Combine UNESCO peaks with a Miao riverside town. Five days to see the best of Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang—mountains, caves, and ancient streets.
Days 1–3: Zhangjiajie Core
Same as the 3-day highlights: Day 1 Tianmen Mountain (cable car, glass skywalk, Tianmen Cave). Day 2 Forest Park east route (Yuanjiajie, Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi). Day 3 Golden Whip Stream and Huangshi Village. Base in Wulingyuan.
Day 4: Furong + Fenghuang
Morning: Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉镇), the "town on the waterfall"—about 1.5 hr drive from Wulingyuan. Stilt houses, waterfall views, Tujia culture. Afternoon: drive to Fenghuang (凤凰古城), ~1.5 hr. Check in, stroll the old town along the Tuojiang River. Evening: night views, lit-up bridges and towers. Fenghuang is famous for its riverside architecture and Miao minority culture.
Day 5: Fenghuang + Depart
Morning: Miao village visit or Tuojiang boat ride. Explore the old alleys, buy handicrafts. Fenghuang has direct buses to Zhangjiajie (~4 hr) or Changsha (~5 hr). For flights, Changsha Huanghua Airport is the main hub. Plan departure by midday if catching evening flights.
Tips
Book Fenghuang accommodation in advance—riverside rooms fill up. Furong and Fenghuang are compact; half a day each is enough for the main sights. Wear comfortable shoes; Fenghuang's cobblestone streets can be slippery when wet.
Peaks and ancient towns—the perfect combo for a week in Hunan.