A Look at the 6-Day Private Tour: Guilin, Fenghuang & Zhangjiajie

I wanted to share my thoughts on a private six-day trip through some of China’s most scenic spots, so you know what it’s really like. We started in Guilin, went to Fenghuang, and finished in the famous Zhangjiajie, which actually felt like a pretty good pace. The idea of a private tour was very appealing because it’s sort of less hassle with logistics, you know? Basically, this kind of tour takes you through these otherworldly landscapes that honestly look like they’ve been pulled from a painting. As I was saying, having your own guide and car makes a huge difference, especially when you are moving between cities. For instance, you get to ask all the questions you want and can linger a little longer at spots you find particularly beautiful.

Days 1-2: Floating Through Guilin and Yangshuo’s Scenery

So, the first couple of days were centered around Guilin and the nearby town of Yangshuo, which is pretty much what people come here to see. Your guide usually picks you up right from the airport, so that part is almost too easy. We actually spent the first big activity on a Li River cruise, which is like the classic Guilin experience, right? The view from the boat is frankly stunning; you’re just floating past these giant karst mountains that shoot straight up from the ground. In a way, it feels like you’re in a completely different world. The boat ride itself is a bit long, so I’d say just relax and take in the sights. For instance, the landscape is the same one you see on the 20-yuan banknote, which is a cool little thing to spot.

West Street in Yangshuo

Once you get to Yangshuo, you typically check into your hotel, and then you have some time to explore. The main spot here is called West Street, and frankly, it’s a mix of old architecture and modern shops. At night, it becomes very lively, with lots of food stalls and little stores selling souvenirs, and stuff. To be honest, it’s a little touristy, but still, it’s fun to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. You could be grabbing some local snacks or just people-watching. We tried some of the local beer fish, which is a famous dish there, and honestly, it was pretty good.

Day 3: Stepping into the Past at Fenghuang Ancient Town

Okay, day three was the travel day to Fenghuang, and I mean, it’s a bit of a drive. Still, having a private car makes it way more comfortable than a bus. Fenghuang Ancient Town is sort of this magical place built on the banks of the Tuo River. The buildings are these old wooden stilt houses that just hang over the water, you know? It’s seriously picturesque, especially at night when all the lanterns are lit up, which is very beautiful. We spent the afternoon just walking around the narrow stone streets, and in some respects, it felt like time had stopped.

Frankly, just sitting by the river in Fenghuang, watching the small boats go by as the sun set, was one of the most peaceful moments of the entire trip. It’s a very different vibe from the grand mountains, but just as memorable.

You can actually take a short boat ride down the river for a different perspective of the town. Obviously, this is a popular spot, so it can get crowded, but the guide often knows some quieter alleyways to explore. More or less, this day is about slowing down and just enjoying the old-world feeling. You definitely want to have your camera ready because basically every corner is a photo opportunity.

Days 4-5: Exploring the Alien World of Zhangjiajie

So then we headed to Zhangjiajie, which was arguably the main event for me. As a matter of fact, this is where you find the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that apparently inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. We took the Bailong Elevator, which is this huge glass elevator built on the side of a cliff, and honestly, the ride up is an experience in itself. From the top, the views are just absolutely out of this world. You’re literally walking among the peaks of these stone columns.

The ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain’ and Beyond

Anyway, your guide will take you to the best viewpoints, like the one for the ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain’. You’ll likely spend a full day here because the park is huge, and you really need time to walk the different paths and bridges. Some of the walkways are pretty high up, so just a little heads-up if you are not a fan of heights. In that case, you might just want to stick to the wider viewing platforms. On the second day in the area, we often visit another part of the park or a different scenic area. For instance, some tours might take you across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, which is one of the longest and highest in the world. Seriously, walking on it is a very unique feeling.

Day 6: Tianmen Mountain’s Heavenly Gate and Departure

So, for the last day, we visited Tianmen Mountain, which is actually a different spot from the main forest park. To get there, you take what is said to be the longest cable car ride in the world, which goes right over the city and up the mountain, so that’s already an adventure. At the top, there is a cliffside walkway, some of which has a glass bottom, which is sort of thrilling. The main attraction, you know, is the ‘Heaven’s Door,’ a huge natural arch in the mountain.

To reach it, you walk down a very long, very steep staircase called the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Of course, there are escalators built inside the mountain if you don’t feel like taking the 999 steps down. Actually, it’s an incredible piece of natural architecture, and a really amazing way to cap off the trip. After that, it was pretty much a straight shot to the airport for the flight home. In a way, it felt like we saw three completely different, yet equally amazing, sides of China in just under a week.

Final Takeaways

At the end of the day, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Basically, a private tour is great for convenience; you don’t have to worry about transport or tickets, which is really a relief.
Actually, be prepared for a lot of walking and some stairs, especially in Zhangjiajie, so comfortable shoes are a must.
In my opinion, the mix of landscapes, from the serene Li River to the ancient town of Fenghuang and the surreal Zhangjiajie pillars, is just fantastic.
To be honest, having a local guide adds a lot to the experience because you get context and can ask questions about the culture and history.

Read our full review: [6 Days Guilin to Fenghuang Zhangjiajie Tour Full Review and Details]

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