"General Introduction"

      "The Yellow River and the Yangtze River are prominent on a world map, but even on a small-scale map of Zhangjiajie, Golden Whip Stream appears as just a fine thread. In the opinion of many tourists, however, this is the most beautiful and memorable waterway. When visiting Golden Whip Stream, vice governor of Colorado, USA, Nancy Dick, remarked these words: "People commonly say that the Great Canyon (the Colorado Canyon) is very fantastic, but I think Golden Whip Stream is even more fantastic. It is the most beautiful place in the world, and I'll remember this place forever."

"With a length of 7.5 kilometers, Golden Whip Stream is famous for its pristine water, its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs and its serene valley. As a veritable "paradise" for plants, its pathways are adorned by an abundance of flowers, trees, and grasses. Then too, this place is a "kingdom" fit for various fauna-birds, fish and land animals. Such comparable scenic "poetry" is only to be found in fairy tales. Indeed, someone has aptly remarked: "It is a stream of bright watercolor painting, and a creator of ancient legends." To many other observers, Golden Whip Stream is "a stream at once unique and mysterious, producing astonishment in the hearts of those fortunate enough to tour its wonders.""

          ""What amazing scenery is to be found here! Only by coming here in person can one grasp its true charm." Let's proceed into the valley and take in the scenery with our own eyes, we are greeted by an explosion of splendid and varied scenery: Mother and Child Peak, Bajie Carrying His Wife on the Back, Golden Whip Crag, Magical Hawk Protecting the Whip, Drunk Arhat---. Truly just as noted "Every step forward brings you astonishment and all the peaks are in their own different shapes". All of this grandeur requires an investment of about three hours of our time."

      "Golden Whip Stream is a comfortable place for bush walk. From Laomuwang to Shuiraoshimen(water winding four gates),people usually spend 3 hours walking in this 7.5km long canyon without steps."

      " From water winding four gates people can go to Bailong Elevator (2 minutes bus), and Tianzi Mountain Lower Cable Way Station (15 minutes bus) "

      "General Introduction "

      "You can't claim to have come to Zhangjiajie if you don't visit yellow stone stronghold" Covering an area of about 250 mu (about 16.7 hectares) at its top, Huangshi Village is approximately 800 meters above the ground, and 1100 meters above sea level averagely. The village is characterized by the overhanging cliffs, high staking platforms, jagged rocks and elegant apexes. And it is reputed as "the enlarged potted landscape landscape and miniature fairyland"

"Yellow stone stronghold is also called Yellow Lion Village, Yellow Grass Village and the Village of Huang Family. There are many tales and explanations about the origin of the name. Among them, the most popular one is told as below; ZhangLiang, with the official title Liuhou, lived in Qinyan Mountain (former name for Zhangjiajie) in seclusion and made pills of immortality. He did this to avoid the seemingly endless disputes within the imperial government. Unexpectedly, on a certain day, he was found by the government troops and surrounded by them quickly. At this critical  moment, hfortunatelye was saved by his master

named Yellow stone Taioist. Because this village is the place that Yellow stone Taoist showed his magic and saved Zhang Liang, it is called Yellow stone stronghold Village."

      ""It is very good for health to hike along the top of Yellow stone stronghold Village." The summit's fresh air can not only invigorates your lungs but also rejuvenates your skin. To complete the three kilometers tour takes about two hours. Along the way, numerous fantastic scenes meet the hikers in quick succession: Six Wonders Pavilion, Star Gathering Stage, Five Fingers Peaks, Front Garden, Echo Wall, Heicongnao, Remaining Piers of the Heavenly Bridge, Clouds Drifting Cave, Golden Turtle n the Clouds Sea, to mention just a few."

      "There are two approaches to tour the place; one is cable way, people take 3 minutes free bus at Laomuwang to Lower Cable Station, then 5 minutes cable to the top of Yellow stone stronghold village. And it will take us 2 hours to take every scenic spot no the top. The other way is hiking, hiking begins at Laomuwang from the front mountain, 3800 steps lead to the top, it will take 2 hours hiking, and 2 hours tour on the top. You can also take one way cable (price: up 48 RMB,down 38 RMB).There is a buffet restaurant on the top of Yellow stone stronghold village."

