Day Trips from Changde. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Several interesting locations are within easy reach of Changde, ideal for a day or a short stay. Changsha and Yiyang are readily accessible, while Zhangjiajie typically involves a multi-day visit.

For organized experiences, visit GetYourGuide to discover available tours.

Destinations & Transport

Changsha: Provincial capital with cultural sites. Access by high-speed rail (1 hr) or bus.
Yiyang: Known for Dongting Lake proximity. Access by high-speed rail (30-45 min) or bus.
Zhangjiajie: World-famous for Wulingyuan Scenic Area. High-speed rail (2.5-3 hrs) to Zhangjiajie West, then local transport. Multi-day advisable.
Independent vs. Organized: Independent exploration suits Changsha/Yiyang. Organized tours are often advantageous for complex sites like Zhangjiajie.

Natural Escapes

The Changde region has serene natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Parks and Reserves

Discover the region's protected areas and scenic landscapes for outdoor activities.

Highlights

Liuye Lake National Tourist Resort: Within city limits, featuring a large lake, parks, and water activities.
Jiuling Mountain: Rugged scenery and hiking paths, typically access via private transport or local bus.
Rural Areas: Rolling hills and agricultural landscapes suitable for drives or cycling.

Seasonal Wonders

Witness natural beauty tailored to the time of year.

Phenomena & Features

Liuye Lake: Includes a man-made beach area popular in summer.
Peach Blossoms: A significant attraction at Taohuayuan Scenic Area during spring (late March to April).
Autumn Foliage: Observable in mountainous areas around Changde in late autumn.

Time Required for Day Trips

Suggested Itineraries

Changsha: A full day (8-10 hours) for highlights like Yuelu Academy and Hunan Provincial Museum.
Yiyang: A half to full day (4-6 hours) exploring Dongting Lake or bamboo craft workshops.
Zhangjiajie: A minimum of 2-3 full days for a proper visit to the National Wooded Park and Tianmen Mountain; a single day trip would be rushed.
Visit GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities.

Cultural Excursions

Fenghuang Old Town: Approximately 4-5 hours from Changde, best experienced as an overnight trip for its architecture and ethnic culture.
Taoyuan County Villages: Provides a glimpse into traditional Hunan farming and local customs.
Local Temples: Provide quiet cultural experiences for devotees in the towns around.
For a variety of excursions, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Multi-Day Extensions

Zhangjiajie:2-3 days
Fenghuang Ancient Town:1-2 days
Changsha:1-2 days
Guiyang (Guizhou Province):Via high-speed rail

High-Speed Rail:Efficiently connects Changde to Changsha, Zhangjiajie West, Yiyang.
Long-Distance Buses:Connects to Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie, other regional cities.
Flights (CGD/CSX):For longer distances within China.
Hunan Loop:Changsha > Changde > Zhangjiajie > Fenghuang > Changsha.

Travel Tip:

Consider a guided tour for Zhangjiajie if you prefer hassle-free travel and a guided experience through its vast park.

Beyond Changde

Enhance your Hunan experience with these extensions.

Zhangjiajie Excursion

Allocate 2-3 days for the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Tianmen Mountain, and the Grand Canyon glass bridge. These sites necessitate dedicated time.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Consider one or two nights to experience the town's distinct charm, stilt houses, and cultural minority culture, especially when illuminated at night.

Changsha Capital Exploration

Add extra days to explore Hunan's provincial capital, a dynamic cultural and culinary hub contrasting with Changde's calmer atmosphere.

Transportation Networks

Efficient connections link Changde to regional destinations.

Connectivity

High-Speed Rail: Efficiently connects Changde to Changsha, Zhangjiajie West, and Yiyang.
Long-Distance Buses: Connections to Fenghuang Historic Town, Zhangjiajie, and other regional cities.
Flights: From Changde (CGD) or Changsha (CSX) for domestic and international travel.

Comprehensive Hunan Loop

A suggested route for a diverse experience of Hunan''s best parts.

