Visiting Tianmen Mountain: A Complete Travel Guide - Best Places to Visit, Which Route to Take, and More

Visiting Tianmen Mountain: A Complete Travel Guide

Best Places to Visit, Which Route to Take, and More
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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If you are planning to visit Zhangjiajie, you definitely do not want to miss Tianmen Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in the region, famous for its iconic cave known as the Gateway to Heaven. It’s a full-day experience with plenty of winding hiking trails, glass skywalks perched along the cliffs, and a cable car ride considered one of the longest in the world.

There’s so much to see and explore here, which is why I decided to write this travel guide, to give you all the information you need and help you plan the best possible trip to Tianmen Mountain. From the top things to do, to choosing the best route, to tips on avoiding crowds, here is a complete travel guide to Tianmen Mountain. Let’s begin planning, shall we?

3 Days in Zhangjiajie: A Complete Itinerary3 Days in Zhangjiajie: A Complete Itinerary

Tianmen Mountain Places to Visit Map

Tianmen Mountain Places to Visit Map

8 Best Things to Do in Tianmen Mountain

1. Admire the View from the Middle Station

Sunrise view from Tianmen Mountain

One of the reasons I recommend choosing Route B over the others is the stunning view from the Middle Station, especially if you arrive early in the morning. I highly recommend going early to avoid crowds and enjoy the best visibility, as fog tends to build up later in the day, especially during summer.

Clouds below mountain seen from Tianmen Mountain

I was there in early November, and although it was cloudy at the city level, the cable car broke through the clouds, revealing the stunning view of the Middle Station with Tianmen’s mountain peaks rising above a drifting sea of clouds. It was quite a sight to behold.

The view from Middle Station at Tianmen Mountain

Once you arrive at the Middle Station, you can walk along the cliffside walkway, where you’ll be greeted by a distant view of the stunning Gateway to Heaven. From here, you can truly appreciate just how massive and impressive the cave is, giving you a real sense of scale.

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2. Check Out the 99 Bends Road

99 Bend at Tianmen Mountain

While at the Middle Station, be sure to look over the cliff and check out 99 Bends Road, a winding mountain road that stretches over 10 km and rises from roughly 200 meters above sea level to about 1,300 meters, with a total elevation gain of a whopping 1,100 meters.

99 Bends seen from the Middle Station

The road features 99 sharp bends (hairpin turns), many of them nearly 180°, twisting upward along the mountain like a dragon, that’s how it got its name. Buses used to take tourists from the city to the Gateway to Heaven along this daring road before the two cable cars were built.

Sunrise at 99 Bends Road

Now, you don’t have to brave the road yourself, you can enjoy the view at your own leisure from the Middle Station 😉. Fun fact: the road gained worldwide fame when Fabio Barone, an Italian driver, conquered it in a specially modified Ferrari 458, climbing all 99 bends in under 11 minutes. Since then, the road has often been used for extreme sports and has been featured several times in Western media.

3. Hike Up the Gateway to Heaven

A shrine in front of Tianmen Cave

One of the most iconic features of Tianmen Mountain, which is probably the main reason why many travelers decided to visit, is the natural arch carved into the cliff face called Tianmen Cave, or popularly known as the “Gateway to Heaven”. This enormous rock‑arch stands about 131.5 metres tall and around 57 metres wide, making it one of the largest natural arches at high altitude in the world.

Me looking down the 999 stairs at Tianmen Mountain

One of the best experiences here is hiking the challenging stairs to the top. Once you reach the Gateway to Heaven, you can climb the famous 999 stone steps, often called the “stairway to heaven”, which ascend from the lower plateau up to the arch’s entrance.

The stairs to the Gateway to Heaven seen from the bottom

The staircase is extremely steep, and it can be very tiring to hike, so be sure to pace yourself and take it slow. I did it without rest in about 15 minutes, and my knees were throbbing like crazy when I arrived at the top. If you haven't had anything to eat yet, you can stop by one of the many shops at the bottom and get energized before the hike.

The escalator price up the Gateway to Heaven

If hiking is not for you, you can also take the escalators, which will get you to the top in less than 5 minutes, although there is an extra fee of 32 CNY for a one-way ride. Personally, since visits like this are rare, I recommend hiking the staircase if you are able. It’s challenging, but fun and extremely rewarding once you reach the top.

