Chengdu – Zhangjiajie by Train & Bus to Wulingyuan & Tianmenshan

Introduction

New travel option! Traveling between Chengdu and Zhangjiajie is now more convenient than ever with direct high-speed rail connections. While there are limited direct trains, smart connections via Chongqing offer flexible alternatives to reach Zhangjiajie’s stunning landscapes.

Railway Maps

Direct High-Speed Rail Service

  • 5 daily direct trains from Chengdu East (Chengdudong) to Zhangjiajie West (Zhangjiajiexi)
  • Journey time: Approximately 4 to 5.5 hours
  • One-way fares:
    • Second Class: from ¥392
Departure Arrival Duration Frequency
Chengdu East Zhangjiajie West 4-5.5 hrs 5 trains/day
Live schedule at: https://www.trip.com/trains/china/

Recommended Alternative: Transfer in Chongqing

For greater flexibility, consider transferring at Chongqing stations:

  • More frequent options: 24 daily departures from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie (Read: Chongqing to Zhangjiajie by train)
  • Optimal transfer point: Chongqing East Station (16 daily trains to Zhangjiajie)
  • Total journey time: Approximately 4-5 hours (1.5 hrs Chengdu-Chongqing + 2 hrs Chongqing-Zhangjiajie)

Step-by-Step Transfer Route:

  1. Chengdu East → Chongqing North/Chongqing West /Chongqing East
    • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
    • Frequency: 100+ daily trains
  • Chongqing East / West / North → Zhangjiajie West
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Frequency: 16 daily trains from Chongqing East to Zhangjiajie
  • Chongqing to Zhangjiajie, Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, Changsha to Zhangjiajie, Xian to Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie, Furongzhen to Zhangjiajie, Guilin to Zhangjiajie
    Hotels close to Wulingyuan Forest Park, Hotels close to Tianmenshan Park
    Zhangjiajie Park (Wulingyuan etrance ticket, Cableway, Bailong elevator), Tianmenshan Park (entrace ticket, Cableway, Line A, Line B package)
    Flights to or from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport

    Chengdu East Station Guide

    • Location: Chenghua District, central Chengdu
    • Metro Access: Lines 2 and 7 directly serve the station
    • To city center: 15 minutes to Tianfu Square
    • Facilities: English signage, ticket counters, dining options

    Which Train Stations in Chengdu

    Chengdu Metro Network

    The Chengdu metro network consists of 13 lines.

    Zhangjiajie West Station Guide

    • Location: 10km from Zhangjiajie city center
    • To attractions:
      • Zhangjiajie National Park: 40 minutes by bus/taxi
      • Tianmen Mountain: 20 minutes by taxi
  • Transport: Bus routes 4/6/17 connect to downtown and attractions
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    Must-See Attractions

    In Chengdu:

    • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: See pandas in naturalistic habitats
    • Jinli Ancient Street: Traditional architecture and Sichuan snacks
    • Wuhou Shrine: Temple complex honoring Three Kingdoms heroes
    • People’s Park: Experience local tea culture and relaxation

    In Zhangjiajie:

    • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: UNESCO site with quartz-sandstone pillars
    • Tianmen Mountain: Glass walkways and the “Heaven’s Gate” cave
    • Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: World’s longest (430m) and highest glass bridge
    • Baofeng Lake: Emerald waters surrounded by karst peaks

    Travel smart: While 5 direct trains connect Chengdu and Zhangjiajie, transferring in Chongqing offers greater flexibility and more departure options. Chongqing East Station provides the most frequent service to Zhangjiajie, making it an ideal transfer point for your journey to the "Avatar Mountains".

    Trusted Online Ticket Agents:

    Option 1: Trip.com  is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc

    Option 2: China Highlights is a reliable online agency  for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.

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