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How to Travel from Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley (Avatar to Xianxia)

Written by Senior Expert Felicia|Updated: 2025-09-25

Imagine a journey that takes you from the floating Hallelujah Mountains of Avatar to a mystical village clinging to a sheer cliff, straight out of a Chinese fantasy epic (Xianxia). This isn't a dream; it's a real travel plan connecting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or Wulingyuan National Park with the stunning Wangxian Valley.

A direct high-speed train now connects Zhangjiajie and Shangrao, the gateway to Wangxian Valley. This guide is your blueprint for leveraging this new, direct route to create one of the most epic and seamless adventures possible in China.

At Asia Odyssey Travel, we are thrilled about this new connection. It unlocks an itinerary we've always dreamed of offering. We'll show you exactly how to make this incredible journey happen.

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  • triangleZhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley Distance & Map Overview
  • triangleStep 1: Zhangjiajie to Shangrao by High-Speed Train
  • triangleStep 2: From Shangrao to Wangxian Valley (local transport / transfer options)
  • triangleRecommended Itineraries (Zhangjiajie + Wangxian Valley + Huangshan loop)
  • triangleEssential Tips for the Zhangjiajie-Wangxian Valley Trip
  • triangleExplore Wangxian Valley and Southeastern China with Asia Odyssey Travel

Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley Distance & Map Overview

Sunrise at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Sunrise at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Night View of Wangxian Valley
Night View of Wangxian Valley

At first glance, the two places feel like they belong in different worlds—Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar versus Wangxian Valley's glowing cliffside palaces straight out of a fantasy epic. Yet, they're only about 930 km apart, and modern high-speed rail makes the journey surprisingly straightforward.

There are no direct flights between Zhangjiajie and Shangrao (the gateway city to Wangxian Valley). Flying means a transfer in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, or another hub, which is usually slower and more tiring than the train.

Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley Map
Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley Direct High Speed Train Map
Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley Map
Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley Train Map

The better option is the high-speed train:

  • Direct train: Currently only one daily service, around 6 hours.
  • Transfer option via Changsha: If you want more departure flexibility, you can change trains in Changsha, making the total trip about 7 hours.

Either way, the rail journey offers a seamless, comfortable way to connect two of China's most visually spectacular landscapes—an epic transition from natural wonder to fantasy creation.

Step 1: Zhangjiajie to Shangrao by High-Speed Train

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Getting from Zhangjiajie to Wangxian Valley isn't a straight shot—you'll first need to hop on a high-speed train from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Shangrao Railway Station in Jiangxi Province.

Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
Shangrao Railway Station
Shangrao Railway Station

Plan A: G1367 - Direct Train, 6 Hour, Once A Day

The G1367 is currently the only direct train linking Zhangjiajie and Shangrao.

  • Schedule: Departs Zhangjiajie West at 07:28 AM, arrives Shangrao at 13:39 PM
  • Duration: 6 hours 11 minutes
  • Fares: ¥564 (second class), ¥924 (first class), ¥1903 (business class)

No transfers, and you'll still arrive early enough to head to Wangxian Valley for a relaxed afternoon stroll and night view.

Plan B: Transfer at Changsha (Flexible & More Departures)

If the single daily direct train doesn't fit your schedule, break the trip into two legs:

  1. Zhangjiajie West → Changsha (or Changsha South)

Around 51 departures daily (17 to Changsha South, 34 to Changsha Station)

Duration: 1h 43m – 2h 20m

Fares: ¥166–228 (second), ¥268–377 (first), ¥300–745 (business)

Trains run from morning (7:00) to late evening (22:00).

Shangrao Railway Station
Shangrao Railway Station
Changsha Tour with AOT Team
Changsha Tour with AOT Team

  1. Changsha South → Shangrao

About 43 daily trains, between 07:00–19:00

Duration: 2h 03m – 3h 33m

Fares: ¥264 (second), ¥445 (first), ¥501–995 (business)

Therefore, the total train journey time is about 6-7 hours, and the price, taking a first-class seat as an example, is around 800 yuan, which is even cheaper than a direct train.

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Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules

Important Note: If your first train arrives at Changsha Station, you'll need to transfer to Changsha South Station for the Shangrao train. Be sure to allow extra time for this station change so you don't miss your connection. Don't worry, these two stations are well-connected by Changsha Metro Line 2 in just 30 minutes.

How to Buy Tickets

If you're taking the direct G1367 train, booking on your own is quite manageable.

Use English-friendly platforms like Trip.com or the official 12306 app. Tickets are released 15 days in advance, and popular trains—especially on weekends and holidays—sell out fast, so book early.

Wangxian Valley Yunhai Cliff Night View
Wangxian Valley Yunhai Cliff Night View
Wangxian Valley Gan-style Houses
Wangxian Valley Gan-style Houses

But if you're planning a transfer via Changsha, things can get complicated. You'll need to carefully calculate the layover time between two trains and make sure you're at the right station (Changsha has multiple!). For many travelers, this can be stressful.

Take the easy way with Asia Odyssey Travel Service and skip the hassle. Our team secures the best train times for you, handles transfers, and makes sure you don't miss a connection. No language barriers, no stress—just a smooth ride to Wangxian Valley.

