
Triangle of Wonders in small group
Between the karst peaks of Zhangjiajie and authentic Dong villages, a journey into secret Chine
Duration
16 days
From
€3,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This tour in Chine takes you through striking natural landscapes, ethnic minority villages and some of the most beautiful regions in the south of the country. From Zhangjiajie and its spectacular relief to Fenghuang, from the Miao and Dong lands to the terraced rice fields of Longji, to the karst landscapes of Yangshuo, the itinerary alternates between natural sites, walks, cultural encounters and more off-the-beaten-path stages. At Zhangjiajie, the famous sandstone pillars rising in the heart of the forest inspired the landscapes of the Avatar film, offering a spectacular setting from the first days of the trip. Crossing the Miao and Dong lands then allows you to discover wooden villages perched on the hillsides, where traditional crafts and ways of life preserved from mass tourism still survive. The terraced rice fields of Longji, carved on mountainsides for centuries, offer panoramic views over the banks of the Li River at Yangshuo, between karst peaks and fishing villages, for a final immersion in landscapes among the most emblematic of Chine. A rich and well-paced journey, between mountains, traditional villages, rivers and panoramas, with English-speaking support on the main stages.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary


Welcome to Zhangjiajie!
Pékin → Parc forestier de Zhangjiajie
You arrive in Beijing at 12:25, before continuing your journey with a connecting flight from the same airport to Zhangjiajie at 18:45.
Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie at 21:10, your driver and English-speaking guide welcome you at the airport, then accompany you to the Muzitang Lee's Boutique Hôtel, located in the center of Wulingyuan, near Zhangjiajie Park.

First panoramas in Zhangjiajie Park
You meet your guide before the transfer to the entrance of the natural park of Zhangjiajie, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Transfers within the park are made by shuttle, included in the entrance fee.
You first head to the Bailong elevator. At 326 meters high, it is presented as the highest open-air elevator in the world. It allows you to quickly reach the mountain ridge. You then discover the Yuangjiajie sector, also called Halleluja Mountain, known for its beautiful viewpoints in the heart of dense vegetation, above steep rocky walls that inspired the scenery of the Avatar film.
The day continues with a shuttle transfer of approximately 40 minutes to the Tianzi mountain site, marked by numerous natural platforms, steep peaks and waterfalls.
At the end of the day, you will be able to watch the sunset, once visitors have descended from 5:00 pm. You spend the night in a guest house. Your large luggage will have to be left downstairs at the hotel. Night at Tea Garden Yolo Hostel, in standard comfort with private facilities.

Sunrise, Yangjiajie and Grand Canyon
At dawn, you set off for a short walk to the "Arranging Battles" platform, known for its sunrises in the mist. You then join the Yangjiajie sector to discover the hamlets of Wulong and Tianbo, accessible via narrow passages between the gorges.
You then descend from Yangjiajie to the bottom of the park by cable car. The day continues with a shuttle and then a forest walk towards the village of Huangshi. In the afternoon, transfer by vehicle to the Grand Canyon and its famous glass bridge.
After crossing the bridge, you descend on foot to the bottom of the canyon.
You then meet your driver for the return to Wulingyuan, at Muzitang Lee's Boutique Hôtel.

Mont Tianmen
This morning, you climb the mountain Tianmen by taking the world's longest cable car, at 7,455 meters long. Reaching an altitude of 1,518 meters, it is the highest mountain in Zhangjiajie. You take a short walk around the promontory, crossing glass walkways attached to the cliffs, until you reach the Tianmen cave and its arch, made famous by Russian pilots who flew through it.
The descent is then made by the world's longest escalator, then on foot by a large staircase located under the arch.
In the afternoon, you drive for 3 hours towards the old Miao town of Furong, perched in a semicircle around a large waterfall and still rarely visited by Westerners.
Dinner at a restaurant located by the waterfalls, then night in Furong, at the Annai Xizhou Ji Hotel, at the entrance to the village and away from the noise of the falls.

Hongshilin and arrival in Fenghuang
This morning, you head towards Hongshilin, the Red Rocks National Geopark, known for its numerous wave-shaped rock formations, whose colors change over time, from black to red.
You then continue to the old town of Fenghuang, center of the Miao ethnic minority. In the evening, dinner in one of the stilt restaurants that overlook the illuminated Tuo River.
Night at the Riverside Homestay Jiāng Jing Hotel, located by the river.

