How to Get from Zhangjiajie to Furong Ancient Town by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take a high-speed train from Zhangjiajie West Station to Furongzhen Station — just 23–30 minutes, ¥40 for a second-class seat — then a 10–15 minute minibus or taxi (¥15) for the final 6 km into the old town. There are about 18 trains daily from roughly 07:28 to 21:40. Furong is a stunning waterfall town perched above the You River and makes an easy half-day trip or a scenic stopover on the way to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉镇) is a 2,000-year-old Tujia ethnic town built into a cliffside above a 40-meter waterfall on the You River. It is about 80 km southwest of Zhangjiajie on the Zhangjiajie–Jishou–Huaihua high-speed rail line, which opened in December 2021. The town is famous for its waterfall that flows directly through the old streets, its stilted wooden houses, and its dramatic night illumination.

Compare Your Options

Option 1: High-Speed Train + Minibus (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Get to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站). This is the city's high-speed rail hub, about 8.5 km from the city center. Take city bus 4, 6, 16, or 17, or a taxi (¥20–30, 20 min from downtown). If you are staying in Wulingyuan, allow 40–60 minutes by car to reach the station.

2. Buy your ticket to Furongzhen Station (芙蓉镇站). Trains run on the Zhangjiajie–Jishou–Huaihua line:

   Detail	Information
   Departure station	Zhangjiajie West (张家界西)
   Arrival station	Furongzhen (芙蓉镇)
   First train	~07:28
   Last train	~21:40
   Frequency	~18 trains daily, roughly 1–2 per hour
   Duration	23–30 minutes (most G/C trains take 23 min)
   2nd class fare	¥40
   1st class fare	¥64
   Distance	73 km

   Book through 12306 or Trip.com. Your passport is required for booking and boarding.

   [!TIP] Most G-series and C-series trains take exactly 23 minutes. A few D/S trains take 39–50 minutes but cost slightly less (¥33). Choose a G or C train for the fastest journey.

3. Arrive at Furongzhen Railway Station. The station is about 6 km from Furong Ancient Town. It is a small station on the high-speed line.

4. Take the final transfer into the old town:

   Option	Cost	Time	Notes
   Local minibus / shuttle	¥5–15	10–15 min	Departs when full; available outside the station
   Taxi / DiDi	¥15–30	10 min	More convenient; agree on fare first

   • The minibus drops you near the town entrance. From there, walk downhill through the old streets toward the waterfall.
   • If you are staying overnight in Furong, many guesthouses and hotels offer free station pickup — confirm with your accommodation in advance.

[!IMPORTANT] If you arrive on a late evening train (after 20:00), the minibus may not be running. A taxi is your only option. The station is small and in a rural area, so DiDi availability may be limited — have a backup plan or ask your hotel to arrange pickup.

Option 2: Private Car or Taxi

• A private car from Zhangjiajie city to Furong takes about 1.5–2 hours by road (80 km).
• Typical cost: ¥200–300 one way, depending on your starting point and negotiation.
• From Wulingyuan, expect 1.5–2 hours by road.
• This is a good option if:
  • You are traveling with family or a group (splitting the cost makes it reasonable)
  • You have heavy luggage
  • You want to stop at viewpoints along the way
  • You plan to continue directly to Fenghuang afterward (a driver can take you door-to-door)

[!TIP] Many visitors combine Furong and Fenghuang in one trip: Zhangjiajie → Furong (afternoon/evening, see the waterfall at night) → Fenghuang (next morning by train, 30 min). The high-speed train connects all three towns.

How to Get Back

• Return trains from Furongzhen to Zhangjiajie West run throughout the day. The journey takes 23–30 minutes and costs ¥40. Check 12306 for the latest schedule for your travel date.
• If you are continuing to Fenghuang Ancient Town, direct trains from Furongzhen to Fenghuang Gucheng take about 20–30 minutes and cost roughly ¥20–30 for second class.
• The minibus/taxi from the old town back to Furongzhen Station takes 10–15 minutes. Allow at least 30 minutes before your train departure.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify on 12306 before travel. Train times and fares are subject to adjustment, especially around Chinese holidays.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Furongzhen Station with the old town. The station is 6 km outside the town. Budget an extra 10–15 minutes and ¥15–30 for the transfer. It is not walking distance.

2. Arriving too late for the minibus. The local minibus depends on arriving trains but may stop after 20:00. If you arrive late, use a taxi or arrange hotel pickup.

3. Not staying for the night view. Furong's waterfall is illuminated after dark, and the lit-up stilt houses above the river are spectacular. If you only visit on a daytime trip, you miss the best part. Consider an overnight stay or an evening train.

4. Booking the wrong train type. Most G/C trains take 23 minutes, but some D/S trains take 39–50 minutes. Check the duration when booking.

5. Underestimating walking in the old town. Furong is built on a steep hillside with stone steps and narrow alleys. Wear comfortable shoes. If you have heavy luggage, ask your hotel about pickup or use a taxi.

6. Assuming DiDi works reliably in Furong. The town is small and rural. DiDi may have limited drivers, especially in the evening. Have cash or arrange transport through your hotel.

Before You Go

• Entrance fee: Furong Ancient Town charges an entrance fee (approximately ¥100–120, which may include access to the waterfall viewing platforms and some performances). Check locally for current pricing.
• Best time to visit: Late afternoon to evening — explore the old town in daylight, then stay for the illuminated waterfall after sunset. Avoid midday summer heat (June–August).
• What to bring: Passport (for train tickets), comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket (evenings by the river can be cool), camera, and cash (small vendors may not accept cards).
• Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours for a half-day visit; overnight for the full night-view experience and a slower pace.
• Combining with Fenghuang: Furong and Fenghuang are on the same high-speed rail line. A popular route is: Zhangjiajie → Furong (afternoon/night) → Fenghuang (next morning, 20–30 min by train).

Related Guides

• Zhangjiajie Travel Guide — full city guide with attractions and practical tips
• How to Get from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town — combine Furong with Fenghuang
• How to Get from Zhangjiajie City to Wulingyuan — getting to the national park
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Need help booking train tickets, arranging a private driver for the Zhangjiajie–Furong–Fenghuang route, or planning a multi-day western Hunan itinerary? Our local team can help. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

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Train schedules and fares are based on China Railway 12306 data, Trip.com, and gaotie.com.cn (August 2026). Station-to-town transfer information is based on HalalChinaTrips (August 2026) and traveler reports. Schedules may change — verify on 12306 before travel.

Last verified: August 2026