The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tianmen Mountain: Heaven’s Gate of Zhangjiajie

Tianmen Mountain, located in the southern suburb of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, is one of China’s top-notch natural attractions. Standing at an elevation of 1,518 meters, the mountain is well-known for Tianmen Cave (a natural arch) also referred to as Heaven’s Gate, as well as the incredible glass skywalks, clifftop walkways, and the iconic 999 steps to Heaven. The mountain is known as the screen for the natural terrain of Zhangjiajie, and is often called the No.1 Holy Mountain of Western Hunan. As a national AAAAA scenic area, Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain attracts millions of visitors annually and has become a symbol of natural and cultural heritage.

Key Facts about Tianmen Mountain

• Name in Chinese: 天门山 (Tiānmén Shān) meaning Heaven’s Gate Mountain
• Location: 8 kilometers south of downtown Zhangjiajie City, taxi or shuttle available
• Height: 1,518 meters (4,980 feet) above sea level
• Scenic Area: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, rated AAAAA by the Chinese tourism board
• Annual Visitors: About 4 million
• Things to Do: Hiking, photography, cultural exploration, cable car rides, and adventure activities

Hours of Operation and Ticket Prices

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is open year-round with seasonal hours. From March to November, it operates 6:30 am – 6:00 pm, while from December to February, the hours shift to 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.

The standard ticket price is 225 CNY per person, including the entrance fee (62 CNY) and transport (83 CNY bus and 80 CNY cable car). Entrance is free for children under 120 cm tall. Discounts apply for children under 14, seniors over 65, disabled visitors, and military service members. Teens (14–18), seniors (60–65), and full-time college students can buy half-price tickets.

Additional costs may include:

• Tunnel escalators: 32 CNY per person
• Peak forest sightseeing cable car: 25 CNY per ride
• Glass skywalk service fee: 5–10 CNY per section
• VIP cableway express tickets: 100–150 CNY per person

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is April–October, when temperatures are mild and skies are clearer. September is considered the golden month.

• Spring: Blossoms cover the slopes, though mist and fog are common.
• Summer: A cool retreat from the heat of Zhangjiajie City, though peak season crowds are likely.
• Autumn: Crisp skies and colorful foliage make this the most photogenic season.
• Winter: Snow turns the mountain into a fairytale scene, but parts of the cableway and glass walkways may close due to ice.

At the mountaintop, temperatures are 6–8°C lower than at the base. Visitors should note that fog blankets Tianmen Mountain more than 200 days each year, so sunny days offer the best experience.

Key Features

Tianmen Mountain Cableway

The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is among the world’s longest passenger cable cars, spanning 7,455 meters with a vertical rise of 1,279 meters. The 30–40 minute ride carries passengers from downtown Zhangjiajie to the summit. The journey begins gently but steepens dramatically with a gradient of up to 37 degrees. From the cabin, travelers see villages, rivers, and forests before gliding over cliffs and gazing down at the winding 99 Bends (Tongtian Avenue).

Tianmen Cave – Heaven’s Gate

Tianmen Cave, also called Heaven’s Gate, is the highest natural arch of its kind in the world, standing 131.5 meters tall and 57 meters wide. It looks like a gateway into the heavens. To reach the cave, visitors can climb the Stairway to Heaven with 999 steps or take the tunnel escalators. On foggy days, the cave appears mystical; on clear days, the views are open and expansive.

Ghost Valley Plank Road and Glass Skywalks

Adventurers can test their nerves on the Ghost Valley Plank Road, a 1,600-meter-long walkway built along a cliff at 1,400 meters altitude. Walking here feels like floating above the valley.

The Glass Skywalks are another must-see. The original “Walk of Faith” opened in 2011, while the newer Coiled Dragon Cliff Skywalk opened in 2016. This transparent 100-meter walkway, perched above Tongtian Avenue, allows visitors to look directly into the abyss. Shoe covers are required, but the experience of walking on glass is both thrilling and terrifying.

The 99 Bends – Tongtian Avenue

The 99 Bends, or Tongtian Avenue, is a 10.77-kilometer mountain road with 99 hairpin turns rising from 200 to 1,300 meters in altitude. It symbolizes the nine palaces of heaven in Chinese culture. Shuttle buses cover the route in about 25 minutes, though motion-sickness-prone travelers may prefer the cableway for smoother views.

