Tianmen Mountain Travel Guide
Tianmen Mountain, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and thrilling attractions, is a must-visit destination in Zhangjiajie, China. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on how to purchase tickets, navigate the mountain, and make the most of your trip.
Tianmen Mountain Tickets
Tickets for Tianmen Mountain are categorized by time slots and routes. There are two primary routes:
Route A: Cable car ascent and bus descent. Route B: Bus ascent and cable car descent.
Both routes cover the same attractions, but Route A is highly recommended. This allows you to descend the iconic 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain.
Ticket Prices (online purchase recommended):
| Ticket Type | Price (RMB) | |---|---| | Route A (Peak Season) | 258 | | Route A (Off-Season) | 225 | | Route B (Peak Season) | 235 | | Route B (Off-Season) | 202 |
Peak Season: April 1st - October 31st Off-Season: November 1st - March 31st
Tips:
- Book your tickets online to avoid long queues at the ticket counter.
- Select the earliest time slot available for shorter waiting times.
Getting There:
The main entrance of Tianmen Mountain is located near the railway station in Zhangjiajie City.
Tianmen Mountain Cableway
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is an exhilarating experience in itself.
- Length: 7,454 meters (world's longest passenger cableway)
- Elevation Gain: 1,277 meters
- Duration: Approximately 28 minutes
- Highlight: A section with a 37-degree incline, making it one of the steepest cable car rides globally.
The cable car journey offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Summit Exploration Routes
Upon reaching the summit, you can choose from three main routes:
- West Line: Leads to the glass skywalk, Ghost Valley Plank Road, and Tianmen Temple.
- East Line: Takes you to the Heaven's Gate (Tianmen Cave) and the summit's highest point, Yunmeng Fairy Peak.
- Middle Line: Connects the West and East Lines via a short cable car ride (additional fee).
Recommended Itinerary:
- Start with the West Line and visit the glass skywalk and Ghost Valley Plank Road.
- Take the Middle Line cable car to Tianmen Temple (optional).
- Proceed to the East Line, visit Yunmeng Fairy Peak, and descend via the Heaven's Gate.
Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk
A thrilling walkway made entirely of glass, extending out from the cliff face, offering vertigo-inducing views of the valley below.
- Shoe Covers: Required (5 RMB)
- Multiple Sections: Three glass skywalks along the West Line.
Ghost Valley Plank Road
This winding plank road clings to the sheer cliffs, providing a thrilling walking experience with breathtaking views. Located along the West Line, it stretches for 800 meters at an average altitude of 1,400 meters.
Tianmen Temple
A Buddhist temple nestled amidst the mountain peaks, offering a serene escape from the bustling crowds.
Yunmeng Fairy Peak
The highest point of Tianmen Mountain, accessible via the East Line. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire mountain range, including the winding "Heaven-Linking Avenue" with its 99 hairpin turns.
Heaven's Gate (Tianmen Cave)
A natural archway carved into the cliff face, accessible by a steep staircase with 999 steps. It is considered the highest elevation natural arch in the world.
- Alternative: Escalators available for an additional fee.
Descent
After descending through Heaven's Gate, you'll reach the bus station for the return trip to the mountain's base.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Tianmen Mountain? A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
Q: How long does it take to explore Tianmen Mountain? A: Allow for a full day to fully experience all the attractions and routes.
Q: Are there restaurants and facilities on the mountain? A: Yes, there are restaurants, cafes, and restrooms available at various points along the routes.