Tianmen Mountain

Address Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
Hours 08:00–17:00
Phone +86 744 836 2222
Announcement: Extreme Scenery
Entrance ¥278
Hours 08:00–17:00
Best Season April–October. Cle...
Time needed 5–7 hours
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Chen Liu
Reviewer: Xiaoming Liu

Tianmen Mountain Overview

An iconic, towering mountain rising right out of downtown Zhangjiajie, famous for its dramatic natural karst arch (Heaven's Gate), glass skywalks, and the 99-bend mountain road.

Tianmen Mountain Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:00–17:00
  • Best season: April–October. Clear days offer the best views of the 99 bends.
  • Ticket note: Tickets dictate your route (A, B, or C). Route A (cable car up, bus down) is hig...

Essential Tianmen Mountain Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 744 836 2222
  • World's longest passenger cableway
  • Mountain escalators
  • Shoe cover rentals for glass walks
  • Restaurants

How to Get to Tianmen Mountain

The lower cable car station is a 10-minute walk from the Zhangjiajie Railway Station and Central Bus Station.

Tianmen Mountain Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120. Patrol staff are stationed along the cliff-side walkways.

Practical Info

  • Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
  • 08:00–17:00
  • +86 744 836 2222
Chen Liu
Chen Liu
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Chen Liu, a Guangzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Central South China itineraries covering Guilin, Yangshuo, Shamian Island, and Chaozhou tea-culture alleys.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Tickets dictate your route (A, B, or C). Route A (cable car up, bus down) is hig...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Bring a light jacket as the mountain peak is significantly cooler than the city below.

Reality Check

  • Not for those with severe vertigo. Peak season sees long queues for the cable car. Winter weather can cause glass skywalks to close due to ice.

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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (20)
Outdoor_Jake Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down the best mountain attraction I've ever been to. The combination of the world's longest cable car, the glass skywalk, and the magnificent natural arch is unbeatable. I brought my hiking boots and spent a solid 4 hours exploring the various trails and viewpoints. Every corner offers a new perspective. The weather was perfect — clear skies and cool breeze. Even the souvenirs were reasonably priced compared to other tourist spots. Absolutely 5 stars!

Sarah_Advent Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I was blown away by the scale of this place. Standing under the huge natural arch of Tianmen Cave, with the mist rolling through, felt almost surreal. The winding road up the mountain (the 99 bends) is a spectacle in itself. I opted for the bus ride down instead of the cable car and it was a thrilling ride — the driver knew every curve. The staff were friendly and the whole site is well-maintained. A must-do if you're in Zhangjiajie!

Travel_Tom_8 Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Really enjoyed the visit! The gondola ride is one of the longest in the world and offers incredible views. The glass walkway is fun, though it was a bit foggy when I went, so couldn't see much below — still cool! The staircase to the sky cave is tough but rewarding. My only minor complaint is that some signs had limited English translation, and the food options at the top were mediocre. Overall, a memorable experience that I'd definitely recommend.

Jenny_in_Asi Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

We visited on a national holiday, so it was absolutely packed. The queues for the cable car took nearly two hours, and once we got to the top it was hard to find a quiet spot. The mountain itself is stunning — the natural arch (Tianmen Cave) is impressive, and the staircase leading up to it gives you a real workout. But the experience was dampened by the crowds and a bit overpriced for what it is. Still worth seeing once, but go on a weekday if you can.

mountain_lov Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The cable car ride up to Tianmen Mountain is one of the most scenic I've ever experienced — the sheer cliffs and clouds below made me feel like I was flying. The glass skywalk was thrilling but not as scary as I thought. I went early morning and had the place almost to myself. The temple at the top is peaceful and the views of the surrounding peaks are postcard-perfect. One of the best days of my China trip. Highly recommend!

GlobeTrottin Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This place exceeded every expectation. From the cable car ride (longest in the world, right?) to the glass walkway clinging to the cliff, every moment was an adrenaline rush. The staff kept everything orderly despite the crowds, and the weather was perfect. If you love nature and a bit of thrill, this is a must-do. 5/5, no question.

PhotoHound_K Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I’m still processing what I saw! The 99 bends road winding up the mountain is a photographer’s dream. The cave at the top — Tianmen Cave — is massive and almost surreal. We hiked the 999 steps and my legs were burning, but the sense of accomplishment was unreal. Absolutely five stars. Bring lots of water though!