     "General Introduction"   

       Where there is a mountain, there is water, and where a beautiful mountain exists, one can also find attractive water. The mountain gives rise to the water, and the water is the mountain's life-blood. The mountain is more splendid as it reflects the mountain. "Gracious people enjoy the mountains, and wise ones relish the water." "We can't regard them kind women if they find no interest in majestic mountains, neither consider them good men who have no taste for graceful waters."

Baofeng Lake is a veritable place of graceful mountains and charming waterway and for all the kind ,good gracious and wise people. Baofeng Lake is such a paradise that you would like to visit again and again, whether you have been here or not. "Located in the high gorges, a body of crystalline and calm water is surrounded by the emerald mountains." The lake is situated part way up the mountain range, 85 meters above the ground, and attains an altitude of 585 meters. Because of its association with the Baofeng Mountain Range, the lake bears the name of Baofeng. With an average depth of 72 meters, Baofeng Lake covers an area of 15 hectares, and can hold 6 million cubic meters of water at full capacity. This water is produced by rainfall, mountain springs and underground streams, and stays emerald all year around, so it is reputed as "Paradise in the Human World". Beautiful scenery in this area include: Baofeng Waterfall, Stone Gate Welcoming Guests, Peacock Displaying Colorful Tail, and Golden Toad Biting the Moon, Fairy Lady Reflected in the Lake and so on.

       Baofeng lake situated in Suoxiyu Natural Reserve,5 minutes drive from Suoxiyu town, 20 minutes drive from Zhangjiajie City and Zhangjiajie National Park. Usually people spend 1.5 hours in Baofeng Lake. If you want to take the lake and the mountain it will take you 3 hours.

      "General Introduction"   

        Yellow Dragon Cave is more beautiful than the outside world.

"Day or night, without fear of rain or wind, all year long, you can delight in its wonderful scenery.” The cave is of good beneficial air circulation, and is cool in the summer and war in the winter.        Yellow Dragon Cave is one of the foremost scenic areas in Zhangjiajie, and was rated as one of the first 4A National Tourist Attractions in China. Also it has been honored as “magical karst cave both in China and in the world” .

       This system of caves is a typical karst formation, and you know that water plays an extremely important role in its development. Flowing into the fissures of the karst layer, water constantly dissolves the limestone rock, thereby widening the crevice. This process continues year after year and thus the caves are created. The Yellow Dragon Cave system covers a proven area of 140 meters. The inner recess is divided into four layers, two dry ones and two possessing waterways. The tally of natural wonders includes: one natural reservoir, 2 underground rivers, 3 pools, 4 waterfalls, 13 grand halls, 96 passageways and hundreds of thousands of stalagmites, columns and stalactites. The Yellow Dragon Cave is so complex and unfathomable, possessing such a multitude of geological features, that it’s impossible for us to take them all in at one time. This “magical place” abounds with all the sceneries that we can enjoy in the karst caves and the stalagmites are in all different shapes. Many famous scenic spots have been developing: the Dragon Dance Hall, Sounding River, Immortal Waterfall, Heaven Pillar Street, and the Dragon Palace.

       Except for a short distance near the entrance, we won’t have to do any backtracking in the cave. The entire tour takes about two hours—2400 meters by land and an additional 800 meters by water.

       Yellow Dragon Cave situated in Suoxiyu natural reserve, 15 minutes drive from Suoxiyu town, 1 hour drive from Zhangjiajie City, 20 minutes drive from Zhangjiajie National Park, and people spend 2 hours in the cave.

