What is the Zhangjiajie City Scenic Bus & Why Use It?

What Is Zhangjiajie City Scenic Bus?

Zhangjiajie City Scenic Bus is a network of express public bus routes specifically designed for tourists. These buses run directly from key points in Zhangjiajie City (Downtown) to the major entrances of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan), Tianmen Mountain National Park, and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

The Advantages of Zhangjiajie City Scenic Bus

Solves the Distance Problem: Key attractions like Wulingyuan (for the Avatar Mountains) are 30-40 km from downtown. Public transport is otherwise complex.
Direct & Efficient: No need for multiple changes. Buses run non-stop or with minimal stops between the city and the scenic area entrances.
Highly Affordable: Significantly cheaper than taxis or private cars.
Easy to Use: Clear routes, designated stops, and frequent service (especially during peak hours).
Avoids Parking Hassles: Driving in the scenic areas can be challenging; let the bus handle it.

Zhangjiajie City Scenic Bus Routes, Stops & Fares

1. Downtown (Yongding District) ↔ Core Scenic Area Routes

Route 1: Downtown Central Bus Station → Wulingyuan Flag Gate (East Entrance)

Route Code: Typically unnumbered, marked as "Zhangjiajie-Wulingyuan" or "Wulingyuan Scenic Area Express"
Stops:

Downtown: Central Bus Station (start) → Railway Station (some buses) → Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Station → Dayong Bridge Park → Gaoqiao Village → Yellow Dragon Cave (some detours) → Wulingyuan Bus Station (terminus)

Terminus: Wulingyuan Wujiayu Ticket Gate (Flag Gate), 5-minute walk to scenic entrance

Operating Hours:

Downtown departures: 6:00-19:30

Return from Wulingyuan: 6:30-20:00

Fare: ~$1.8 - $2.75 (AC buses slightly higher), ~40-50 minute journey

Route 2: Downtown Central Bus Station → Forest Park Entrance (South Gate)

Route Code: Marked as "Zhangjiajie-Forest Park"
Stops:

Central Bus Station → Civic Square → Laomuyu Tunnel → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance (terminus, South Gate)

Terminus: Direct to Forest Park entrance (Golden Whip Stream, Yellow Stone Village starting point)

Operating Hours:

Downtown departures: 6:20-18:00

Return from Forest Park: 7:00-18:30

Fare: ~$2.1, ~50 minute journey

Route 3: Downtown → Tianzi Mountain Town (West Entrance)

Route Code: Limited service, confirm schedules

Stops:

Central Bus Station → Jiaozhiya Town → Tianzi Mountain Town (Sinnanyu)

Terminus: Tianzi Mountain Ticket Gate (West Entrance), ideal for Tianzi Mountain and Helong Park visits

Operating Hours:

Downtown departures: 7:00, 12:00, 15:00 (about 3 daily trips)

Return times vary - confirm with driver

Fare: ~$3.45, ~1.5 hour journey

2. Wulingyuan District Loop Routes

Route 4: Wulingyuan Bus Station → Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

Route Code: Wulingyuan-Grand Canyon Express
Stops:

Wulingyuan Bus Station → Yellow Dragon Cave → Sanguansi → Grand Canyon Scenic Area Parking Lot (terminus)

Operating Hours:

Wulingyuan departures: 7:30-17:00 (hourly)

Fare: ~$2.75, ~40 minute journey

Route 5: Wulingyuan Bus Station → Yellow Dragon Cave/Baofeng Lake

Route Code: Wulingyuan Bus Line 1 or 2 (short-distance shuttle)
Stops:

Wulingyuan Bus Station → Flag Gate → Baofeng Lake → Yellow Dragon Cave

Operating Hours: 7:00-18:30, Fare: ~$0.3 - $0.7

3. Inter-County Routes (Passing Some Scenic Areas)

Route 6: Downtown → Cili County (via Jiangya Hot Springs)

Stops:

Central Bus Station → Yanbodu → Jiangya Hot Springs → Cili Bus Station

Operating Hours: 6:30-17:30, Fare:~$4.15

Route 7: Downtown → Sangzhi County (via Helong's Former Residence)

Stops:

Central Bus Station → Jiaozhiya → Hongjiaguan (Helong's Former Residence) → Sangzhi Bus Station

Operating Hours: 6:00-18:00, Fare: ~$2.75

4. Seasonal Night Routes (Peak Season Only)

Downtown → Wulingyuan Night View Express

Summer peak season may add night buses 19:00-22:00 (confirm with station)

Important Notes:

Frequencies: Buses generally run every 10-20 minutes during peak hours (approx. 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM), less frequently early/late.
Payment:Cash (small bills) is accepted, but WeChat Pay or Alipay (mobile payment apps) are widely preferred and often smoother. Have RMB ready.
Look for Signage: Buses are clearly marked with route numbers and destinations like "武陵源" (Wulingyuan), "天门山" (Tianmen Mountain), "大峡谷" (Grand Canyon). "市区" means downtown/city center.
Journey Time: Allow 45-70 minutes for routes to Wulingyuan/Grand Canyon from downtown. The Tianmen Mountain route is very short (5-10 mins).
Real-time Updates: Some schedules may change - verify through:
- Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station: +86 744 822 2317
- "Che Laile" APP for live bus tracking

Hotels Near Zhangjiajie City Scenic Bus Hubs

Choosing accommodation near a major City Scenic Bus stop is the ultimate Zhangjiajie travel hack for convenience! Here are top recommendations near key hubs:

Near Central Bus Station (Downtown Hub - Best for Bus Access & City Life)

Luxury:Pullman Zhangjiajie (5-star). Directly opposite Central Bus Station. Modern, spacious rooms, great city views. Ideal for effortless bus connections. (~$83 - $165+)
Mid-Range:Sunshine Hotel (4-star). 5-minute walk from Central Bus Station. Reliable, clean, good value. Close to restaurants/shops. (~$41 - $83)
Budget:Zhangjiajie Dream Hostel. Short walk from the station. Popular with backpackers, social atmosphere, organizes tours. Great budget Zhangjiajie accommodation. (~$11 - $21 dorm/private)

Near Zhangjiajie Railway Station (Good for Train Arrivals/Departures)

Mid-Range:Zhangjiajie International Hotel. Very close to the train station plaza, also convenient for Route 5 buses to Wulingyuan. Comfortable, practical choice for transit. (~$34 - $62)
Budget:Cloud Nest Inn. Near the station, offers basic but clean rooms. Super convenient if arriving/departing by train. (~$17 - $30)

Near Wulingyuan Bus Station (Best for Early Park Access)

Luxury/Mid-Range:Pipa Boutique Hotel (Near the scenic area entrance). Traditional charm, close to the park gate and bus station. Stay right at the park's doorstep! (~$55 - $110)
Mid-Range:Hanting Hotel (Wulingyuan Branch). Reliable chain hotel, short walk to Wulingyuan Bus Station and park entrance. Clean, efficient. (~$28 - $48)
Budget:Wulingyuan Youth Hostel. Steps from the bus station and park entrance. Budget-friendly, social, tour booking available. Perfect for park-focused stays. (~$10 - $18 dorm/private)

Pro Tip:

Staying in downtown Zhangjiajie near the Central Bus Station offers the most flexibility, with direct buses to all major attractions (Park, Tianmen, Grand Canyon), plus better dining/nightlife. Staying in Wulingyuan is ideal if you plan multiple consecutive days only in the national park.

Further Reading about Zhangjiajie Travel

1.Tianmen Mountain Travel Guide 2025(3 Routes Compared)

2.Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 2-Day Tour Plan (2025)

3.Airport to Zhangjiajie City: Quick Transit Guide

Enjoy Zhangjiajie!

Zhangjiajie Transportation: City Scenic Bus Ultimate Guide 2025

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