One Step to Heaven: A Day Trip Guide to Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
In Hunan, Zhangjiajie, on the south bank of the Lishui River, stands a wondrous mountain. It rises 1,518.6 meters, a solitary peak towering alone into the sky. On its thousand-meter cliff, a cave opens like a gate, suspended in the air like a bright mirror. This mountain is Tianmen Mountain, called the First Sacred Mountain of Xiangxi. This cave is Tianmen Cave, a rare natural karst cave piercing the mountain. 'When Tianmen opens, clouds flow through; from Jiangdong to Emei...'
This article is compiled from the original travel notes on the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com); it is a record of trips from earlier years. Time-sensitive information such as ticket prices, schedules, and accommodation prices is subject to the latest announcements from scenic areas and transportation authorities; the itinerary ideas and attraction introductions still have reference value.
In Hunan, in Zhangjiajie, on the south bank of the Li River, there stands a wondrous mountain.
The mountain is 1,518.6 meters high, a solitary peak towering aloft, reigning alone in the sky.
On the thousand-meter sheer cliff, there is a cave opening like a gate, suspended perilously in midair, like a bright mirror hung on high.
This mountain is called Tianmen Mountain, known as the First Divine Mountain of Xiangxi.
This cave is called Tianmen Cave, a rare natural mountain-piercing karst cave in the world.
'When Tianmen Cave opens, clouds and air flow through; even Jiangdong and Emei are left in the dust.'
These endless deep mountains nurture countless lives and tell countless stories.
Seeking immortal traces in a secret realm — how could one miss this place?
Tianmen Mountain itinerary route:
Tianmen Mountain is divided into four major scenic areas: Biye Yaotai, Seeking Immortals Wonderland, Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom, and Tianmen Cave Opening. Among them, Biye Yaotai, Seeking Immortals Wonderland, and Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom are all located at the summit of Tianmen Mountain and can be reached by taking the Tianmen Mountain cableway; the Tianmen Cave Opening scenic area is located in the middle of the mountain and requires taking an eco-bus to reach.
Tianmen Mountain Cableway
Three tour routes — east, west, and central — run through the three major summit scenic areas. The east route is 3.7 kilometers long, running through the entire Biye Yaotai scenic area, with primeval forest scenery along the way, lush and green throughout, with birdsong and fragrant flowers, and fresh air that refreshes both body and mind. The west route is 2.7 kilometers long, running through the entire Seeking Immortals Wonderland scenic area, where you can view extraordinary alpine scenery along the way and also experience the magic of many age-old legends such as Guiguzi hiding as an immortal on the mysterious cliff, Yefu hiding treasure, and Chisongzi refining elixirs. The central route is 0.85 kilometers long, running directly from the cableway upper station to the Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom scenic area; its main function is as a transport line, making it convenient for tourists to travel quickly between Cherry Bay and the cableway upper station.
Glass Viewing Platform
The starting points of the east, west, and central routes are all around the cableway upper station. The meeting point of the three routes' endpoints is called Cherry Bay. After arriving at Cherry Bay, you can visit Tianmen Mountain Temple, the representative attraction of the Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom scenic area.
After touring the three major summit scenic areas, you need to return to the cableway upper station and take the Tianmen Mountain cableway to the cableway middle station, then take an eco-bus to the Tianmen Cave Opening scenic area. Along the way, you can enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the 99-Bend Heaven-Reaching Avenue.
Detailed Route:
Stop 1: Take the cableway from the city garden in the urban area directly to the Sky Garden at the summit
Climbing Tianmen Mountain requires no hiking. Go to the lower station of the Tianmen Mountain Cableway in Zhangjiajie's urban area and take the world's longest high-mountain passenger cableway — the Tianmen Mountain Cableway (7.5 km long) — directly to the summit. Along the way, you can first look down on the intoxicating scenery of the beautiful mountain city, then take in the fresh and tranquil rural countryside, and then glide slowly into the embrace of jagged peaks and steep ravines, climbing continuously over mountain tops and cliffs, experiencing the thrill and awe of soaring through the clouds, arriving at the primitive Sky Garden atop Tianmen Mountain in 30 minutes.
