Hike Xiangxi Canyon Secrets, Miao Village & Zhangjiajie, 8 days (GUARANTEED)

This itinerary unlocks a complete Danxia–karst composite landscape rarely seen outside China, encompassing unique geological features such as quartz-sandstone peak forests, canyons, sinkholes, underground caves, and natural bridges. The journey includes three distinct hiking sections: Wulingyuan’s iconic pillar forest, the wild karst wonderland of Binglang Valley, and a canyon traverse through terraced fields and Miao villages.

Hikers enjoy a rich variety of immersive outdoor experiences, from cave exploration, cliffside chain-walk adventures through sheer canyons, to walks through uncommercialised, living Miao villages. The itinerary also features 2 full days exploration of Zhangjiajie Scenic Area, plus memorable highlights such as the illuminated waterfall of Furong Town at night and thrilling cliffside paths of Zuolong Gorge.

Duration: 8 days

DEBUT Departure Date: 15 – 22 May 2027

Itinerary

Highlights

~ Enjoy a variety of active activities, including underground cave exploration, cliffside chain-walk adventures through sheer canyons – all in pristine, natural settings.

~ Venture into the rarely seen Danxia-karst composite geological landscape of Western Hunan, a terrain seldom found outside China.

~ Spend 2 days exploring the UNESCO-listed quartz-sandstone peak forest, Zhangjiajie in depth.

~ Explore secluded, off-the-beaten-path to experience pure, unspoiled natural beauty of China, largely untouched by mass tourism.

~ Step deep into authentic, living Miao villages. Get up close to the genuine, unscripted culture, traditions, and daily life of one of China’s most distinctive ethnic minority communities.

Day 1 Arrive Changsha

Meet and Greet upon arrival. Embark on an orientation tour around the city of Changsha. Thereafter, check-in in the evening.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Changsha

Day 2 Changsha – Xingde Mountain – Zhangjiajie City

Early check out and transfer to Xingde Mountain (星德山). The journey is around 3.5 hours.

Hike a classic loop trail, enjoying the diverse Danxia peak forest (丹霞峰林), “Thread of Sky” (一线天)(narrow gorge), and other natural landscapes along the way. It is also a sacred site of Taoist culture, with mountains composed of red sandstone and towering peaks, often called “Hunan’s Little Huangshan.” Its ancient architectural complex is seamlessly integrated with the natural scenery.

After the hike, transfer to Zhangjiajie City which is 2 hours away.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Zhangjiajie City

Hiking Distance: approx. 7 KM Hiking Hours: est. 5 -6 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 700 M

Hiking Terrain: mainly on rugged dirt trails, stone steps, and rock trails by the cliff

NOTE: if the weather is too hot, we may switch to a cooler and more relaxing backup itinerary, the Zhangjiajie Geopark Rift Valley hike which is 4 KM long. It will take 4 hours by car to Zhangjiajie Rift Valley. A 2.5-hour hike and exploration through the canyon. Hidden in the Wuling Mountains, this is a pristine Karst canyon secret, with cliffs facing each other. A stream runs through its narrow, deep gorges cutting through the mountains, with strange rocks and clear water flows. It is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot and an excellent choice for a light hike. Thereafter, it’s an hour drive 1 hour to Zhangjiajie City.

Day 3 Zhangjiajie City – Zhangjiajie Scenic Area

The first day to explore Zhangjiajie – a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its thousands of towering quartz-sandstone pillars.

Today’s visit includes: West Line Glass Walkway (西线玻璃栈道), the Guigu Plank Road (鬼谷栈道), Yundeng Fairy Summit (山顶云梦仙顶) and Tianmen Mountain Temple (天门山寺), Tianmen Cave (天门洞), and descend the 999-step Heavenly Stairway (天梯).

While there is no prescribed distance to cover, the scenic area is expansive so expect substantial walking on-site.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

Day 4 Zhangjiajie Scenic Area

The 2^nd day to explore Zhangjiajie. Enter through the Gate of Signs (标志门) and take the free eco-shuttle bus.

Ride the Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯) up the mountain and visit includes: Qiankun Pillar (乾坤柱)(Avatar Hallelujah Mountain) in Yuanjiajie (袁家界) and the Imperial Brush Peaks (御笔峰)(Yubi Feng) in Tianzi Mountain (天子山). If time permits, visit Tianbo Mansion (天波府) in Yangjiajie (杨家界).

Take a leisurely stroll along the gentle Golden Whip Stream (金鞭溪) and end at Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊).

While there is no prescribed distance to cover, the scenic area is expansive so expect substantial walking on-site.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

Day 5 Zhangjiajie – Binglang Valley – Yongshun

Transfer (about 1.5 hours) to Zhangjiajie’s outdoor paradise – Binglang Valley (槟榔谷), which is also the highlight of the trip.

Pass through a rich variety of geological features, including caves, karst caverns, natural bridges, sinkholes, canyon crevices, and streams. In the most challenging section – feel as if you are descending into the heart of the earth as we hike through the canyon stone crevices where we can see the layered folds of the rock formations. Continue deeper into the crevices, hike over boulders and large rocks. After completion, it leaves everyone with the most unforgettable and thrilling memories – a truly immersive experience.

