3 days special itinerary, please help

Question

My husband and I will spend 3 days in Wulingyuan. I am 70 years old with a weak knee and my husband is much younger and fitter. It is his wish to visit the mountains. We will love to spend time as much as possible together but I understand some trips we will do it separately.

We would like to go together to places, like 10 miles gallery, Avatar mountain, Baofeng Lake or any more suggestions that are easy walking for me? We will skip Tianmen Mountain and Canyon.

We are planning to go to Avatar Mountain together by using the Bailong lift and we will walk to the Avatar scenery which I believe it might take one hour flat easy walking and I will return alone to our hotel. My husband will continue the journey with an English speaking guide around the area.

Can anyone please suggest an itinerary? We will hire an English speaking guide for my husband for a day or two. I speak Chinese so if the trip is easy, like ten miles gallery, the lake, do we still need a guide?

Is there any suggestions that I can go to during the days when my husband is up in the mountain? I hope not to stuck in the hotel for the whole day. How safe is the area and can I just wander around on my own and take a didi wherever I want to go?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Spending 3 days in Wulingyuan offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty and manageable activities for different fitness levels. Since you have a weak knee and your husband is more active, planning a mix of joint and separate activities is a good approach.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for your 3 days:

Day 1 – Avatar Mountain & Bailong Elevator:
Start early and take the Bailong Elevator together to Avatar Mountain. The short walk to the main Avatar scenery is relatively flat and should take about an hour, which is suitable for you. You can then return to the hotel or nearby tea houses while your husband continues exploring with an English-speaking guide, who can take him to more challenging trails and scenic viewpoints.
Day 2 – Ten-Mile Gallery (Shili Gallery) & Baofeng Lake:
These are both suitable for easy walking. Ten-Mile Gallery can be accessed via a shuttle bus or cable car to minimize walking. You can enjoy the scenic views at a leisurely pace without needing a guide if you speak Chinese. Baofeng Lake has boat tours that are gentle and enjoyable. You and your husband can do this together, and it provides a full day without strenuous hiking.
Day 3 – Optional Light Activities & Local Village Visits:
On the day your husband hires a guide for more challenging trails, you can explore nearby villages or the Wulingyuan town area. Walking around the town, visiting local markets, tea houses, and small cultural sites can be relaxing. Didi or local taxis are generally safe and reliable, and you can arrange rides as needed. Make sure to have your hotel card or address written in Chinese for easier navigation.

Additional suggestions for easy activities while your husband is hiking:

Stroll around the Wulingyuan Scenic Area visitor center or nearby nature trails that are flat and well-maintained.
Enjoy tea houses or cafes with mountain views.
Take short cable car rides to viewpoints with minimal walking.
Photography walks around nearby lakes and open areas.

Safety considerations:

The area is generally very safe for tourists, including solo travelers, especially if you stay on main paths and popular sites.
Mobile connectivity is good, and you can use Didi for transport or ask hotel staff for assistance if needed.
Carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid remote or steep trails alone.

Regarding guides, for easy walks like Ten-Mile Gallery or Baofeng Lake, you likely do not need a guide if you are comfortable reading signs and speaking Chinese. Guides are more valuable for complex mountain trails or for detailed historical and cultural explanations.

In summary, your itinerary allows for shared scenic experiences while also accommodating your husband’s desire for more active hiking. You can enjoy light, safe walks, local culture, and relaxing activities without being confined to the hotel.

3 days special itinerary, please help

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