Tianmen Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie’s Yongding District, is the core of the Wulingyuan-Tianmen Mountain tourist area and a premier AAAAA-class national tourist attraction. It is renowned for its world-class features: the high-altitude Tianmen Cave (“Heaven’s Gate”), the world’s longest alpine passenger cableway, and thrilling glass skywalks. Honored as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie” and “Western Hunan’s Premier Sacred Mountain,” it offers an unparalleled experience.
Tianmen Mountain Facts
- Name: Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area
- Type: National Forest Park, Caves & Caverns, Nature & Parks
- Location: No. 11, Dayong Middle Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
- Area: 96 square kilometers
- Altitude: 1518.6 meters
- Recommended Visiting Time: about 3-5 hours
- Opening Hours: 08:00-16:00
- Tickets: CNY 288
- Popular activities: mountain hiking, cable car riding, photography
Top Highlights of Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Cave: The Heart of the Mountain
Tianmen Cave, famously known as “Heaven’s Gate,” is the iconic symbol of the mountain. As the world’s highest natural mountain-penetrating arch at 131.5 meters tall and 57 meters wide, it creates a breathtaking doorway between the peaks.
Your adventure begins with a bus ride along the winding Tongtian Avenue with its 99 Bends. Note: this ride has sharp turns and may affect those prone to motion sickness.
At the base, you’ll face the “Stairway to Heaven” – 999 steep steps to the cave entrance. In Chinese culture, nine symbolizes eternity, making this a meaningful (though strenuous) climb of about 30 minutes.
The view from the cave itself is an experience of scale and grandeur. On clear days, you’ll be treated to a magnificent vista. Often, especially after rain, clouds and mist swirl through the archway in the mesmerizing phenomenon known as “Heaven’s Gate Spitting Clouds.”
Good to Know
- An optional paid escalator tunnel provides a comfortable alternative to the climb.
- The access road and cave area may close during icy winter conditions for safety.
- This iconic arch is so dramatic that it was used as the stage for the World Wingsuit Flying Championships, where pilots flew directly through the cave!
Tianmen Mountain Cableway: The World’s Longest Ride
The journey to Tianmen Mountain begins with one of its greatest highlights – the Tianmen Mountain Cableway. As the world’s longest passenger cableway at 7,455 meters, this 30-minute ride is an unforgettable experience that transports you from the city center directly to the mountain summit.
The cable car offers a stunning visual transition. You’ll start in the urban atmosphere of Zhangjiajie and gradually ascend over lush forests, deep valleys, and the incredible 99 Bends road that snakes up the mountainside. The final section is particularly thrilling, climbing at a steep 37-degree angle over sheer cliffs.
Please be advised that from November 6, 2025, the section of the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from the Mid-Station to the Summit Upper Station will be suspended for operations. The section from the Downtown Lower Station to the Mid-Station will continue to operate as normal.
Practical Information
- Location: The lower station is conveniently located near the city center, adjacent to the bus and railway stations
- Capacity: Each cabin accommodates up to 8 passengers
Travel Tips
- Beat the Crowds: Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening time to avoid long queues (often 2+ hours during peak season)
- Weather Awareness: The cableway may close during thunderstorms, high winds, or heavy snowfall
- Best Experience: Choose a clear day for optimal visibility of the spectacular landscapes below
This cableway isn’t just transportation – it’s your first introduction to the breathtaking beauty of Tianmen Mountain.
The Glass Skywalks: Walk on Air
Tianmen Mountain features not one, but three thrilling glass skywalks, each offering a unique perspective from the cliff’s edge. You can choose your adventure based on the experience you’re seeking.
- West Line Glass Walkway: Built at an altitude of 1,430 meters along steep cliffs, this walkway is considered the best spot to enjoy the distant layered mountain scenery.
- East Line Glass Walkway: Located on the back hill, this approximately 70-meter-long path offers the finest view of Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), with an average width of 1.6 meters.
- Coiled Dragon Cliff Glass Walkway: As the longest skywalk at 100 meters, its key advantage is the unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the serpentine “99 Bends” of Tongtian Avenue winding their way up the mountain.
Good to Know
- Safety First: Shoe covers are provided to protect the glass surface. The walkways close during heavy rain, ice, or snow for safety.
- Best Experience: Visit on a clear day for the most dramatic views. Foggy days reduce both the visibility and the thrill factor.
- Take Your Time: While it’s a heart-pounding experience, try to pause and appreciate the incredible mountain scenery around you.
