Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains) and Zhangjiajie are two of China's most popular mountain destinations! With 930 kilometers (578 miles) between them, Huangshan and Zhangjiajie are not as far removed as they seem.
How to Get to Zhangjiajie from Huangshan by Air
There is no direct flight from Huangshan to Zhangjiajie.
The most efficient way is to make a transit in Shanghai. You can first take a bullet train from Huangshan to Shanghai (3-4 hours). From here, you can take a flight to Zhangjiajie, which takes about 2 hours. The flights from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie depart daily and all from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The trains from Huangshan to Shanghai arrive at either Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, or Shanghai Jinshan North Railway Station. Shanghai Railway Station is more recommended as it is nearer to Pudong International Airport. It takes about 1 hour by car. If you start from Hongqiao Railway Station or Jinshan North Railway Station, another 30 minutes will be needed.
Another way is via Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH). You could take a 2-hour bullet train from Huangshan North Railway Station or Huangshan West Railway Station to Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou West Railway Station. And then take a taxi to Hangzhou's airport.
Hangzhou East Railway Station is nearer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. It takes about 40 minutes by car. If you depart from Hangzhou West Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Private transport directly to Hangzhou's airport would be far more convenient. From Hangzhou, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) is a 2-hour-and-15-minute flight away and costs just 100 USD one-way. However, there are only flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Only one flight is available each day, departing at around 7:30 am. Thus, you need to stay one night in Hangzhou to catch the early morning flight the next day.
You could, of course, tour somewhere else with more convenient flights to Zhangjiajie after Huangshan. For your options see Zhangjiajie Transportation.
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How to Get from Huangshan to Zhangjiajie by Train
Your driver will help with your luggageAnother way to travel between the two cities, and arguably the easiest way, would be to take a bullet train from Huangshan to Changsha (around 4 hours), and then another bullet train from Changsha to Zhangjiajie (around 3 hours).
The train from Huangshan to Changsha arrives at Changsha South Railway Station. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a train departing from the same station to Zhangjiajie. The journey from Changsha South Railway Station to Changsha Railway Station takes about 30 minutes by car.
There are two bullet trains per day from Huangshan to Changsha, departing at 08:48 and 10:23 respectively.
Besides Changsha, you can also make a transit in Huaihua South Railway Station. The journey time is similar.
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Zhangjiajie Travel Tips
Hallelujah Mountain, named after the floating outcrops of Pandora, as its middle is often lost in cloudsThe best time to go to both Zhangjiajie and Huangshan is when there are no public holidays in China, as it gets really busy, and when the weather is best.
Between September and early November, the weather is comfortable. You can also go between April and June if you don't mind humidity and the occasional rain. Spring or summer are also the times when the weather is best in Huangshan.
Chinese public holidays will lead to more expensive accommodation and flights (and sold out flights), these times are:
- China's summer holiday season (July and August)
- Labor Day (May 1–3)
- National Day (October 1–7)
- Spring Festival (late January or early to mid February)
We recommend you get to the airport at least 2½ hours before departure, and 3 during peak times. There can be really long check-in and security lines during holidays and weekends.
We recommend getting to the train station at least 1 hour before departure, 1½ hours during peak times or to be safe, 2 hours if you still need to collect your ticket.
Touring Zhangjiajie and Huangshan
Autumn at the Yellow MountainsZhangjiajie and Huangshan are both amazing mountain scenery destinations.
We've got plenty of Zhangjiajie tours. We can take you around for four full days to explore everything these gorgeous mountains have to offer, or take you on a one-day tour of the glass bridge and Baofeng lake.
We also have tours for Huangshan, for example this 4-day Huangshan trekking adventure which includes most of the scenic highlights of the Yellow Mountains.
And of course, our tours can be tailored to your needs. Please contact us here if you've got any special requests or requirements, or need help navigating your journey from Huangshan to Zhangjiajie.