Stop 2: Tour the West Route's Seeking Immortals Wonderland Scenic Area at the summit (The Seeking Immortals Wonderland Scenic Area is located in the western part of the summit, with the same lush forests and the same far-reaching views; here you seek the traces and miracles of many immortals, and explore the elusive Guigu Wonderland.)
From the upper cableway station, head west along the summit to Lingxiao Terrace, the first stop where immortals descended to the mortal world, and look down on the splendid scenery of Zhangjiajie's urban area, taking in the majestic momentum of the landscape scroll; challenge the Glass Skywalk, the sky road of the East, for fully transparent contact with the cliffs and deep valleys at an altitude of 1,430 meters — every step thrilling, with endless surprise and wonder; pass Yihong Pass to the Guigu Plank Road, scream to your heart's content among the cliffs and clouds, and fully challenge your sense of daring. If you still don't feel satisfied, be sure to step onto the glass viewing platform that juts out about 5 meters into the air from the plank road — if you can still remain calm and composed here, then you're truly impressive; after finishing the plank road, immediately experience the swaying canyon suspension bridge. The bridge suspended over a bottomless deep valley will surely make you forget your weak knees, bringing endless comfort; view the mysterious Guigu Cave from afar, wander through the art of alliance and division, and experience the mystery of Guiguzi's School of Vertical and Horizontal; pay respects at the Child-Seeking Cave — seek a child and be granted one, seek blessings and receive blessings.
Cherry Bay
Stop 3: Take a rest at Cherry Bay at the summit:
Rest at Cherry Bay, the summit rest area. Buffet and Tujia-style delicacies are yours to choose from. After the meal, hold a cup of Tianmen Mountain's unique high-mountain cloud-and-mist tea, lean on the railing of the fully transparent pure wooden corridor and gaze into the distance, taking in the distant mountains and sea of clouds — delicious food, beautiful scenery, wonderful indeed.
Stop 4: Tour the South Route's Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom Scenic Area at the summit (The Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom Scenic Area is located in the southern part of the summit, where Tianmen Mountain Temple is wreathed in purple smoke and Buddhist chants linger. Raise your hands in reverence, bow in worship, and make devout wishes — believe that in this Buddhist kingdom with centuries of history, they will come true one by one):
Tianmen Mountain Temple
Tour Tianmen Mountain Temple in the Heavenly Buddhist Kingdom — the mountain gate, Heavenly Kings Hall, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, and Sutra Library — proceeding devoutly all the way, you will attain an unexpected inner peace. In the Sutra Library of Tianmen Mountain Temple is enshrined a precious true-body sarira of Shakyamuni Buddha. Only five Buddhist temples worldwide enshrine Buddha sarira; to encounter one at Tianmen Mountain is a rare karmic connection — do not miss the chance to pay homage. If time permits, you can also listen to Buddhist scriptures in the temple, quietly contemplate Zen, and perceive the mystery of Buddhist teachings.
Stop 5: Tour the East Route's Green Wilderness Jade Terrace at the summit (The Green Wilderness Jade Terrace Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of the summit, where the primitive forest is naturally formed; wandering through it, you can fully enjoy the freshness of the mountain wilderness and feel the spiritual energy of the high mountains.
Summit Sky Garden
Heading east from Cherry Bay, the first stop is the Love of Wood and Stone, to see the wonder of wood and stone embracing affectionately and perceive earth-shaking true love; walk the cliff plank road on the summit's east route, treading atop the cliff with mountain winds and flying birds as companions; pass Cloud-Buttoning Pass, Stone Gate Locking Green, Drunken Cloud Pavilion, Happy Forest, and other points, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Green Wilderness Jade Terrace's primitive jungle along the way and breathing pure green air; climb Jade Flask Peak and feel at the summit the heroic sentiment of raising a cup and asking the blue sky; pass the South and North Overlooks of Tianmen Gate and stand at the top of Tianmen Cave, recalling the legendary moment when an airplane flew through Tianmen and wingsuit flyers soared over Tianmen; walk through the summit bonsai stone area, see karst beauty stones of various shapes, and stroll through the most beautiful primitive sky garden; then walk the cliff plank road and feel the majestic posture of the Rope-Crossing Divine Valley, where ancients could only cross the valley by pulling ropes, before returning to the upper cableway station.
