Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain: A Natural and Cultural Wonder in Zhangjiajie

Tianmen Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, is a quartz sandstone mountain with an elevation of 1,518.6 meters. It is renowned for its majestic and spectacular natural scenery and mysterious historical and cultural heritage. As part of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain boasts abundant natural resources and humanistic landscapes, attracting countless tourists to experience its unique charm.

I. The Natural Scenery of Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain possesses a rich diversity of natural landscapes, featuring extraordinary peaks and rocks, breathtaking cloud seas, and lush forests, resembling a fairyland on Earth.

1. Unique Peaks and Rocks

Tianmen Mountain is renowned for its unique rock pillars and peaks, each with its own distinctive shape, leaving visitors in awe.

  • Tianmen Cave: Tianmen Cave is one of the most famous attractions on Tianmen Mountain. Situated halfway up the mountain, it is a naturally formed giant cave, measuring 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep. The formation of Tianmen Cave is the result of a long geological evolution process, its grandeur and magnificence are awe-inspiring.
  • Guigu Plank Road: Guigu Plank Road is a walkway built along steep cliffs, stretching 1,600 meters long with a width of only 1.5 meters. Walking on it feels like strolling through the clouds. The road is perilous, but the scenery is breathtaking, making it an ideal choice for those seeking thrill and excitement.
  • Tianti (Heavenly Ladder): Tianti is a vertical cable car, stretching 999 meters long with a vertical elevation of 1,279 meters. It is the longest sightseeing cable car in the world. Riding Tianti allows you to overlook the entire Tianmen Mountain and appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes.
  • Tianmen Mountain Forest: Tianmen Mountain boasts abundant forest resources, with a vegetation coverage rate of 90%. Various rare plants thrive and reproduce here.

2. The Spectacular Cloud Sea

The Tianmen Mountain Cloud Sea is another great spectacle. The clouds swirl around, creating a scene like a fairyland.

  • Rolling Cloud Sea: When the clouds surge to the top of the mountain, they form a magnificent spectacle of rolling cloud sea. The vastness and grandeur of the cloud sea are awe-inspiring.
  • Sunrise over the Cloud Sea: The sunrise at Tianmen Mountain is also a beautiful sight. The morning sun shines through the clouds, illuminating the entire mountain peak, creating a breathtaking scene.
  • Sunset over the Cloud Sea: As the sun sets, the Tianmen Mountain Cloud Sea is bathed in golden light, resembling a fairyland.

3. Abundant Animal and Plant Resources

Tianmen Mountain possesses abundant animal and plant resources, making it a significant ecological tourism destination.

  • Rare Animals: Tianmen Mountain is home to various rare animals, such as golden monkeys, white pheasants, pangolins, etc.
  • Rare Plants: Tianmen Mountain harbors various rare plants, such as Davidia involucrata, Chinese yew, and ginkgo.

II. The Cultural Landscapes of Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain not only possesses abundant natural landscapes but also boasts a long history and culture, making it an essential part of Chinese civilization.

1. The Historical and Cultural Significance of Tianmen Cave

Tianmen Cave has been a renowned Taoist sacred site since ancient times, and it is also a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

  • Taoist Culture: There are many Taoist relics in Tianmen Cave, such as Taoist temples, stone carvings, and inscriptions. These relics are important materials for studying Taoist culture.
  • Ancient Architecture: The architecture of Tianmen Cave is grand in scale and unique in style, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture.

2. The Folk Culture of Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain is rich in folk culture, making it the best place to experience local customs and traditions.

  • Folk Performances: Local villagers perform various folk shows, such as dragon dances, lion dances, folk songs, etc., allowing tourists to experience the local culture.
  • Local Cuisine: There are many local delicacies on Tianmen Mountain, such as Zhangjiajie local dishes, wild game, and seafood, offering tourists a taste of local flavors.

III. Tourism at Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain is a significant tourist destination in Zhangjiajie, providing tourists with various tourism experiences.

1. Tourism Facilities

Tianmen Mountain boasts well-equipped tourism facilities, providing tourists with convenient services.

