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How to Get to Zhangjiajie

How to Get to Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Hunan, China Travel Guide

Air Travel to Zhangjiajie

Major Airports & Airlines

Flying is often the quickest way to reach Zhangjiajie, especially for global visitors.

Airport & Routes

  • Main Airport: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG).
  • Domestic Airlines: China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines.
  • Typical Domestic Routes: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, Changsha, Nanjing.

Flight Availability & Prices

Flight availability and prices fluctuate based on season and holidays.

Seasonal Trends

  • Availability: Flights are generally available year-round, with increased frequency during peak seasons.
  • Price Fluctuations: Significantly higher during Chinese national holidays (Lunar New Year, May Day, National Day).
  • Booking: Booking flights in advance is advised, especially for busy periods.

Direct International Flights

Direct international flights to DYG are limited, usually charter flights from select East Asian cities like Seoul, Bangkok, or Ho Chi Minh City. Most travelers from abroad fly into a key Chinese hub (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu) then take a domestic connecting flight.

Airport Facilities

Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) is a smaller international airport, offering basic amenities including baggage claim, check-in counters, duty-free shops, restaurants or cafes, car rental desks, and taxi stands. ATMs are usually available.

Airport Transfers

Airport bus connects DYG to Zhangjiajie City Center (THIRTY minutes, ¥20) and Wulingyuan District (40-60 mins, ¥20). Taxis cost ¥30-50 to The Downtown area, ¥100-150 to Wulingyuan. Didi Chuxing (China's Uber) is also an option.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Flight Deal Services

  • Dollar Flight Club: Discounted flight alerts. Find deals at DollarFlightClub.com
  • Skyscanner: Comprehensive flight finding engine. Compare prices at Skyscanner.com
  • DiscoverCars.com: Car rental comparison. Book your ride at DiscoverCars.com
  • Most international travelers book a flight to a major Chinese hub (like Beijing or Shanghai) and then book a separate domestic connection to Zhangjiajie (DYG).

Additional Travel Resources

  • Ensure your luggage complies with airline weight and size restrictions.
  • Keep all travel documents, including passport and visa, easily accessible.
  • Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Download your airline's app for real-time flight updates and mobile boarding passes.

Land Transportation to Zhangjiajie

Train Connections

Zhangjiajie Railway Station serves regular trains heading to cities like Changsha, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. Zhangjiajie West Train Station is for high-speed rail, connecting to Changsha (approx. 3 hours) and then to other major Chinese cities.

Long-Distance Buses

Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station offers services to various cities in Hunan Province and neighboring provinces, including Changsha and Fenghuang Ancient Town. Wulingyuan Bus Station connects to Zhangjiajie City and nearby towns.

Self-Driving

Generally not recommended for foreign tourists due to complex Chinese driver's license requirements (IDPs not recognized). Hiring a car with a driver through a tour agency or hotel is the only practical option for private transport.

Road Conditions and Safety

Road Quality

Major highways are generally well-maintained, providing good travel conditions.

Mountain Roads

  • Mountain roads can be winding and sharp, especially around scenic areas like Tianmen Mountain's 99 Bends Road.
  • These roads require careful driving, whether by private driver or local bus.
  • The scenic routes themselves offer breathtaking views, but the journey can be challenging.

Driving Safety

Be cautious of local driving habits, which can be aggressive. Pedestrians, scooters, and bicycles may share the road.

Public Transport Safety

  • Public buses are generally safe and a common mode of transport.
  • Taxis are also a safe option for shorter distances or when carrying luggage.
  • Exercise caution and awareness of your surroundings when using any road transport.

Sea/River Arrivals

Zhangjiajie is a landlocked region, so sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching the destination. There are no ferry services, cruise ports, or significant options for travel on the river for tourist arrival.

Landlocked Destination

  • No ferry services or cruise ports.
  • No river transportation options for tourist arrival.
  • Travel to Zhangjiajie is exclusively by air or land.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth exit from Zhangjiajie.

Departure Procedures

  • Exit Fees: No particular exit fees or taxes are typically charged. Airline tickets usually include all applicable taxes.
  • Air Travel (DYG): Arrive 90 mins before domestic flights, 2-3 hours before international charter flights.
  • Train/Bus Travel: Arrive 30-45 mins before departure. Have passport and ticket ready.

Airport & Station Facilities

  • DYG Airport: Offers waiting areas, shops, dining options, and restrooms.
  • Train Stations (Zhangjiajie / Zhangjiajie West): Provide waiting halls, restrooms, food vendors, and shops.
  • Bus Stations: Feature basic waiting areas, box offices, small shops, and restrooms.
  • High-speed rail stations are generally more modern with better facilities.
  • Online check-in is available for most domestic flights.
  • Prepare for standard airport security procedures.

Departure Checklist

Before You Leave Accommodation

Ensure you have everything ready before heading to the airport or station.

Final Checks

  • Passport and visa are securely stored.
  • Flight/train/bus tickets are accessible (digital or physical).
  • All valuables and personal belongings are packed.

At the Airport/Station

Streamline your departure process by subsequent to these steps.

Departure Tasks

  • Check-in (online or at counter) and drop off luggage.
  • Proceed through security screening.
  • Locate your departure gate or platform well in advance.

Domestic Flights

Arrive at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure. Online check-in is typically available. Prepare for standard security procedures.

International Flights

Arrive 2-3 hours before departure for international charter flights from DYG. Expect passport control and customs checks.

Train/Bus Departure

Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. Navigate stations, find platforms, and board. Have your passport and ticket ready for inspection.

Transportation Affiliate Resources

Flight Deals & Comparison

Find the best prices for your air travel to Zhangjiajie with these services.

Affiliate Links for Flights

Travel Essentials

Prepare for your journey with recommended products.

Packing and Security

  • Amazon: For general travel accessories and bags. Shop at Amazon.com
  • Pacsafe: Anti-theft bags and security items for peace of mind. Browse at Pacsafe.com
  • B&H Photo: Electronics and camera gear. See products at BHPhotoVideo.com

Health & Connectivity for Travelers

Health Kit

Adventure Medical Kits for comprehensive first aid. Visit AdventureMedicalKits.com

Water Filters

LifeStraw for portable water filtration. Shop at LifeStraw.com

Global Connectivity

Airalo for convenient eSIM data plans. Connect with Airalo.com

Final Travel Advice

Always double-check flight or train schedules closer to your departure date for any changes. Check that all your documents are in order and easily accessible.