Cable car up
天门山索道
The worlds longest passenger cable car at 7.5 km, rising from downtown Zhangjiajie through mist to the summit in about 30 minutes.
Why Tianmen Mountain is a must-see
Tianmen is different from the Wulingyuan peaks — its a single dramatic mountain right next to the city, and the experience is engineered thrill as much as scenery. The cable car from downtown is the longest in the world at 7.5 km, climbing through clouds to the summit.
At the top, a walkway threads the cliff face, including sections of transparent glass floor. Then a path and stairs lead down to the Heavenly Gate, a vast natural arch pierced through the rock — the "Gate to Heaven" that gives the mountain its name.
Below, the 99-Bend Road coils up the mountainside like a dragon, and a escalator inside the cliff carries you the final stretch. Its the most "theme-park meets nature" day in Zhangjiajie, and easy to reach without entering the Wulingyuan park.
Top highlights
Five signature thrills of Tianmen Mountain.
Heavenly Gate
天门洞
A 131 m natural arch punched through the cliff — the "Gate to Heaven". Reach it by the cliff escalator and a final stair climb.
Glass Skywalk
玻璃栈道
A cliff-edge walkway with a transparent glass floor, 1,430 m above the valley. Shoes covers provided; knees optional.
99-Bend Road
通天大道
The mountain road with 99 hairpin turns coiling up to the gate — a marvel of engineering and a dizzying view from above.
Summit loops
山顶环线
Paved cliff-top loops with lookouts over the city and the Yuanjiajie ranges beyond — calm after the adrenaline.
Recommended routes
Two ways to experience Tianmen — pick by nerves and time.
Classic cable-car day
Half–full day · cable car up + glass walk + gate
- 1
Cable car from downtown 7.5 km to the summit, ~30 min.
- 2
West summit loop cliff walkways and the glass skywalk.
- 3
Cliff escalator down toward the Heavenly Gate.
- 4
Heavenly Gate stairs climb to the arch.
- 5
99-Bend Road bus down to the foot of the mountain.
Hiking alternative
4+ hours · strenuous
- 1
Hike the upper trails from the summit loops.
- 2
Descend to the gate on foot via the stone steps.
- 3
Return by bus the 99-Bend Road to the base.
Best time to visit
Apr – May
Green, comfortable, good visibility.
Sep – Nov
Crisp air, clear summit views.
After rain
Sea of clouds below the cable car.
Avoid: the glass walkway closes in heavy ice or storms; winter can be spectacular but slippery. National Day (Oct 1–7) means long cable-car queues.
Travel tips
Book the cable car early
Tianmen is hugely popular; arrive at opening to avoid the longest queue of your trip.
Check the glass walk status
It closes in ice or storms. If its closed, the cliff walkways and gate are still worth it.
Bring water and a layer
The summit is cooler and exposed. Carry at least 1 L per person.
Wear real shoes
You will climb many stairs to the Heavenly Gate. Skip sandals and heels.
Stay in the city
Tianmen is 15 min from downtown Zhangjiajie — no need to enter the Wulingyuan park.
How to get there
In the city. Tianmen Mountain is south of Zhangjiajie city center — the cable-car lower station is in town.
Cable car up from the downtown station, 7.5 km to the summit.
Or 99-Bend Road bus from the mountain foot if you skip the cable car.
Return downtown by cable car or road bus.
No metro or ride-hail inside the park — the official shuttle buses are the only way between gates. Keep your passport for ticket check.
Tickets & opening hours
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tianmen Mountain ticket | ¥258 — includes cable car, shuttle and escalator |
| Glass skywalk | Included (shoe covers provided) |
| Opening hours | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| Cable car length | 7.5 km (world longest) |
| Best months | April–May, September–November |
Prices are reference values for international visitors and may change by season — confirm at the official gate. The combo ticket covers multiple entries over 4 days, so you can return for a clear-sky morning.
