Changsha to Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang by Train 2027: Stations and Times

This guide covers station choices, train travel times, the rail link between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, and ticket steps. It suits first-time visitors planning a trip through Hunan by rail. Read our Changsha travel guide for city highlights, and see how to visit Zhangjiajie for park days and park entry tickets.

Which Changsha station has the fastest trains to Zhangjiajie?

Changsha Station has the fastest trains to Zhangjiajie. Most bullet trains from Changsha Station take about two hours to reach Zhangjiajie West.

In China, bullet trains have train numbers starting with G, C or D. Times below are from the 12306 timetable for a sample day in November; check current times when you book.

That day, 27 bullet trains ran from Changsha Station to Zhangjiajie West, from about 7 am to 9 pm. Most took about two hours.

Changsha South also has trains to Zhangjiajie West. On that day, 11 bullet trains left from there. They took about three hours or more, up to about 3 hours 40 minutes. For speed, start at Changsha Station.

Book to Zhangjiajie West, not the older Zhangjiajie station. Only slow K trains use the older station, and they take about six hours. Z trains also run to Zhangjiajie West, but they take over three hours. Skip both and book a G, C or D train.

Zhangjiajie West is in the city, not inside the park. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is about 8 km from the urban area. Plan a road transfer to your hotel after the train.

Trains heading back follow the same pattern. On the sample day, 27 bullet trains ran from Zhangjiajie West to Changsha Station. They took about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Another 10 ran to Changsha South and took about three hours or more.

This fast link opened at the end of 2022, when the Changde to Changsha high-speed line was finished.

How do you get from Changsha to Fenghuang by train?

Take a direct bullet train from Changsha South to Fenghuang Ancient Town station. The ride takes about two to two and a half hours.

On the sample day, 9 direct bullet trains ran from Changsha South to Fenghuang Ancient Town station. They left between 10:38 and 18:45. Most took about two hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.

Only one direct train left from Changsha Station that day, and it took about 3.5 hours. So for Fenghuang, use Changsha South.

Coming back, 11 direct bullet trains ran from Fenghuang Ancient Town to Changsha South. They left from about 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. Most took about two to two and a half hours.

If the direct trains are full, change at Huaihua South. Bullet trains from Changsha South to Huaihua South are frequent: 78 ran on the sample day. Most take about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. From Huaihua South, the train to Fenghuang Ancient Town takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

Fenghuang Ancient Town station is outside the old town. Plan a short taxi or transfer ride from the station.

Fenghuang is an old riverside town in western Hunan, known for stilted houses on the Tuo River. Together with Nanhua Mountain, it is a national 5A tourist area, the top grade in China.

How do you link Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang and Changsha in one trip?

Ride a loop by train: Changsha to Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang, and Fenghuang back to Changsha. Bullet trains connect every stop on this loop.

Zhangjiajie West to Fenghuang Ancient Town takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes. On the sample day, 18 bullet trains ran on this route, from about 7 am to 7 pm. In the other direction, 13 trains ran, all after midday.

Plan your time carefully to enjoy each destination without rushing:

• Zhangjiajie needs two to three full park days, plus an arrival evening. That means spending three to four nights in Zhangjiajie.
• Fenghuang works well with two nights, as on our 8-day route.
• Changsha needs two days for its museum, old academy and food streets.

If you fly into Zhangjiajie, start there instead. Take the train to Fenghuang, then on to Changsha. Our 8-day route runs in this order. Keep train days light, with time to check in and rest.

Avoid the 2027 holidays if you can: Spring Festival from 5 to 13 February, Labour Day from 1 to 5 May, and National Day from 1 to 7 October. Trains usually sell out fast around these weeks. If you must travel then, book the day sales open.

How do you buy tickets and board the train?

Buy tickets on the official 12306 English site or the 12306 app with your passport. Ticket sales usually open 15 days before departure.

Tickets are in your name and tied to your passport. On the English site, only foreign passports are accepted. Show the same passport at the station. A printed itinerary sheet is not a ticket.

Search by station name: Changsha, Changsha South, Zhangjiajie West or Fenghuang Ancient Town. Choose a train number starting with G, C or D. Sales close 30 minutes before departure.

Arrive early. Every passenger and every bag goes through security. There can be queues at security, the ID check and the gate.

Read our guide on buying 12306 tickets as a foreigner for registration and payment advice. For details on finding your waiting hall and platform, see China train stations for foreigners.

Trips that include this

Browse all China tours, or start from one of these routes:

• Nature Hunan, 8 days: Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang and Changsha: Spend full days in Zhangjiajie, take the bullet train to Fenghuang, and continue by rail to Changsha.
• First-timer, 10 days with Yangshuo: A first China trip through the big cities; a Hunan leg by train can be added on request.
• Grand China, 14 days: A longer multi-city route; Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang can be added on request.

LocalKey plans private China tours for your own party only: planned, booked and backed. There are two levels. On Independent, we book your trains and hotels and you travel on your own. A local guide, a car and driver, or a station pickup are optional add-ons on the days you choose. On Private Guided, a private guide and driver travel with you through the trip.

You can also start a custom route to build a Hunan trip around your own schedule.