Introduction
Chengdu and Fenghuang Ancient Town are connected by China’s efficient high-speed rail network. While there are only one daily direct trains run from Fenghuanggucheng to Chengdu, smart transfers via Zhangjiajie West Station make this trip flexible and affordable.
Option 1: Direct Train (Limited Schedule)
This route is simple but Infrequent, as there are only 1 train daily linking Chengdu and Fenghuanggucheng Station.
- Route: Chengdu East Station → Fenghuanggucheng Railway Station
- Daily Trains: 1 train per day
- Duration: ~6.5 hours
- Ticket Price: ¥488+ (2nd Class)
- Departure: Runs only toward Fenghuang; no direct return trains exist.
| Departure Station | Arrival Station | Daily Trains | Duration | Est. Price | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu East | Fenghuanggucheng | 1 | 6.5 hrs | ¥488+ | Check |
| Search a train at https://www.trip.com/trains/china/ | |||||
Live Train Schedule
| Chengdu to Fenghuanggucheng Train | Fenghuanggucheng to Chengdu Train |
| Fenghuanggucheng to Zhangjiajie Train | Zhangjiajie to Chengdu Train |
Tip: Book weeks in advance! Use Trip.com or the 12306 App (English version).
Option 2: Transfer via Zhangjiajie West (Highly Recommended)
Jack’s Updated Rail Advice
Many guides still push Huaihua South as the transfer hub for Chengdu-Fenghuang trips—this is outdated. Since Chongqing East Station opened (June 27, 2025), Chengdu now enjoys direct links to Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang. As a rail specialist who’s tested these routes, Zhangjiajie West is now the optimal transfer:
Max Flexibility & Frequency
Break your journey at Zhangjiajie West Station (Chengdu East – Zhangjiajie West – Fenghuanggucheng):
- Chengdu East → Zhangjiajie West: 5 trains daily (4–5 hrs, ¥392)
- Zhangjiajie West → Fenghuanggucheng: 22 trains daily (1 hr, ¥93)
- ✅ Total travel time: ~5–6 hrs
- ✅ Total cost: ~¥485 (cheaper than direct!)
One-Way Summary
| Route Leg | Daily Trains | Duration | Est. Price | Book Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu East → Zhangjiajie West | 5 | 4-5 hrs | ¥392+ | |
| Zhangjiajie West → Fenghuang | 22 | ~1 hr | ¥93+ | |
| Search trains on www.trip.com/trains/china/ | ||||
Return Trip (Fenghuang → Chengdu)
| Route Leg | Daily Trains | Duration | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fenghuang → Zhangjiajie West | 21 | ~1 hr | ¥93+ |
| Zhangjiajie West → Chengdu East | 5 | 4–5 hrs | ¥392+ |
| Search a train at https://www.trip.com/trains/china/ | |||
Railway & Metro Maps of Chengdu
- Chengdu Metro official website (Chinese version): www.chengdurail.com
- Chengdu Metro official website (English version): www.chengdurail.com/index_en.html
- Chengdu metro network map: www.chengdurail.com/ckfw/xlt.htm
How to Get to Chengdu East Railway Station
You can reach Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站 Chengdudong) via the metro, using either Line 2 or Line 7.
Arrival at Fenghuanggucheng Station & Transfer to the Old Town
After arriving at Fenghuanggucheng Railway Station, you have several options to reach the Fenghuang ancient town.
1. Fenghuang Special Bus Line (recommended)
The Fenghuang Special Bus Line (Shuttle bus) is the most recommended option:
- Price: 7 CNY per person (half price for seniors and children).
- Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Operating Hours: 07:00 – 20:30.
Two routes are available:
- Route 1: Fenghuang Station to Qifeng Square Tourist Center (suitable for those staying near the middle or lower reaches of Tuojiang River).
- Route 2: Fenghuang Station to Nanhuali Tourist Center (ideal for those staying near the upper reaches of Tuojiang River).
2. Maglev Sightseeing Express
- Travel Time: 15-22 minutes.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Price: 28 CNY per person.
- 4 stations: Fenghuanggucheng – Fenghuangyingbin – Fenghuanglansheng – Fenghuangdengdai
3. Taxi
If you prefer a taxi, they are available:
- Travel Time: Approximately 25 minutes.
- Note: Expect longer wait times during peak seasons.
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.
