Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo

Question

Hi,

Previous posts on this topic are more than 4-5yrs old so wanted to ask what is the best way to travel from Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo without wasting too much daylight time?

I don't see any direct/sensible flight connections, and the train eats up the entire day..

Is there a way to make this journey overnight...?

Planning on Beijing> Xian > Zhangjiajie> Yangshuo.

Thank you!

Answer

Traveling from Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo can be a bit tricky due to limited direct connections. Currently, there is no direct flight between Zhangjiajie and Guilin (the nearest airport to Yangshuo), so most travelers need to combine flights, trains, or buses.

Here are the most practical options:

Flight via Changsha or Guilin: The fastest way is to take a morning flight from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. There are no direct flights daily, so sometimes a connection via Changsha or another hub is necessary. The flight usually takes 2–3 hours including layover, after which you can take a 1–1.5 hour shuttle or taxi to Yangshuo.
Train + Overnight Option: Zhangjiajie has high-speed trains to Changsha, which take about 4–5 hours. From Changsha, you can take an overnight sleeper train to Guilin, which allows you to travel while sleeping and save daylight. Once in Guilin, Yangshuo is about 1–1.5 hours by bus or taxi.
Private Car or Driver: Hiring a private car can be efficient if you want a flexible schedule. The drive from Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo is approximately 6–7 hours via expressways. Leaving early in the morning can get you to Yangshuo by afternoon, maximizing your daylight. This option is more expensive but saves waiting and connections.

Additional tips:

Check flight and train schedules in advance, as they can change seasonally and may have limited frequency.
Consider staying overnight near Zhangjiajie airport if your flight is very early, or near Guilin if you arrive late.
If minimizing daylight travel time is your priority, a morning flight (direct if available, otherwise via Changsha) is usually the fastest combined with a short transfer to Yangshuo.

In summary, the quickest and most comfortable way to get from Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo is usually a flight to Guilin followed by a transfer to Yangshuo. For those who prefer saving on accommodation and maximizing daytime hiking or sightseeing, the overnight sleeper train via Changsha is a viable alternative, and a private car offers flexibility for timing and stops along the way.

Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo

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