How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the breathtaking Hallelujah Mountains, is a must-visit destination in China. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to reach this natural wonder:
Getting to Zhangjiajie City
The first step is to reach Zhangjiajie City, which serves as the gateway to the national park. There are two main transportation hubs:
1. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (Wulingyuan Airport) (DYG)
- Flights: This airport connects Zhangjiajie to major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. International connections are limited.
- Airport Transfer:
- Airport Bus: Line 4 connects the airport to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (approx. 40 minutes, ¥10). Buses depart frequently throughout the day.
- Taxi: A taxi ride to the city center or directly to your hotel will take around 30-45 minutes and cost around ¥80-120.
2. Zhangjiajie Railway Station
- High-Speed Trains: Zhangjiajie is well-connected by high-speed rail to major cities like Changsha, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. Travel time from Changsha is around 3 hours.
- Station Transfer:
- Taxis: Abundant outside the station. A ride to the city center will cost around ¥20-30.
- Buses: Several city bus routes connect the station to various parts of the city.
Getting to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Once you are in Zhangjiajie City, you have several options to reach the national park:
1. Direct Bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station
- Frequent Departures: Buses to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park depart regularly from the station.
- Affordable Option: This is a budget-friendly way to reach the park entrance (approx. ¥12).
- Travel Time: The journey takes around 45-60 minutes.
2. Taxi
- Convenient but Pricier: Taxis offer door-to-door service, but expect to pay a higher fare (around ¥60-80) compared to the bus.
- Negotiate the Fare: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey, especially during peak tourist season.
3. Private Car/Tour
- Hassle-Free Option: Hiring a private car or booking a tour that includes transportation is a convenient option, especially if you have a larger group or prefer a more personalized experience.
Entrance Gates to the Park:
Remember that Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has multiple entrance gates. The most common ones are:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Gate: This is the main entrance and closest to the park's iconic attractions like the Bailong Elevator and the Hallelujah Mountains.
- Wulingyuan Entrance Gate: This gate is closer to attractions in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, such as the Golden Whip Stream and Yellow Stone Village.
Important Note: It's advisable to purchase your park entrance tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
Summary Table:
| Transport Option | From | To | Approximate Cost (¥) | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus | Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport | Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station | 10 | 40 minutes |
| Taxi (from airport) | Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport | Zhangjiajie City Center | 80-120 | 30-45 minutes |
| Bus to Park | Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | 12 | 45-60 minutes |
| Taxi to Park | Zhangjiajie City Center | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | 60-80 | 30-45 minutes |
FAQs
1. Can I get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park directly from the airport?
While there's no direct bus, you can take a taxi directly from the airport to the park. However, it's more cost-effective to take the airport bus to the city and then a bus or taxi to the park.
2. Which entrance gate should I use for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
The best entrance gate depends on the attractions you want to see first. The main entrance (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Gate) is ideal for the Bailong Elevator and Hallelujah Mountains, while the Wulingyuan Gate is closer to Golden Whip Stream and Yellow Stone Village.
3. Are there any luggage storage options at the park?
Yes, luggage storage facilities are available at the park entrances and some hotels near the park. This allows you to explore the park comfortably without carrying heavy bags.