World's longest cable car
7.5 km skyway
A 30-minute ride from the city center up to the summit, passing over villages, roads, and forest.
Why this experience matters
Tianmen Mountain is not inside Wulingyuan — it stands alone just south of Zhangjiajie city. That means it is easier to reach and has a different feel: a single peak with dramatic vertical cliffs, a cave punched through the mountain, and a cable car that starts in the city and ends in the clouds.
The peak is famous in China for the 99 bends of the Tongtian Avenue road, the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, and the glass walkways bolted to the cliff face. For international visitors, it is the most convenient "wow" experience in Zhangjiajie.
Top highlights
The five highlights of a Tianmen visit.
Heaven's Gate
Natural arch cave
A huge archway through the mountain. Reach it by climbing 999 steps or by escalator.
Glass Walkway
Cliff-hanging path
A narrow glass path bolted to the cliff, with a sheer drop below your feet.
99 Bends Road
Tongtian Avenue
The dramatic mountain road with 99 switchbacks, seen from the cable car or shuttles.
Recommended routes
Two ways to see Tianmen Mountain.
Classic cable car route
4–6 hours · city up, bus down
- 1
Cable car from city ride the 7.5 km line up to the summit.
- 2
West cliff walk walk the glass pathway along the cliff edge.
- 3
Tianmen Temple visit the temple near the summit.
- 4
Escalator down to arch long cave escalators to the Heaven's Gate cave.
- 5
999 steps or escalator descend to the bus station.
- 6
99-bend bus down return to the city by shuttle bus.
Reverse route
4–6 hours · bus up, cable car down
- 1
Bus to mountain gate ride the 99 bends up by shuttle.
- 2
999 steps up climb to Heaven's Gate (or take escalator).
- 3
Summit walk east or west cliff pathway.
- 4
Cable car down return to the city by the 7.5 km cable car.
Best time to experience
Apr – May
Mild weather, green forests.
Sep – Nov
Clear skies, best views.
Early morning
Smaller cable car queues.
Avoid winter if the cable car is closed for maintenance. Summer weekends are packed. Check the official website before booking.
Travel tips
Book tickets early
Tianmen tickets are timed. The cable car has limited capacity and morning slots sell out first.
Choose A or B route
A = cable car up, bus down. B = bus up, cable car down. Both are good; A is more popular.
Weather matters
The summit is often foggy. If the forecast is clear, go. If it is foggy, visibility can be near zero.
Wear good shoes
The 999 steps are steep. The glass walkway requires shoe covers, provided on site.
Plan a full day
Tianmen is outside Wulingyuan. Do not try to combine it with the main park in one day.
How to get there
From Zhangjiajie city The cable car station is downtown, near the railway station. Walk or taxi to the station.
From Wulingyuan Bus or private car to the city cable car station, ~40 minutes.
Route A Cable car up, explore summit, bus down.
Route B Bus to mountain gate, climb/arch, cable car down.
Tickets & booking
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tianmen Mountain ticket | ¥275–¥278 (includes cable car and shuttle) |
| Glass walkway shoe covers | ¥5 (or included) |
| Escalator to arch | ¥32 (optional, can walk steps) |
| Opening hours | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| Best time | Early morning; Apr–May, Sep–Nov |
Prices are reference values for international visitors and may change by season or operator. Confirm before booking.
