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Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang High Speed Train + Local Bus/ Maglev
Step 1: Zhangjiajie West to Fenghuang Gucheng High Speed Train ( 1 hour)
You'll departure from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. It's about 10 km from downtown Zhangjiajie (where the Tianmen Mountain cable car is) and about 25 km from Wulingyuan Town (the main gateway to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park).
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Trains run more than twenty times a day, almost hourly from early morning until evening, so you'll never have to wait long.
The ride itself is smooth and fast—most trains take about an hour, with the fastest sprinting there in only 44 minutes.
Tickets are affordable too: ¥93 ($13) for second class, ¥149 ($20) for first class, or ¥326 ($45) if you feel like splurging on business class.
Traveler Tip: The train line also passes through Furong Town, a centuries-old village built over a waterfall. If you have time, it's worth stopping for a side trip before heading on to Fenghuang.
Step 2: Fenghuang Gucheng Station to Ancient Town Scenic Area
Once you arrive at Fenghuang Gucheng Station, you're still about 10 km outside the old town. Luckily, getting in is just as easy. You have 2 choices:
Shuttle Bus – Direct buses to the scenic area.
- Fare: ¥7 (~ $1) one way
- Route: Line 1 → Qifeng Square, Line 2 → Nanhuali
- Travel time: 20 minutes
Maglev Train – Yes, Fenghuang has its very own short maglev!
- Fare: ¥28 (~ $4) one way
- Travel time: 10 minutes
It's quick, futuristic, and a pretty cool story to tell your friends.
Traveler Tip: If you want both speed and a fun little tech twist, take the high-speed rail + maglev combo—you'll glide into this ancient riverside town in less time than it takes to finish your bubble tea.
Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang by Private Car
If you're not in the mood for train transfers or bus timetables, the private car option is your stress-free ticket. The drive from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang is about 200 km (125 miles), and the whole way runs on smooth expressways. Expect a journey of around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic.
The best part? Door-to-door convenience. A driver can pick you up right at your hotel in Zhangjiajie (whether you're staying near Tianmen Mountain, Wulingyuan, or downtown) and drop you off directly at your hotel in Fenghuang Ancient Town—no lugging bags through train stations, no waiting around.
For families, groups of friends, or anyone carrying extra luggage, this is hands-down the most comfortable way to travel. You also get the freedom to stop for scenic breaks, stretch your legs, or grab a snack along the way.
Traveler Tip: Costs vary depending on car size and booking platform, but splitting a private car between 3–4 people often works out surprisingly affordable—and way more relaxed than chasing buses.
Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Itinerary
If you've got a few days in Hunan, the best plan is to combine the Avatar-style peaks of Zhangjiajie with the lantern-lit charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Here's how to do it without missing the highlights.
Days 1–2: Wulingyuan – Avatar Mountains & Canyons
Base yourself in Wulingyuan Town for the first two nights. From here, you're at the doorstep of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the famous “Avatar mountains,” dizzying glass bridges, and canyon walks. Two full days give you time to hike among the sandstone pillars, ride the Bailong Elevator, and breathe in the misty mountain views.
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks & Glass Cliff Paths
On the third night, switch your stay back to downtown Zhangjiajie, so you're close to Tianmen Mountain. Dedicate almost the whole day to exploring this dramatic peak, with its iconic Heaven's Gate arch, glass skywalks, and the world's longest cable car ride.
By late afternoon (around 4:00 pm), hop on a high-speed train to Fenghuang Gucheng Station and transfer to the ancient town. Arriving at dusk means you'll step right into Fenghuang's magical night view—lanterns glowing on stilt houses above the river.
Day 4: Fenghuang Ancient Town – Morning Magic
Wake up early to wander the cobblestone alleys, cross the iconic stepping stones on the Tuojiang River, and sip tea in riverside cafés. By midday, you'll have soaked up the essence of Fenghuang.
- Option A: Return to Zhangjiajie in the afternoon, with a detour at Furong Town (the “Hibiscus Town”), a waterfall village that looks straight out of a movie.
- Option B: Keep heading west to Fanjing Mountain in Tongren, Guizhou—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its surreal twin peak temples in the clouds.
Traveler Tip: This 4-day combo gives you the best of Hunan—jaw-dropping nature in Zhangjiajie plus culture and history in Fenghuang—without feeling rushed.
Tips for Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
Beat the Crowds
Avoid Chinese national holidays like Golden Week (Oct 1–7), Labor Day (May 1–3), and Spring Festival. These spots get packed, and lines can eat up hours of your day.
Early mornings are your friend in both Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang—less haze on the mountains and quieter streets in the ancient town.
Pack for the Mountains
Good walking shoes are a must—trails can be steep and slippery, especially near glass skywalks.
Bring a light jacket, even in summer—mountain weather can be cool and misty.
Sunscreen, hat, and water are essential for long hikes.
Furong or Fenghuang?
Furong is closer to Zhangjiajie with 1.5-hour drive. Villages above waterfall are spectacular, especially under the night lights. Short of time, go Furong.
Fenghuang is more traditional, bigger and further. If not in a rush, go! You should spend one night there.
Travel from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town with Asia Odyssey Travel
If you'd rather skip the stress of piecing together buses, tickets, and routes, Asia Odyssey Travel has you covered. With our local Zhangjiajie team, you'll be guided by professional bilingual guides and experienced drivers who know the region inside out.
Whether it's hiking through the Avatar-like peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, crossing the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, soaring up Tianmen Mountain with its cliff-hugging roads and skywalks, or trying the adventurous Via Ferrata at Qixing Mountain, our team can take you there smoothly and safely.
We don't just handle transportation from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town—we create all-in-one tour packages that blend both destinations into a seamless journey. You'll have access to our latest travel guides, updated maps, and insider tips so you never miss a highlight.
Traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel means you'll enjoy a worry-free, immersive experience, from Zhangjiajie's dramatic landscapes to the lantern-lit charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town.
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