Then it’s 2-hour drive to Yongshun.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Yongshun

Hiking Distance: approx. 7 KM Hiking Hours: est. 6 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 200 M

Hiking Terrain: mainly on rugged dirt trails, boulder/rock scrambles, and karst canyon paths

NOTE: some sections of the hike require the use of both hands and feet to overcome boulders and rocks. Under the guidance of the hiking guide, safety equipment may be used such as telescopic ladders. In the event of extremely heavy rain that makes the Binglang Valley hike impossible, itinerary may be adjusted or replace with another well-known route: the Baxian Mountain (Eight Immortals Mountain) hike.

Day 6 Yongshun – Wild Cave Exploration – Zuolong Gorge Hike – Furong Ancient Town

Transfer (about 1 hour) to the trailhead.

Follow the hiking guide into a local unnamed cave. Observe karst landforms such as sinkholes (天坑) and natural bridges. Explore the mysterious and primordial atmosphere of the karst landscape. Upon emerging from the cave, a short boat ride completes the exploration. Transfer (about 1 hour) to Furong Town.

After lunch, go to Zuolong Gorge (坐龙峡). Walk along iron chain pathways built into the sheer cliffs of the canyon, enjoying the cool mist from the waterfalls. Ascending gently along the chain route, experience the thrilling excitement of climbing along cliff faces – a heart-pumping yet perfectly safe adventure.

This evening, explore Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉镇) at your own pace – which is famous for being “a thousand-year-old town hanging on a waterfall” (挂在瀑布上的千年古镇). The town becomes spectacular when the waterfall and the ancient stilt houses are illuminated with colourful LED lights, creating a magical, dream-like scene.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Furong Ancient Town

Hiking Distance: approx. 2-3 KM Hiking Hours: est. 2-4 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 100 M

Hiking Terrain: mainly on gravel paths and rugged dirt trails

NOTE: headlamp is required for the cave exploration.

Day 7 Furong Town – Xiangxi Canyon Hike through Miao Village – Jishou – Changsha

A 1.5-hour transfer brings us to the trailhead of the finale hike.

Starting from Jidong Miao Village (吉斗苗寨), hike through the Xiangxi Canyon (湘西峡谷) and arrive at Dehang Miao Village (德夯苗寨). Walk between terraced fields and mountains, experiencing the pastoral idyll of Xiangxi. This area is a typical Miao ethnic settlement, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as the Liusha Waterfall. Pass through pristine Miao villages, farmland, and the Wentian Terrace.

This afternoon, take the highspeed rail to Changsha. After check-in, the remaining day is free at leisure. Be sure to check out Changsha’s famous night market (冬瓜山夜市).

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: 4* accommodation, Changsha

Hiking Distance: approx. 7 KM Hiking Hours: est. 4-5 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 300 M

Hiking Terrain: mainly on rugged dirt trails and stone paved paths

Day 8 Depart Changsha

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for the transfer to the airport or check out (1100 hours) and the tour concludes.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 7 nights in 4* accommodation;

~ 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners;

~ non-alcoholic beverages during listed lunches and dinners;

~ 1x return airport group transfers based on designated timing;

~ necessary transportation as required;

~ necessary scenic area admission fee, activity tickets as required;

~ one way highspeed rail from Jishou to Changsha in First Class seating;

~ provision of drinking water;

~ Travel Wander 2027-themed dri-fit T-Shirt;

~ service of an English/Mandarin-Speaking Hiking Guide;

~ service of a (bilingual English/Mandarin) Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Changsha, China;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ meals not mentioned within the itinerary;

~ tipping for the Hiking Guide and Driver;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Recommended Flights to Book (after trip confirmation)

by Cathay Pacific

15 May 2027 Singapore (SIN) – x/Hong Kong (HKG) CX714 0145 – 0550

15 May 2027 x/Hong Kong (HKG) – Changsha (CSX) CX330 0915 – 1100

22 May 2027 Changsha (CSX) – x/Hong Kong (HKG) CX309 1200 – 1340

22 May 2027 x/Hong Kong (HKG) – Singapore (SIN) CX635 1505 – 1905

(schedule may subject to change)

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy: SGD 2,588 per person

Single Occupancy: SGD 2,840 per person

< WBWG Rate Applicable >

Early Bird Savings!

Until 31 October 2026, save SGD 100 per person

Until 31 December 2026, save SGD 50 per person

Important Notes

~ A deposit, SGD 300 is required at the time of booking. Deposit paid is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless trip is withdrawn or cancelled by Travel Wander.

~ Travel Wander may cancel or withdraw the trip by providing notice at least 60 days before the trip start date. If you choose to withdraw from the trip before the withdrawal notice is issued, your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Changsha, China when you have been informed to do so.

~ This trip requires minimum 8 hikers to depart and the maximum group size is 16 hikers.

~ Should you require a visa to enter China, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ For hikers who are travelling alone and have opted for twin-share occupancy, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another hiker of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, hikers are required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, the deposit paid will not be refunded.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.

~ If the hiker presents difficulty in completing the day’s hike, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker and team in mind. At suitable terminating location, the hiker can fast track to the next accommodation by booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	China
Hiking Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner, Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November

Hike Xiangxi Canyon Secrets, Miao Village & Zhangjiajie, 8 days (GUARANTEED)