Fenghuang and Great Wall of the South
The bravest will be able to get up early to discover the old town of Fenghuang before visitors arrive. You will then be able to lose yourself in the many small streets of the town and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Mid-morning, private vehicle transfer to the Great Wall of the South, built under the Ming dynasty to separate the Han population from Miao minorities. Originally, this wall, similar in structure to the famous Great Wall north of Beijing, extended for more than 190 km. Today, only a few kilometers remain visible, including a section that has been fully restored.
Return to Fenghuang.
Free afternoon, then night in Fenghuang.
Towards the Land of Danian Miao
Upon your arrival, your driver welcomes you at the station, without a guide, then together you head to the small town of Danian, located in the heart of the mountains, in the "Miao Country", within a region that long remained isolated.
After settling in at the Miao Country reception center, you make your first discovery of the activities of the Couleurs de Chine association, which helps children of ethnic minorities by funding their education.
Night in Danian, in accommodation with simple comfort.

Trekking in the Heart of Miao and Dong Villages
Today, you set off on a hike in the great mountains and villages, where ancient traditions remain very much present and where the traditional way of life has changed little. This walking excursion, along the terraced rice fields, allows you to directly experience the reality of work and life for Miao and Dong farmers.
Depending on the season, you may witness different rural activities, such as rice transplanting or crafts such as embroidery, weaving, dyeing, basketry or even wood transport in the mountains. Depending on the day and dates, you may also join the children as they leave school and accompany them on small paths through the fields to their hamlet or village.
You also visit a Yao village, whose inhabitants are accustomed to bathing in medicinal herb baths, which you can try if you wish. Night at Danian guesthouse.

Dong Villages of Zhaoxing
After a short morning walk and lunch with a local family, you will return to your vehicle to head to the Dong villages region.
Along the way, you will discover the Dong village of Zhanli, recognizable by its fish traps lined up on the riverbanks and by the particular tradition of each family giving birth to one boy and one girl. You will then continue with a visit to Huanggang, a living and well-preserved Dong village, where you can notably see a fighting buffalo housed in its stall, in the heart of the drum tower.
The road then continues to the village of Zhaoxing, a large village inhabited by Dong people and crossed by small canals and streams. Overnight at Zhaoxing at the Creekside Inn, located at the edge of the village, facing the fields and near the historic center.

Zhaoxing and valley panorama
Village de Zhaoxing → Village de Zhaoxing
You discover the village of Zhaoxing, more touristy but still well preserved, known for its numerous traditional constructions and wooden buildings emblematic of the Dong people. You discover in particular the traditional Dong opera theaters, the five Drum towers built by each of the five clans of the village, as well as the Wind and Rain bridges.
You then take the vehicle to Tang'an, the starting point of a hiking trail to Zhaoxing, offering a beautiful panorama over the entire valley.
In the evening, you may have the opportunity to attend a traditional singing show celebrating different moments of daily Dong life, optional and not included. Night at Zhaoxing at Creekside Inn.

Dong villages to Ping'an rice terraces
Village de Zhaoxing → Village de Ping'An
In the morning, you continue the discovery of Zhaoxing village before your transfer by vehicle to the Congjiang high-speed train station to take the train towards Guilin.
Upon arrival, you meet a new driver and head towards the Ping'an region and its terraced rice fields, with approximately 2.5 hours of travel.
The Dragon's Backbone is among the most famous terraced rice fields in Chine. Upon arrival at the foot of the Ping'an village, you settle into your wooden inn.
In the afternoon, you take a short walk around the Longji rice fields towards different viewpoints, with approximately 2 hours of walking.
Accommodation in Ping'an at the Baike Hotel 3*, a wooden inn offering good comfort with air conditioning.

From the Rice Terraces of Longji to the Landscapes of Yangshuo
This morning, you will take a short hike to the old Long village.
After lunch, you will meet up with your vehicle and driver to head to the region of sugar loaves, south of Guilin.
Along the way, you will enjoy a visit to a tea plantation, discovering tea plant plantations with varieties unique in the world. This stop allows you to learn more about tea culture, before attending a traditional ceremony accompanied by a tasting.
In the afternoon, continue towards Cuiping Hill to watch the sunset from one of the viewpoints appreciated by photographers, still little visited. Allow approximately 20 minutes of hiking. You will then head to Yangshuo and your hotel.
Accommodation at Riverside Retreat 3*, located on the heights of the town with views over the hills and the Li River.