  • Cable Car: Tianmen Mountain has a cable car that goes directly to the top of the mountain, allowing tourists to conveniently appreciate the panoramic view of Tianmen Mountain.
  • Hotels: There are hotels of various grades near Tianmen Mountain, providing convenient accommodation for tourists.
  • Restaurants: Tianmen Mountain has various dining establishments, providing convenience for tourists to enjoy their meals.

2. Tourist Routes

Tianmen Mountain has multiple tourist routes, allowing tourists to choose different ways to explore.

  • Classic Route: Visiting Tianmen Cave, Guigu Plank Road, Tianti, and Tianmen Mountain Forest.
  • Hiking Route: Hiking along mountain paths, experiencing the natural beauty of Tianmen Mountain.

3. Tourism Precautions

  • Prepare for Sun Protection: Tianmen Mountain has strong sunshine, so you need to prepare for sun protection.
  • Pay Attention to Safety: The mountain roads in Tianmen Mountain are rugged, so you need to pay attention to safety.
  • Respect Local Customs: Tianmen Mountain is the home of local residents, so you need to respect local customs.

Conclusion

Tianmen Mountain is a significant tourist destination in Zhangjiajie, integrating natural landscapes, cultural landscapes, and folk culture. Whether you are admiring the unique peaks and rocks, the spectacular cloud sea, or experiencing Taoist culture and folk culture, Tianmen Mountain will provide you with an unforgettable travel experience.


Tianmen Mountain main content:

  • Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain:

    Tianmen Mountain, formerly known as Songliang Mountain, is located at No. 11 Dayong Middle Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. It is the remnant of the Wuling Mountains extending eastward into the Dongting Lake Plain, with an altitude of 1,518.6 meters.

  • Tianmen Mountain Travel Guide:

    Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour Guide (including ticket purchase tips and route recommendations)

  • Best Time to Travel to Tianmen Mountain:

    Taking all factors into consideration, April to October is the best time to visit Tianmen Mountain, especially April and October, when the scenery of Tianmen Mountain is particularly beautiful and most suitable for sightseeing.

  • Introduction to Tianmen Mountain Attractions:

    Tianmen Cave Scenic Area is located in the upper-middle part of Tianmen Mountain, 1,300 meters above sea level. It is the only one of the four major scenic areas in the mountain that is not on the top of the mountain.

  • Ticket Price of Tianmen Mountain:

    Peak season (March 1st to November 30th): 258.00 yuan (including round-trip cableway and eco-friendly car) Off-season (December 1st to February 28th): 225.00 yuan (including round-trip cableway)

  • Opening Hours of Tianmen Mountain Tourist Area:

    Tianmenshan National Forest Park is open from 06:30 to 18:00 in the peak season (March 1 to November 30), and from 08:00 to 17:30 in the off-season (December 1 to February 29 of the following year).

  • Tianmen Mountain Travel Guide in Zhangjiajie:

    Hanging on the Qianxun white wall, it is like a gate to heaven embedded in the sky.

  • Introduction to Tianmen Mountain Natural Landscape:

    The main scenic spots include: Grotto Cave, Natural Great Wall, Beacon Tower, Mushroom Ridge, White Tiger Looking Back Stone, Heavenly Dog Barking at the Sun, White Bear Watching the Sun, etc.

  • Tianmen Mountain Karst Landform:

    Tianmen Mountain is a typical karst landform, with an altitude of 1518.6 meters. It belongs to the Neocathaysian system and the Wuling uplift zone.

  • Tianmen Mountain Forest Resources:

    The foothills of Hunan Tianmenshan National Forest Park are mostly covered with shrubs and dwarf trees.

  • Tianmen Mountain Wildlife:

    The wild animals in Hunan Tianmen Mountain include muntjacs, musk deer, foxes, macaques, porcupines, pangolins, flying tigers, rock chickens, rock eagles, and golden pheasants.

  • Tianmen Mountain Plant Species:

    Plants: There are 180 species of plants in Tianmen City.

  • Tianmen Mountain History and Culture:

    Tianmen Mountain has a long history and is the earliest famous mountain recorded in history in Zhangjiajie area. It was known as Songliang Mountain during the Han Dynasty.

  • Tianmen Mountain Myths and Legends:

    Tianmen Mountain, commonly known as Chuanyan Mountain, is one of the main attractions of Baguashan Natural Scenic Area.

