Tianmen Mountain - Hunan's Heavenly Gate
Description: Tianmen Mountain, also known as Heaven’s Gate Mountain, is a stunning natural attraction located near the city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province, China. This majestic mountain is renowned for its unique rock formations, lush forests, deep canyons, and breathtaking views. It offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Visitor Fee: There was an entrance fee to access Tianmen Mountain. The ticket price included transportation to the mountaintop via the world’s longest cable car ride. The fee might vary depending on the season and the type of ticket (e.g., cable car ticket only or a combo ticket including other attractions). Please verify the current fees before planning your trip.
Transportation: To reach Tianmen Mountain, you can start from Zhangjiajie city, which is well-connected by air, train, and bus.
- From Zhangjiajie City: From Zhangjiajie downtown, you can take a bus or taxi to the Tianmen Mountain cable car station. It’s about a 10 to 15-minute drive.
Things to Do:
- Tianmen Mountain Cable Car: The cable car ride to the mountaintop is a highlight of the visit, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The cableway is around 7.5 km long and takes visitors through beautiful scenery, including the famous “99 Bends” road.
- Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate Cave): This natural arch-shaped cave is one of the main attractions. Visitors can climb a long set of stairs or take an escalator to reach the cave, which offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
- Glass Skywalk: For the adventurous, there is a glass skywalk that extends from the cliff’s edge. Walking on the transparent glass floor gives you a thrilling experience of being suspended over the steep drop below.
- Tianmen Temple: Explore the ancient Tianmen Temple, which has a history of over a thousand years. It offers a serene and spiritual ambiance amidst the natural beauty.
- Tianmen Mountain Plank Road: Known as the “Coiled Dragon Cliff,” this plank road is carved into the cliff face and is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a thrilling experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Why People Enjoy Coming Here:
- Spectacular Scenery: Tianmen Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including lush forests, deep canyons, and unique rock formations, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
- Thrilling Adventures: The glass skywalk and plank road provide exciting experiences for adventure seekers, giving them a chance to challenge themselves while surrounded by natural beauty.
- Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The mountain has cultural and religious importance, with the ancient Tianmen Temple attracting those interested in history and spirituality.
How Old is This Place: Tianmen Mountain is a natural formation that has been around for millions of years. However, the Tianmen Temple, which is situated on the mountain, has a history of over a thousand years.
Additional Nearby Attractions:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Located nearby, this park is known for its striking sandstone pillars, lush forests, and stunning landscapes. It was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”
- Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie is known for the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” and offers beautiful hiking trails.
List of Activities:
- Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
- Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate Cave)
- Glass Skywalk
- Tianmen Temple
- Tianmen Mountain Plank Road