Destinations: Zhangjiajie Geology & Ecology, UNESCO Mountain
This 5-day in-depth study tour focuses on the world-famous Zhangjiajie quartz sandstone peak forest landform, a unique UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Tailored for international middle and high school students, this program turns mountain valleys and forests into an outdoor classroom. Students will combine museum lectures, field observation, and hands-on workshops to learn geological evolution, subtropical forest biodiversity, and local Tujia minority culture. The itinerary keeps a balanced pace, avoiding exhausting long hikes while encouraging group discussion, scientific note-taking and creative art creation.
Day 1: Arrival in Zhangjiajie, Tujia culture introduction Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, private transfer to hotel. After check-in, take a gentle walk in Dayong Ancient Town. Students meet local Tujia residents, observe stilted wooden houses, join a short introductory lecture about Hunan ethnic minorities. Group discussion about the goals of the geology study tour. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.
Day 2: Zhangjiajie World Geopark Museum + Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Golden Whip Brook) Morning: Visit the World Geopark Museum. Professional English educator explains how the area transformed from ancient ocean into towering sandstone peaks over 300 million years. Watch immersive 5D film showing mountain formation. Students complete worksheet for geological records. Afternoon: Hike Golden Whip Brook. Students observe vegetation, water erosion and rock layers, record plant and animal species in field notebooks. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.
Day 3: Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain Peak Forest Exploration Take Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie. Students stand before the iconic Hallelujah Mountain and examine vertical sandstone pillars. Learn about physical weathering and gravitational collapse. Continue to Tianzi Mountain, overlook thousands of peaks. Group photo and sharing session. Return to hotel in late afternoon.
Day 4: Huanglong Cave Karst Study + Tujia Handicraft Workshop Morning: Tour Huanglong Cave, study stalactites, underground river and karst geology. Compare cave formation with the sandstone peaks they observed in the forest park. Afternoon: Cultural workshop: learn traditional Tujia Xilankapu brocade and sand painting. Students create their own artworks featuring Zhangjiajie peaks to bring home.
Day 5: Tianmen Mountain brief visit & Departure Morning: Short visit to Tianmen Mountain viewing platform, learn about Tianmen Cave natural arch formation. Final group reflection and presentation. Transfer to airport for departure.
