5-Day Tujia Cultural Journey: The Heart of Wuling Mountains
$1665
Welcome to this 5-day, 4-night tour themed around the Tujia ethnic culture and breathtaking natural scenery of Zhangjiajie and Enshi. On this journey, we will venture deep into the Wuling Mountains, exploring their rugged peaks and deep valleys. We will visit the ancient Tusi city, dance the hand-waving dance with the locals, enjoy a long table feast, drink rice wine heartily, and sing Tujia folk songs. This in-depth Tujia cultural journey strikes a perfect balance between ancient customs and pristine nature.
Itinerary Summary
Visit Furong Ancient Town, known as the "Millennial Ancient Town Hanging on the Waterfall"; experience Xilankapu brocade weaving and create your own Xilankapu brocade sample; experience the Tujia "Blocking the Gate Wine" welcoming ceremony.
Visit Enshi Grand Canyon, known as a "world geological wonder"; visit the Tusi City, where the Tusi once ruled; experience tea picking and glutinous rice cake making; watch the large-scale Tujia song and dance performance Yishui Lichuan; complete a Tujia intangible cultural heritage handmade souvenir (such as bamboo weaving or Nuo mask painting).
Daily Itinerary
Hello! Welcome to Zhangjiajie, a World Natural Heritage site and the home of the Tujia ethnic group. Three thousand quartz sandstone peaks rise abruptly from the ground, forming a unique geological wonder on this planet. There are no scheduled activities today, allowing you to relax after your long journey. In the evening, your guide will take you to a Tujia-style restaurantfor dinner and to experience the Tujia “Blocking the Door with Wine” welcoming ceremony.
Chartered vehicle
4-star hotel
Dinner
- Zhangjiajie experiences cold winters; please dress warmly.
In the morning, we will visit Furong ancient town, known as the "Millennial Town Hanging on the Waterfall." Besides its antique architecture, there are many Tujia and Miao ethnic minority clothing shops offering beautiful and affordable products, which are well worth trying. Afterwards, we will learn and experience Xilankapu brocade weaving, creating our own small sample of this intangible cultural heritage.
Chartered vehicle
4-star Hotel
No meals included on this day.
1. Furong Ancient Town
2. Xilankapu Brocade Weaving Experience
- 1. We will travel to Furong Ancient Town in the morning (approximately 80 km away, with a driving time of about 1.5 hours).
- 2. There are many steps in the ancient town; please wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes.
Today we will travel deeper into the Wuling Mountains to Enshi, Hubei Province. Here you will find well-preserved Tujia ethnic minority villages. Led by our guide, we will experience tea picking and making glutinous rice cakes. In the evening, we will watch the large-scale immersive song and dance performance Yishui Lichuan and then dance the hand-waving dance with the locals.
Chartered vehicle
4-star Hotel
No meals included on this day.
1. Tea picking, glutinous rice cake making, and visiting a Tujia village
2. Watching the large-scale immersive song and dance performance "Yishui Lichuan"
- In the morning, we will travel by private car to Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (approximately 310 kilometers, 4.5 hours). Please bring snacks and a neck pillow.
Today will be a day of visual and spiritual wonder. In the morning, we will explore the Enshi Grand Canyon, hailed as a "world geological wonder"; in the afternoon, we will visit the Tusi City, the former capital of Enshi, to witness its glorious history.
Chartered vehicle
4-star hotel
No meals included on this day.
1. Enshi Grand Canyon
2. Tusi City
- The Grand Canyon hike is quite long (approximately 4-5 hours). It is recommended to wear professional hiking shoes and bring trekking poles for easier walking.
Today is the last day of our trip. We will return to Zhangjiajie to conclude the journey. We will learn and experience Enshi bamboo weaving and Nuo mask painting from local artisans, creating a unique handicraft full of Tujia ethnic style.
Chartered vehicle
No meals included on this day.
Tujia Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Experience
- 1. This morning we will return to Zhangjiajie (approximately 290km, estimated travel time 4 hours)
- 2. After completing the handicraft, you are free to explore. We provide airport and train station transfers throughout the day.
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please send a scanned copy of the personal information page of your passport to your booking agent at least 15 days before departure, so that we can purchase your train tickets and make reservations for attractions..
3. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
4. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps.
5. Please note that there are some prohibited items for trains and flights in China.