Detailed Guide to Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain, also known as the "Gateway to Heaven," is located near Zhangjiajie city in Hunan Province and is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Its unique natural features and breathtaking man-made structures make it a must-visit destination. The World's Longest Cable Car: The journey to the mountain's summit begins with a ride on a cable car that stretches over 7 kilometers. The ride takes about 10 minutes, and towards the end, the incline becomes very steep (37 degrees). From the cabin, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mountains, deep valleys, and the famous "99-Bend Road." Glass Walkways: At the mountain's summit, several glass walkways are attached to vertical cliffs. The most famous ones are the "Coiling Dragon Cliff Glass Walkway" (100 meters) and "The Walk of Faith" (60 meters). Walking on these paths is an exhilarating experience, offering a view of the abyss below and the opportunity to take incredible photos. These walkways are situated at an altitude of over 1,400 meters. 99-Bend Road (Tongtian Avenue): This winding road with 99 sharp turns, symbolizing heavenly palaces, leads to the "Heavenly Gate." The best way to view it is from above during the cable car ride. Tianmen Cave (Heavenly Gate): This massive natural arch carved into the rock is the mountain's iconic feature. To reach it, visitors must take a bus along the "99-Bend Road" and then climb 999 steps known as the "Heavenly Stairway." It's a challenging but symbolic ascent. Open Chairlift: For an additional fee, visitors can ride an open chairlift that takes them to the mountain's summit, where an observation tower is located. --- Practical Tips Best Time to Visit: From April to October, the weather is most comfortable. From December to February, visitors can enjoy snowy landscapes. Clothing: It can be chilly at the mountain's summit, so it's recommended to bring warm clothing. Difficulty: The excursion involves a lot of walking, including 6 kilometers of trails and climbing 999 steps.