The distance between Chengdu and Zhangjiajie is 866 kilometers (538 miles). We recommend traveling by plane as there are no direct trains from Chengdu to Zhangjajie.
However, if you're looking for a cheaper option and have plenty of time, the train is the way to go as taking the train in China is an experience in itself and is a great way to enjoy the Chinese countryside views as well as make friends and experience Chinese life on a train!
How to get to Zhangjiajie from Chengdu by air
There are daily flights to Zhangjiajie from Chengdu. Direct flights take approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets start at approximately 125 USD but will double or triple in the lead up to peak season.
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How to get to Zhangjiajie from Chengdu by train
When taking trains from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, you will need to change once.
You can take the bullet train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Changsha South Railway Station (around 7.5 hours). From here, you can then take a bullet train to Zhangjiajie (around 2-3 hours).
You can also take the bullet train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huaihua South Railway Station (approximately 6 hours), and then from Huaihua South Railway Station to Zhangjiajie West (around 2 hours).
Note: Train info is subject to change. You can use the China Highlights train ticket service to instantly check journey options and ticket prices per seat category, or to find out the latest availability on both stretches.
Chengdu to Zhangjiajie Travel Tips
Tianmen Mountain cable carThe best time to go to Zhangjiajie is when there are no public holidays in China, as it gets really busy, and when the weather is best.
Between September and early November, the weather is comfortable. You can also go between April and June if you don't mind humidity and the occasional rain.
Chinese public holidays will lead to more expensive accommodation and flights (and sold out flights), these times are:
- China's summer holiday season (July and August)
- Labor Day (May 1–3)
- National Day (October 1–7)
- Spring Festival (late January or early to mid February)
We recommend you get to the airport at least 2½ hours before departure, and 3 during peak times. There can be really long check-in and security lines during holidays and weekends. Train stations also get very busy and train tickets get sold out well in advance at these times, especially before Chinese New Year (Spring Festival).
Touring Zhangjiajie and Chengdu
Chengdu is famous for its giant panda sanctuaries.Zhangjiajie is really a once-in-a-lifetime destination. We've got plenty of Zhangjiajie tours depending on how much time you have and how active you want to be. We can take you around for four full days to explore everything these gorgeous mountains have to offer, or take you on a one-day tour of the glass bridge and Baofeng lake.
If you need help planning your trip to Chengdu, check out our Chengdu tours. These can be customized to suit a budget or other requirement too, whether you're looking to see the incredible giant panda or want to explore Chengdu's neighboring villages.
And of course, our tours can be tailored to your needs. Please contact us here if you've got any special requests or requirements, or need help navigating your journey from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie.
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