  • Origin of Tianmen Mountain Place Name:

    In the sixth year of Yong'an (263 AD), a cave opened up on the cliff of Songliang Mountain. Sun Xiu, the Emperor Jing of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period, believed it was a good omen and named it Tianmen Mountain.

  • Geological Characteristics of Tianmen Mountain:

    Tianmen Mountain is a complete syncline tectonic unit geologically, with typical mid-mountain karst platform peak forest canyon landforms.

  • Tianmen Mountain Cambrian Strata:

    Tianmen Mountain belongs to the Neocathaysian system and the Wuling uplift zone, which is the remnant of the Wuling Mountains extending eastward into the Dongting Lake Plain. The strata in the area are mainly Cambrian limestone, dolomite and shale, and Sinian carbonaceous shale can be seen in the south.

  • Tianmen Mountain Karst Cave:

    Tianmen Cave is located in the upper-middle part of Tianmen Mountain, 1,300 meters above sea level. It is the only one of the four major scenic spots in the mountain that is not on the top of the mountain.

  • Tianmen Mountain Cableway Construction:

    The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is a single-line, looping alpine passenger cableway, 7,454 meters long, with a height difference of 1,277 meters and a one-way running time of 24 minutes. It can take tourists from the modern city atmosphere directly into the green embrace of the original sky garden.

  • Tianmen Mountain Suspension Bridge:

    The Tianmen Mountain Suspension Bridge spans a canyon at an altitude of 1,500 meters near the Guigu Plank Road on the west line of the mountain top. It is 150 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, has a load capacity of over 100 tons, and a total investment of 1.6 million yuan. It is the first extra-large suspension bridge in Hunan Province.

  • Tianmen Mountain Glass Plank Road:

    Zhangjiajie Glass Plank Road, located in Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain, is suspended on the west line of the mountain top. It is 60 meters long and the highest point is 1,430 meters above sea level.

  • How long does it take to climb Tianmen Mountain?:

    Those who wish to avoid the long Tianmen Mountain cableway can opt to take a bus up a narrow roadway that bends back on itself 99 times.” The stairs take most visitors about 30 minutes to climb. And while the work is considerable, the reward is worth it.

  • How many steps are in Zhangjiajie?:

    A total of 999 stairs lead visitors through a massive hole in a mountain known as the Gateway to Heaven.

  • Is Tianmen Mountain worth it?:

    Considered one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, Tianmen Mountain (Tianmen Shan) is a highlight of a visit to Zhangjiajie.

  • How many steps are there in Tianmen Mountain?:

    Climb Up the 999 Steps to Visit Heaven's Gate At the heart of Tianmen Mountain's allure stands the Stairway to Heaven, a straight way to Heaven's Gate.

  • How do I travel to Tianmen Mountain?:

    The mountain is accessed from a station near the center of Zhangjiajie, a few minutes walk from the city train and bus stations. Buses and trains from Changsha take approximately four hours to reach Zhangjiajie. There is also an airport on the outskirts of Zhangjiajie, with a somewhat limited schedule of flights.

  • How tall are the stairs at Tianmen Mountain?:

    Decryption of Stairway to Heaven with 999 Steps It starts from the Cave Square at an altitude of 1,050 meters and ends at Tianmen Cave at an altitude of 1,170 meters with the total length of 218 meters.

  • How do I get to Tianmen Mountain from Hong Kong?:

    The best way to get from Hong Kong to Tianmen Mountain without a car is to train via Guitang which takes 8h 19m and costs $85 - $100. How long does it take to get from Hong Kong to Tianmen Mountain? It takes approximately 8h 19m to get from Hong Kong to Tianmen Mountain, including transfers.

  • How do I get to Tianmen Mountain from Shanghai?:

    The cheapest way to get from Shanghai to Tianmen Mountain is to train which costs $25 - $60 and takes 21h 50m. What is the fastest way to get from Shanghai to Tianmen Mountain? The fastest way to get from Shanghai to Tianmen Mountain is to line 2 subway and fly and cable car which takes 5h 6m and costs $110 - $330.

  • Is it easy to travel around Zhangjiajie?:

    Traveling around Zhangjiajie by taxi is convenient and inexpensive. Flag down fare is 5 Yuan within 1.6 km, 1.6 Yuan per km for extra distance. It is very convenient to take taxi anywhere in the city to Zhangjiajie Railway Station and Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport and costs only about 15-20 Yuan.