The view from the Gateway to Heaven in Tianmen Mountain

Once you arrive, all your tiredness will disappear as you reach a stunning vantage point, where you can watch clouds and mist swirl around the cliff, giving the impression of truly standing at a heaven’s gate. At the top, you will also find a reservoir and a great view of the mountains from the other side.

4. Hike Around the Upper Station

Hiking trails around Upper Station Tianmen Mountain

After a series of escalators from the Gateway to Heaven, you will arrive at the Upper Station, where the entire mountain opens up to you with countless hiking opportunities, along with plenty of amenities like restaurants, street food stalls, and cafes to keep you fueled and ready for all the adventures ahead.

The map of Tianmen Mountain Upper Station

From the Upper Station, you have two options for hiking trails: head left to follow the yellow trail or go right to take the red trail. If you’re following Route B as I recommended, choose the red trail and start your hike from the Upper Station.

A view point at Upper Station of Tianmen Mountain

You can take the longer route first, which loops around the hill toward Tianmen Temple and leads you past several scenic spots, including the Glass Walkways, the suspension bridge, and plenty of stunning viewpoints along the way. Once you arrive at Tianmen Temple, you can take the open-air cable car to Yunmeng Fairy Peak, enjoy the view from there, take the elevator down, and you will arrive back at the Upper Station.

Mountains seen from hiking trails along the Upper Station

Or you can start by taking the elevator up to Yunmeng Fairy Peak, enjoy the view, then take the open-air cable car to Tianmen Temple and walk the long way back. For the shortest and easiest route, you can do the same, but instead of returning the long way, simply go back the same way using the cable car and elevator. Keep in mind that the cable car costs 25 CNY one way.

5. Walk the Glass Skywalk

Me posing at the Glass Skywalk in Tianmen Mountain

Another exciting activity is walking the Glass Skywalk, a transparent walkway that clings to the cliff face, allowing you to look straight down at the valleys hundreds of meters below. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

My foot on the glass walk in Tianmen Mountain

There are three glass skywalks at the top of Tianmen Mountain: the East Line Glass Skywalk, the West Line Glass Skywalk, and the Coiling Dragon Cliff Glass Skywalk. The longest of them is the Coiling Dragon Cliff, which stretches 100 meters long and 1.6 meters wide, and provides a great viewpoint over the 99 Bends Road.

The glass skywalk in Tianmen Mountain

If you want to experience the skywalk, I highly recommend coming early in the morning to avoid crowds, which can form quickly as the day progresses. Morning also offers much better visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the view from the skywalk before clouds roll in.

6. Admire the View from Yunmeng Fairy Peak

The view from Yunmeng Fairy Peak

The highest point on Tianmen Mountain is Yunmeng Fairy Peak, which rises to 1,518.6 meters above sea level. This makes it a perfect vantage point to take in the entire upper part of Tianmen Mountain, and it is definitely an amazing spot to visit.

Mountains seen from Yunmeng Fairy Peak

From the summit of Yunmeng Fairy Peak, you will find a multi-tiered pavilion with panoramic, 360-degree vistas. On a clear day, you can see the various other peaks of Tianmen Mountain, the distant valley ranges, and sometimes even views extending toward the wider region around Zhangjiajie.

Sea of clouds seen from Yunmeng Fairy Peak

From above, you’ll also get views of some of the signature attractions on the mountain, including the glass walkways, a suspension bridge, and Tianmen Temple, which we will discuss later. This vantage point gives you a sense of how expansive the upper part of Tianmen Mountain is, helping you decide whether to hike or take one of the many shortcuts to Tianmen Temple.

Yunmeng Fairy Peak seen from the cable car

There are two ways to reach Yunmeng Fairy Peak. You can either hike up from the Upper Station along the red hiking path or take a free elevator to the pavilion and then walk up the stairs to the top. Many visitors choose the elevator so they can save their energy for hiking other areas, as there is not much to see between the Upper Station and Yunmeng Fairy Peak.

