2 Days Glass Bridge & Avatar and Tianmen Mountain Private Tour

Zhangjiajie’s stunning scenery comes vividly to life on this 2-day private tour, offering a well-rounded glimpse of the city’s most iconic sights. For $228 per person, you’ll visit the ‘Hallelujah Mountains’ from the film Avatar, explore the spectacular Tianzi Mountains, and experience the thrill of Asia’s longest cable car and highest glass bridge. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides like Jessise and Nancy, this tour is designed to make the most of your time, with private transportation and all tickets included.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances awe-inspiring scenery with the convenience of private service. The detailed itinerary ensures you see the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and the focus on authentic natural wonders makes it a perfect fit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One thing to consider: this tour does include some additional costs, such as entrance fees, so budget accordingly to enjoy everything fully.

If you’re looking for a memorable outdoor adventure paired with expert guiding and seamless logistics, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers eager to see the most famous sights of Zhangjiajie, especially those interested in the striking landscapes made famous by movies and legends.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Experience the otherworldly quartz-sandstone pillars and floating mountains inspired by Avatar.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Avatar’s “Hallelujah Mountains,” Tianzi Mountain, and Tianmen Mountain.
• Thrilling Experiences: Includes Asia’s longest cable car, glass skywalks, and the world’s highest glass bridge.
• Private Service: Enjoy personalized attention, private transportation, and flexible scheduling.
• Cost Breakdown: The tour price covers guide, transportation, and reserved tickets, with additional entrance fees paid separately.
• Authentic Insights: Guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enriching your understanding of the sights.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

First Impressions and Logistics

At $228 per person, this tour offers good value for a two-day deep dive into Zhangjiajie’s most famous sites. Most travelers book about a month in advance, which suggests it’s popular and well-organized. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which adds a layer of comfort and flexibility. The included private transport and English-speaking guide ensure smooth transitions between sights and helpful commentary along the way.

The tour begins early, often with pickup arranged directly at your hotel or specified location. From there, the day is a well-paced journey through some of China’s most dramatic landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for photos, walks, and awe-inspired moments.

Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Avatar’s “Hallelujah Mountains”

The first stop is the Bailong Elevator, a marvel of engineering — the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator. It whisks you up 330 meters in just 88 seconds, offering fantastic views while giving an adrenaline rush. While the elevator ticket isn’t included, it’s a highlight that prepares you for the scenery ahead.

Next, you’ll visit Yuanjiajie, the heart of the “Avatar” inspiration. Here, you walk among towering quartzite pillars that seem to defy gravity, and the misty atmosphere adds a sense of mystery. One reviewer raves about feeling like they were “stepping into Pandora,” which many find true, especially with the backdrop of swirling clouds and imposing rock formations.

From Yuanjiajie, the tour moves to Tianzi Mountain, famous for its dramatic peaks and the “Emperor’s Writing Brush” formation. The views here are panoramic, with over 3,000 distinct pillars creating a sweeping landscape. The “Fairy Scattering Flowers” rock formation is another highlight, and the scenic trails offer peaceful walks amidst nature’s artwork.

A particularly enchanting aspect is the “Sea of Clouds”, where fog and mist roll over the peaks after rain, giving an almost mystical feel. While the clouds are a natural phenomenon the tour doesn’t include tickets for this specific part, but the experience of cloud-covered mountains is unforgettable.

The day wraps up with a ride on the Ten-Mile Gallery Train, which glides past sculptured karst formations like “Herbal Gatherer” and “Three Sisters Peaks.” It’s a relaxing way to absorb the scenery without tiring yourself out, and many reviewers mention how seeing the formations from the train adds a new perspective.

Day 2: Tianmen Mountain’s Sky-High Adventures

The second day is packed with adrenaline and awe. It begins with the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge. Imagine walking on transparent panels 300 meters above the ground, gazing directly down into the emerald river below. It’s a thrilling experience that many reviewers say is worth every nervous heartbeat, especially when you dare to look straight down.

