Day trip from Zhangiajie to Phoenix Old Town

Question

I would like to go from Zhangjiajie to Phoenix Old Town arriving Old Town at around 4 pm and walk around and see the lights and return to Zhangjiajie by 10 pm in end of March. Can someone be so kind to let me know if it is doable? When will it get dark in Phoenix Old Town?

Which is the nearest station to Phoenix Old Town and how long does it take to get there by taxi/Didi? Will there be taxi to take us back to the station at 8? Will there be taxi at Zhangjiajie West train station around 10pm? Please help! Thanks a lot.

Answer

It is technically possible to do a day trip from Zhangjiajie to Phoenix Old Town and return the same day, but it will be a very tight schedule. In late March, sunset in Phoenix Old Town is typically around 6:30 pm, so you will have about 2–2.5 hours of daylight and some evening time to see the lights.

Travel options and logistics:

Nearest station: The closest major station is Huaihua South Railway Station, which is about 4–5 hours by high-speed train from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus or private car, which may take around 4–5 hours each way, making a same-day return extremely tight.
Taxi/Didi: From Huaihua or nearby stations to Phoenix Old Town, it is roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic. Taxis and Didi rides are generally available during the day, but availability in the evening (around 8 pm) may be limited in a small town like Phoenix.
Return to Zhangjiajie: If you are planning to return to Zhangjiajie by 10 pm, it is likely impractical by public transport. A private driver or self-arranged car may be the only feasible option, as taxis or Didi may not be readily available at the train station at that hour.

Practical considerations:

A same-day round trip will involve 10+ hours of travel, leaving very limited time to explore Phoenix Old Town.
Consider spending the night in Phoenix Old Town to fully enjoy the town in the evening and return the next day.
If you are fixed on a day trip, leaving Zhangjiajie very early in the morning (around 6–7 am) and hiring a private car may give you a chance, but it will be exhausting.
Evening taxis in Phoenix Old Town can be scarce; arranging a car in advance is highly recommended.

In summary, while a day trip is technically doable with a private car, it is not ideal. Staying overnight in Phoenix Old Town will allow you to enjoy the town and the evening lights without the stress of tight travel.

Day trip from Zhangiajie to Phoenix Old Town

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