — both parks have clear trails and English signage, and shuttles/cable cars do the heavy lifting.
- Best season? Spring (April–June) for lush green, autumn (September–October) for clear skies and the golden terraces.
Last updated: August 2026. Flight and cable car schedules change — confirm before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zhangjiajie plus Guilin too much scenery in one trip?
They're very different scenery — Zhangjiajie is vertical sandstone pillars you walk among, Guilin is river karst you drift past. Most travelers find the combination fantastic, and the flight between them is short. If you only have a week, do Guilin alone and save Zhangjiajie for a longer trip.
How do I get from Zhangjiajie to Guilin?
The quickest way is the direct flight from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to Guilin (about 1.5 hours). By rail you'd change trains in Changsha, which costs most of a day. Flights run most days — book ahead in peak season.
How many days should I give each?
Three days for Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan's two parks plus the glass bridge) and four for Guilin and Yangshuo (the Li River cruise, a day in Yangshuo, and a day for the Longji terraces) works well. See our [Zhangjiajie guide](https://chinotrips.com/zhangjiajie/) and [Guilin guide](https://chinotrips.com/guilin/).
Which is better, Zhangjiajie or Guilin?
If you must choose: Zhangjiajie is more spectacular and more physically demanding; Guilin is gentler and arguably more photogenic from the water. Our [Guilin vs Zhangjiajie comparison](https://chinotrips.com/destinations/guilin-vs-zhangjiajie/) breaks down the differences.
Is this route suitable for children or older travelers?
Guilin and Yangshuo are easy — flat, gentle, with bamboo rafts and bikes. Zhangjiajie is harder: long cable car queues, big stair sets and steep trails. Book the Zhangjiajie cable cars ahead and take the shuttle options where they exist.