Tianmen Mountain Travel Guide

1. Introduction

Tianmen Mountain, standing as a natural wonder in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a must – visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of breathtaking scenery, thrilling experiences, and rich cultural heritage. Renowned as the “Soul of Wuling,” this mountain offers a unique combination of towering peaks, deep gorges, mysterious caves, and steep cliffs, all set against a backdrop of lush forests.

2. Key Information

Location

Tianmen Mountain is located in the south of Zhangjiajie city, just 8 kilometers from the downtown area. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 29°08′N and 110°28′E.

Altitude

The average altitude of Tianmen Mountain is around 1400 meters, with its highest point reaching 1518.6 meters. This elevation provides magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Best Seasons to Visit

  • Spring (March – May): The mountain comes alive with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 – 20°C. It’s an ideal time for hiking and enjoying the rejuvenated nature.
  • Autumn (September – November): The foliage turns into a palette of warm colors, creating a picturesque setting. The climate is pleasant, with temperatures between 18 – 22°C, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and photography.

Opening Hours

  • April – October: 06:30 – 17:00
  • November – March: 08:30 – 16:00

Tickets

  • The ticket price is CNY 278 per person (including the Tianmen Mountain/Tianmen Cave express cableways, sightseeing bus).
  • There are discounts available for students, seniors (60+ years old),  Children under 14-year old may enjoy free admission.

3. How to Get There

By Air

Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport is the closest airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station, which takes about 10 – 15 minutes and costs around CNY 30. You can also take bus No. 4 or 17, which will drop you near the station.

By Train

If you arrive at Zhangjiajie Railway Station or Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, you can take a taxi to the mountain entrance. The journey from the railway station takes about 15 – 20 minutes, and from the west railway station, it takes around 30 – 40 minutes. Public buses are also available, such as bus No. 4, 5, or 6 from the railway station.

By Car

If you are driving, you can navigate directly to the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station. There are parking lots available at the station, with a parking fee of about CNY 10-20 per vehicle.

4. Must – Visit Attractions

Tianmen Cave

This natural water – eroded cave is the world’s highest – elevation natural 穿山 cave. Measuring 131.5 meters in height, 57 meters in width, and 60 meters in depth, it runs south – northward. The cave has a lofty and towering posture, looking like a door to the heaven, which gives the mountain its name. In 1999, international stunt flying masters piloted planes to fly through the cave, making it even more famous. To reach the cave, you can either walk up the 999 – step “ladder to heaven” or take the 穿山扶梯. Note that the Tongtian Avenue and Tianmen Cave may close during the frozen days in winter.

Tianmen Mountain Cableway

The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is the world’s longest one – way recycling passenger cableway, stretching 7455 meters with a height gap of 1279 meters. It takes about 30 – 40 minutes to travel from the Tianmen Cableway Lower Station in the city center to the upper station on the mountain. During the journey, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city, the winding 99 – turn Tongtian Avenue, and the mountain scenery, as if you are flying through the air and being integrated into a grand landscape painting.

Gui Gu Cliffside Path

Located on the western summit of Tianmen Mountain, the Gui Gu Cliffside Path is 1600 meters long and averages an elevation of 1400 meters. Named after its position above Gui Gu Cave, this path is dramatically perched on a cliff, like a knife – carved ledge on the mountain. As you walk along the path, you can enjoy the undulating terrain underfoot and the fathomless chasm below, while also feasting your eyes on the panoramic views of the exquisitely crafted karst plateau landscape.

Glass Skywalk

The glass skywalk is a 60 – meter – long and 1.6 – meter – wide section of the cliff – hugging walkway, reaching a peak elevation of 1430 meters. To walk on the skywalk, you may need to wear shoe covers. It offers a daring experience, allowing you to feel as if you are strolling in the sky. However, the thrill may be diminished on foggy days, and the skywalk may be closed during heavy rain, ice, or snow for safety reasons.

Avenue Toward Heaven (Tongtian Avenue)

Also known as Tongtian Avenue, this road has 99 sharp turns of about 180°, symbolizing the nine palaces in heaven. It is a wonder of highway construction. The road is 10.77 kilometers long, and its elevation rises from 200 meters to 1300 meters.

Tianmen Temple

This is a grand temple located on the mountain. It has a long history and unique architectural style, where you can experience the solemnity of Buddhism and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The temple’s architecture blends harmoniously with the natural scenery of the mountain, providing a place for visitors to relax and seek spiritual comfort.