      "General Introduction"  

        If we suppose Golden Whip Stream is a gentle and tender lady, then, by sharp contrast, Maoyan River is a wild young girl with bare feet and unkempt hair. The water scenery in this place is of the most primitive and uncontrolled kind. Sometimes "it flows placidly within a wild area"; at other time, "it advances wave upon wave, surging with great force". She is so vivacious, so natural, that we can't resist her attraction and the lure to possess her. "Once you dance with the wave of the Maoyan River, you will be unable to forget this experience for the rest of you life." "Not in the Three Gorges, however, the Maoyan River surpasses the beauty of the Three Gorges." To enjoy rafting along the Maoyan River is an experience you don't want to miss when you come to Zhangjiajie. This body of water is 50 kilometers in length and is actually the upper reach of the Lishui River (one of the four biggest river in Hunan Province, originating in the National Nature Preserve of Badagong Mountain in Sangzhi Country). It was given the name "One Hundred Li Gallery" by its explorer, Tain Guijun. And the river also was popularized as the first "Rudy Boat Water Rafting Tour Route". Early in the 1980s, it was promoted as the "First Water rafting Route in the World".

In the vicinity of Wentang Town, the Maoyan River is divided into the upper route. Altogether, 69 shoals are encountered along its flow, and there is a sheer drop of 64 meters from the highest to the lowest places, producing a thunderous velocity of 160 cubic meters per second on annual average. The riverbed is 40 meters wide on average, with the narrowest strait about 20 meters. Some pools are surprisingly deep-about 20 meters, while some of the shallows are only 50 cm.. We can summarize the river scenery and deep pools.

       Primarily, the rocks are of karst formation and produce wonderful gorges for the entire length of the river. Verdant mountains and rock promontories rise from 100 to 400 meters on both sides. Grotesque boulders and amazing peaks appear in human and animal shapes; all of them fire our imagination. Besides these, the landscape is adorned with ancient vines, wild creeping plants, brilliant emerald moss and evergreen bushes. The cold cliffs become so vivid and vigorous. What's more, a variety of flowers and grasses exude their sweet fragrance. From time to time, as you ride in the boat, you might enjoy "an array of egrets swimming leisurely in the crystal river", or "frightened mandarin ducks scurrying in all directions". Occasionally, the high pitched screech of the monkey and the melodious songs of the boatmen drift into you ears you quite naturally recite Li Bai's poem: "With the everlasting melodious songs of monkeys on both sides, the small boat has pleasantly passed through the gorges."

       It is still water that surprises you most and tempts you to stay. Proximately, 30 fascinating waterfalls descend from both sides of the river. Some trickle down the long slopes softly and gently, while others plummet from the crests of the high mountains with a resounding crash. Among them, the biggest waterfall known as Shuidongzi, is the most fascinating one.

      "General Introduction"   

       Tianmen Mountain,a famous mountain first recorded in the history of Zhangjiajie,has an elevation of 1518.6 meters. It is only 8 kilometers from the downtown and is one of the most representative natural sceneries of Zhangjiajie. For long time being,Tianmen Mountain not only attracts the attention of the people by its miraculous and unique geographic landform and unparalleled natural landscape, but also well known for its profound cultural connotations and famous colorful humanistic site. It is revered as the soul of cultural and spirit of Zhangjiajie and reputed as Number one Miraculous mountain in western Hunan.

The main body to Tianmen Mountain in uniquely skyscraping and domineering. Tianmen cave the natural mountain-penetrating karst cave with the highest elevation in the world, hangs on the towering cliff. The cave become the unique sight under heaven and breeds the profound and grand heaven culture of Fairy Mountain in the local area. Tianmen Mountain is the second national forest park in Zhangjiajie. On the mountaintop are intact sub-primitive forests with overflowing wild atmosphere in all the seasons. In addition, the densely populated karst hillocks and karrens plus the mating of strange rocks and graceful trees create a grand garden of bonsai as if blessed by the God. Tianmen mountain temple, with an area of over 10000 square meters, enjoys a booming pilgrimage ever since the Ming Dynasty. It is the Buddhist center of western Hunan. The six unresolved mysteries in the past hundreds of years such as Opening of Tianmen cave, shadow of guigu, and Auspicious Unicorn have added the mysterious and elusive atmosphere for Tianmen Mountain.

