The Thrill of a Self-Drive Trip from Zhengzhou to Zhangjiajie
The Thrill of a Self-Drive Trip from Zhengzhou to Zhangjiajie. During company annual leave, several colleagues (all photography enthusiasts) agreed to visit western Hunan. Though preparations were rushed, we didn't forget to search for travel guides on Lotour, and borrowed a GPS from a friend. Six people, two cars, all set—off we went. In four and a half days, from Zhengzhou to Zhangjiajie...
This article is compiled from the original travel notes on the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com); it is a record of trips from earlier years. Time-sensitive information such as ticket prices, schedules, and accommodation prices is subject to the latest announcements from scenic areas and transportation authorities; the itinerary ideas and attraction introductions still have reference value.
The moving experience of a self-driving tour from Zhengzhou to Zhangjiajie
The company gave annual leave, and several colleagues (all photography enthusiasts) agreed to take a trip to Xiangxi. Although preparations before the trip were rushed, we did not forget to search for several travel guides on Letu Youmin Network, and also borrowed a GPS from a friend. Six people, two cars, everything ready, and off we went. In four and a half days, from Zhengzhou to Zhangjiajie, and then to Fenghuang in Xiangxi, the round trip was about 2,200 kilometers. When we set out on November 15, the weather was clear, and we were in a hurry. Although after arriving in Zhangjiajie the weather suddenly changed to rain and fog, so we did not see the beautiful mountain scenery in Zhangjiajie and were left with some regret, there were also many gains and moving moments during the trip that are worth recording.
Day One: We set out at 5 a.m., and the six of us drove to Zhangjiajie. Along the way we passed through Xiangfan, crossed Jingzhou, passed through Shimen, and got onto the expressway from Cili to reach Zhangjiajie. By the time we arrived, it was already past 7 p.m. The guide we had contacted online ahead of time waited for us at the Zhangjiajie expressway exit half an hour early. Guide Wu arranged for us to stay at a hotel. There was parking, and the price was very reasonable: a standard double room, private bathroom, 24-hour water, clean and hygienic, and relatively quiet, right in the city center.
On the second day, we entered the Zhangjiajie scenic area for sightseeing. Along the essential sightseeing route, Golden Whip Stream, there are famous scenic spots along the way "Mother and Child Peak" "Zhu Bajie Carries His Wife" "Golden Whip Rock" "Cleaving the Mountain to Save the Mother" "Longevity Spring" "Wenxing Rock" "Zicao Tan" "Qianli Xianghui (Meeting After a Thousand Miles)", we walked along Golden Whip Stream to Water Winding Around Four Gates, took the world's number one elevator (Bailong Elevator) to the Back Garden (those taking the elevator buy a separate ticket at 56 yuan per person), and then toured the boutique sightseeing route of Yuanjiajie"Tianxia Diyi Qiao (Number One Bridge Under Heaven)" "Five Women Going to Battle" "Double Dragon Spring" "Lianxin Bridge" "Divine Turtle Asking Heaven" "Lianxin Bridge" "Mihun Tai" and then stayed at a backpacker inn.
On the third day, Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town. It was still raining when we got up early. We set out at 8 o'clock and visited Helong Park. Because of the fog, landmark scenic spots such as Yubi Peak and Tiannv Xianhua were all shrouded in cloud and mist, so their true appearance could not be seen, and many sightseeing tourists could only sigh at the fog. We took the cableway down the mountain and viewed Ten-Mile Gallery. Although it was raining, there was no fog at the foot of the mountain, so everyone became interested. Shizhi Peak and Golden Rooster Crowing at Dawn were indeed remarkably lifelike, and the Herb-Gathering Old Man was even more worthy of his reputation. We had lunch at 12 o'clock, and afterward visited Huanglong Cave. We left the scenic area at 4 o'clock and reached the city proper an hour later. At 9 p.m. we arrived at Fenghuang Ancient Town. Everyone was already exhausted, so we ate simply and stayed overnight in the ancient town. The rain gradually stopped.
On the fourth day, Fenghuang Ancient Town to Xiangfan, Hubei. The sky gradually cleared again. Because a friend in our group had matters to attend to and was eager to return, in the morning we arranged only two hours for a hurried tour of the ancient town. We entered from the East Gate and exited by the Tuo River at Hong Bridge, passing Fenghuang sculpture, Shen Congwen's Former Residence, and the ancient city wall. We left the ancient town at 10:30. At 8 p.m. we arrived in Xiangfan, Hubei, and stayed overnight in Xiangfan.
On the fifth day, we set out from Xiangfan early in the morning and sped all the way, arriving home in Zhengzhou at noon.
