Zhangjiajie Travel Guide
Overview:
• Changsha
Capital of Hunan Province, renowned for rich history such as Yuelu Academy and Orange Isle. Additionally, known as a foodie paradise and nicknamed the “Spicy City.”
• Zhangjiajie
Famous for its unique natural landscapes, filming location for the movie Avatar—specifically in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Seasonal Highlights:
• Spring: Lush greenery and wildflowers.
• Summer: Cool mountain air, pristine streams.
• Autumn: Colorful foliage and misty clouds.
• Winter: Snow-capped peaks and enchanting frost.
About transportation, attractions and food.
• By Air
1. Changsha Huanghua International Airport
• Transportation to City Center:
① Airport Shuttle Bus:
Direct to the city center (Civil Aviation Hotel), fare ~¥20, 40 minutes.
② Metro: Metro Line 6 connects to the city center, fare ¥5-7.
③Taxi: Approx. ¥80-100, 30-40 minutes.
2. Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport
• Transportation to City Center:
① Airport Shuttle Bus: Fare ~¥15, 20 minutes.
② Taxi: Approx. ¥30-50, 15-20 minutes.
• By Train
1. Changsha Railway/High-Speed Rail Stations
• Changsha Railway Station: Convenient metro access via Line 2.
• Changsha South Station: High-speed rail hub with direct metro connections via Line 4.
2. Zhangjiajie Railway Station
• Located ~5 km from the city center, accessible via bus (¥2) or taxi (¥15-20).
3. Changsha to Zhangjiajie Transportation
•High-Speed Rail: From Changsha West Station to Zhangjiajie West Station, ~1.5 hours, fare ¥120-200.
•Long-Distance Bus: ~4-5 hours, fare ~¥100.
•In-City Transportation
1. Changsha
• Metro: Changsha operates five metro lines, convenient and efficient.
• Bus: Comprehensive network, fare ¥2.
• Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Base fare ¥10, widely available.
2. Zhangjiajie
• Bus: Suitable for short distances, fare ~¥1-2.
• Taxi/Private Vehicles: Ideal for moving between scenic spots.
• Scenic Transport:
Includes eco-buses, cable cars, and lifts, providing both convenience and stunning views.
• Must-Visit in Changsha
1. Yuelu Mountain & Yuelu Academy
• Introduction:
A serene mountain with a thousand-year-old Confucian academy, showcasing Chinese cultural and educational heritage.
• Address: No. 58, Denggao Road, Yuelu District
• Tickets: Academy ¥50, mountain free
• Highlights: A thousand-year-old academy, panoramic views of Changsha
• Transport: Metro Line 2 to Yingwanzhen Station, then transfer to a bus.
2. Orange Isle
• Introduction:
The largest inland river island in the world, featuring the grand Mao Zedong youth statue and scenic riverside views.
• Address: Orange Isle Scenic Area, Yuelu District
• Tickets: Free
• Highlights: The grand statue of Chairman Mao, Xiang River scenery
• Transport: Metro Line 2 to Orange Isle Station.
3. Taiping Old Street
• Introduction:
A historic pedestrian street preserving traditional architecture and serving as a hub for local snacks and crafts.
• Address: Taiping Street, Tianxin District
• Tickets: Free
• Highlights: Traditional architecture, vibrant street food
• Transport: Metro Line 1 to Huangxing Square Station, then walk.
• Must-Visit in Zhangjiajie
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Introduction:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering sandstone pillars and ethereal misty landscapes.
• Address: Wulingyuan District
• Tickets: ¥245 (includes 4 days of eco-bus access)
• Highlights: Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie (Avatar filming location)
• Transport: ~40 minutes by shuttle bus from the city center.
2. Tianmen Mountain
• Introduction:
A majestic mountain with thrilling glass walkways, a natural rock arch (Tianmen Cave), and a scenic cableway ride.
• Address: Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, Yongding District
• Tickets: ¥258 (includes cableway)
• Highlights: Glass Skywalk, 99-Bend Road, Tianmen Cave
• Transport: Taxi or bus to the cableway station in the city.
3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Glass Bridge)
• Introduction:
A breathtaking canyon with a record-breaking glass bridge and stunning natural waterfalls.
• Address: Sangzhi Township, Cili County
• Tickets: Glass Bridge ¥258; Grand Canyon + Glass Bridge ¥298
• Highlights: World’s highest and longest glass bridge, stunning canyon views
• Transport: ~40 minutes by shuttle bus from Wulingyuan.
4. Yellow Dragon Cave
• Introduction:
One of the largest karst caves in China, boasting stunning stalactites, underground waterfalls, and rivers.
• Address: Yellow Dragon Cave Scenic Area, Wulingyuan District
• Tickets: ¥100
• Highlights: Spectacular karst cave formations, underground waterfalls
• Transport: Shuttle bus from Wulingyuan.
5. Extended Attraction: Fenghuang Ancient Town
• Introduction:
A picturesque riverside town with stilted houses and rich Miao ethnic culture, often called “China’s most beautiful town.”
• Address: Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture
• Tickets: Free (specific attractions within the town ¥148 for a pass)
• Highlights: Traditional stilted houses, misty river views, Miao culture
• Transport:
① Long-distance bus from Zhangjiajie (~4 hours, fare ~¥80).
② Self-driving (~3 hours, scenic route).
• Top Activities:
• Boating on Tuojiang River for riverside views.
• Visiting Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge for shopping and architecture.
• Exploring the illuminated town at night for an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Changsha:
① Stinky Tofu:
Crispy outside, tender inside; smells pungent, tastes amazing.
② Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili:
Tender fish with spicy Hunan chili.
③ Sugar Oil Baba:
Sweet and chewy rice dessert.
④ Changsha Rice Noodles:
Breakfast staple with flavorful broth and spicy condiments.
• Zhangjiajie:
① Tujia Three-Pot Stew:
Local hotpot with diverse ingredients.
② Steamed Cured Meats:
Classic Hunan-style dish using smoked meats and vegetables.