This is more than just a walk – it’s your chance to literally step over the edge and see the world from a breathtaking new perspective.
The Guigu Cliffside Walkway
The Guigu Cliffside Walkway is situated on the western summit of Tianmen Mountain and is a key part of the mountain’s main western hiking route which also includes the popular West Line Glass Skywalk.
The Guigu Cliffside Walkway gets its name from its position suspended on the cliffs above the historic Guigu Cave. This 1,600-meter-long path, with an average elevation of 1,400 meters, stretches from Yihong Pass to Little Tianmen. It contours perfectly with the mountain’s rugged terrain, offering a thrilling hiking adventure where visitors can soak in breathtaking views of deep canyons, distant peaks, and a dramatic sea of clouds.
The adventure features two unforgettable highlights: a transparent glass viewing ledge that juts out about 5 meters from the cliff, and the crossing of a 160-meter-long suspension bridge swaying gently over the vast abyss.
Three Routes to Tour the Tianmen Mountain
Visiting Tianmen Mountain involves choosing one of three one-way routes (A, B, or C). Each offers a unique sequence to experience the cableways, the thrilling mountain road, and the summit sights.
Route A: The Road Adventure (Downhill Focus)
The Latest Route A is designed for those who want to experience the world-famous “Heaven-Linking Avenue” from the comfort of a sightseeing bus. This journey focuses on the downhill perspective of the 99-bend road.
- Start at the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Down Station in downtown Zhangjiajie.
- Take the cable car to the Mid-Station.
- Transfer to a scenic shuttle bus for the main highlight: the thrilling ride down a 6km section of the 99-bend “Heaven-Linking Avenue” to Tianmen Cave Square.
- Take the 7-level mountain-penetrating escalator up to the summit behind Tianmen Cave.
- Explore all the mountaintop highlights (glass skywalks, cliffside paths).
- Return via the escalator down to Tianmen Cave Square.
- Take the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway down to the Mountain Gate.
- Board a free shuttle bus back to the city center.
Best For: First-time visitors who prioritize experiencing the legendary road and prefer a logical, downhill-oriented sightseeing flow.
Route B: The Flexible Return (Uphill Road & Choice)
Route B is ideal for visitors who want flexibility. It lets you experience the mountain road on the way up and then choose your preferred way down.
- Enter at the Mountain Gate.
- Take the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway up to Tianmen Cave Square.
- Ride the mountain-penetrating escalator to the summit and explore.
- Return via escalator to Tianmen Cave Square.
- Here, you have a choice:
- Option 1 (Scenic): Take the scenic shuttle bus up the winding road to the Cableway Mid-Station, then take the main cable car down to the city. This offers a unique uphill perspective.
- Option 2 (Quick): Take the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway back down to the Mountain Gate (same as Route C).
Best For: Travelers who dislike strict schedules and want the freedom to choose a scenic or fast return after their visit.
Tips: To enjoy a more relaxed experience with significantly shorter waits for cable cars and elevators, consider arriving during off-peak hours. The best time is between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, right as the park opens, allowing you to explore the popular sights ahead of the main crowds.
Please Note: For safety reasons, the scenic shuttle bus service on the mountain road will be suspended during severe weather conditions such as heavy snow, dense fog, or torrential rain. In such cases, Route A and Route B will be temporarily adjusted to follow the transportation arrangement of Route C (using the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway for both ascent and descent). We recommend checking the weather forecast before your visit and staying flexible with your plans.
Route C: The Direct & Efficient Loop
Route C is the most straightforward and efficient option, perfect for maximizing your time on the mountain itself without the bus journey.
- Enter at the Mountain Gate.
- Take the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway up and down for a round trip.
- At the top, visit Tianmen Cave Square, take the escalator to the summit, explore, and return the same way.
- Descend via the express cableway back to the Mountain Gate.
Best For: Visitors short on time, those prone to motion sickness (avoids the winding road), or anyone who prefers a simple, cable-based itinerary.
Key Tip: Routes are one-way systems to manage crowds. Advance booking for a specific entry time slot (especially for Route A) is highly recommended.
Best Time to Visit Tianmen Mountain
The best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is from April to October, with the peak months being April, September, and October. During these spring and autumn months, the weather is mild and comfortable, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. You’ll be treated to beautiful natural scenery: blooming flowers in spring and vibrant, colorful foliage in autumn, often set against a stunning sea of clouds.