  • How many days do you need in Zhangjiajie?:

    There is so much to do in Zhangjiajie, we'd suggest spending 3 or 4 days in Zhangjiajie. For example, if you have a week to spend in Hunan, we'd recommend 4 days in Zhangjiajie, 1 day in Fenghuan Ancient Town (staying one night in Fenghuang is a must) and 2 days in Changsha (staying one night in Changsha is an ideal).

  • How many tourists visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?:

    In 2019, Zhangjiajie received nearly 81 million tourist visits, including 1.37 million made by foreign travelers from more than 100 countries and regions.

  • Was Avatar filmed in Zhangjiajie?:

    The stunning scenery from Avatar can be found in a host of filming locations around the globe. These include China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the spectacular coastline of Hawaii's Big Island.

  • Is Zhangjiajie worth it?:

    If you visit china this is one of the places you must see, it is awsome the scenery is breathtaking you also get to see the monkeys that live in the forest try to snatch away your snacks so beware, we visited several cities during our stay in china this was by far one of the most beautifull.

  • How crowded is Zhangjiajie?:

    Dangerous Crowds - beware. We visited late March, supposedly before high season. But the park was packed as others have noted. Our private guide suggested we arrive at 8 am to beat most of the early crowd but we still waited almost 2 hours to take the elevator up.

  • Is the Zhangjiajie Glass bridge still open?:

    A glass-bottomed bridge in China that was heralded as a record-breaker when it opened just 13 days ago has closed.

  • How long is the glass bridge in Zhangjiajie?:

    At 300 m (984 ft) above the canyon floor, the 385 m (1,263 ft) long and six meters (19.7 ft) wide bridge over the Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie is the world's tallest and longest pedestrian glass bridge.

  • How much does it cost to visit Zhangjiajie?:

    Most visitors spend between $192 and $840 for a one week trip to Zhangjiajie, with the average being $440. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Zhangjiajie.

  • What should I pack for Zhangjiajie?:

    Wear anything in summer will be fine, but it may be little cool when the sun set down or in the forest, mountain region, a light overcoat is suggested to take when it is necessary. Hats and sunglasses could be worn depend on the weather. In addition, you need to take umbrella or raincoat in case of unexpected rain.

  • What is the average temperature in Zhangjiajie?:

    Zhangjiajie, located in the north middle latitude, has distinct four seasons and provides comfortable weather for visitors. Temperatures there rarely exceed 35 °C (95 °F) or fall below 0 °C (32 °F). The average temperature is around 16 °C.

  • What is special about Zhangjiajie?:

    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is probably the most coveted part of the area. The park is comprised of dense forests, deep ravines, deep canyons, unusual peaks, caves, and pillar-like rock formations blanketed throughout the park. These pillar rock formations are what the park is renowned for around the world.

  • How long should I spend in Zhangjiajie?:

    Zhangjiajie is a small city but has many things to see and do. Travelers are highly recommended to spend at least 3 days in Zhangjiajie and most of them would like to spend 4 days and some part of them may plan 5 days in this Avatar destination. So, how to plan a 3-day trip to Zhangjiajie?

  • How do I get from Zhangjiajie to National Park?:

    Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Zhangjiajie Bus Terminal and arriving at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Services depart every 10 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 45 min.

  • How to get up in Zhangjiajie?:

    To get up/down, you can either hike or take a form of vertical transport: elevator at Yuanjiajie, cable cars at Yangjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. These places are in the wider scenic area, but have separate entry tickets: Tianmen Mountain (located in Zhangjiajie city) Baofeng Lake.

  • How to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?:

    Wulingyuan entrance is walkable from the village of the same name and Zhangjiajie forest entrance is accessible from a bus costing 10 Yuan and taking 30mins from the village. Entrance into the park costs 245 Yuan, a little pricey but well worth the expense.

  • How do I go to Tianmen Mountain?:

    The mountain is only about 6km away from Zhangjiajie downtown. To get to the mountain, you could take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from downtown to the mountain directly, or catch a taxi to the mountain bottom and then catch a sightseeing bus to Tianmen Cave Parking Lot.

