How to Get to Zhangjiajie from Major Chinese Cities – The Traveler’s Guide (Fast, Cheap & Stress-Free)
- DolphinUnion
- Oct 4
- 4 min read
You’ve seen the floating mountains in Avatar. You’re ready to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园, Zhangjiajie Guojia Senlin Gongyuan). But how do you actually get there? From Beijing? Shanghai? Or nearby Chongqing? Many travelers waste hours — or even a full day — because they pick the wrong route.
I remember helping a Canadian couple last year. They flew from Shanghai to Changsha, then took a 4-hour bus. Total travel time: 9 hours. They were exhausted before their trip even started. “Why didn’t we just take the high-speed train?” they asked.
Here’s the thing: the best way to get to Zhangjiajie from major Chinese cities depends on where you’re coming from. This guide breaks down every option — flight, train, and high-speed rail — with real prices, travel times, and tips from locals. No guesswork. Just clear, simple advice to save your time and energy.
Fly to Zhangjiajie: Fast but Limited Routes
Flying is the fastest way to reach Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (张家界荷花国际机场, Zhangjiajie Hehua Guoji Jichang). The flight from Beijing (北京, Beijing) takes just 2.5 hours. From Chengdu (成都, Chengdu), it’s only 1.5 hours.
But here’s the catch: not all cities have direct flights. There’s only one daily flight from Hangzhou (杭州, Hangzhou) and Xi’an (西安, Xi’an). And if you’re in Shenzhen (深圳, Shenzhen), you’ll need to transfer — usually in Guangzhou or Changsha. That adds 3+ hours.
My UK friend Tom once booked a “direct” flight from Shenzhen. It wasn’t direct. He waited 4 hours in Guangzhou. “I could’ve taken the train and saved time,” he said. So check your flight carefully. Use Trip.com or Ctrip (China’s top travel app) to avoid surprises.
Take the High-Speed Train: The Smart Choice for Most Cities
The high-speed rail (高铁, Gao Tie) is often the best way to get to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站, Zhangjiajie Xi Zhan). It’s fast, comfortable, and connects to most major cities.
From Chongqing (重庆, Chongqing), it takes just 2–3 hours. Yes, 21 trains run daily. That’s one every hour during peak time. I’ve taken this route many times. It’s smooth, scenic, and you arrive right in the city. No airport transfers.
From Chengdu, the train takes 4–5 hours. From Guangzhou (广州, Guangzhou), about 6 hours. Even from Shanghai (上海, Shanghai), it’s 7–9 hours — not bad for 1,300 km.
A Brazilian friend once took the overnight train from Beijing. It took 18+ hours. “I regret it,” he said. “Next time, I’ll fly or take a faster train.” So skip the slow trains. Stick to Gao Tie.
Avoid the Long-Distance Bus: Slow and Uncomfortable
Some budget travelers consider the long-distance bus. Don’t. The bus from Changsha (长沙, Changsha) to Zhangjiajie takes 4–5 hours on winding mountain roads. It’s tiring. And there’s no real cost saving.
A one-way high-speed train ticket from Changsha costs ¥106. The bus is only ¥20–30 cheaper. But you lose 1–2 extra hours. And you risk motion sickness.
I once took the bus with a French tourist. She got sick. “Never again,” she said. “The train is worth every extra yuan.” So unless you’re on a very tight budget, avoid the bus.
City-by-City Guide: What Works (and What Doesn’t) (how to get to Zhangjiajie from major Chinese cities)
Beijing to ZhangjiajieBest option: Fly (2.5 hours, from ¥800).Avoid: Overnight train (18–24 hours). Too long.Tip: Book flights early. Prices jump during holidays.
Shanghai to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (7–9 hours, from ¥650).Also good: Fly (2.5 hours), but only one daily flight.Tip: The train ride is scenic. Bring snacks and water.
Guangzhou to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (6 hours, from ¥450).Good option: Fly (1h50m), but only one daily flight.Tip: Trains run often. No need to book weeks ahead.
Shenzhen to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (6 hours, from ¥450).Avoid: Flying. No direct flights. Transfer adds time.Tip: Take the morning train. Arrive by lunch.
Hangzhou to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (6–8 hours, from ¥600).Also good: Fly (2 hours), but only one daily flight.Tip: Check train times. Some are faster than others.
Xi’an to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (9.5 hours, from ¥680).Also good: Fly (1.5 hours), but only one daily flight.Tip: Break the trip in Chongqing. Great food stop.
Chengdu to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (4–5 hours, from ¥420).Also good: Fly (1.5 hours), two daily flights.Tip: Train is cheaper and almost as fast.
Chongqing to ZhangjiajieBest option: High-speed train (2–3 hours, from ¥167).21 daily trains. No flight option.This is the easiest route. I take it all the time.Tip: Buy tickets on Trip.com. Easy English interface.
Why This Guide Works: Real Advice from a Local Planner
I’ve lived in Chongqing for 30 years. For 8 years, I’ve helped foreign travelers plan trips across China. One thing I always say: “Don’t overthink Zhangjiajie.”
If you’re in Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, or Shanghai — take the high-speed train. It’s fast, clean, and stress-free. If you’re in Beijing, fly. The train is too long.
And if you’re bringing kids or elderly parents, skip the bus. The train is smoother and safer. Just book seats in advance.
What Travelers Say: “I Saved Hours Thanks to This Tip”
“I was planning to fly from Shenzhen,” wrote Anna from Canada. “But your guide made me take the train. Got there in 6 hours. No transfer stress. Best call ever.”
Another reader, Mark from Germany, said: “I took the high-speed train from Chongqing. So easy. Scenic views. Felt like a local.”
These aren’t just routes — they’re time-savers. And that means more energy for hiking in Zhangjiajie.
Ready to go? Open Trip.com or Ctrip, pick your city, and book your train or flight. Then get ready to see the real Avatar mountains. Trust me, it’s worth the trip.
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