For a unique and breathtaking experience, visit between December and February to see the mountain transformed into a magical winter wonderland, ideal for snow photography. While some cliffside paths may close for safety during heavy snow or ice, the snowy vistas are truly spectacular.
Regardless of the season, always prioritize a clear day for your visit. Sunny weather guarantees the famous panoramic views from the cable car and glass walkways.
How to Get to Tianmen Mountain
By Bus
There are two convenient bus stops near Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station:
- Take bus 4, 13, 17, 101, 102, or 203 and get off at Wuling Shan Zhen Guan Station (武陵山珍馆站). From there, walk about 670 meters to reach the cableway station..
- Take bus 5, 8, 9A, or 101 and get off at Guanyin Bridge South Station (观音大桥南站). From there, walk about 560 meters to reach the cableway station.
By Taxi / Didi
The most direct option from downtown is a taxi or private car directly to the cableway station.
- From Zhangjiajie Railway Station: The station is about 2.5 km away; a ride takes about 8 minutes and costs around CNY 7.
- From Zhangjiajie West Railway Station: The station is about 10 km away; a ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around CNY 20.
- From Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport: The airport is about 6 km away; a ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around CNY 15.
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station described above is the starting point for Route A. If you have purchased tickets for Route B or C, you need to go to the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway Lower Station (天门洞快线索道下站). A free shuttle bus operates between these two stations for your transfer convenience.
Tianmen Mountain Ticket Prices
Buy Tianmen Mountain Ticket Now| Ticket Types | Price |
| Route A | Adults: CNY 288 Aged 14 – 17: CNY 152 Aged 60 – 64: CNY 152 Aged 65 & 65+: CNY 116 Under the age of 14: Free |
| Route B | |
| Route C |
The standard ticket includes admission, insurance, and your route’s core cable transport: Route A takes the Main Cableway up and the Express Cableway down; Route B is the reverse; Route C uses the Express Cableway for a round trip. All three include the round-trip mountain-penetrating escalator.
Several popular services require an additional fee:
- Tianmen Cave Escalator (Lower Section): CNY 32 for a one-way ride, bypassing the 999 steps between Tianmen Cave Square and the cave entrance.
- Glass Skywalk Shoe Covers: CNY 5 per pair (required to walk on the glass paths).
- Forest Sightseeing Cable Car: CNY 25 for a one-way ride between Tianmen Temple and Yunmengxian Summit.
Please Note: The free shuttle buses within the park are also included with your ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a paid luggage storage facility is located at Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station. The service is not included in the admission ticket. The standard fee is CNY 5 per piece. For oversized luggage (exceeding 120cm in total dimensions or weighing over 15kg), the fee is CNY 10 per piece.
Plan to visit the mountain in the afternoon. Exploring the summit thoroughly takes about 3-5 hours. Aim to finish at Tianmen Cave Square by 7:30 PM for the start of the one-hour light show. After the show, you can walk along the Fuyuan Plank Road for about 15 minutes to the express cableway, take it down to the Mountain Gate, and then catch the last free shuttle bus back to the downtown, which departs at 9:30 PM.
The West Route is the must-see for first-time visitors and thrill-seekers. It’s more compact (2-3 hours) and features the iconic cliff-hanging Glass Skywalk and Guigu Walkway, offering dramatic views and photo opportunities.
The East Route is longer, less intense, and better for relaxed walks or families. Its highlight is the Coiled Dragon Cliff Glass Walkway with expansive views.
For the best experience with ample time (6+ hours), combine both routes into a loop, focusing on the West Route and the key highlights of the East Route. If short on time (under 4 hours), prioritize the West Route.
You can choose to stay near the tourist center for ultimate convenience, or opt for a more affordable hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie. For example, the Xana Deluxe Hotel near the scenic area offers spacious rooms with large windows facing the mountain and cableway, and serves breakfast from 7:00 AM, allowing you to eat and head straight to the park. A taxi from such hotels to the entrance costs only around CNY 6.
From the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, it’s about 1 km to the Wulingyuan Bus Station, best covered by a short taxi ride. From the bus station, take the bus heading towards downtown Zhangjiajie. Inform the driver you are going to Tianmen Mountain, and they will drop you off at the stop across from the Tianmen Mountain Tourist Center, which is on the way. For the return trip, wait at the bus stop in front of the McDonald’s near the tourist center for a bus heading back to Wulingyuan. These buses typically stop on request.