Chinese Railway - Schedules drastically cut!!

Question

Hi, I am landing into Zhangjiajie Hehua airport on the night of 11th Oct. I am planning to do the following circuit:

12th Oct - Fenghuang - overnight in Fenghuang

13th Oct - Furong - Overnight in Furong

14th Oct - Zhangjiajie city

All the above I was planning to book trains. Today I was shocked to see only 3 services on both Trip and the Chinese train website. All the rest of the services it’s just saying that the timetable is being redesigned.

Any idea what this is all about or when the timetable will stabilise? Secondly are there any bus options between these locations?

Answer

It is not uncommon for Chinese railway schedules, especially in smaller cities like Zhangjiajie, to be temporarily reduced or marked as “timetable being redesigned.” This often happens due to seasonal adjustments, maintenance work, or operational changes in response to passenger demand. October is a busy travel month due to the National Holiday period and Golden Week, so the railway authorities may be adjusting schedules post-holiday to optimize service.

Regarding your travel plan:

Currently, Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie to Furong have very limited train services, so relying solely on trains may not be feasible for your tight schedule.
The timetable should stabilize closer to your travel date, but exact dates are not always published far in advance. Typically, schedules are finalized 1–2 weeks before departure.

Alternative options:

Intercity and long-distance buses are available between Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, and Furong. These buses are frequent and often faster than the limited trains, especially if traveling during the day. For example, Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang buses take approximately 4–5 hours.
Hiring a private car or taxi for your circuit is another practical option, giving you flexibility with timing and stops along the way.
Some local travel agencies in Zhangjiajie can arrange mini-bus tours or shuttle services connecting these towns, which can be booked a day or two in advance.

Tips:

Check local bus stations upon arrival at Zhangjiajie Hehua airport; the airport usually has information desks or signs for connecting buses to Fenghuang.
For Furong, buses depart from Zhangjiajie city center; plan to spend the night in Fenghuang first and travel the next day to Furong.
If you are set on using trains, keep monitoring the official China Railway website or Trip.com daily, as new trains may appear once the timetable is updated.

In summary, while train services are currently limited, bus and private car options provide reliable alternatives for your planned circuit of Fenghuang, Furong, and Zhangjiajie city.

Chinese Railway - Schedules drastically cut!!

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