     
       The tourist traffic design of Tianmen Mountain is worth the title of world-shocking masterpiece. It will bring shocking and unforgettable experience for the tourists?Tianmen Mountain cableway; Heaven-linking Avenue, Tianmen cave and Bonsai garden in the air are reputed as the four great wonders. Tianmen mountain cableway, the longest one-way recycling passenger cableway in the world, has a length of 7455 meters and a height gap of 1279 meters. It takes the tourists from the atmosphere of modern city directly to the hug of the primitive garden in the air. During the running of cableway, the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope, making the tourists experience a miraculous feeling of flying angels in the sky as well as of being blended into a long grand painting of landscape. The mountain-winding highway of Tianmen Mountain, nicknamed as Heaven-linking Avenue, has a total length of less than 11 kilometers. Yet the elevation of it rises sharply from 200 meters to 1300 meters. The avenue rises steeply according to the form of mountain. The 99 blends link closely with each other and pile up in layers, making a pattern of a circling flying dragon reaching the skyline. Tourists marvel at it, which is worth the title of the top highway wonder in the world.

      "General Introduction"  

       Including more national character produces increased worldwide popularity." Xiuhua Mountain Museum is a cultural scenic spot, which enjoys a high and enduring reputation both at home and abroad. "The first and only museum is kind possessing the foremost collection of cultural relics and welcoming friends from every corner of the world." This museum is reputed of Western Hunan culture". Indeed, it is "a live historical chronicle" of the Tujia people. As you step into Xiuhua Mountain Museum, you are

acquainted with 800 years of local history, and begin to plumb the depths of this mysterious Western Hunan culture. Applying the architectural style of the Tujia people's residence, the main complex of the museum is a rectangle courtyard, with high and lower buildings interspersed in picturesque disorder. And all the windows, doors, eaves and base--stones of the complex are collected from any counties in western Hunan Province, which make the museum so elegant and provide it with an air of great antiquity. Within the museum are more than ten thousand well-preserved and valuable items, and each one is able to tell a fascinating story and possesses a profound cultural nature. Each one is highly aesthetic and very collectible. Among them, the carved wood Water Dripping Beds and Five-color Stone Relief of the Ming Dynasty are especially precious. In fact, because of their exquisite craftsmanship and profound charm, we can say, they are treasures beyond price! In March, 2004, Xiuhua Mountain Museum was chosen as the 3A Nation Tourist Attraction, and was also listed in the Excellent Tourism Route of Zhangjiajie.

      "General Introduction"  

      With an area of over 5 hectares, Tujia Folk Custom Park is a large-scale cultural tourist attraction, which is mainly built to demonstrate Tujia people's folk custom in various aspects such as architecture, food, agriculture, military art etc. Most of the buildings in Zhangjiajie Tujia Folk Custom Park are constructed with wood and stone with the characteristics of carved girder and

painted columns, upturned eaves, especially the exquisite workmanship and ingenious construction are greatly acclaimed by the tourists. What's more, tourists express much admiration on the programs held in the park of its splendid culture and magnificent folk custom. In April, 2001, former premier Zhu Rongji visited the park and gave his lavish comments on it. In Septeber, 2002, the park successfully held a large-scale Maogusi Dance Party, and 1,000 dancers participated. This activity and the Nine-layer Diaojiaolou Building were listed in the Record of World Genis. The park was rated as one of the 4A National Tourist Attraction in China in Januar, 2004.

       "General Introduction"

       Yangjiajie abuts on Zhangjiajie in the east and Tianzi mountain in the north, covering 34 square km. it consists of three parts: Xiangzhistream, Longquan valley and Baihouvalley , in which there are altogether over 200 scenic spots.

At Xiangzhi stream, one sees undulating peaks extending into the distance and limpid brooks winding along the deep gullies, and hears birds and cicadas singing in the dusk along the ancient roads, it is a land of peace indeed! Longquan valley is characterized by precipitous cliffs. They form a natural defense that looks like huge ancient city walls.Baihou (hundred monkeys) valley, on the other hand, is a home of monkeys haunts the valley, and flocks of egrets rest among the green trees …Longquan fall in the valley has been referred to as the most peculiar waterfall in china one cliff is overgrown with “precipice ivy, known as “the densest ivy in china” there are also exotic five- color flowers.