Stop 6: Tour the Middle Route at the summit (The Middle Route is a convenient transportation line connecting the east, west, south, and north of the summit):
From the upper cableway station, go up the Middle Route (or from the upper cableway station, pass through the tunnel and take the elevator directly to Cloud Dream Immortal Summit), to Cloud Dream Immortal Summit, the peak of Zhangjiajie. At the Cloud Dream Immortal Summit Western Restaurant, enjoy coffee and exquisite Western snacks, and through the fully transparent glass windows all around, take in 360° unbeatable mountain views; take the forest sightseeing cable car, experiencing along the way the delight of startling birds among treetops and the desire to become an immortal while treading the clouds; see Li Na's Villa and view exclusive historical photos and materials of the famous singer Li Na attaining sudden enlightenment at Tianmen Mountain and eventually shaving her head to become a nun.
Cloud Dream Immortal Summit
Stop 7: Tour Tianmen Cave Opening (The Tianmen Cave Opening Scenic Area is located in the middle part of the mountain, with Tianmen Cave as its representative landscape. In 1999 an airplane flew through Tianmen; in 2007 a French Spider-Man free-climbed Tianmen Cave; in 2011 an American wingsuit flyer soared through Tianmen Cave — legends never cease, wonders without end):
Tianmen Mountain's 99-Bend Heaven-Reaching Avenue
Return to the upper cableway station and take the cableway down to the middle cableway station, then transfer to the scenic area's sightseeing eco-bus to experience the wonder of the world's number one highway marvel — the 99-Bend Heaven-Reaching Avenue — and along the way enjoy such extraordinary sights as the Golden Turtle Carrying Ingots, General Peak, and Arrow Shaft Peak; when the bus reaches Tianmen Cave Square, climb the 999-step Heaven-Reaching Stairway to Tianmen Cave, the world's highest-altitude natural mountain-piercing cave. Burn incense and kowtow before the cave, honoring heaven and earth, and pass the five blessing platforms of Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Joy, and Wealth to reach Tianmen Cave at an altitude of 1,300 meters. Within the cave, step across the Tianmen Threshold guarded by the Tianmen auspicious beast, experiencing the wonder of going directly from the mortal world to the heavenly realm. After touring Tianmen Cave, you can comfort your tired body with good food at Tianmen Cave Square, where there are various Chinese and Korean foods, many Zhangjiajie specialty snacks, and fresh wild fruits, letting you experience Tianmen Mountain on the tip of your tongue. Take the eco-bus back to the middle cableway station, transfer to the cableway and return to the lower cableway station, ending a day's legendary journey at Tianmen Mountain.
Stop 8: Climb Tianmen by day, watch the Fox Fairy by night:
Having felt Tianmen Mountain's heroic grandeur by day, by night you must not miss the charm and tenderness of Tianmen Fox Fairy. "Tianmen Fox Fairy" is the world's first large-scale high-mountain canyon live-action musical, jointly created by Mei Shuaiyuan, founder of China's landscape live-action performances, and world music master Tan Dun, using top modern high-tech lighting and sound effects on a landscape stage perfectly integrated with the Tianmen Mountain canyon, depicting the earth-shaking love story of a beautiful white fox fairy and a poor woodcutter Liu Hai.
The Fox Fairy of Tianmen Mountain
"Born for you, die for you, go mad for you, a lifetime of charm and grace for you alone" — under the influence of so much music that can give you goosebumps, men and women alike in the audience will immerse themselves in romantic thoughts about love, unable to extricate themselves. The performance has moved countless ordinary people and many celebrities as well. World music master Tan Dun called "Tianmen Fox Fairy" the "Butterfly Lovers of the 21st century." "Tianmen Fox Fairy" has also received many honors, including being among the first batch of international key cultural tourism projects, a tourism and culture calling card of Hunan Province, and the only gold award of the first China Cultural Tourism Contribution Award.