Next, the Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie offers a breathtaking 12-kilometer stretch of vertical cliffs and deep ravines. The highlight here is the glass bridge crossing a 300-meter-deep canyon, a record-breaking feat of engineering. Walking across it, you’ll get a real sense of the scale and power of nature.

The final major stop is Tianmen Mountain, dubbed the “Sacred Peak of Hunan.” The Heaven’s Gate arch—an enormous natural tunnel—is both a scenic marvel and a cultural legend. The 7,455-meter cable car ride is the longest in Asia, lifting you high above the clouds for spectacular views. Climbing the 999-step staircase offers a tangible sense of achievement and a closer look at the mountain’s dramatic features.

This day is packed with adventure and stunning vistas, but keep in mind that tickets for each attraction, including Tianmen Mountain, are an extra cost (~$116 USD for all tickets). The tour’s flexibility allows you to choose how much time to spend at each site.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Travelers consistently praise the friendly guides, like Nancy and Jessise, for their helpfulness and deep knowledge. One reviewer noted, “Our tour guide was very friendly and helpful,” adding that the guide’s explanations enhanced the experience, helping us understand the significance of each site.

The private transportation makes navigating the mountainous terrain much easier, saving you from complicated logistics or large group schedules. Plus, the tour provides reservation of entrance tickets in advance, avoiding long lines or last-minute hassles. You pay these tickets when you meet your guide, with the total about 820 CNY (~116 USD).

As for the timing, most reviews indicate a well-paced schedule, with enough time to explore each site without feeling rushed. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with moderate mobility, provided they’re prepared for some stair climbing and walking.

What To Keep in Mind

A few reviewers have pointed out the additional costs for tickets, which are not included in the base price. While the price appears reasonable considering the transportation and guide service, budget for the extra ~116 USD to fully experience all attractions.

Weather can also influence your experience—cloudy or rainy days may obscure some sights or trigger cancellations. The tour provider offers full refunds or alternative dates if weather turns bad, so check the forecast before you go.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience of Zhangjiajie’s most famous sights. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate well-organized logistics, personalized guides, and the opportunity to see iconic landscapes featured in movies and legends.

If you’re interested in walking through surreal mountain scenery, experiencing sky-high glass bridges, and riding the world’s longest cable car, this tour will deliver. It’s also a great option if you prefer a private, flexible experience over larger group tours, and if you’re ready for a fair amount of walking and outdoor exploration.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour strikes a commendable balance between spectacular scenery, engaging adventures, and practical convenience. The guided approach ensures you get insightful commentary, while private transport simplifies logistics. For a reasonably priced, immersive experience of Zhangjiajie’s most breathtaking landscapes, this tour is hard to beat.

While you’ll need to budget for entry fees separately, the overall value lies in the guided service, seamless transfers, and the chance to explore some of China’s most photogenic sites without the stress of planning every detail yourself. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the best of Zhangjiajie quickly and comfortably, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and personal discovery.

FAQ

Are meals included in this tour?
No, meals are not included. You might find local eateries near the attractions where you can grab a bite, but it’s best to carry some snacks and water throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most of the sights are accessible, some attractions like stairs on Tianmen Mountain and walking on glass bridges may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Check with the provider if you’re traveling with young kids.

How do I pay for the entrance tickets?
Tickets are reserved in advance and paid in cash or card when you meet your guide. The total for all tickets is about 820 CNY (~116 USD).

Can I cancel or reschedule this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

What is the group size?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing a more personalized and flexible experience.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Most reviews say yes. The itinerary is designed for a comfortable pace, with enough time to enjoy each highlight without feeling hurried.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, private transportation is included, making travel between sites smooth and comfortable, especially given the mountainous terrain.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and layers suitable for mountain weather are recommended. Weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before you go.

What is the best time of year to go?
Spring and fall tend to offer the best weather, with fewer crowds and clearer skies, but the misty mountains create a magical scene year-round.

This tour provides a compelling balance of adventure, natural beauty, and ease of access, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting a deep, unforgettable experience of Zhangjiajie’s legendary landscapes.