  • Is Tianmen Mountain worth visiting?:

    The place is breathtaking. I have been to the Park twice and I think April to October is the golden time to travel to Tianmen Mountain, as the temperature during this period is moderate and comfortable.

  • How long is Tianmen Mountain road?:

    An 11 km road with 99 bends also reaches the top of the mountain and takes visitors to Tianmen cave, a natural hole in the mountain of a height of 131.5 meters. A large temple is also located on the summit with chairlift or footpath access.

  • What are the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain?:

    To reach the fantastic landmark, visitors must walk up 999 steps on the

  • What is Zhangjiajie famous for?:

    It is famous for its marvelous pillar-like rocks like Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the well-known glass bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Beyond these, Zhangjiajie will impress you with much more things. Here is an ultimate guide about the 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZHANGJIAJIE.

  • What language do they speak in Zhangjiajie?:

    Kunming dialect belongs to the northern dialect family, which means that the local dialect is similar to Chinese Mandarin.

  • How many tourists visit Zhangjiajie?:

    Public data show that Zhangjiajie received 690,000 inbound tourists in 2023, with more than 280,000 visitors coming from South Korea, accounting for 40 percent of the total. In response to this trend, Zhangjiajie has adapted accordingly.

  • What are some interesting facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest?:

    There are 517 species woody plants, which belong to 93 families. Among them 7 species are rare and under the state's protection, including the "living fossils" - ginkgo (maidenhair tree) and Chinese dove tree. Zhangjijajie is known as a natural zoo. The park has 28 species of beast and 41 species of bird.

  • What is the history of Zhangjiajie?:

    History. The city itself was previously named Dayong (大庸) and has a recorded history dating back to 221 BC. People lived here along both banks of the Lishui River (the mother river in Zhangjiajie), now within the boundaries of Zhangjiajie City, very early during the Stone Age.

  • What is the culture of Zhangjiajie?:

    As you know, Zhangjiajie is rich in cultural heritage, home to diverse ethnic groups including the Tujia and Miao, whose traditions and customs have been preserved for centuries. These groups make up 77 percent of Zhangjiajie's total population.

  • What is special about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?:

    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is probably the most coveted part of the area. The park is comprised of dense forests, deep ravines, deep canyons, unusual peaks, caves, and pillar-like rock formations blanketed throughout the park. These pillar rock formations are what the park is renowned for around the world.

  • What movies were filmed in Zhangjiajie?:

    The stunning scenery from Avatar can be found in a host of filming locations around the globe. These include China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the spectacular coastline of Hawaii's Big Island.

  • Is Zhangjiajie worth going?:

    If you visit china this is one of the places you must see, it is awsome the scenery is breathtaking you also get to see the monkeys that live in the forest try to snatch away your snacks so beware, we visited several cities during our stay in china this was by far one of the most beautifull.

  • What is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?:

    The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is from April to June in warm vibrant spring and September to October in colorful autumn.

  • Do I need a tour guide for Zhangjiajie?:

    It is best to contact to a reliable guide in advance, as the scenic spots in Zhangjiajie is in mountainous area, the guide would be very helpful to avoid to getting lost. Spring and autumn, especially in April, May, September and October, are the best time to travel to Zhangjiajie.

  • How do I go from Beijing to Zhangjiajie?:

    The best way to get from Beijing to Zhangjiajie is to fly which takes 4h 18m and costs $180 - $450. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $28 - $65 and takes 11h 14m.

  • How far is Zhangjiajie from Shanghai by train?:

    Shanghai to Zhangjiajie distance by train is 1,526 kilometers (948 miles). A hard sleeper costs CNY 310 - 322.5 per person. No direct high speed trains are available between the two cities at present, but passengers can make a transfer in Changsha. In this case, duration will be 7 – 10.5 hours, saving a lot of time.

  • How was Zhangjiajie National Park formed?:

    About 1.5 billion years ago, strong movements in the Earth's crust in northwestern Hunan turned the land into a sea trough and a volcano on the seabed erupted. Quartz in the lava formed the "eggs" of Zhangjiajie's sandstone peak forest.

