How to choose a chartered car day trip in Zhangjiajie?

jie is world-renowned for its uniquely shaped peaks and rocks, especially as the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar, making it a popular destination for international tourists. However, Zhangjiajie's beauty isn't concentrated in one place—the Wulingyuan core scenic area, Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Huanglong Cave, and other attractions are scattered in different directions, often requiring a half-hour to an hour's drive between each other. Relying entirely on public transportation would waste a significant portion of your precious day waiting for buses, transferring, and finding your way.

Therefore, we recommend the most efficient and hassle-free option: a one-day tour of Zhangjiajie by private car. A private car means dedicated service, allowing you to control the time spent at each attraction without worrying about taxi shortages or communication difficulties, letting you focus entirely on the scenery itself.

How to get to Zhangjiajie and find your driver

Transportation to Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport is the only international airport in western Hunan Province, located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center and 8 kilometers from Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area.

• Direct flights: Currently, there are flights to and from more than 20 cities across the country (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, etc.).

High-speed rail: Zhangjiajie West Station

Zhangjiajie West Station is a major high-speed rail hub, connecting the Zhangjiajie-Jishou-Huaihua High-speed Railway and the Qianjiang-Zhangjiajie-Changde Railway.

Zhangjiajie has two railway stations – Zhangjiajie West Station (high-speed rail station) and Zhangjiajie Station (regular rail station), which are about 10 kilometers apart. Please be sure to check the station name on your ticket before departure.

How do I find my driver once I arrive?

If you have booked a private car service, the driver will pick you up from the airport or train station on time. Here are the specific instructions:

Information required for booking

• Name of the main traveler (as it appears on passport)

• Contact information (mobile phone number, WhatsApp/WeChat contact information recommended)

• Flight/train number and estimated arrival time

• Hotel name and address

Reunion process upon arrival

• Please keep your phone switched on upon arrival so the driver can contact you.

• For chartered car services, driver information, including driver's name, contact number, and license plate number, is usually provided at least 12 hours prior to your appointment.

• The driver will meet you at the airport arrival exit or train station exit holding a sign with your name on it (please inquire in advance if you require this service).

It is recommended to confirm the specific meeting point with the driver in advance (e.g., "right side of the exit" or "P1 parking area," etc.).

Recommended itinerary:

Route 1: Canyon Adventure and Scenic Lakes and Mountains – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon + Baofeng Lake

• Suitable for: Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking both thrills and tranquility.

• Highlights: Experience both the world's highest glass bridge and a high-altitude lake, known as "Jade Pool on Earth," in one day.

• Itinerary Overview: In the morning, head to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, challenge the Cloud Sky Bridge, and hike to the bottom of the canyon; in the afternoon, visit Baofeng Lake and enjoy a boat trip on the scenic lake and mountains.

Recommended Itinerary: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake Private Car

What to do at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon?

Yuntiandu Glass Bridge and Canyon Hiking

Here you can experience one of the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridges, spanning a 260-meter-deep canyon. Below you is a sheer drop, a thrilling and breathtaking experience. After crossing the glass bridge, you can descend along the canyon trail, enjoying views of emerald streams, waterfalls, and lush forests.

What are some things to do at Baofeng Lake?

• Boat Trip on Baofeng Lake: The core experience of Baofeng Lake is a boat trip, lasting 30-40 minutes. The lake's surface is a jade-green, reflecting the unique peaks on both banks. Along the way, Tujia girls will sing folk songs, creating a joyful atmosphere.

• Baofeng Waterfall: A 60-meter waterfall with a misty spray sprays all around, creating a truly ethereal experience.

Charter car value reminder: Although the Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake are both located in the Wulingyuan area, they are about a 30-minute drive apart. Chartering a car allows you to seamlessly connect the two attractions.

Route 2: Surface Wonders and Underground Secrets – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon + Huanglong Cave

• Suitable for: Geology enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and travelers who enjoy diverse experiences

• Route Highlights: Experience the grandeur of surface canyons and the wonder of underground caves in one day, witnessing the dual spectacle of "surface + underground" wonders in one go.