7. Hang Your Legs Over a Cliff on the Forest Sightseeing Cable Car

View from the Forest Cable Car at Tianmen Mountain

From Yunmeng Fairy Peak, you can either hike the longer route to Tianmen Temple or take the Forest Sightseeing Cable Car, an open-air, ski-style cable car that lets your feet dangle over cliffs and mountains. Riding it is an exciting experience in itself, in my opinion, and I highly recommend it.

The cable car to Tianmen Temple

The cable car will cut across valleys as you float slowly over them, allowing you to have a unique perspective that you can't see if you hike. The ride should take about 10 - 15 minutes, and you will arrive right at the Tianmen Temple, our last destination.

My legs hanging over a forest while on a cable car to Tianmen Temple

If you love hiking, don’t worry. You can take the cable car to Tianmen Temple first and then hike the longer route back to the Upper Station, or do it the other way around, allowing you to see some of the attractions along the way. The cable car is not free, with tickets costing about 25 CNY one way, so you can save money by hiking one way and taking the cable car the other way.

8. Explore Tianmen Temple

Tianmen Temple exterior

Last but not least, you haven't seen Tianmen Mountain unless you make your way to Tianmen Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple located at the summit of Tianmen Mountain where you will find a series of halls, pavilions, and other traditional Buddhist-temple buildings you can explore.

Tianmen Temple Ground

The temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty but was destroyed during turmoil in the 20th century. The current structure is a modern reconstruction completed after 2002, featuring classical Chinese-style architecture that combines traditional temple design with elements that preserve the historical aesthetics.

A person taking a photo at Tianmen Temple

While you are here, you will be surrounded not only by beautiful Chinese architecture but also by ancient trees and stunning mountains that frame the temple grounds. As an active, functioning temple, you will often hear monks chanting and see believers coming to pray, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere that is absent in the more crowded areas of the mountain.

Things to Know Before Visiting China

  • Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
  • Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
  • Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
  • Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
  • Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
  • Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
  • Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
  • Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.

When to Visit Tianmen Mountain?

Autumn Leaves at Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain can be visited year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season. Spring, from March to May, is a great time to visit. Temperatures are mild, visibility is usually good, and the mountain starts turning lush and green. Ideal for hiking and photography.

Summer, from June to August, is the warmest and also the busiest season. Expect larger crowds and occasional rain or fog, which can reduce visibility, but the misty mountains can also look incredibly atmospheric.

Autumn, from September to November, is the best overall season. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and vibrant autumn colors make this the most scenic time to visit. It’s also less humid than summer.

Winter, from December to February, is cold but beautiful. Snow sometimes covers the mountain, which makes it almost like a winter wonderland. Keep in mind that some paths or sections, like the Glass Walkways and the Gateway to Heaven, may close if there’s heavy snow, so check ahead before you go.

The first time I visited, it was winter. Although there were no crowds, some areas like the Gateway to Heaven were closed because ice had formed along the stairs, making certain sections hazardous. It was very cold, the trails were slippery, and conditions were not ideal for hiking.

The second time I visited in late autumn and it was perfect. The weather was ideal, with clear blue skies, low clouds drifting among the sandstone pillars, and vibrant autumn colors everywhere. There were some crowds, but far fewer than I expected, and I had a wonderful time. I highly recommend visiting in autumn if you want the best weather and scenery.

How to Get to Tianmen Mountain?

Cable car to Tianmen Mountain

By Air: The fastest way is by flying into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, which has direct flights from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Changsha. From the airport, it takes around 30–40 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus to reach Zhangjiajie City.

You can find cheap flights to Zhangjiajie from Trip.com, Skyscanner, or Expedia.

By Train: For those who prefer traveling by train, Zhangjiajie West Railway Station connects the city to several major cities, including Changsha, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. High-speed trains from Changsha usually take around 4–5 hours. From the train station, you can take a Didi to your accommodation in Zhangjiajie City, which is about 15 minutes away. You can book the train here.

By Bus: Long-distance buses are another option, especially from nearby provinces and cities like Changsha, Fenghuang, and Chongqing. Buses typically arrive at Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, from where taxis or local buses can take you to your accommodation.

How to Get Around Tianmen Mountain?