  • What are the rock formations in Zhangjiajie?:

    About Zhangjiajie National Forest The park is best known for its unique rock formations, known locally as “stone forests,” which are characterized by thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars that soar into the sky, creating a surreal landscape reminiscent of a mythical realm.

  • Who made the Zhangjiajie?:

    The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge was designed by internationally renowned architect and poet, Professor Haim Dotan, the founder of Haim Dotan Ltd. Architects and Urban Designers.

  • How did they build the Zhangjiajie glass bridge?:

    To build the bridge, engineers erected four support pillars on the edges of the walls of the canyon. The bridge is made of a metal frame with more than 120 glass panels. Each of these panels is three-layered and is a 5.1-centimetre-thick (2 in) slab of tempered glass.

  • What is the history of Zhangjiajie City?:

    History. The city itself was previously named Dayong (大庸) and has a recorded history dating back to 221 BC. People lived here along both banks of the Lishui River (the mother river in Zhangjiajie), now within the boundaries of Zhangjiajie City, very early during the Stone Age.

  • What is a fun fact about Zhangjiajie National Forest?:

    Zhangjijajie is known as a natural zoo. The park has 28 species of beast and 41 species of bird. There are 7 species of animals are under state's protection, including the famous giant salamander.

  • Why is Zhangjiajie popular?:

    Wulingyuan Scenic Area, part of Zhangjiajie National Park, is known for its unique landscape of quartz-sandstone pillars. The area includes Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which is famous for its floating mountains and the inspiration it provided for the landscapes in Avatar.

  • How old is Zhangjiajie?:

    Human beings lived here along both banks of the Lishui River, now within the boundaries of Zhangjiajie city, very early during the Stone Age. The history of civilization in this region dates back to 100,000 years ago, rivaling such famous cities as Xi'an, Beijing, Luoyang and others.

  • What landforms are in Zhangjiajie?:

    Landform Formation The neotectonics over 2.6 million years uplifted the crust in Zhangjiajie area. Running water along the joints and fissures cut the quartz sandstone into the landforms like mesas, tablelands, peak walls, peak forests and single-peak groups.

  • What kind of mountains are in Zhangjiajie?:

    The sandstone pinnacles of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Amazing views in Zhangjiajie National Park. Giant sandstone pinnacles rise skyward from the valley floor, some up to 200m tall with tufts of evergreen shrubs clinching to their narrow summits.

  • What type of rock is Zhangjiajie?:

    Quartz Sandstone Pillars: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to over 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks, creating a forest of towering stone spires.

  • How long do you need for Tianmen Mountain?:

    Generally speaking, visitors usually choose to go to Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park on a day trip. Tianmen Mountain Forest Park has several scenic areas with the one on the mountaintop covering an area of ​​2 square kilometers. It normally takes 5 hours to go over all beautiful places.

  • How do I get to Tianmen mountains?:

    The mountain is only about 6km away from Zhangjiajie downtown. To get to the mountain, you could take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from downtown to the mountain directly, or catch a taxi to the mountain bottom and then catch a sightseeing bus to Tianmen Cave Parking Lot.

  • How many days should I spend in Zhangjiajie?:

    There is so much to do in Zhangjiajie, we'd suggest spending 3 or 4 days in Zhangjiajie. For example, if you have a week to spend in Hunan, we'd recommend 4 days in Zhangjiajie, 1 day in Fenghuan Ancient Town (staying one night in Fenghuang is a must) and 2 days in Changsha (staying one night in Changsha is an ideal).

  • What can be found at the top of Tianmen Mountain?:

    An 11 km (7 mi) road - Tongtian Avenue - with 99 bends also reaches the top of the mountain and takes visitors to Tianmen cave natural arch in the mountain of a height of 131.5 m (431.4 ft). As with the mountain, the cave translates as Heaven's Door/天门 and has a 999 step entrance known as "the Stairway to Heaven."

  • How long is the cable car ride at Tianmen Mountain?:

    Straddling a distance of 7,455 meters, Tianmen Mountain (Tianmen Shan) ropeway is regarded as the longest cable car ride in the world. The cable car starts from Zhangjiajie downtown to the mountain top directly. The whole journey takes about 28 minutes.

  • What time does Zhangjiajie open?:

    Opening time: 07:30-18:00. How to get there: Buses to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are available at the coach station near the railway station. The buses depart approximately every 10 minutes and it takes about 40 minutes (32 km) to reach the park.