         It is said the in the northern song dynasty the generals from the yang family camped in the Tianzi mountain when they were encircling and suppressing Xian , a king of the Tujia nationality the battles lasted a number of years and the yang family expanded with more and more offsprings. Thus the place began to be called “Yangjiajie”(the land of yangs) prservedther is the pedigree of the yang clan and the tombs of their ancestors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some places have been named after famous generals of the family such as “Lliulang wan” “ Qilangwan” Zongbao wan” “Tianbo mansions etc.

       "General Introduction"

        Mengdonghe River is situated 80km southeast of Zhangjiajie city, nestled among mountains, a remote canyon towering limestone cliffs, a beautiful river that’s ranked among the top ones in china. 2 hours drive from zhangjiajie city, Rafting usually take 3 hours. Wide calm river section take another 3 hours ending at Furong town that’s well preserved old town famous for its old streets and stilted houses, it is worth visit.

You’ll thrill to the excitement of the major rapids of the Mengdonghe River; there are a few of the rapids that get your heart pounding. The rapids are interspersed with calm stretches, which give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Gentle rapids carve a pathway through mountains and provide plenty of chance to swim, spot wildlife, take the fried the river fish, and just relax Getting Prepared Below are suggested items you should bring for your trip. You will enjoy your trip more if you are prepared for varying weather conditions.

Always Bring:
Swimsuit shorts wool sweaters or synthetic fleece wool socks windbreaker jacket and pants, footwear that can get wet (plus a dry pair for after your trip) dry clothes and towel.

Sunny Days
Sun screen sunglasses baseball cap or visor.
Cool weather synthetic longjohns wool hat and gloves

Wet Suit
Cotton is not recommended (this includes jeans and sweatshirts) when it is wet it robs your body of heat and is unsuitable for physical activity. Synthetic clothing is the best.

You receive instructions from guided assistance.
The ticket includes insurance; the child under 13 is not suggested for rafting.

       "General Introduction"

         Fenghuang, a famous city of historical and cultural significance, a small, picturesque, mountain surrounded, and with unique culture city. To Jishou 53Km, Huaihua 92KM, Zhangjiajie 280KM.Fenghuang county, covers an area of 1783 sq KM, with population of 367000, with many ethnics such as Miao, Tujia, Han, Hui people etc. It boasts a wealth of cultural accumulation of Hubei and Wushan areas due to its location between the 2 different cultural areas of southwest China's ethnic minorities and east China's Chu and Han groups. Fenghuang town is a wonderful example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernization

Fenghuang is so picturesque that it is a very popular excursion for Chinese artists to be there for picturing, painting, filming etc.And its ancient city was built in 686 in Tang dynasty, it former named Weiyang, and in ancient time, its location was in today's Huangsiqiao town about 24Km from present-day Fenghuang, ever was a main military camp. The city moved to its present site during about 1368-1644, and its major inhabitants were soldiers, sent to quell Miao ethnic minority "riots" by Ming Dynasty government. And most of the wooden buildings in the city were built by Miao and Han people in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the ancient architectures have been kept intact, including the primitively simple and tranquil slabastone or flagstone paved streets and the stilted houses with strong local flavours on the river banks.The red sandstone city wall stands on the riverbank, about

2Kms long, and the original city wall built in Kangxi reign has collapsed. The eastern and northern gates kept well, but no traces now for the southern and western gates.The attractive events are the Bianbianchang fair among the Miao group's young people, the Miao villagers' singsong contest in antiphonal style, and flower-drum dance with coloured silk as their strong sound. And also the Suona Horn performance in the liquor service and the singing at the village entrance attract your eyes, and you can enjoy the Siyueba (08April) festival with singing and dancing around flowers by the moonlight. Stilted HouseWith upturned eaves and corners, the stilted houses are connected by corridors on three sides. There are wooden balustrades protruding over water. Usually the stilted houses have 2 stories both paved with wooden slabs with windows for fresh air and sunlight which decorated with such patters of 2 phoenixes worshipping the sun, the lions playing with embroidered balls as well as the peony and other flowers and plants decorations, which simple, unsophisticated, graceful, good-viewing and functional.In the day time and on the docks at the foot of the stilted houses, many women washing clothes and their washing wooden clubs are sounding and the splashing water stirring the ripples on the river.