Watch the Fox Fairy out of curiosity; love the Fox Fairy because of love!
Friendly Reminders:
1. Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area Tickets:
Package tickets include the mountain entrance ticket, round-trip large cableway, and eco-bus within the scenic area, specifically:
Peak season 258 yuan/person (March 1 to November 30 each year); discounted ticket 183 yuan/person
Off-season 225 yuan/person (December 1 to February 28 of the following year); discounted ticket 150 yuan/person
Notes:
The summit forest sightseeing cable car fee is not included in the ticket package: one-way 23 yuan/person, round-trip 39 yuan/person.
Discounted tickets:
① Children under 1.3 meters in height are admitted free.
② Minors between 1.2 and 1.5 meters in height; full-time students over 1.5 meters and under 24 years of age (with ID card and student ID); seniors aged 60–70 (with ID card); and persons holding a Certificate for Receiving Urban and Rural Residents' Minimum Living Guarantee issued by the civil affairs department may all enjoy discounted ticket prices with valid documents.
③ Active-duty military personnel holding officer or soldier certificates, and retired military cadres, may enjoy discounted ticket prices with valid documents.
④ Seniors over 70 years of age and persons with disabilities may enjoy a discount of 100 yuan per person with valid documents.
Special note: The scenic area ticket is valid for one day and may only be used by the ticket purchaser on the same day.
2. Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area Transportation:
Tianmen Mountain is only 8 kilometers from Zhangjiajie's urban area. Climbing Tianmen Mountain requires no hiking; the Tianmen Mountain Cableway goes directly to the summit. The lower cableway station is located in Guanliping in the urban area, 4 kilometers from Hehua Airport, 1.5 kilometers from the railway station and bus station, and 8 kilometers from the Changzhang Expressway entrance. Multiple city buses, including Routes 4, 5, and 10, can reach it directly. With its fully transparent glass structure and two blue wing-shaped forms, the entire lower cableway station looks like a dove spreading its wings to fly, a distinctive sight in the bustling city. Around the scenic area there are also roads such as Zhangluo, Zhangqing, and Zhangsang leading to all directions within the province. Scenic area traffic guidance signs have been installed on the roads into the city and on major city roads; the spacious roads and clear guide signs make it especially convenient and smooth for tourists to reach Tianmen Mountain.
Specific transportation routes from the airport, train station, and expressway exits to Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area:
Changzhang Expressway (8 km total, about 20 minutes' drive)
Changzhang Expressway Zhangjiajie City Exit → Yongding Road → Chongwen Road → Dayong Road → Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station
Zhangjiajie City Train Station, Bus Station (0.6 km total, about 3 minutes' drive)
Yingbin Road → Dayong Road → Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station
Hehua Airport (4 km total, about 5 minutes' drive)
Airport Road → Dayong Road → Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station
III. Tianmen Mountain Climate and Best Time to Visit:
Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is located at mid-latitude and has a subtropical mountain-type monsoon humid climate. The temperature on the mountain is about 6 to 8°C lower than in the city all year round. Tianmen Mountain only has spring, autumn, and winter. From early May to mid-October each year, Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area can maintain a prime spring-and-autumn tourism season lasting as long as 5 months. From early December to late March of the following year, Tianmen Mountain enters its ice-and-snow season, with an annual average of about 100 snowy days. During the ice-and-snow season, rime and icicles can be seen everywhere in the scenic area, forming a rare southern ice-and-snow wonder and becoming a unique southern snow-treading tour route much loved by visitors. Influenced by the monsoon, the foot of Tianmen Mountain has four distinct seasons, with long winters and short summers, cool and slightly warm, suitable for recreation in all four seasons, with about 260 comfortable sightseeing days throughout the year.