  • What is at the top of Tianmen Mountain?:

    The Tianmenshan Temple is located on the summit, with chairlift or footpath access. The original temple there was built during the Tang dynasty and destroyed during the first part of the 20th century.

  • What time does the cable cars open in Tianmen Mountain?:

    Cable cars going uphill open from 9 am to 5 pm, and cable cars going downhill close at around 7 pm. The scenic area administration would notify visitors before actually closing the downhill cable car service.

  • How long to spend at Tianmenshan?:

    Generally speaking, visitors usually choose to go to Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park on a day trip. Tianmen Mountain Forest Park has several scenic areas with the one on the mountaintop covering an area of ​​2 square kilometers. It normally takes 5 hours to go over all beautiful places.

  • How to visit Tianmenshan?:

    Firstly, take the shuttle bus to the entrance gate of Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park from the lower cableway station in the downtown; Secondly, change to sightseeing bus and go up to the Front Cave Square by the Avenue to Heaven with 99 Turns; Thirdly, take the Stairway with 999 steps or the tunnel escalator to ...

  • What is the closest airport to Tianmen Mountain?:

    What is the nearest airport to Tianmen Mountain? The nearest airport to Tianmen Mountain is Zhangjiajie Hehua (DYG) Airport which is 7 km away. Other nearby airports include Changde (CGD) (114.2 km), Enshi (ENH) (170.7 km), Tongren (TEN) (172.9 km) and Yichang (YIH) (192.8 km).

  • How much is the train from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie?:

    Train, bus or fly from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie? The best way to get from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie is to train via Guitang which takes 7h 39m and costs $80 - $90. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $46 - $50 and takes 20h 56m, you could also fly, which costs $170 - $290 and takes 4h 36m.

  • What time does Tianmen Mountain open?:

    Location: Tianmen Mountains is located 10 kilometers south to Zhangjiajie City in Hunan Province of China. Opening time: 08:00-18:00. The Tianmen Mountain national forest park scenic area will only be closed if it is too cold with heavy snows.

  • Do you need a tour guide for Zhangjiajie?:

    It is best to contact to a reliable guide in advance, as the scenic spots in Zhangjiajie is in mountainous area, the guide would be very helpful to avoid to getting lost. Spring and autumn, especially in April, May, September and October, are the best time to travel to Zhangjiajie.

  • How do I get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park from Hong Kong?:

    The best way to get from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is to train via Guitang which takes 7h 59m and costs $85 - $100.

  • Where is Tianmen Mountain located?:

    Tianmen Mountain (simplified Chinese: 天门山; traditional Chinese: 天門山; pinyin: Tiānmén Shān; lit. 'Heaven's Gate Mountain') is a mountain located within Tianmen Mountain National Park, Zhangjiajie, in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, China.

  • What is the gate of heaven in China?:

    Synopsis. Heaven's Gate, nestled within the stunning Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that captivates visitors from around the globe. This iconic archway, carved by the forces of nature over millions of years, stands at an elevation of approximately 1,500 metres above sea level ...

  • What is the significance of Tianmen Mountain?:

    The centerpiece of the Tianmen Mountain National Park, it is a natural hole that cuts through one side of the peak. At 1520 meters above sea level, it is the highest natural arch in the world, earning its nickname “Gateway to Heaven.” The cave alone is 131.5 meters tall, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep.

  • How much does the Zhangjiajie elevator cost?:

    One way ticket for Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is CNY 65 Yuan per pax.

  • How do I get to Zhangjiajie mountains?:

    Flight + Bus: Take a flight to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, then take city bus no. 4 or taxi to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, then take a bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Train + Bus: Take a train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station or West Railway Station; after, take a direct bus or taxi to the destination.

  • How long is the longest cable car in Tianmen Mountain?:

    Tianmen Mountain Cableway is claimed in tourist publications as the "longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world", with 98 cars and a total length of 7,455 m (24,459 ft) and ascent of 1,279 m (4,196 ft). The highest gradient is 37 degrees.

  • How long to spend in Tianmen Mountain?:

    It normally takes 5 hours to go over all beautiful places. With less time, visitors have no choice but to have a quick glance at Tianmen Mountain, the tour can't be very satisfying and fulfilling.

