How to get to Fenghuang from Furong in 2026

After the Furong waterfall, head for Fenghuang, the "Phoenix Ancient Town": two jewels of western Hunan that, together with Zhangjiajie, form the most beautiful loop in the region!

Good news for travellers: both towns are connected by the same high-speed rail line, which opened at the end of 2021. The journey takes only about thirty minutes from station to station, but a few subtleties are worth noting: a limited number of direct trains, transfers from the stations, and the lack of ride-hailing services in Fenghuang.

To help you as much as possible, here is a complete Trip.com guide to getting from Furong to Fenghuang without any nasty surprises.

Furong and Fenghuang: two ancient towns connected by rail

Before we dive into the transport options, here’s a quick recap of these two unique locations.

Furong (芙蓉镇), the town clinging to its waterfall, and Fenghuang (凤凰古城), the city with stilt houses suspended above the Tuo River, are both located on the Zhangjiajie – Jishou – Huaihua line. Each has its own high-speed railway station, making it possible to travel from one to the other in about thirty minutes - quick, right?

It is the final link in the star itinerary of Xiangxi: the famous Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie, the Furong waterfall, and then the alleyways of Fenghuang. A seamless sequence, almost entirely by rail, that thousands of travellers follow every year!

Taking the high-speed train from Furong to Fenghuang

On this route, the high-speed train is the default choice. It connects Furong Railway Station (芙蓉镇站, Furongzhen) with Fenghuang Ancient Town Railway Station (凤凰古城站, Fenghuanggucheng) in around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the service.

What you need to know:

• Journey time: Around half an hour, although some services with more stops can take up to 45 minutes.
• Price: From around ¥53 (≈ £6) in Second Class, around ¥77–¥85 (≈ £8–£10) in First Class, and ¥186 (≈ £21) in Business Class.
• Comfort: Modern, air-conditioned and punctual trains, as expected across China's high-speed rail network.

The key detail to know: fewer direct trains

Before booking your tickets, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.

Although this route is part of a busy high-speed rail network, the number of direct trains between Furong and Fenghuang is more limited than on other sections, and services can vary from day to day. In other words, you may not find a departure every hour.

A few tips to consider:

• Check the timetable in advance and plan your visit to Furong around a suitable direct train departure.
• Book early. Tickets are released 15 days before departure, and direct trains can sell out quickly during peak season and weekends.
• If there is no convenient direct service, a quick connection (for example via Jishou or Huaihua South) is still possible, but it will extend the journey time. A direct train remains the preferred option.

Getting from Furong Ancient Town to the railway station

Before you even board the train, you will need to make your first transfer, as Furong Train Station is not located right next to the ancient town. Allow around 6 km, or approximately 15 minutes, between the tourist area and Furongzhen Railway Station.

• By taxi: around ¥20 (≈ £2.20), the quickest and most convenient option with luggage.
• By local bus: only a few yuan, with a stop at Furong Bus Station.

Make sure to include this journey in your schedule, especially if you are catching a direct train with limited departure times.

From Fenghuang railway station to the ancient town

Upon arrival, the situation is similar: Fenghuang Railway Station (Fenghuanggucheng) is located around 10 km from the Old Town. This final leg of the journey is easy to manage, but there is one local detail worth keeping in mind.

• Shuttle bus (tourist bus): ¥7 (≈ £0.80), around 20 minutes. Two routes are available: one goes to Qifeng Square (Hongqiao) Tourist Centre, and the other goes to Nanhuali.
• Taxi: around ¥25 (≈ £2.80) and 20 minutes, using the meter.

Taking a private transfer from Furong to Fenghuang

If you are travelling with family, in a group, or with bulky luggage, a private car with a driver is definitely worth considering!

It connects Furong and Fenghuang by road in around 1.5 hours, without the need to arrange station transfers at either end, and allows you to enjoy the scenery or even make a stop along the way.

It is often the most relaxing option for this route, precisely because it removes the two station-to-city transfers that make the train journey more complicated.

Platforms such as Trip.com offer private transfers in the area, including options that combine Zhangjiajie, Furong and Fenghuang in a single day.

Which option should you choose based on your travel style?

• You are travelling light and watching your budget: the high-speed train is unbeatable for speed and price.
• You are travelling with family or carrying large luggage: choose a private car to avoid extra transfers between the station and the city.
• You are completing your Xiangxi itinerary: take the train and enjoy the same railway line from Zhangjiajie and Furong.
• No direct train fits your schedule: choose a private car, or use a rail connection as a last resort.

Things to know before travelling from Furong to Fenghuang

A few practical and up-to-date tips for a smooth journey:

• British citizens do not need a visa. Until the end of 2026, British citizens can enter China visa-free for tourist stays of up to 30 days, making this type of trip much easier. Check the latest entry requirements before departure.
• Book in advance to save time. Trip.com allows you to add your passport details, view schedules in English and pay with a foreign bank card up to 15 days before departure.
• Your passport acts as your ticket. In most cases, simply scan it at the station gates to access the platform, without needing a paper ticket.
• Arrive early. Allow at least 30 minutes before departure for security checks.
• Carry some cash in Fenghuang. As ride-hailing services are limited and many small shops still accept cash, keep some small notes with you and set up Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Why Fenghuang is the highlight of a Xiangxi trip

Fenghuang is worth spending at least one night in. The old town is best explored on foot, following its cobbled lanes and stilted houses leaning above the Tuo River.

At dusk, a boat ride offers the finest views of the illuminated riverbanks, an iconic sight that captures the charm of the Phoenix City.

The town also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area, including Miao villages, the Southern Great Wall, and of course Furong, where you arrive from. Many travellers spend one to two days in Fenghuang, taking time to experience its unique atmosphere both during the day and after dark.

Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season and Chinese holidays, when the town fills up quickly.

Where to go after visiting Fenghuang

One of the great advantages of Fenghuang Railway Station is that it does not necessarily mark the end of your journey. Connected to China’s national high-speed rail network, it allows you to easily continue to other regions once your visit comes to an end.

Some useful connections from Fenghuang include:

• To Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, in around 2 hours: ideal for catching a flight or train towards eastern China.
• To Zhangjiajie, in just under an hour, if you prefer to end your trip with the mountains rather than start with them.
• To Guilin and its famous karst landscapes, in around 5.5 to 7.5 hours, offering a natural extension towards southern China.
• To Guangzhou (Canton), also accessible by direct train, allowing you to reach the coast and continue towards Hong Kong.
• Huaihua South Railway Station, around 20 minutes from Fenghuang, is also a major railway hub, providing more connections to Chongqing, Guiyang and Kunming.

In other words, Fenghuang fits perfectly into a simple Xiangxi loop or a wider itinerary exploring southern China.

Furong or Fenghuang: how long should you stay?

These two ancient towns share a Tujia and Miao heritage, but they require different amounts of time to explore, so it is worth knowing this when planning your train schedule.

• Furong can be explored in half a day to one full day. Its waterfall and main streets are relatively quick to visit, although staying overnight allows you to enjoy the site after the tour groups have left.
• Fenghuang deserves more time: plan for at least one night, ideally two. The town reveals its most beautiful side in the evening, when the banks of the Tuo River light up — an atmosphere that is impossible to experience during a brief daytime visit.

Trip.com recommendation: visit Furong in the morning, take a train in the early afternoon, and arrive in Fenghuang by the end of the day. This way, you can enjoy Furong Waterfall in the morning light and the illuminated riverbanks of Fenghuang on the same evening.

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