How to Get to Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain, known as the soul of Zhangjiajie, is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling attractions like the 99 Bends, the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, and the Heaven's Gate.
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.
Getting to the Foot of Tianmen Mountain
First, you need to get to the foot of the mountain before deciding on which way to go up.
- By Taxi: Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to get to the foot of the mountain, and it will cost you around CNY 20.
- By Bus: You can also take the bus lines 5, 6, or 10 and get off at the "Tianmen Mountain Cableway" station. The bus fare is CNY 1.
Reaching the Summit: Your Options Explained
There are two primary ways to reach the summit of Tianmen Mountain:
1. Tianmen Mountain Cableway (Recommended)
- Experience: Known as the "longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world," this offers breathtaking views of the mountain scenery, the 99 Bends, and Zhangjiajie City.
- Distance: 7.5 kilometers (about 4.7 miles)
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
- Cost:
- One-way: CNY 258 (adult), CNY 162 (children 1.2m-1.5m)
- Round-trip: CNY 358 (adult), CNY 218 (children 1.2m-1.5m)
- Operating Hours:
- Peak Season (March 1st – November 30th): 07:30 – 18:00
- Off-Season (December 1st – February 28th/29th): 08:00 – 16:00
- Where to Buy Tickets: You can buy tickets at the cable car station or online in advance.
2. Sightseeing Bus to Tianmen Cave
- Experience: This option allows you to experience the thrilling 99 Bends road.
- Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers (about 6.8 miles)
- Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- Cost:
- Round-trip: CNY 98 (adult and children above 1.2 meters tall)
- One-way: Not available
- Operating Hours:
- 08:00 - 17:00
- Where to Buy Tickets: You can buy tickets on the bus or online.
Important Note: After taking the sightseeing bus, you'll need to climb 999 steps (approximately 400 meters) to reach Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate) or take an escalator (CNY 35 per person).
Choosing the Best Option for You
Here's a table summarizing the key differences to help you decide:
| Feature | Tianmen Mountain Cableway | Sightseeing Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Scenic cable car ride | Thrilling mountain road |
| Convenience | Direct to the top | Requires climbing steps or taking escalator to Tianmen Cave |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Time-saving | Faster | Slower |
| Recommendation | For first-time visitors, families with young children, elderly visitors | For adventurous travelers, those on a budget |
FAQs
1. Can I purchase tickets to Tianmen Mountain upon arrival, or is it recommended to book in advance?
While you can purchase tickets upon arrival, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
2. What is the best time to visit Tianmen Mountain?
The best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is from April to October when the weather is mild and pleasant.
3. Is there an entrance fee for Tianmen Mountain?
Yes, the entrance fee to Tianmen Mountain is CNY 258 per person. This ticket is valid for a one-day visit and includes access to all attractions on the mountain, except for the escalator to Tianmen Cave.