This is a 7-day trip to Hubei and Hunan, allowing you to experience the unique charm of these two regions

7-Day Itinerary

– Day 1: Changsha (Hunan)
– Morning: Arrive in Changsha, visit Hunan Museum to see artifacts from the Mawangdui Han Tombs.
– Afternoon: Hike Yuelu Mountain and explore Yuelu Academy, a千年-old academic institution.
– Evening: Stroll Orange Island, enjoying the night view (and fireworks if scheduled).

– Day 2: Changsha → Yueyang (Hunan)
– Morning: Travel to Yueyang, visit Yueyang Tower to admire the misty Dongting Lake.
– Afternoon: Explore Junshan Island, known for its legends and scenic spots.
– Evening: Taste local dishes from the “land of fish and rice” in Yueyang.

– Day 3: Yueyang → Wuhan (Hubei)
– Morning: Arrive in Wuhan, climb Yellow Crane Tower for panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the city’s three towns.
– Afternoon: Wander Hubu Lane to try Wuhan snacks like hot dry noodles, then visit Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, “the first bridge over the Yangtze.”
– Evening: Explore Chuhe Hanjie, a bustling pedestrian street with modern and traditional architecture.

– Day 4: Wuhan (Hubei)
– Morning: Visit Hubei Provincial Museum to see rare artifacts like the Zenghouyi Chime Bells, and watch a chime bell performance.
– Afternoon: Relax at East Lake Eco-Tourism Area—cycle along the lakeside or take a boat ride.
– Evening: Dine near East Lake, savoring fresh lake fish.

– Day 5: Wuhan → Yichang (Hubei)
– All Day: Travel to Yichang and take the “Two Dams & One Gorge” cruise. Admire the Yangtze River scenery, experience the Gezhouba Dam’s ship lift (“ships rising with water”), and visit坛子岭 (Tanzi Ridge) for a bird’s-eye view of the Three Gorges Dam.
– Evening: Stay in Yichang, tasting local river delicacies.

– Day 6: Yichang → Zhangjiajie (Hunan)
– Morning: Depart Yichang for Zhangjiajie.
– Afternoon: Explore 72 Qilou (72 Wondrous Towers), a unique architectural complex, and enjoy its evening light show.
– Evening: Dine at Nanmenkou Food Street, trying local snacks.

– Day 7: Zhangjiajie (Hunan)
– All Day: Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the Bailong Elevator uphill, visit Yuanjiajie’s Misty Platform and the “Hallelujah Mountains” (inspiration for Avatar). In the afternoon, wander Shili Gallery.

10-Day Itinerary (Extended from 7-Day)

– Day 8: Zhangjiajie (Hunan)
– Morning: Hike Jinbian Stream, enjoying lush forests and clear streams.
– Afternoon: Visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and walk across its glass bridge for thrills.

– Day 9: Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang Ancient Town (Hunan)
– Morning: Travel to Fenghuang. Wander along the Tuojiang River, admiring stilted houses and visiting Shen Congwen’s Former Residence.
– Evening: Take a night cruise on the Tuojiang to see the town lit up.

– Day 10: Fenghuang Ancient Town (Hunan)
– Morning: Explore the town freely—shop for local handicrafts and try Miao ethnic cuisine.
– Afternoon: Depart for your home city, concluding the trip.