How Long Does It Take to Go to 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. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Reaching the Mountain Top: Cable Car vs. Bus
You have two primary options to reach the top of Tianmen Mountain: the cable car and the bus.
1. Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
- Experience: The Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is an attraction in itself. It's renowned as the "longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world," spanning 7,455 meters and ascending 1,279 meters. The views during this 30-minute ride are breathtaking.
- Time: Allow about 20-30 minutes for the cable car ride, plus additional time for queuing, especially during peak season.
2. Tianmen Mountain Road (Bus)
- Experience: The bus journey along the Tianmen Mountain Road, also known as the "Heaven-Linking Avenue," is equally spectacular. This 11-kilometer road features 99 bends, offering dramatic mountain vistas.
- Time: The bus ride takes approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Exploring the Mountaintop
Once you reach the top, you'll find a network of well-maintained paths leading to various attractions:
| Attraction | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Tianmen Cave ("Heaven's Gate") | 1-1.5 hours (including walking and climbing stairs) |
| Glass Skywalk sections | 30-45 minutes (can vary depending on crowds) |
| West Line (for natural scenery) | 1-1.5 hours |
| East Line (temples and cultural sites) | 1-1.5 hours |
| Temple of the Heaven | 30-45 minutes |
Factors Affecting Visiting Time
- Season: Summer (June-August) and holidays tend to be the most crowded. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Fitness Level: Be prepared for walking and climbing stairs, especially to reach Tianmen Cave.
- Photography: If you plan to take lots of photos, factor in extra time.
Sample Itinerary for a Day Trip
| Time | Activity | |--------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 8:00 AM | Arrive at Tianmen Mountain ticket office | | 8:30 AM | Take the cable car or bus to the mountaintop | | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Explore Tianmen Cave, Glass Skywalks, and one scenic line | | 12:30 PM | Lunch at a mountaintop restaurant | | 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Explore the remaining scenic line and attractions | | 4:00 PM | Descend by cable car or bus |
FAQs
1. Can I visit Tianmen Mountain and the Avatar Mountains (Yuanjiajie) in one day?
It's not recommended. While geographically close, the two parks require separate tickets and involve significant travel time between them. It's best to dedicate a full day to each.
2. Is there accommodation on Tianmen Mountain?
No, there are no hotels or overnight stays permitted on the mountain.
3. When is the best time to visit Tianmen Mountain for clear views?
While weather can be unpredictable, spring and autumn generally offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures for enjoying the views. However, even on cloudy days, the mystical atmosphere of the mountain can be enchanting.