Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip to China and Zhangjiajie. It is on top of our list. How many days would you recommend staying here? Top things we must do here and any tips? Do we need a guide? And finally we plan to do Beijing then Zhangjiajie and then Shanghai would you recommend flying to the different locations, train(I know it's a long ride) or any other way?

Hi, Rosslyn,

Greetings from Sophie, tour advsior in TCT.
Thank you very much for your question. Well noted that you are yearning for a tour to Zhangjiajie in your China tour plan.
At first, I have to say, it is advisable to choose coming from Beijing and departing for Shanghai when you go to visit Zhangjiajie because only both cities have direct flights between Zhangjiajie.

Transportation between cities
There is only one direct train from Beijing to Zhangjiajie. As it is a slow train, it takes around 26 hours. Therefore, we generally suggest clients take flight instead of train.
There isn’t direct train between Zhangjiajie and Shanghai. Therefore, flight is the only choice.

Flight schedule
Beijing-Zhangjiajie CZ6600 0625/0855
Beijing-Zhangjiejie CA1359 1835/2115
Zhangjiajie-Shanghai FM9344 1905/2055
Zhangjiajie-Shanghai FM9342 2210/2355
Zhangjiajie-Shanghai MU5372 2310/0055+1
Note: This is flight schedule in high season. Some flights might be cancelled in low season. It depends on real situation.

Tours in Zhangjiajie, If your traveling time is tight, I suggest you 2 nights and 3 Days as below,
Day01 Beijing-Zhangjiajie by afternoon flight. Overnight at Wulingyuan Area
Day02 One Day Wulingyuan Scenic Are: Tianzi Peak by up cable car, Yuajiajie, Bailong Elevator down, Golden Whip Stream trekking, Then finish it by round way cable car to Yellow Stone Village.
Day03 A Leisure day to visit Heaven Gate Mountain by round way cable car, later afternoon flight to Shanghai.

If your time is enough, I suggest you arrange one day at Zhangjiajie national Forest Park.

Guide Service
As Zhangjiajie is remote, only few people can understand English. I suggest you rent an English speaking guide service before your tour. If possible, I do suggest you book Zhangjiajie tour through travel agency, who could make full arrangement for you.

More Zhangjiajie tour: /zhangjiajie/zhangjiajie-tours.htm

Hope the above is clear and helpful.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact with us

Best regards

Sophie Huang
Top China Travel