Tianmen Mountain Scenic Spot Introduction

Tianmen Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China, is a renowned national forest park celebrated for its majestic natural landscapes, thrilling attractions, and profound cultural heritage. This comprehensive guide will delve into the captivating Tianmen Mountain Scenic Spot, particularly the Tianmen Cave Scenic Area, offering a detailed exploration of its must-see attractions.

Tianmen Cave Scenic Area

Nestled midway up the mountain at an elevation of 1,300 meters, the Tianmen Cave Scenic Area stands out as the sole area among Tianmen Mountain's four primary scenic zones that isn't situated on the summit. Its namesake, Tianmen Cave, reigns supreme as the most iconic attraction within the entire Tianmen Mountain area.

Heaven's Gate (Tianmen Cave)

Holding the record for the world's highest naturally formed mountain-piercing arch, Tianmen Cave seemingly floats amidst a thousand-meter-high cliff face. Its imposing presence evokes the image of a celestial portal etched into the very fabric of the sky. Renowned scholar Huang Jinxiang aptly captured its essence in his poem "A Journey to Tianmen Mountain": "A myriad peaks pierce the heavens high, / Winding trails ascend to cloud-kissed sky. / Tianmen's mists, sun-kissed then rain-drenched, / Veil the cave's depths, forever entrenched." This poetic tribute to Zhangjiajie's splendor continues to resonate widely.

Stairway to Heaven

With a total of 999 steps, the Stairway to Heaven not only provides access to Tianmen Cave but also serves as a revered site for making wishes and seeking blessings.

Tianmen Mountain Cableway (Rainbow Dragon Soaring)

Holding the distinction of being the world's longest high-mountain passenger cableway, the Tianmen Mountain Cableway boasts 98 gondolas and 57 support towers (including 3 for rescue). This marvel of engineering exclusively employs equipment imported from the French company POMA.

Tongtian Avenue (Avenue Leading to Heaven)

Deriving its name from its role as the pathway to Tianmen Cave, the 10.77-kilometer-long Tongtian Avenue winds its way through 99 bends. Each ninth bend is marked by a distinctive stone tablet, with the 99 bends symbolizing the nine levels of heaven according to Chinese mythology. It's recognized as one of the top ten scenic spots on Tianmen Mountain.

Other Scenic Areas

Aerial Stone Forest – Grand View of Potted Landscapes

Geologically, Tianmen Mountain represents a complete syncline structural unit, characterized by the development of typical mid-mountain karst platform-peak forest canyon landforms.

Biye Yaotai Scenic Area

As a national forest park, Tianmen Mountain boasts a pristine old-growth forest on its summit, and the heart of this protected area lies within the Biye Yaotai Scenic Area. Moss-covered, oddly shaped rocks dot the landscape, while rare tree species and valuable medicinal herbs are often encountered. The entire area resembles a gigantic natural bonsai garden, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature's wonders as they stroll along the winding paths. Situated on the eastern side of the summit, Biye Yaotai Scenic Area boasts over 20 attractions, making it the most scenic spot-rich among Tianmen Mountain's four major scenic areas.

Lingquan (Spiritual Spring)

Referred to as the "Divine Spring" by locals, Lingquan's waters gush forth from a crevice in the rock. The flow is perennial, offering cool and refreshing water. Lingquan Temple, taking its name from the spring, dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The recluse Zhou Pu once made his home here.

Yunmeng Xian Ding (Cloud Dream Fairy Peak)

With three sides plunging into sheer cliffs, Yunmeng Xian Ding rises dramatically, one of the sixteen peaks of Tianmen Mountain.

Primeval Secondary Forest

Tianmen Mountain's summit harbors a well-preserved primeval secondary forest. Brimming with natural beauty year-round, it stands as a unique "aerial hanging garden."

North Overlook of Tianmen

Facing the South Overlook of Tianmen, this spot offers a superb vantage point for a clear downward view of Tianmen Cave.

Yingtao Bay (Cherry Bay)

Yingtao Bay Square serves as the intersection of Tianmen Mountain's three summit scenic areas: the eastern, western, and Tianmen Mountain Temple routes. It also houses one of the two major service areas on the summit.

Mixian Qijing Scenic Area (Seeking Immortals Wonderland)

Located on the western side of the summit, the Mixian Qijing Scenic Area embodies the origins of Tianmen Mountain's "hermit culture" and "sacred mountain culture."

Qiuer Cave (Child-Seeking Cave)

As one of Tianmen Mountain's sixteen caves, Qiuer Cave is steeped in folklore. Legend has it that the Child-Giving Goddess (Guanyin) manifested here, bestowing blessings on those who pray sincerely for children.

Guigu Cave (Ghost Valley Cave)

Another of the sixteen caves, Guigu Cave, is said to be where the strategist Guiguzi resided while studying the "I Ching."

Baihe

A central attraction along the western route.

Lingxiao Tai (Platform Reaching the Clouds)

Alongside Yunmeng Xian Ding, Lingxiao Tai forms one of the two major viewing platforms on Tianmen Mountain and is a key attraction along the western route.

Guigu Plank Road (Ghost Valley Plank Road)

Spanning 1,600 meters at an average elevation of 1,400 meters, the Guigu Plank Road begins at Yihong Gate and culminates at Small Tianmen. Unlike typical plank roads built along cliff tops or sides, the Guigu Plank Road uniquely traverses the middle section of towering cliffs, offering unparalleled views.

Glass Plank Road

Suspended along the western route of Tianmen Mountain's summit, the 60-meter-long Glass Plank Road reaches a maximum height of 1,430 meters.

Tianjie Foguo Scenic Area (Buddhist Kingdom in the Heavens)

Situated on the southern part of Tianmen Mountain's summit, the Tianjie Foguo Scenic Area serves as the heart of the mountain's "Buddhist culture," with Tianmen Mountain Temple as its focal point.

Suzhai Building (Vegetarian Restaurant)

Located adjacent to Tianmen Mountain Temple in the Tianjie Foguo Scenic Area, the Suzhai Building caters specifically to visitors of the temple, offering a menu featuring the essence of temple vegetarian cuisine.

Q&A

What makes Tianmen Cave unique?

Tianmen Cave is distinguished as the world's highest natural mountain-piercing arch, adding a touch of awe-inspiring grandeur to Tianmen Mountain.

What is the significance of the number 999 in relation to the Stairway to Heaven?

The 999 steps of the Stairway to Heaven hold cultural importance, symbolizing the highest numerical representation of "yang" (the positive principle in Chinese cosmology) and are believed to bring good fortune.

What type of ecological diversity can be found on Tianmen Mountain?

Tianmen Mountain is home to a rich biodiversity, including pristine old-growth and secondary forests. These forests provide sanctuary to rare tree species, valuable medicinal herbs, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

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