• Itinerary Overview: Morning: Challenge the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and hike through the canyon; Afternoon: Explore the underground caves of Huanglong Cave.

Recommended Itinerary: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Yellow Dragon Cave Private Car

What are some things to do at Huanglong Cave?

Huanglong Cave, hailed as the "World's All-Around Champion of Karst Caves," is a massive karst cave with rivers and mountains inside, making it a veritable underground version of Zhangjiajie.

• Boating on the Xiangshui River underground: This is the most dreamlike experience of the entire trip - board the boat at the dock and slowly move forward along the 800-meter underground river. The stalactites on the cave ceiling are reflected in the water, and the lights are mesmerizing and dreamlike.

Charter car service reminder: Huanglong Cave is 19 kilometers from the Grand Canyon, and public transportation is infrequent and has long waiting times. Chartering a car allows you to go directly from the Grand Canyon to Huanglong Cave.

Route 3: Mountain Spectacles and Ancient Towns – Tianmen Mountain + Furong Town

• Suitable for: Travelers who enjoy mountain scenery and ancient town charm, and travelers with limited time but seeking a diverse experience.

• Highlights: Experience the breathtaking scenery of Tianmen Mountain and the charming waterfalls of Furong Town in one day, witnessing two distinctly different aspects of western Hunan.

• Itinerary Overview: Morning visit to Tianmen Mountain (cable car, glass walkway, Tianmen Cave); afternoon trip to Furong Town; evening enjoyment of Furong Town's night view before returning.

Recommended Itinerary: Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Furong Ancient Town Private Car

What to do at Tianmen Mountain?

Tianmen Mountain is a landmark scenic spot in Zhangjiajie City, famous for its super-long cable car, Tianmen Cave, and glass walkway.

• The super-long cable car: The Tianmen Mountain cable car is 7455 meters long, running directly from the city to the summit. The 28-minute aerial journey is a major experience in itself.

• Glass walkway: A glass walkway suspended above a thousand-meter-high cliff, with a sheer drop below, offering a thrilling and exciting experience.

• Tianmen Cave: The world's highest and largest natural through-mountain cave, requiring a climb of 999 steps to reach.

What are some things to do in Furong Town?

Furong Town is known as the "Millennial Ancient Town Hanging on the Waterfall." The town itself is built above the waterfall, and it's breathtakingly beautiful when illuminated at night.

• Viewing Platform: Enjoy the classic view of the waterfall and stilted houses side-by-side.

• Waterfall Walkway: Walk behind the waterfall, feeling the spray and experiencing the sensation of a "water curtain cave."

• Five-Mile Stone-Paved Street: Stroll along the main street of the ancient town and sample local snacks such as Liu Xiaoqing Rice Tofu.

Charter car value reminder: Tianmen Mountain is located in Zhangjiajie City, while Furong Town is in Yongshun County, about a 1.5-hour drive apart. Chartering a car allows you to focus on visiting Tianmen Mountain in the morning, seamlessly transfer to Furong Town in the afternoon, and safely return after enjoying the night view. Alternatively, you can choose a combination of "high-speed rail + local taxi".

Route 4: Avatar Wonderland and Canyon Wonders – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park + Grand Canyon

• Suitable for: First-time visitors to Zhangjiajie, fans of the movie Avatar, and travelers who want to see two iconic attractions in one day.

• Highlights: Wulingyuan is the soul of Zhangjiajie—home to the three thousand peaks and the prototype of the Hallelujah Mountains; the Grand Canyon boasts the world's highest glass bridge.

• Itinerary Overview: Morning tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (including core scenic areas such as Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain); Afternoon visit to the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.

Recommended Itinerary: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Golden Whip Stream Car

What to do at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?

Wulingyuan is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The ticket is valid for 4 days and includes the eco-friendly sightseeing bus within the scenic area.

• Golden Whip Stream: Stroll along the crystal-clear Golden Whip Stream, where the water contrasts beautifully with the towering sandstone cliffs.

• Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain: This is the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar.