Step 2: From Shangrao to Wangxian Valley (local transport / transfer options)

Once you arrive in Shangrao Railway Station, you're about 50 km away from Wangxian Valley. The trip takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on your choice of transport.

Option A: The Budget Route (Tourist Bus)

From Shangrao East Bus Station (a short ride from the railway station), there are about 12 daily departures to Wangxian Valley Tourist Centre, running from 07:40 to 16:00, roughly one per hour. Tickets cost around 30 RMB, with a journey time of 1–1.5 hours.

✅ Pros: Cheapest option, straightforward if timing matches.

❌ Cons: Fixed schedule, longer wait times, limited service after late afternoon, potential language barriers.

Shangrao Railway Station to Wangxian Valley Bus
Shangrao Railway Station to Wangxian Valley Bus
Shangrao Railway Station to Wangxian Valley Bus
Shangrao Railway Station to Wangxian Valley Bus

Option B: The DIY Convenience (Taxi / Didi)

Grabbing a taxi or Didi (China's Uber) is the faster, more flexible option. Expect 1–1.5 hours of travel depending on traffic. Fares usually range 150–200 RMB.

✅ Pros: On-demand, direct to your hotel or scenic area.

❌ Cons: Possible language issues, price negotiation if not using Didi, higher cost than the bus.

Option C: The Seamless Solution (Private Transfer)

For a completely stress-free arrival, a private car transfer is the best choice. Your Asia Odyssey Travel driver will be waiting at the train station exit with your name sign, ready to take you directly to your Wangxian Valley hotel. Comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your schedule.

✅ Pros: No waiting, no language barriers, direct to your door.

❌ Cons: Slightly higher price, but saves time and stress.

Wangxian Valley Entrance
Wangxian Valley Entrance
Wangxian Valley Lantern Alley
Wangxian Valley Lantern Alley

Recommended Itineraries (Zhangjiajie + Wangxian Valley + Huangshan loop)

If you've made it all the way from Zhangjiajie, don't stop at Wangxian Valley alone. This part of China connects seamlessly into a golden triangle of natural wonders and cultural gems: Zhangjiajie's floating peaks, Wangxian Valley's cliffside village, and Huangshan's legendary “Sea of Clouds.” Here's how you can link them:

Days 1–3: Zhangjiajie

Explore the surreal stone pillars of Wulingyuan National Park, glass bridges, and Tianmen Mountain's skywalks.

Day 4: High-speed train to Shangrao → Wangxian Valley

Arrive by late afternoon, check into a cliffside guesthouse, and catch the lantern-lit night views. Spend the night for wonderful evening scenery.

Wangxian Valley
Wangxian Valley
Yubifeng Peak of Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie
Yubifeng Peak of Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie

Day 5: Wangxian Valley → Huangshan

Wander through cobbled streets, teahouses, and bridges. Then take a highspeed train to Huangshan.

Days 6–7: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan offers sunrise hikes, misty pines, and hot springs before wrapping up your journey.

Day 8: Huangshan Departure

Essential Tips for the Zhangjiajie-Wangxian Valley Trip

Best Time to Go

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather and stunning scenery. Avoid the Golden Week holidays (early October, May 1–5) when tickets and hotels sell out fast.

Train Tickets

If you're taking the direct G1367 train, book early—there's only one departure daily. For the Changsha transfer route, allow enough buffer time between trains and double-check which Changsha station you arrive at.

Wangxian Valley
Wangxian Valley
Wangxian Valley Glass Walkway
Wangxian Valley Glass Walkway

Packing Smart

Bring a small carry-on or backpack instead of large suitcases, since both Zhangjiajie and Wangxian Valley involve stairs, slopes, and village lanes. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Photography & Tech

Charge your camera and phone fully before heading into Wangxian Valley—you'll want to capture the night views. A portable power bank is essential. Best viewpoints include Baihe Bridge and several cliffside teahouses with balconies.

Accommodation

Cliffside guesthouses in Wangxian Valley are extremely popular. Book at least 1–2 months in advance, especially if you want a balcony room with night views.

Language & Navigation

In Shangrao and Wangxian Valley, English is limited. Download a translation app or arrange a private transfer/guide with Asia Odyssey Travel for smoother communication.

Food & Cash

Most local restaurants are cashless and rely on WeChat Pay/Alipay. Carry some cash (RMB) just in case, or let your guide handle payments if you don't have Chinese e-wallets.

Wangxian Valley Lantern Alley
Wangxian Valley Lantern Alley
Wangxian Valley spring
Wangxian Valley spring

Explore Wangxian Valley and Southeastern China with Asia Odyssey Travel

Wangxian Valley is China's cliffside fantasy brought to life—stunning by day, unforgettable by night. Thanks to high-speed rail, it's easier to reach than you think.

Whether you're starting from Shanghai and Hangzhou in the east, or even traveling in from Chengdu or Chongqing in the west, Asia Odyssey Travel makes the journey seamless.

Our team takes care of the tricky parts—train tickets, private transfers, route planning, hotel bookings—so you can focus on lantern-lit nights, riverside strolls, and those once-in-a-lifetime cliffside views.

We also provide the latest Wangxian Valley travel maps, carefully designed itineraries, and affordable Wangxian Valley tour packages to ensure your visit is stress-free and unforgettable. With Asia Odyssey Travel, exploring Wangxian Valley becomes a highlight of your China adventure.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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