Between Xianggong, Xingping and the Li River
After breakfast, you depart by vehicle to the stunning Xianggong viewpoint. A climb takes you to the top of this promontory, where you enjoy views over the hills and the Li River, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You then return to your vehicle, which drops you off 5 km further along, at the start of a trail that you walk through citrus orchards and small hamlets to the Village of Xingping, for a hike of approximately 1h30 to 2h00. The path offers beautiful perspectives over the river.
The visit continues with a small temple located on the banks, at the entrance of the Snail Cave, where a few monks still live. You then cross the river aboard the local ferry before discovering the old street of Xingping, where you can take a break for lunch.
In the afternoon, you board for a short bamboo raft ride on one of the beautiful sections of the Li River, between Xingping and the Nine Horses Hill. For approximately 45 minutes, you pass fishing villages, rice fields and bamboo groves. This is one of the landscapes from this section that inspired the illustration on the Chinese 20 RMB banknote.
Return to the village of Xingping, then drive to Yangshuo and your hotel.
For the more athletic, it is possible as an option to climb Laozhai Hill to watch the sunset, with a steep ascent of 30 to 40 minutes and free entry.
In the evening, you can also attend the Liu San Jie sound and light show, inspired by a very popular Chinese musical comedy and directed by Zhang Yimou. The show takes place on the Li River, in a natural setting surrounded by karst mountains. This service is not included in the quote: 300 RMB per person in comfort seat B2 with transport.
Night in Yangshuo.

Bike ride between wild cave and Yulong River - B
After breakfast, you set off on a bike ride to the Sauvage Cave perched high up, which has remained off the beaten tourist path. It is also possible to do this excursion by electric scooter, with a supplement of 80 RMB per scooter, including for the guide. The climb is made through a mountain fissure, by steps carved into the rock. From the cave, you enjoy a beautiful view from one end to the other.
The bike ride then continues along the Yulong River, through hamlets, rice paddies and fish farms, until the village of Jiuxian. Lunch is planned in a beautiful inn set up in an old house in the village, at your own expense.
After lunch, return to Yangshuo, with the possibility of extending the outing to Dragon Bridge or taking a genuine bamboo raft loop, without motor, guided by a gondolier on the Yulong River. Supplement to be paid on site.
Back in Yangshuo, the afternoon continues in the lively and commercial pedestrian streets of the city, very touristy, but revealing an aspect of today's Chine.
Night in Yangshuo.

Return flight via Beijing - B
In the morning, transfer to Guilin airport to catch your 11:25 a.m. flight to Beijing. Your return will include a connecting flight departing at 2:10 a.m. on the morning of day 16, or optionally with an overnight stay in Beijing and a flight at 1:30 p.m.
Arrival in Paris on day 17 at 7:25 a.m., or at 6:40 p.m.
If you wish, it is possible to add visits to Beijing on the return route, on a private basis.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Included
- The charming hotels mentioned in the program, with breakfast each day on site
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide throughout the circuit, except during times indicated as free
- All transport in private minivan or minibus
- Full board in good local restaurants, with drinks included, except for meals indicated as free
- TGV train journeys with second class seating
- Entrance fees for all visits mentioned in the program with a guide, including the cable cars and elevators indicated
- The activities included in the program, such as shows or cruises, excluding optional activities
- The guarantee of our French travel agency, with professional insurance and guarantee of deposited funds
- The 24/7 assistance of our local agencies
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to China for tourism purposes. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
China has extended its unilateral visa exemption program to numerous countries. Nationals of most European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals are also eligible for this exemption following the recent expansion of the program.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 15 days upon entry to the territory, for transit or tourism purposes. The exact duration and conditions may vary depending on nationality; it is advisable to verify the provisions applicable to your passport before departure.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay,
proof of sufficient financial resources.
Tourist visa (type L)
For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, or wishing to stay for a longer period, you must obtain a type L tourist visa from the competent Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
The application file generally includes:
the completed visa application form,
a recent identity photograph meeting requirements,
the valid original passport,
proof of flight and accommodation booking,
any document evidencing sufficient financial resources.
Processing times may vary; it is recommended to submit your application several weeks before departure.
Entry registration card
Upon arrival in Chinese territory, foreign travelers must complete an entry registration card provided on board the aircraft or available at border posts. This document must be presented to immigration services when passing through passport control.
Furthermore, any foreigner staying in China must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival:
at a hotel, registration is completed automatically by the establishment,
if staying with a private individual, the traveler must visit the local police station to complete this registration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccines are mandatory to enter China for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions visited and length of stay:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
Japanese encephalitis (for stays in rural areas),
rabies (for extended or adventure stays).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the Chinese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the detailed policy outlining all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays, provided they hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry. Beyond exemption periods, a standard tourist visa can be obtained from the consulate. Conditions change regularly: check with your country's consular authorities for the rules applicable to your nationality before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Chinese high-speed trains are an experience in their own right.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Let's talk about your adventure — Imperial North
Explorer of a Plural China, based in Yunnan
China impresses with its vastness, but it's often the details that leave the deepest mark: a forgotten village, an encounter, a market, a light over the mountains of Yunnan.
— Paul







