The Construction of the Tianmen Mountain Cableway
Introduction
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is a single-line circulating mountain passenger cableway located in Zhangjiajie, China. With a length of 7,454 meters and a vertical drop of 1,277 meters, it holds the record for the longest passenger cable car in the world. The cable car journey offers breathtaking views and takes passengers from the modern cityscape of Zhangjiajie directly into the lush embrace of the "heavenly" summit of Tianmen Mountain. It's a unique blend of engineering marvel and natural beauty.
Tianmen Mountain Road
Known as the "Avenue to Heaven," the Tianmen Mountain Road is a marvel of engineering. Spanning a mere 11 kilometers, it ascends from an elevation of 200 meters to over 1,200 meters. This dramatic climb is achieved through 99 hairpin bends, making it a thrilling and unforgettable drive.
Technical Specifications of the Cableway
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is a single-line circulating detachable grip 8-passenger gondola lift. Let's break down the technical terms: * Single-line: Only one cable acts as both the carrying and hauling line. * Circulating: The gondolas move in a continuous loop at a constant speed. * Detachable grip: The gondolas detach from the cable at stations for passenger boarding and disembarking, allowing for a smooth and safe experience.
Here's a detailed look at its specifications:
| Feature | Specification | |-----------------------|---------------------------| | Length | 7,455 meters | | Vertical Rise | 1,277 meters | | Number of Gondolas | 98 (later increased to 113) | | Gondola Capacity | 8 passengers | | Single Trip Duration | Approximately 28 minutes | | Cable Diameter | 50.5 mm | | Cable Weight | 10 kg per meter | | Support Towers | 57 (including 3 rescue towers) |
Construction and Engineering
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is a testament to cutting-edge engineering, integrating the best global technologies:
- Support Towers: 57 towers, including three for rescue operations, were meticulously constructed to handle varying terrain and weather conditions.
- Cable System: The French company POMA supplied the main equipment, including the 6x36WS cable with a diameter of 50.5 millimeters and a weight of 10 kilograms per meter.
- Gondolas: The initial 98 gondolas were manufactured by the Swiss company CWA, designed to European standards with a height of 2 meters. Two VIP gondolas, costing twice the price of a standard gondola, were also included.
- Drive System: A hydraulic tensioning system ensures the cable's stability, and a mid-station drive powers the system.
- Unique Design: The cableway boasts an innovative support tower design with 96 pressure rollers and 16 carrier rollers, maximizing stability and performance.
A Tourist Attraction
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway has become a major attraction, drawing visitors worldwide.
- Scenic Views: The cable car ascends at a speed of 6 meters per second, offering passengers panoramic views of the city, the winding mountain road, and the lush landscape.
- Gateway to Exploration: The cableway provides easy access to the summit of Tianmen Mountain, where visitors can explore temples, walk on glass skywalks, and immerse themselves in nature.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price | |-------------|--------------| | Adult | 258 Yuan | | Discounted | 155 Yuan |
A Test of Courage
The steep incline and sheer drop of the cableway have made it a popular location for daredevils. In 2010, high-wire walkers Freddy Nock and Saimaiti Aishan attempted to traverse a 690-meter section of the cableway. Despite their skills and experience, both attempts were unsuccessful due to the challenging conditions.
Conclusion
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is a triumph of engineering, offering visitors a thrilling and unforgettable experience. It provides a vital link between the modern world and the natural beauty of Tianmen Mountain, seamlessly blending convenience with breathtaking scenery.
Q&A
Q1: How long does it take to reach the top of Tianmen Mountain by cable car?
A1: The cable car journey takes approximately 28 minutes.
Q2: What is the maximum incline angle of the Tianmen Mountain Cableway?
A2: The maximum incline angle is 38.6 degrees, considered exceptionally steep for cable cars.
Q3: Who were the manufacturers of the key components of the cableway?
A3: The main equipment and cable were supplied by the French company POMA, while the gondolas were manufactured by the Swiss company CWA.