1. Overview
Tianmen Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, is one of China’s most iconic natural landmarks. Rising 1,519m (4,983 ft), it’s renowned for its dramatic cliffs, deep forests, and the Tianmen Cave—a massive natural arch formed in 263 AD. The mountain is a 5A-rated scenic area and a UNESCO Global Geopark site, attracting millions of visitors annually.
2. Key Attractions
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Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate)
- A 131.5m-high, 57m-wide natural karst arch, formed by a mountain collapse.
- Legend says it’s a gateway to heaven; in 1999, a stunt pilot flew through it.
- Accessible via 999-step "Stairway to Heaven" or a shuttle bus.
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Tianmen Mountain Cableway
- The world’s longest passenger cableway (7,455m), offering panoramic views.
- Takes 28 minutes to ascend, passing over Tongtian Avenue (99-bend road).
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Glass Skywalks
- Three cliff-hanging glass walkways (60m long, 1,400m high).
- The West Line Glass Plank Road is the most thrilling.
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Tongtian Avenue (Heaven-Linking Road)
- A 10km winding road with 99 sharp turns, leading to Tianmen Cave.
- Called "the most dangerous road in China."
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Tianmen Mountain Temple
- A 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple with a "Child-Seeking Cave" for fertility wishes.
3. Adventure & Activities
- Hiking & Cliff Walks – Explore trails like Ghost Valley Plank Road.
- Helicopter Tours – Aerial views of the mountain (since 2017).
- Cultural Shows – Watch "Tianmen Fox Fairy", a musical based on Chinese folklore.
4. Best Time to Visit
- April–October (mild weather, clear views).
- Winter (Nov–Feb) offers snowscapes but may close Tianmen Cave due to ice.
5. Travel Tips
- Ticket Price: ~¥258 (adults), ¥148 (children).
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Transport: From Zhangjiajie city, take Bus 4/5/10 to the cableway station.
6. Why Visit?
Tianmen Mountain blends natural beauty, adventure, and mythology, making it a must-see for global travelers. Whether walking on glass cliffs or standing under Heaven’s Gate, it’s an unforgettable experience.