5. Tour Routes

A – Line (Classic Panoramic Route)

  • Steps:
    • Take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from the city center. The 30 – minute ride offers a bird’s – eye view of the 99 – bend road and the cityscape.
    • Once at the top, explore the east and west walking routes on the mountain. The east route is more serene, while the west route is more challenging. Along the way, visit attractions like the Glass Skywalk, High – altitude Cloud Corridor (Love Bridge), Forest Sightseeing Cable Car, Yuhu Peak, Suspension Bridge, and Ghost Valley Path. The entire exploration on the mountain takes about 3 – 4 hours.
    • After that, take the escalator down to the Tianmen Cave Square. Here, you can take pictures of the Tianmen Cave and the 999 – step ladder.
    • Then, walk along the Fuyuan Path for about 10 minutes to reach the Tianmen Cave Fast – line Cableway Upper Station. Take the cableway for 5 minutes to go down to the mountain gate.
    • Finally, take the free shuttle bus provided by the scenic area to return to the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station in the city.
  • Advantages: Great for photography lovers as you can overlook the 99 – bend road. Also includes the Tianmen Cave night – view light show.
  • Tips: Book tickets 10-15 days in advance during the peak season. Arrive before 30 minutes before your time – slot.

B – Line (Hiking – Friendly Route)

  • Steps:
    • Take the Tianmen Cave Fast – line Cableway from the mountain gate to the mountainside. The 5 – minute ride is quick and convenient.
    • Walk along the Fuyuan Path for about 10 minutes to reach the Tianmen Cave Square. Challenge yourself by climbing the 999 – step ladder to the Tianmen Cave.
    • Then, take the escalator to the top of the mountain.
    • Explore the east and west walking routes on the mountain, visiting the same attractions as in Route A.
    • After the exploration, take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway down, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station in the city.
  • Advantages: Reverses the flow of people, reducing waiting times when going up(have to Line up for the long cable way when come down). Ideal for those with good physical strength who want to experience the 999 – step ladder.

C – Line (Quick – Visit Route)

  • Steps:
    • Take the Tianmen Cave Fast – line Cableway from the mountain gate to the mountainside.
    • Walk along the Fuyuan Path to the Tianmen Cave Square, visit the Tianmen Cave and the 999 – step ladder.
    • Take the Escalator to the top of the mountain and explore the east and west walking routes.
    • After that, take the Escalator back down to the Tianmen Cave Square.
    • Walk back along the Fuyuan Path to the Tianmen Cave Fast – line Cableway Upper Station, take the cableway down to the mountain gate, and then take the free shuttle bus back to the city.
  • Advantages: Saves time as it mainly focuses on the Tianmen Cave and a quick visit to the mountain top. Suitable for those with a fear of heights or limited time.

6. Practical Tips

Accommodation

  • In the City: There are many hotels and guesthouses near the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station. For example, the Tianmen Mountain Hotel is just a 5 – minute walk from the station, with prices ranging from CNY 100 – 200 per person per night.
  • On the Mountain: There are a few mountain – top guesthouses like Yunmeng Mountain Residence, which offers a great view for stargazing. However, it’s more expensive, starting from CNY 300 per night, and needs to be booked in advance.

Food

  • On the Mountain: Food prices on the mountain are relatively high. The local specialty, Xiangxi Bandit Rice, is sold at a unified price of CNY 38 per serving. The Tujia Bacon Fried Rice at Yingtaowan Restaurant is also a good choice, with an average cost of CNY 50 per person.
  • In the City: After visiting the mountain, you can explore the local cuisine in the city. Dishes like Sanxiaguo (a local hot – pot – like dish), Tujia – style cured meat, and various local stir – fries are widely available in local restaurants.

Clothing and Equipment

  • The temperature on the mountain is lower than in the city, especially in the early morning and evening. Bring a warm and wind – proof jacket, especially if you plan to stay on the mountain for a long time or visit during the colder months.
  • Wear comfortable and non – slip sports shoes, as there are many steps and uneven paths, especially when climbing the 999 – step ladder to the Tianmen Cave.
  • If you visit during the rainy season (June – August), bring a lightweight raincoat. Note that the glass skywalk may be closed during rainy or snowy weather for safety reasons.

Other Tips

  • Bring some snacks and water with you, as the food and beverage options on the mountain are limited and more expensive.
  • For photography enthusiasts, bring a fully – charged camera and extra memory cards. However, note that tripods are usually not allowed on the glass skywalk and some other areas for safety and traffic – flow reasons.
  • Keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas such as the cableway stations and popular scenic spots.