Tianmen Mountain Temple and Biye Yaotai Forest

At the summit lies Tianmen Mountain Temple, a major Buddhist site in Hunan. First built in the Tang Dynasty and later rebuilt, it houses a relic of Sakyamuni Buddha and attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The nearby Biye Yaotai Old Growth Forest offers serene hiking paths and untouched natural beauty, making it a welcome break from busier spots.

Public Transport Itineraries

There are five main touring routes, each offering different perspectives:

• Route A (Cableway round trip): Take the cable car up from downtown, explore the summit, then descend via escalator to Tianmen Cave, before using the express cable car to return to the base.
• Route B (Express up, cableway down): Ascend via express cable car to Tianmen Cave, take the escalator to the summit, then descend on the main cableway.
• Route C (Express round trip): Use the express cable car both ways.
• Route D (Cableway up, bus down): Ride the cableway up, explore the summit, then descend by bus through the 99 Bends before returning by shuttle.
• Route E (Bus up, cableway down): Take a bus through the 99 Bends to Tianmen Cave, ascend via steps or escalator, and descend on the cableway.

Routes C suits time-limited travelers, while Routes D and E add variety for families or longer stays.

Mountaintop Sightseeing Recommendations

Three scenic routes define the mountaintop:

• West Line: Thrilling highlights including the Glass Skywalks, Ghost Valley Plank Road, and suspension bridge.
• East Line: Nature-focused with the Biye Yaotai Forest and scenic lookouts.
• Central Line: Cultural highlights including Tianmen Mountain Temple and Qiu’er Cave.

Most visitors begin with the west line, continue to the east, and add the central line if time allows.

Worship and Culture

Since the Tang Dynasty, Tianmen Mountain has been a spiritual hub. At the base of the Stairway to Heaven, the Tianmen Altar of Worship welcomes visitors, while atop the peak, Tianmen Mountain Temple stands as the highest Buddhist temple in Hunan. With relics of the Buddha enshrined, it draws both pilgrims and culture-focused travelers.

Unique Experiences

Evenings offer the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show, an outdoor musical staged against the dramatic mountain backdrop. The performance tells a love story between a fox fairy and a woodcutter, blending dance, music, and folklore. Shows run March–December, with raincoats provided in wet weather and warm coats available in winter.

In autumn, extreme sports fans can watch events such as the world wingsuit flying championship. The sight of athletes soaring through Tianmen Cave is unforgettable and showcases the adventurous spirit of Tianmen Mountain.

Example One-Day Agenda

• Morning: Take the cableway from downtown Zhangjiajie to the summit.
• West Line: Walk the Ghost Valley Plank Road and the Glass Skywalks.
• Visit Tianmen Mountain Temple for cultural immersion.
• East Line: Explore the Biye Yaotai Forest and scenic lookouts.
• Afternoon: Descend to Tianmen Cave, climb the 999 steps or use the escalator.
• Evening: Return to Zhangjiajie via bus on the 99 Bends or cable car.

Tianmen Mountain Travel Tips

• Tickets are valid for one day; plan your visit accordingly.
• Temperatures at the summit are much cooler, so wear layers.
• Food is limited and costly on the mountain; bring snacks and water.
• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if climbing the 999 steps.
• Arrive early to avoid peak-season queues during May Day and National Day.
• Fog is common, so check forecasts for the clearest views.

Nearby Attractions

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Home of the Avatar Mountains, part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge & Grand Canyon: Features the world’s longest glass-bottom bridge, hiking paths, and waterfalls.
• Yellow Dragon Cave: A massive karst cave with underground rivers and spectacular formations.
• Baofeng Lake: A tranquil mountain lake, best explored by boat.
• Fenghuang Ancient Town: A riverside town famous for historic architecture and vibrant local culture.

Conclusion

With the breathtaking Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the challenge of the Stairway to Heaven with 999 steps, and the thrill of the Glass Skywalks, Tianmen Mountain combines natural wonder, cultural heritage, and adrenaline-filled adventure. Whether admiring the twisting 99 Bends, visiting the sacred Tianmen Mountain Temple, or witnessing the legendary Heaven’s Gate, your trip to Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain will be unforgettable. For visitors to Hunan, it is not just a scenic attraction but a destination that embodies both adventure and beauty. If you are planning your itinerary, remember that the best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is from April to October, when the weather is clear and the views are at their most spectacular.