Classic Changsha, Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Loop

A high-speed rail-focused first-time route connecting Changsha, Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, and Fenghuang Ancient Town.

This itinerary covers Hunan's three most popular stops: explore the museum and Mount Yuelu in Changsha; spend three days in Zhangjiajie visiting Tianmen Mountain, Wulingyuan, and the Grand Canyon; then travel via Furong Town to spend two nights in Fenghuang. With a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-time visitors to Hunan. It skips Huangshizhai and Huanglong Cave to save energy and allow more time in the cities.

Time-slot reservations for scenic areas can be very tight during holidays. Mountain paths can be slippery after rain; please pay attention to park announcements.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Changsha & Explore Old Street Nightlife

Central Changsha（Taiping Old Street、Pozi Street, Huogongdian & Wenheyou、Du Fu River Pavilion）

Take the metro from the airport or Changsha South Railway Station to Wuyi Square (approx. 1 hour), then walk between the historic streets.

Stay: Wuyi Square

Day 2 · A Day at the Museum and Mount Yuelu

Central Changsha（Hunan Museum、Yuelu Academy、Yuelu Mountain、Orange Isle）

Take the metro or taxis to travel between the east and west banks of the Xiang River (approx. 30 minutes each way). You can take the cable car up Mount Yuelu.

The Hunan Museum requires advance booking and is usually closed on Mondays, subject to official announcements.

Stay: Wuyi Square

Day 3 · High-Speed Rail to Zhangjiajie & Climb Tianmen Mountain

Zhangjiajie（Tianmen Mountain Cableway、Tianmen Mountain、Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk、Tianmen Cave & Heaven-Linking Avenue）

Take a morning high-speed train from Changsha South to Zhangjiajie West (approx. 2.5 hours), then transfer to the cable car station (approx. 30 minutes).

Choose your Tianmen Mountain route and entry time slot in advance; booking a morning train is recommended.

Stay: Zhangjiajie City Center (Yongding)

Day 4 · Ten-Mile Gallery to Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain

Zhangjiajie（Ten-Mile Gallery、Bailong Elevator、Wulingyuan / Yuanjiajie、Tianzi Mountain）

Take a bus from the city to Wulingyuan (approx. 1 hour). Use the park shuttle buses and the Bailong Elevator to transfer inside the scenic area.

Queues at the Bailong Elevator are shorter in the morning, so enter the park as early as possible.

Stay: Wulingyuan Town (Wujiayu)

Day 5 · Golden Whip Stream & Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

Zhangjiajie（Golden Whip Stream、Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge）

Take the park shuttle in the morning to Golden Whip Stream for a 3-hour walk, then take a taxi to the Grand Canyon in the afternoon (approx. 1 hour).

The Glass Bridge requires booking a time slot several days in advance and may close temporarily in strong winds.

Stay: Wulingyuan Town (Wujiayu)

Day 6 · Via Furong Town to Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang & Xiangxi（Furong Town (Wangcun)、Hongqiao Bridge）

Charter a car to Furong Town (approx. 1.5 hours), then continue to Fenghuang (approx. 2.5 hours). It is a long travel day.

Stay: Huilong Pavilion · Rainbow Bridge

Day 7 · Tuojiang Riverbanks & Former Residence of Shen Congwen

Fenghuang & Xiangxi（Fenghuang Ancient Town & Tuojiang River、Shen Congwen's Former Residence、Wanming Pagoda & Stepping Stones、Fenghuang City Wall & North Gate）

Explore the ancient town entirely on foot. Take a boat ride on the Tuojiang River (approx. 30 minutes). The main attractions are close to each other.