  • How long is the Tianmen cable car?:

    Tianmen Mountain Cableway is claimed in tourist publications as the "longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world", with 98 cars and a total length of 7,455 m (24,459 ft) and ascent of 1,279 m (4,196 ft). The highest gradient is 37 degrees.

  • How long to spend at Tianmen Mountain?:

    Tianmen Mountain Forest Park has several scenic areas with the one on the mountaintop covering an area of ​​2 square kilometers. It normally takes 5 hours to go over all beautiful places.

  • How long does it take to climb the Stairway to Heaven China?:

    Then there are 999 steep and narrow steps up to the cave - "the Stairway to Heaven". It is a hard and tiresome climb (about 30 minutes).

  • What is the best month to visit Zhangjiajie?:

    The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is from April to June in warm vibrant spring and September to October in colorful autumn.

  • How long does it take to climb Heaven's Gate?:

    It takes about 28 minutes to get to the top of the mountain. During the ride, you can have a bird's-eye view of beautiful forests and mountains, including the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate and the 99 Bends Road.

  • What is the history of Zhangjiajie mountains?:

    About 1.5 billion years ago, strong movements in the Earth's crust in northwestern Hunan turned the land into a sea trough and a volcano on the seabed erupted. Quartz in the lava formed the "eggs" of Zhangjiajie's sandstone peak forest.

  • What is the legend of Tianmen Mountain?:

    One of the Chinese legends said that long time ago, there was a sudden burst of sound in the sky. When the locals went out to find out what's going on, they saw five auspicious clouds in the sky and the main summit of Songliang Mountain (the original name of Tianmen Mountain) suddenly opened up.

  • What is the history of the Tianmen cave?:

    Originally it was a cave until the back side collapsed in AD 263 and the gate was formed. Over the years, Tianmen has become a popular site to pray for a safe and healthy life, and many visitors are drawn to the holy temple on the mountain.

  • What is the geological history of Zhangjiajie?:

    Around 380 million years ago (Middle Devonian Period), a large amount of terrigenous detrital material flew into Zhangjiajie in littoral environment. After hundreds of millions years of sedimentation and compaction, the parent rock quartz sandstone of Zhangjiajie was formed.

  • Why is it called Zhangjiajie?:

    The term “Zhangjiajie” literally translates to mean “Home of the Zhang Family” and refers to a military general called Zhang Liang, who served during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and after whom the prefecture-level city of Zhangjiajie was named in honour of his achievements.

  • How old is the Tianmen Mountain?:

    Climb Up the 999 Steps to Visit Heaven's Gate After finishing the stairway to heaven, you can finally reach the Tianmen Cave, known as "Heaven's Gate." Carved naturally through the mountain, it is about 131.5 meters tall, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep. Legend has it that the mountains have existed since 263 AD.

  • How high is Zhangjiajie mountain?:

    Zhangjiajie National Forest Part is at an elevation of 420m – 1,334m. The highest mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is Doupeng Mountain, which is at an elevation of 1,890m.

  • How high is Tianmen Mountain?:

    This natural formation is located in Tianmen, which is the highest mountain in Zhangjiajie. With an altitude of 4980 feet (1518 meters), Tianmen has been a site of wonder for the Chinese for thousands of years.

  • What is the myth of Tianmen Mountain?:

    One of the Chinese legends said that long time ago, there was a sudden burst of sound in the sky. When the locals went out to find out what's going on, they saw five auspicious clouds in the sky and the main summit of Songliang Mountain (the original name of Tianmen Mountain) suddenly opened up.

  • How high is Tianmen Cave?:

    - Tianmen Cave (means the Heaven's Gate in Chinese): The cave is on the precipices and is over 1260 meters elevation, the height of the cave is 131.5 meters and the width is about 50 meters, the unusual grotto is grand and magnificent.

  • What is the geology of Tianmen Mountain?:

    Tianmen Mountain is an integrated synclinal geological unit which has the landform of middle-mountain karst platform with peak groups and canyons. The top of Tianmen Mountain is a cliff sight of karst platform. The karst hillocks and karrens spread wildly to form wonders of stone forests in the air.