Cable Cars up Tianmen Mountain

There are three ways you can get around Tianmen Mountain, and which one you pick will depend on the availability of the tickets associated with the designated routes that you have to follow.

Route A: This is the most popular route. It involves taking the old cable car straight from the city center to the Upper Station and exploring the attractions there. Once you're done, make your way down to the Middle Station via a series of escalators, explore the area, and then take a different cable car down to the entry gate. From there, you can catch a bus back to the city center.

Route B: Route B is essentially the same as Route A, but in the opposite direction. You’ll start by taking the bus up to the entry gate, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, take the new cable car up to the Middle Station and explore the area before heading up to the Upper Station via a series of escalators. Once you reach the Upper Station, explore the attractions and then take the old cable car back down to the city center.

Route C: For this route, you will be taking the bus both up and down the mountain, and you’ll need to backtrack between the Middle Station and the Upper Station. Essentially, you take the bus to the entry gate, ride the new cable car up to the Middle Station, explore the area, then continue up to the Upper Station via the escalators. After exploring the Upper Station, you’ll return the same way you came.

People lining up at Route B at Zhangjiajie City

Each route is subject to availability, and more often than not, Route A gets booked out the fastest. Route B offers an equivalent alternative to Route A. I would not recommend Route C, as it requires backtracking and you end up going up and down the same path.

Route B entrance up Tianmen Mountain

Personally, I recommend Route B, as it takes you to the Middle Station first, where the Gateway to Heaven is located. If you arrive in the morning, you can often witness the sea of clouds and enjoy the stunning morning view of the Heaven’s Gate, which is truly breathtaking. While the view from the Upper Station is beautiful, the Middle Station offers a more iconic perspective and is definitely my favorite.

The new cable car up Tianmen Mountain

With Route B, there is generally more availability, and you won’t have to wait in long lines since you take a bus first. In contrast, Route A can have very long queues in the morning as the old cable car has a limited capacity. For Route B, the bus takes you up part of the mountain and drops you at a newer and larger cable car station, where the lines move much faster than at the city station. You can pick the route and get the right ticket from here.

Opening Hours and Entrance Tickets?

Old Cable Car Station in Zhangjiajie City

During the high and shoulder season (March 1 – November 30), opening hours are roughly 06:30 to 18:00. In the off-season (winter), opening may shift to 08:00 with adjusted closing times. The entry ticket, which may include some transport within the mountain depending on the route you choose, costs around 288 CNY for adults. You can get the ticket from here.

How to Avoid Crowds in Tianmen Mountain?

Crowds at Tianmen Mountain

The best way to avoid crowds at Tianmen Mountain is to visit early in the morning. Attractions like the Glass Skywalk and the stairways to Tianmen Temple are much quieter at opening time, and the morning light also gives you better visibility before clouds or fog roll in.

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, so if you can plan your visit from Monday to Friday, you will have a more peaceful experience. Local holidays and peak season bring large crowds, so visiting during late spring or early autumn is ideal for avoiding the busiest times.

You can also choose to hike whenever possible, such as hiking up to the Gateway to Heaven or to Tianmen Mountain, instead of taking the cable car. Crowds often gather around the cable car stations, so once you hit the trail, you will have much of the area to yourself. This allows you to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain as it was meant to be experienced.

How Many Hours to Spend at Tianmen Mountain?

Me at middle station in Tianmen Mountain

Visiting Tianmen Mountain is typically a full-day experience. Most travelers spend 5 to 7 hours exploring the major attractions, depending on how much hiking you plan to do.

If you take the cable cars and focus only on key highlights like the Glass Skywalk, the 99 Bends Road viewpoint, Yunmeng Fairy Peak, and Tianmen Temple, you could manage in about 5 hours. However, if you want to hike sections of the mountain, take your time on cliff-side walkways, or enjoy taking lots of photos, it’s best to allow 6 to 7 hours.

Arriving early in the morning also helps you make the most of your visit. You will avoid crowds, have better visibility for photography, and have enough time to explore both the Upper and Middle Stations without rushing.

What to Pack for Tianmen Mountain?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Tianmen Mountain, China:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau

Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here are a collection of articles that you might find useful:

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