• Tianzi Mountain: Take the Tianzi Mountain cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the magnificent peak forest landscape, including the West Sea Stone Forest and Jade Pen Peak.

Important Note Regarding Chartering a Vehicle: Wulingyuan Scenic Area is vast, and while internal attractions rely on shuttle buses, external transportation is required for entering and exiting the scenic area and transferring between different entrances. Chartering a vehicle ensures a seamless transition from the Forest Park to the Grand Canyon (approximately a 2-hour drive).

Route 5: Peak Forest and Ancient Town – Zhangjiajie + Fenghuang Ancient Town One-Day Tour

• Suitable for: Culture enthusiasts, lovers of ancient towns, and travelers wishing to experience the cultural charm of Western Hunan.

• Highlights: Shift from the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie to the millennia-old charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, experiencing the dual allure of Western Hunan's "mountains and rivers" and "culture".

• Itinerary Overview: Depart from Zhangjiajie in the morning for Fenghuang Ancient Town; stroll through the ancient town in the afternoon, visiting the Tuojiang River, stilted houses, and ancient city walls; return to Zhangjiajie in the evening.

Recommended Itinerary: Zhangjiajie Fenghuang Ancient Town Day Trip Private Transfer

What to do in Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Fenghuang Ancient Town is described by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "the most beautiful small town in China". The Tuojiang River flows through the town, and the banks are lined with stilted houses.

• Boating on the Tuojiang River: Take a small boat and cruise gently along the Tuojiang River, enjoying the stilted houses and ancient town scenery on both banks.

• Strolling through the Ancient Town: Wander along the ancient town streets paved with bluestone slabs, and visit historical sites such as Shen Congwen's former residence and the ancient city walls.

• Night View: If time permits, the night view of Fenghuang is enchanting. The lights on both sides of the Tuojiang River are reflected in the water, creating a scene like a painting.

Important Note: The journey from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang is approximately 230 kilometers one way, taking 3.5-4 hours by car. A one-day trip is very rushed; it is recommended to depart very early in the morning and return very late at night. If you wish to experience Fenghuang more deeply, we strongly suggest planning a trip of 2 days or more.

How do I choose the route that best suits me?

First time visiting Zhangjiajie? Want to see the most classic scenery?

• Recommended Route: Route 4 (National Forest + Grand Canyon)

• Zhangjiajie National Forest is the soul of Zhangjiajie; a must-see filming location for Avatar.

I like excitement and challenges

• Recommended Route: Route 2 (Grand Canyon + Huanglong Cave)

• The thrill of the glass bridge combined with cave exploration will get your adrenaline pumping!

Want to see scenery where mountains and water blend together

• Recommended Route: Route 1 (Grand Canyon + Baofeng Lake)

• The grandeur of the canyon contrasts perfectly with the tranquility of the lake.

For those interested in ancient towns and culture

• Recommended routes: Route 4 (Fenghuang Ancient Town) or Route 5 (Furong Town)

• Fenghuang Ancient Town is larger and more famous; Furong Town is closer and more suitable for a day trip.

Suitable for elderly people or children

• Recommended routes: Route 1 (Grand Canyon + Baofeng Lake) or Route 5 (Tianmen Mountain + Furong Town)

• A boat tour of Baofeng Lake is easy and not tiring; Tianmen Mountain A is mainly downhill, saving energy; a stroll through Furong Town is of moderate difficulty.

Best Season Selection

1. April-May: Springtime, flowers in bloom, pleasant weather

2. August-September: Summer retreat, cool mountain areas

3. Avoid: July-August (summer vacation and public holidays, peak tourist season)

Travel Recommendations

If you have a preferred itinerary or specific attractions you'd like to visit, please feel free to contact us. We can tailor a unique one-day tour of Zhangjiajie to your needs.

Zhangjiajie Travel Guide:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Transportation and Travel Guide

Zhangjiajie Family Private Car Guide

Recommended articles on travel guides around related cities:

Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by High-Speed Rail

Chengdu Day Trips: Best Places Around Chengdu

The links to the attractions within this article are from: China Travel Book