Furong, Zhangjiaje and Fenghunang

Question

Hi- I'm planning my trip to China and I saw a reel recommending these places. I know they're in the same area so my question is: should I have a base in one of them and make day trips from there? or should I visit them one after the other?

My previous destination is Chengdu, and the following destination is Changqing?

I'd love to hear ideas and if it's worth it to visit all these places.

Any advice will be highly appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

Answer

The Furong Ancient Town, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang are all in Hunan province or nearby areas, but they are not immediately adjacent to each other. Planning your itinerary depends on your priorities, pace, and transport preferences.

General considerations:

Furong Ancient Town is a small but picturesque town known for its riverside scenery and traditional architecture. It can be explored in a few hours to half a day.
Zhangjiajie is famous for its unique sandstone pillars, Tianzi Mountain, and the Avatar Mountains. Visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park typically requires at least 2 full days to cover the main scenic areas comfortably.
Fenghuang Ancient Town is a well-preserved town with traditional Ming and Qing architecture, riverside streets, and rich local culture. It generally requires 1–2 days to explore fully.

Based on distances and transport:

It’s not practical to base yourself in one location and make day trips to the others, because each place is at least 3–5 hours apart by road.
The most efficient way is to visit them sequentially, spending 1–2 nights in each location:

Start with Furong if you are coming from Chengdu via flight to nearby Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport or train to the area.
Then go to Zhangjiajie for 2–3 nights to fully explore the national park.
Finally, travel to Fenghuang for 1–2 nights before moving on to Changqing.

Public transport or private car hire can connect these locations. There are buses, trains, and occasional flights, but travel times should be factored in.

Worth visiting?

Zhangjiajie is a must-see for nature lovers and unique landscapes.
Fenghuang is highly recommended for cultural and historical interest.
Furong is optional but pleasant if you enjoy scenic small towns and want a quieter stop; it adds a local flavor but is less dramatic than Zhangjiajie or Fenghuang.

Summary suggestion:

Visit sequentially rather than trying day trips from a single base.
Spend 2–3 nights in Zhangjiajie, 1–2 nights in Fenghuang, and 1 night in Furong if you choose to include it.
Plan transport carefully to avoid overly long travel days.

This itinerary allows you to experience both the natural wonders and cultural highlights of the region without rushing.