Reflections on transportation:
1. On this trip we fully felt the transportation convenience brought by the expressway. Road conditions were good throughout the entire route. From Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town, the whole way followed mountain roads. Although the road was relatively narrow, with only two lanes, the road conditions were very good.
2. From downtown Zhangjiajie to the Forest Park takes about 1 hour. There are shuttle buses between the scenic areas, with fares of 10-20 yuan.
Scenic Spots and Tour Guides
1. In Zhangjiajie, we are very grateful for the generosity and warmth of our self-guided tour guide. Originally, we had booked a three-day, two-night self-guided tour of Zhangjiajie. However, on the second day after arriving in Zhangjiajie, the weather suddenly changed. We couldn't see anything from the mountaintop—it was all foggy—and the temperature dropped sharply. Although Guide Wu had reminded us before we came to bring extra clothing, it still felt too cold, and one of our friends even caught a bit of a cold. A few of us discussed whether to go to Fenghuang a day early. We asked the guide whether the fog might lift in weather like this. The guide sincerely told us: "In a season like this, once it starts drizzling, the fog won't lift for the whole day." So we tried to discuss with Guide Wu whether we could cut one day from the itinerary and go to Fenghuang a day early. Unexpectedly, the guide agreed very readily and said, "That's the beauty of a self-guided tour—we fully respect the guests' requests. As long as you're happy, that's what matters. Guests are always our resource, not our source of income." The two-day itinerary, including one night's accommodation, three main meals and one breakfast, cost us only 420 yuan, which also included the 248-yuan Forest Park ticket and insurance. Everyone felt it was quite cheap. And the guide was indeed, as described online, very genuine and warm. After all, he's a university student—cultured, knowledgeable, well-mannered, and with vision. Oh, let me tell you, the guide is a laid-off worker who found re-employment as a university student. He understands how hard it is to find a job, and he understands what guests need. Choosing him as our guide was absolutely the right decision. You could also say that choosing a good guide is the most crucial part of a happy self-guided tour. Moreover, the guides now offer a "travel first, pay later" policy. The guide said: "If the guests aren't satisfied, there's no reason to take their money—I'd have to pay tuition!" What travel agency does that?
2. The itinerary arranged by the guide is all within the Forest Park. The cost does not include tickets for the Bailong Elevator and the cable car. If you don't take them, you'll have to climb the mountain on foot. In addition, places like Huanglong Cave and Baofeng Lake are scenic spots outside the Forest Park, and you'll need to buy separate tickets to visit them.
3. The Ten-Mile Gallery can be toured either on foot or by sightseeing mini-train. Actually, it's only 5 li one way, and a round trip takes just 40 minutes (quite easy). So there's no need to spend 33 yuan on the mini-train.
4. In Zhangjiajie, there are people posing as police officers to recommend tour guides. They drive an unmarked car and wear a police hat, specifically targeting out-of-town vehicles. A reminder for everyone to be careful.
5. Fenghuang Ancient Town is a place that requires a calm mind to wander through slowly. The ancient stone-slab streets, narrow alleys, dim old houses, and the clear Tuojiang River—although we only skimmed the surface, we were still captivated and enchanted. There are many unlicensed guides in the ancient town. We encountered one who charged only 20 yuan for half a day. To be honest, he just played the role of a guide. To explore the ancient town in detail, you need to buy the 138-yuan combined ticket for the nine major attractions (including a boat ride on the Tuojiang River). Of course, you can also take a private boat, but you'd have to go to the farther downstream area, which isn't as good as the river views on both sides of the Hong Bridge.
Dining and Accommodation:
1. In Zhangjiajie, we stayed at the guide's backpacker inn. The conditions were decent. Due to the cold front and rain, it felt very cold, but turning on the air conditioning would cost a lot (60 yuan/night). Since the hotel wasn't fully booked, the guide added an extra quilt to each room, which made us feel very cozy. Because it was cold, we asked the owner to add a pickled cabbage fish hotpot, and a group of us ate with great liveliness. Honestly speaking, if it weren't for the cold, rain, and fog, staying here would be quite comfortable—the scenery is right outside the door, the price is affordable, and the people are very simple and honest.
2. Fenghuang Ancient Town has many inns, especially along the Tuojiang River, with varying standards and prices. Since we arrived late and were too tired, eager to rest, we stayed at the Xinhui International Hotel. The price was quite high—240 yuan for a standard room including breakfast. If you have enough time, you can take your time searching and stay by the river, where opening the window reveals beautiful scenery—that would be truly delightful. The standard double rooms there cost only 40 yuan per room. As for food, everyone online recommends the blood duck, but I don't know if we went to the wrong place—it was really tasteless.