Tianmen Mountain: Your Ultimate Guide to Heaven's Gate

Tianmen Mountain is a magnificent destination in Zhangjiajie, China. It is famous for its blend of natural beauty and breath-taking experiences, such as the Stairway to Heaven, Heaven's Gate and the glass skywalk. The beautiful attractions in the national park captivate the hearts of visitors from around the globe. In this case, we've prepared an ultimate guide for you. After reading this article, you may have a clearer idea about the experience you can get on the mountain.

Facts about Tianmen Mountain

• Height: 1518.6 m (about 4,982 ft)
• Opening time:

March to November: 6:30 am to 6 pm
December to February: 8 am to 5:30 pm

• Location: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, Southwest of China

The Heaven's Gate, Tianmen Mountain

Top 4 Things to Do on Tianmen Mountain

As one of China's most iconic places, Tianmen Mountain offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Explore the top 4 must-do experiences on Tianmen Mountain with us, and you will find beauty and adventure converge harmoniously.

1. Enjoy the Scenic Cable Car Ride

Scenic Cable Car Ride

The aerial journey via cableway may become an indelible memory. Tiammen Mountain Cableway is one of the longest cables in the world, offering panoramic vistas that will leave you spellbound. It takes about 28 minutes to get to the top of the mountain. During the ride, you can have a bird's-eye view of beautiful forests and mountains, including the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate and the 99 Bends Road.

2. Climb Up the 999 Steps to Visit Heaven's Gate

999 Steps to Heaven’s Gate

At the heart of Tianmen Mountain's allure stands the Stairway to Heaven, a straight way to Heaven's Gate. The 999 steps on this stairway, divided into nine parts, range from easy to difficult, with the first five parts being the most manageable. As you make your way up this holy mountain, keep an eye out for the platforms depicting the five blessings venerated in Chinese culture: prosperity, happiness, long life, power, and luck.

After finishing the stairway to heaven, you can finally reach the Tianmen Cave, known as "Heaven's Gate." Carved naturally through the mountain, it is about 131.5 meters tall, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep. Legend has it that the mountains have existed since 263 AD. One side of the cliff collapsed suddenly, just like the portal to heaven. As you pass through the imposing rock formations, the ethereal beauty of the caves, with their intricate formations and inspiring views, will leave you in awe.

3. Take a Bus on 99 Bends Road

99 Bends Road

Meandering through the heart of Tianmen Mountain, the 99 Bends Roads, also called Tongtian Avenue, is a scenic roadway that leads you on an enchanting journey. It looks like a white, lying dragon if you see it from the cable car. You can take a bus on this 99-bend road, and it will be a unique memory as you swing back and forth with every turn. Remember to take motion sickness medicine before taking the bus if you often feel sick when taking a car.

4. Explore the Breath-Taking Glass Skywalks

The Glass Skywalk

Tianmen Mountain has three outstanding glass skywalks: the East Line Glass Skywalk, the West Line Glass Skywalk, and the Panlongya Glass Skywalk. Each of them offers different experiences.

Among them, Panlongya Glass Skywalk stands out as the most famous, crafted with thick glass flooring that grants you a perfect view deep into the valley below. For the best view of 99-Bend Road, Panlongya Glass Skywalk promises an unforgettable sight from above. To keep the glass skywalk clean and safe, you need to put on shoe covers before you walk on it.

The Whole Itinerary of Tianmen Mountain (Ticket Price Included)

On the Bottom of Tianmen Mountain

1. Get to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

Getting to the forest park from Zhangjiajie's center is straightforward. You can take a bus to get there and tickets are conveniently available for purchase near the train and bus stations in Zhangjiajie.

However, reaching Zhangjiajie can be a bit more challenging. To get there, you'll first need to fly to Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, as there are currently no direct international flights to Zhangjiajie. From one of these major cities, you can then opt to either take a domestic train or catch a connecting flight to reach Zhangjiajie.

2. Get to Heaven's Gate

Price: 38 USD (for entrance and transportation)
You can choose to take a cable car or bus at the foot of Tianmen Mountain to get to the square in front of Heaven's Gate. The bus ride will take approximately 40 minutes via the 99-Bend Road, while the cable car ride takes about 30 minutes and the express cable car takes just 4 minutes. All three modes of transport cost the same.

3. Enjoy the View on the Mountaintop

After you get to the square, Heaven's Gate is right in front of you. You can challenge yourself to climb up the 999 steps. If you have mobility challenges, you can take the tunnel elevator to get to the summit. Then, you can stroll along the glass skywalk, enjoying the breathtaking views from the mountaintop, and descend by bus or cable car when you finish your tour.

Where to Stay around Tianmen Mountain?

Amazing View on the Top of Tianmen Mountain

If you arrive the night before, you may need to stay in the hotels in downtown Zhangjiajie since there is no accommodation around Tianmen Mountain. Need help arranging your schedule for your trip to Tianmen Mountain? Please feel free to contact us. Our expert will schedule everything for you, including high-end hotels, experienced guides, and private vehicles.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Generally, the best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is from March to September. The weather in spring and autumn is cool for climbing the stairs to heaven. Between March and June, you can catch the vibrant plants and misty mountains, while in September, the weather is sunny and dry, giving you an excellent chance to see the bright scenery of the whole mountain.

The summer between July and August is usually the peak season. However, you may have to face crowds and long lines.

Winter is from December to February. Since it's off-season, the accommodation nearby offers a better price. You can enjoy the view of snow-capped Tianmen Mountain. But remember to wear shoes with anti-slip soles.

How Long Does It Take to Explore?

Tourists spend an average of 5 hours on Tianmen Mountain. Also, the ticket is valid for one day only and grants single-entry access to the park. Since it is a physically demanding excursion, we advise setting aside a whole day for it. Take your time exploring Tianmen Mountain, taking in the stunning vistas, and then relaxing and rejuvenating for the remainder of the day.

Plan Your Trip with Us

If you're planning to travel to Tianmen Mountain, here are some relative itineraries that might inspire you. All these tours can be customized to fit your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message. Our expert will respond within 24 hours.