How to Get from Yichang to Zhangjiajie 2024/2025
Yichang, renowned as a key embarkation and disembarkation point for the luxury Three Gorges Cruises on the Yangtze River and the site of Three Gorges Dam, and Zhangjiajie, celebrated for its surreal landscapes that inspired the movie Avatar, form a compelling travel itinerary. Combining these two destinations offers a journey that transitions seamlessly from engineering marvels to natural wonders. Here’s how you can travel from Yichang to Zhangjiajie with ease.
Yichang to Zhangjiajie Transportation Map (Click to Enlarge)
Option 1. Yichang to Zhangjiajie by Train
The most convenient way to travel from Yichang to Zhangjiajie is by direct train (Yichang East Railway Station - Zhangjiajie Railway Station). The journey is comfortable, worry-free, and offers scenic views of the Chinese countryside, departs around 13:00, taking about 5 hours.
However, there is only one train per day and is not fixed. Therefore, when the train is canceled, tourists may need to transfer in Changsha, or if the tour group is large, it is recommended to charter a private vehicle from Yichang to Zhangjiajie, which takes about 4 hours. Check more about: Yichang to Zhangjiajie Real-time Train Schedule | Zhangjiajie to Yichang Real-time Train Schedule
Take Our Top Recommended Yichang Zhangjiajie Tour Packages:
Yichang East Railway Station (宜昌东站)
Address: Chengdong Avenue, Wujiagang District, Yichang (宜昌市伍家岗区城东大道)
▶ To Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal: driving distance 8.7km, over 20 minutes by car
Zhangjiajie Railway Station (张家界站)
Address: Guanli Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie (张家界市永定区官黎路)
▶ To Wulingyuan District (National Forest Park & Grand Canyon): driving distance 34-60 km, over 40-70 minutes by car
▶ To Zhangjiajie Downtown (Tianmen Mountain): driving distance 2 km, about 10 minutes by car
Option 2. Yichang to Zhangjiajie by High Speed Train via Changsha
When there is no direst train to get to Zhangjiajie, travelers are recommended to make a transfer at Changsha, the capital and economic center of Hunan Province, boosting prosperous media and entertainment industry. There are overall 7 high-speed/normal trains running from Yichang to Changsha everyday, taking 4-6 hours. Check more about Yichang to Changsha Real-time Train Schedule | Changsha to Yichang Real-time Train Schedule
If you disembark from a Three Gorges cruise in Yichang, after visiting the last attraction, the Three Gorges Dam, you will typically arrive at the Three Gorges Tourist Center around noon (12:00). In this case, the most suitable train would be a high-speed train around 14:30, arriving in Changsha before 19:00. You can spend the night in Changsha to experience the vibrant nightlife of this entertainment city and explore the cuisine as well. The next morning, you can visit popular city attractions such as the Yuelu Academy, Orange Isle, and Hunan Provincial Museum, and then take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie in the afternoon. There are many high-speed trains from Changsha to Zhangjiajie, with more than 10 services daily, running from 06:10 to 18:30, and the journey takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Check more about Changsha to Zhangjiajie Real-time Train Schedule | Zhangjiajie to Changsha Real-time Train Schedule
Take Our Top Recommended Yangtze River Cruise Zhangjiajie Tour Packages:
Changsha South Railway Station (长沙南站)
Address: Huahou Road, Lituo Street, Yuhua District, Changsha (长沙市雨花区黎托街道花候路)
▶ To Changsha City Center (near Wuyi Square): driving distance 14 km, about 35 minutes by car
Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站)
Address: Yongding District, Zhangjiajie (张家界市永定区)
▶ To Wulingyuan District (National Forest Park & Grand Canyon): driving distance 26-47 km, over 30-50 minutes by car
▶ To Zhangjiajie Downtown (Tianmen Mountain): driving distance 8 km, about 15 minutes by car
Option 3. Yichang to Zhangjiajie by Coach - For Independent Travelers
For budget travelers, traveling by coach from Yichang to Zhangjiajie is a viable option. The trip is more time-consuming but offers a chance to experience the local way of life. Buses depart from Yichang Bus Center and take you directly to Zhangjiajie Coach Station. The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic. The reference fare is about CNY 150-200/seat.