Itinerary Flow

Start in Changsha: Explore the provincial capital.
Travel to Changde: Experience local culture and Taohuayuan.
Proceed to Zhangjiajie: For spectacular natural scenery.

Hunan Loop Continuation

Next Destination:Fenghuang Historic Town

Attraction:Ancient town charm, ethnic culture

Final Destination:Return to Changsha

Purpose:Departure or further exploration

Connections:Well-supported by high-speed rail and bus

The Complete experience:Diverse and comprehensive

Visual Highlight: Tianmen Mountain

The Tianmen Mountain Cableway in Zhangjiajie offers breathtaking views.
Consider dedicating ample time to fully experience this natural wonder.
It features towering sandstone pillars and distinct geological features.
The glass skywalks and cable car are popular attractions.
A multi-day visit allows for thorough exploration.

Multi-Day Extensions Continued

Maximize your journey by combining Changde with other Hunan highlights.

Zhangjiajie Deep Dive

Dedicated time to explore the vast Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Sites

Towering sandstone pillars.
Tianmen Mountain with glass skywalks.
Grand Canyon featuring its glass bridge.

Fenghuang Ancient Charm

Immerse yourself in the unique appeal of Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Experiences

Enjoy river boat rides.
Tour ancient streets.
Experience the town illuminated at night.

Changsha Urban Appeal

Add more days to see the sights Hunan's provincial capital.

City Highlights

Yuelu Academy.
Hunan Provincial Museum.
Changsha's famous spicy food scene.

Hunan Loop Details

A journey that provides a diverse and complete experience.

Journey Overview

Start in Changsha, explore the provincial capital.
Travel to Changde, experience local culture.
Proceed to Zhangjiajie for dramatic scenery.

Long-Term Stay Options

Apartment Rental

Explore local platforms like Tujia or Xiaozhu for apartment rentals.

Cultural Immersion

Focus on language learning with private tutors and explore surrounding areas.

Local Connections

Take part in local clubs or groups to connect with local people and deepen your experience.

Final Leg of Hunan Loop:

Conclude your journey by proceeding to Fenghuang Ancient Town, then returning to Changsha for departure or further exploration. This route is well-supported by various transport connections.

Tailored Travel Strategies

Adapt your Changde trip to your interests and budget with these ideas.

Interest-Based Routes

H

Historical & Heritage

Explore Taohuayuan Scenic Area, Changde City Wall Site Park, Pengtoushan Site, and Changde Museum.

C

Food & Culinary

Savor Changde Rice Noodles, street food, local wet markets, and authentic Hunan restaurants.

A

Adventure & Outdoor

Hike Mount Huashan, cycle or boat on Liuye Lake, and explore walking paths in Taohuayuan.

Family-Friendly

Liuye Lake: boating, man-made beach, cycling.
Baima Lake Park: playgrounds, open spaces.
Taohuayuan Scenic Area: gentle walks, cultural stories.
Changde Museum: check for interactive exhibits.
Balanced active play with cultural discovery.
Accessible settings for all ages.

Art & Architecture

Changde Poetry Wall: world's longest poetry wall.
Taohuayuan Ancient Town: traditional architecture.
Changde Grand Theater: for performances.
Local art galleries: inquire about current exhibitions.
Appreciate artistic expressions and heritage.
From ancient styles to modern cultural venues.

Budget-Based Plans

Backpacker

Hostels, street food, public buses, free attractions like parks and the Poetry Wall.

Mid-Range

Comfortable 3-star hotels, mix of local and nicer dining, Didi/taxis, all major paid attractions.

Luxury

5-star hotels, fine dining, private car/driver, guided tours for personalized experiences.

Value-Focused Travel:

Travel during shoulder or low seasons for better prices. Book places to stay and transport in advance. Utilize mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay/Alipay) for potential discounts. Prioritize local food and look for lunch specials at restaurants.

Day Trips from Changde