Don't buy a pass. Not cost-effective. Don't join the group, go if you want to find information.
Eating far away, the restaurants in the ancient city are expensive and not delicious. I recommend you to go to Wanmuzhai, the Ambassador Hotel near Hongqiao. We ate there several times, three dishes, and only paid 35 yuan. Delicious and cheap, business is booming. You can find the exact location on the map.
You can also live a little cheaper. Shopping is the same, you must bargain. Everything can be bargained here.
I recommend Dehang, a scenic spot near Jishou. Similar to Zhangjiajie's style. Tickets to 60 yuan, you can stay there for two or three days, there are several routes, you can play carefully. Food and accommodation are very cheap inside. You can bargain.
Xiangxi tastes salty and spicy. But there are two dishes that are not bad, namely Tuojiang small fish and duck feet.
I think these two are delicious, but the others are just so-so.
Remember to bring a flashlight. There are no street lamps in many places at night.
Take a raincoat, so you can save time to buy it.
If you are a photographer, bring enough memory cards. Or a digital companion, a USB flash drive is better.
Have fun!