Yichang Bus Center (宜昌汽车客运中心站)
Address: East of Yichang New Train Station, Wujianggang District, Yichang (宜昌市伍家岗区新火车站东侧)
▶ To Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal: driving distance 8.3km, around 20 minutes by car
Zhangjiajie Center Coach Station (张家界中心汽车站)
Address: Guanli Street, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie (张家界市永定区官黎路)
▶ To Wulingyuan District (National Forest Park & Grand Canyon): driving distance 35-56km, around 50-70 minutes by car
▶ To Zhangjiajie Downtown (Tianmen Mountain): driving distance 2km, around 10 minutes by car
Other Travel Ideas: Upstream Three Gorges Cruise + Flight to Zhangjiajie
If you’re concerned about not having direct train from Yichang to Zhangjiajie during the off-season and don’t want to transfer in Changsha, it’s recommended that you take an upstream Three Gorges cruise (from Yichang to Chongqing), and then travel to Zhangjiajie by plane (1-1.5 hours) or by train (6-6.5 hours) from Chongqing. Chongqing to Zhangjiajie Real-time Train Schedule | Chongqing to Zhangjiajie Real-time Flight Schedule
Situated along the Chongqing to Zhangjiajie railway route, Wulong Karst Landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a Global Geopark, as well as a backdrop for scenes in the Transformers movies, is a must-visit destination. If your schedule allows, it’s definitely worth allocating 1-2 days to explore Wulong’s attractions and include this fascinating location in your travel plans
How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise Zhangjiajie Tour
Planning a tour from Yichang to Zhangjiajie offers a captivating journey through contrasting landscapes and cultural experiences within China. From the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam to the natural wonders - the Three Gorges, Avatar Mountains and Tianmen Cave, etc., a Yichang–Zhangjiajie tour promises an enriching experience.
How to Plan a Yichang Tour
Yichang, the gateway to the Three Gorges, offers a rich array of attractions for visitors. Travelers usually spend 1 to 2 days in Yichang. Begin your tour at the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam. Nearby, explore the Tribe of the Three Gorges for insights into the region’s history and culture. Don’t miss a 4-5 days luxury cruise (Chongqing - Yichang) on the Yangtze River for breathtaking views of the Three Gorges.
More Yangtze River Cruise and Yichang Travel Info: Top Yangtze River Cruise China Vacation Tours 2025 | How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise Tour
How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour
Zhangjiajie, a destination renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, is best explored over a span of 3 to 4 days. In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of the “Avatar Mountains,” and marvel at the stunning vistas of Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village, and Golden Whip Stream. The adventure continues with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, offering panoramic views, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the world’s largest and highest glass bridge.
To further enrich the journey, many travelers extend their trip to include the nearby Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town. These old towns offer a glimpse into the unique culture of the western Hunan ethnic minority, with their characteristic antique wooden stilt houses and serene river views, adding a cultural dimension to the natural splendor of Zhangjiajie.
More Zhangjiajie Travel Info: Top Zhangjiajie China Tours 2025 | How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour | Zhangjiajie 2 Day Itinerary | Zhangjiajie 3 Day Itinerary | Zhangjiajie 4 Day Itinerary | Zhangjiajie 5 Day Itinerary
Travel the Three Gorges and Zhangjiajie with China Discovery
To help you enjoy a worry-free trip to the Three Gorges and Zhangjiajie, we suggest you travel with China Discovery. Our experienced travel experts will help you arrange the transportation, accommodation, English-speaking tour guide and everything well to let you spend all your effort and time on the sightseeing. If you have any other ideas or questions about your Yangtze River Cruise and Zhangjiajie tour, please feel free to contact us. We are specialized in tailor-made tours that fit you best according to your own interests, requirements, traveling time, etc.
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