Ask a Question
Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China
Natural wonder of Tianmen Cave-Door to Heaven, Trilling Glass Skywalk, Winding Road up the Mountain with 99 Bends
Tianmen Mountain, located 8 kilometers from Zhangjiajie city center, is the highest mountain in Zhangjiajie, with the main peak of 1518.6 meters (4982.3 feet) high. The natural wonder-Tianmen Cave, means door to the heaven in Chinese. The comparative plat mountain top, the well-preserved original forest, the rare plants and species, the natural bonsai in everywhere form into a splendid picture. People entitle this mountain as the most beautiful flower garden in the sky and the fairy land in the boundary of heaven.
For a long time, Mount Tianmen not only attracted attention because of its miraculous and unique geographic landform and unparalleled natural landscape, but it also became well-known for its profound cultural connotations and famous colorful humanistic site.
Tianmen Mountain Cableway
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is the longest passenger cableway in the world with a length of 7200 meters (23,622 feet) and a height gap of 1277 meters (4,190 feet).
It is running at a speed of 6m / s, with a maximum capacity of 1000 passengers per hour, one way, and a biggest gradient of 38 degrees.
Tianmen Mountain Cableway in Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Cave
Tianmen Cave is the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural landmark on Tianmen Mountain, often referred to as the “Gateway to Heaven.” Sitting at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), this massive hole through the mountain is the highest naturally formed cave of its kind in the world. Unlike most other attractions, Tianmen Cave is not located at the mountain summit, but rather carved into the cliff face midway up—giving it an even more dramatic appearance.
The best place to view the cave is from the square at the base of the 999-step staircase, known as Tianmen Cave Plaza. From this vantage point, visitors can gaze upward at the enormous arched opening perched high on the rock wall. Framed by towering cliffs on either side and aligned perfectly with the stairway below, the cave truly resembles a celestial gate suspended between earth and sky. Standing at the base, dwarfed by its sheer scale, one can’t help but feel humbled by the majesty of nature.
The Winding Road Up the Mountain with 99 Bends
The winding road up the Tianmen Mountain heading to Tianmen Cave is also called Road to Heaven, which happens to have 99 bends. And 99 is a good and lucky number in China. It is a spectacular road at Tianmen Mountain.
Ghost-Valley Skywalk
The Ghost-valley Skywalk is the attraction that you must experience in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. It is named so because it is located up the Ghost-Valley Cave. The Ghost-Valley Skywalk is 1,600 meters long, whose average elevation is 1,400 meters. Walking on the Glass Skywalk fixed into the cliffs is trilling and exciting, which is a challenge to the tourists.
Tianmen Mountain Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty as a center of Buddhism in the area of western Hunan.The present Tian Men Mountain Temple is rebuilt on the basis of the original site with a plot area of more than 10,000 sqm. It adopts an official style of the Qing Dynasty and the buildings in the Temple compare well with the famous classical houses at home. The Temple is located in the mountain hollow with a broad vision. If one gazes into the southeast, all the hills seem to be so small that the Temple is really like an overlord.
Tianmen Mountain Academy
Tianmen Mountain Academy was built in 1303, the seventh year of the Dade Period in Yuan Dynasty. It was destroyed in a battle in 1352. The present Academy is newly built on the original site. It is a cultural holy place of Mount Tianmen.
10 Days Scenic Tour to Zhangjiajie & Mt. Huangshan
Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Mt. Huangshan, Shanghai
999 Steps to Heaven
The 999 Steps to Heaven is one of the most iconic and spiritually significant experiences at Tianmen Mountain. As the name suggests, this stairway consists of exactly 999 stone steps, stretching 218 meters (715 feet) in length and rising from an altitude of 1,050 meters at the square in front of the cave, all the way up to the entrance of Tianmen Cave, located at 1,170 meters above sea level. The vertical climb reaches approximately 120 meters (394 feet), with slopes reaching up to 41 degrees in some sections—making it a short but physically demanding ascent.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance: In Chinese culture, the number 9 is associated with eternity and divine power. The five gentle slopes and four steep slopes of the stairway represent the 81 tribulations faced by pilgrims in ancient legends, symbolizing the hardships one must overcome to reach enlightenment or success. On both sides of the stairway, there are five resting and blessing platforms named Youyu (Abundance), Qinse (Harmony), Changsheng (Longevity), Qingyun (Promotion), and Ruyi (Good Fortune)—each representing traditional blessings for a prosperous life. Before ascending, visitors often stop at the Tianmen Altar, where it’s customary to wash hands and burn symbolic incense called "Five Flavors of Life" (酸甜苦辣咸). Locals believe that by doing so, one can connect spiritually with the heavens and pray for peace, health, and success.
The Mountain Escalator: While the stairway may look majestic from afar, many visitors feel daunted at the first glance due to the steepness and narrow steps. The majority of the slope exceeds 37 degrees, and in certain sections, even goes beyond 41 degrees, making it a real test of stamina and courage. For those who are not physically prepared or simply prefer a more relaxed journey, the park has thoughtfully installed a parallel escalator system inside the mountain. This covered five-section tunnel escalator allows you to reach Tianmen Cave without climbing a single step. The escalator ticket costs around 32 RMB per person, and it’s a great option for families with kids, senior visitors, or anyone looking to conserve energy.
Climbing Tips: To ensure a safe and comfortable ascent, it’s best to take it slow and use the five rest platforms along the way to catch your breath. If you're not in peak physical condition, holding onto the railings while walking can help reduce pressure on your knees and prevent fatigue. Taking breaks between steep sections also helps avoid sore legs that could affect the rest of your trip. For women, it's strongly advised to avoid wearing skirts or dresses due to the steep angles of the stairs, which may lead to discomfort or unintended exposure. In warmer months, staying hydrated and carrying a small towel for sweat is also a smart idea.
Tickets to Tianmen Mountain must be booked in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (such as summer holidays, National Day, and Chinese New Year). Each ticket includes a round-trip cable car ride or shuttle bus (depending on the route), admission to the mountain, and access to major attractions like the glass skywalks and Tianmen Cave. Prices generally range from 258 to 300 RMB per person, depending on the route and whether you choose cable car or shuttle bus transport.
There are three main routes:
How to Book:
Tickets can be reserved through the official Tianmen Mountain website, major travel platforms like Trip.com, or you can also contact us to help your booking and tour arrangement in Zhangjiajie. It’s strongly recommended to book at least 1–2 days in advance, as same-day walk-in tickets may not be available.
📍 Tip: Make sure to bring your passport when entering, as tickets are checked against ID. Choose an early morning time slot to avoid crowds and catch the best mountain views.
The best seasons to visit Tianmen Mountain are spring, summer, and autumn, when the weather is relatively mild and the mountain trails are easier to navigate. During winter, thick fog and icy paths can make hiking more difficult, and from early November, the cable car undergoes its annual maintenance, often lasting nearly a month. This can lead to temporary closures of some attractions, resulting in fewer visitors. However, those who brave the cold months are rewarded with breathtaking scenery—snow-capped peaks, rime-covered trees, seas of clouds, and deep blue skies—making Tianmen Mountain just as stunning in winter. For most travelers, a full tour of Tianmen Mountain takes around 4 to 5 hours, not including transportation or transfer time.
From $ 438
From $ 410
We are member of
Follow us on