SoloWanderer Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. The mountain itself is impressive, but the whole experience felt overly commercialized. Long queues everywhere, overpriced food, and the skywalk was packed shoulder to shoulder. I get that it’s a popular spot, but I expected more tranquility from a natural wonder. Probably wouldn't go again.

MtnGazer_88 Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Tianmen Mountain is stunning, no doubt. We went on a clear day and the view from the top was incredible. The only downside: it was extremely crowded even on a weekday, and the waiting time for the cable car was almost two hours. Still worth it if you plan ahead and arrive early. A solid 4-star experience for me.

TrailRunner_ Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

The cable car ride up was absolutely breathtaking — the views over the winding road are something else. Once at the top, the glass skywalk gave me chills (in a good way). The sheer scale of the mountain is hard to describe. Definitely one of the most memorable hikes I’ve ever done. Would go back in a heartbeat.

Backpacker_R Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Climbing the 999 steps to the top was tough but gave such a sense of achievement. The view from Tianmen Cave is amazing. Downsides: food and water inside are overpriced (bring your own), and the signage could be better. Also the shuttle buses felt a bit chaotic. Still, a unique experience that I'd recommend.

Jenny_Explor Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Sunny skies and cool breeze—this place felt like a dream. The 99 bends bus ride was thrilling, the long escalator inside the mountain is surreal, and standing on the glass bridge with the valley below gave me chills. Every angle is a postcard. So glad I came, absolutely unforgettable!

Wanderlust_P Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I was really looking forward to this but the heavy fog ruined everything. Zero visibility on the glass skywalk—couldn't see a thing. Paid a fortune for the ticket and shuttle rides, and honestly felt like a waste of money. Staff were indifferent too. Maybe come back on a clear day, but for what it costs, I expected more.

TrekkingTina Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

The mountain itself is gorgeous—those karst peaks and the hole in the cliff are something else. But honestly, the queue for the cable car took almost two hours on a weekday, which kinda killed the vibe. Once up top it was amazing, just wish they managed the lines better. Still a solid 4 stars from me.

MountainSeek Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The cable car ride up is an experience in itself—smooth, quiet, and those views over the cliffs? Unreal. Once on top, the glass walkway had my heart racing but the scenery made it totally worth it. Best day of our China trip. Highly recommend going early to beat the crowds.

Nomad_Pete May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Great views, terrible crowd management. The signage is confusing and some paths are closed without warning. We couldn't even get close to the famous arch because of the bottleneck. For the price, I'd recommend other spots in Zhangjiajie first.

Sarah_Hikes_ May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down one of the most incredible natural wonders I've ever seen. The mist rolling through the peaks gave it a mystical feel. Loved every step—from the winding mountain road to the observation decks. Truly unforgettable.

Jen_Adventur May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, a bit overhyped. The glass bridge was cool for 5 seconds, but then it's just a long walk with people pushing. Also, the food options up top are overpriced and mediocre. Not the worst day trip, but I expected more.

Trekker_Stev May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

The mountain itself is stunning, but be prepared for massive crowds. We waited almost two hours for the cable car. The staircase to heaven is no joke—bring water and good knees. Still worth it once you're at the top.

TrailBlazer_ May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The cable car ride up was surreal, especially when we broke through the clouds. Walking on the glass skywalk felt like floating above the peaks. A must-do for any adventure seeker!

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Tianmen Mountain Travel FAQ

How can I save time and avoid the worst crowds?
Three things: 1) Book your timed-entry ticket online at least 3 days in advance. 2) Arrive at the cable car station by 7:30 AM. The first buses up don't reach the cave until 9:00 AM, giving you a precious 90-minute head start on the summit. 3) Use my reverse loop strategy (Cable Up, Bus Down). 95% of tour groups do the opposite.
What happens if it's foggy or rainy on the day of my visit?
This is the big gamble. The mountain is often shrouded in mist, which can be ethereal or just a gray wall. The cable car may run slower or stop in high winds. Check the live mountain webcam (search "Tianmen Mountain live cam") before you head out. If it's a total white-out, you won't see the famous views. My advice? Have a flexible schedule. If you have a spare day, be ready to swap your Tianmen day based on the forecast. The official policy for refunds due to weather is strict, so don't count on it.
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