Towering over the city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, Tianmen Mountain, or Tianmen Shan, is a geological spectacle often referred to as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie.” Famous for its colossal natural archway “Heaven’s Gate” and vertigo-inducing glass walkways, a visit to this Chinese landmark is an essential part of your visit to Zhangjiajie.
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How to get to Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain is located just on the edge of Zhangjiajie city. Entry to Tianmen Mountain starts at the Tianmen Shan Tourist Centre (also known as the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station) located in the Yongding District of downtown Zhangjiajie.
The high speed train to Zhangjiajie runs from many different cities including direct from Chongqing and Changsha. Make sure you book your ticket to Zhangjiajie Railway Station (张家界站, zhāng jiā jiè zhàn) or Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站, zhāng jiā jiè xī zhàn).
Tianmen mountain From Zhangjiajie Railway Station
Zhangjiajie Railway Station and the Central Bus Terminal are located very close to the Tianmen Shan Tourist Centre, making this the easiest transfer point. Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station is about 1 km north of the Zhangjiajie Railway Station. You can easily walk there in 10-15 minutes.
Tianmen mountain From Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
If you are staying near the National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Scenic Area), you’ll need to travel back to Zhangjiajie city first. The journey will take 45-60 minutes depending on the method of travel.
Take the public shuttle bus from the Wulingyuan bus station back to the Zhangjiajie Central Bus Terminal which is next to the Railway Station. This option is the most economical for solo backpackers and will cost approximately 12¥ (1.70 USD).
If you’re travelling with a group of people or have a lot of luggage, then you can also book a direct taxi ride from Wulingyuan to the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station. This option is a bit more expensive and will cost between 95-120¥ (13-17 USD).
Travel Tips
How to Book your ticket for Tianmen Mountain
Due to the popularity of this attraction, booking your tickets at least a couple days ahead of time is important. In particular, during peak season such as Chinese holidays and summer holidays, tickets can get booked out.
Like everything in China, you can book tickets online via WeChat or directly on Trip.com. As at late 2025, adult tickets for A, B and C routes are 288 RMB (41 USD).
To access the correct mini program for ticket purchases, enter 天门山景区门票 into the search bar in WeChat. Follow the screenshots below to select and open the correct mini program.
Which cable route should I book for Tianmen Mountain
When booking your ticket, you’ll have the option to choose between three routes (A, B and C) that determine the direction and inclusions for your travel. To break it down for you, we’ve included a map below to help explain the different routes and what is included in each.
Route A (direct cable up to summit first):
This route is often preferred as it gets you to the summit early to beat crowds and offers the most dramatic cable car view immediately.
Starting from the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station (1) you take a cable car UP to the summit (6) to explore the mountain. Then you walk down towards Heaven’s Gate (5) and walk DOWN 999 steps to the base of the Stairway to Heaven (4). From there, you walk to the top of the Tianmen Mountain Fast track Cableway Upper Station (3). Finally, once you reach the bottom (2), a shuttle bus will take you to the starting point (1).
Route B (direct cable down from summit):
Starting from the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station (1), you take a shuttle bus to the bottom of the Tianmen Mountain Fast Track Cableway (2). From the Upper Station (3), you walk to the base of the Stairway to Heaven (4) and climb UP the 999 steps to reach Heaven’s Gate (5). After passing through the gate, you continue hiking up to the summit (6) to explore the mountain. Finally, you take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from the summit (6) DOWN to return to the starting point (1).
Route C (no direct cable to / FROM summit):
Unlike routes A and B, this option does not include a ride on the longest cableway.
Starting from the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station (1), you take a shuttle bus to the bottom of the Tianmen Mountain Fast Track Cableway (2). From the Upper Station (3), you walk to the base of the Stairway to Heaven (4) and climb UP the 999 steps to reach Heaven’s Gate (5). After passing through the gate, you continue hiking up to the summit (6) to explore the mountain. For this route, you will need to retrace your steps back down to the start.
How long should I spend at Tianmen Mountain
Since Tianmen Mountain is a separate ticket and location to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, we recommend that you plan it as a day trip by itself. A rushed tour could be done 4 hours, but to explore the walks and Heaven’s Gate fully, plan for 6 to 7 hours.
Is Tianmen Mountain part of the “Avatar” Mountains
No, Tianmen Mountain is separate. The famous Avatar Peaks are in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Scenic Area), which is about an hour’s drive away and requires a separate ticket.
What should I wear to Tianmen Mountain
Dress in layers as the temperature difference between the city and the 1,500-meter summit can be 8°C. Wear shoes with good traction, as the walkways and stairs can be slippery, particularly in wet or icy conditions.
Must see spots
the world’s longest cableway
Your journey will begin at the Tianmen Shan Tourist Centre. If you have booked either Route A or B, then your ticket will include a trip on the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, officially the longest high-mountain passenger cable car in the world (7.45 km!). The 30-minute ride offers spectacular views, including a section that climbs steeply over the famed 99-Bends road below.
Stairway to Heaven: 999 Steps
The Stairway to Heaven: To reach the base of the cave, you must climb 999 gruelling stone steps – symbolic of the nine palaces of heaven.
For those travelling with elderly parents at Tianmen Mountain, there are also a series of long escalators cut that directly through the mountain rock, providing a less strenuous alternative for climbing the 999 steps.
Glass walkway
Test your courage on the transparent glass walkways bolted to the sheer cliff face. There are several sections, most famously on the West Line. Looking 1,400 meters down through the glass is definitely not for the faint of heart! You must purchase disposable shoe covers (around RMB 5) to keep the glass clean.
Guigu plank road
This 1,600-meter-long plank road traces the cliffs of the mountain at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters. Even for those avoiding the glass, this stone and concrete path offers spectacular, dizzying views over the forest valley below.
Tianmen temple
Located on the summit, this serene Buddhist temple was originally built during the Ming Dynasty and offers a quiet, spiritual counterpoint to the adrenaline of the cliff walks.
Where to stay
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Eat and drink
Zhangjiajie is part of Hunan Province, famous for its intense and flavourful cuisine. Hunan cuisine (Xiang Cuisine) is known for being hot and sour – even spicier than Sichuan food! The local Tujia minority people add their own twist, focusing on smoked and pickled dishes.
Local Cuisine: Hunan and Tujia Flavors
Sanxiaguo (三下锅): A savory, often spicy hot pot dish made with a mix of dried radish, smoked meat (like bacon or pork), and tofu. This is the local signature dish.
Smoked Meat (腊肉, là ròu): Smoked pork or beef is a staple, often stir-fried with seasonal vegetables like dried long beans.
Tujia Rice Wine (米酒, mǐ jiǔ): A sweet, mild alcoholic beverage, traditionally brewed by the local Tujia people.
On the Mountain
Food options at the summit are limited and relatively expensive. It’s mostly fast food and simple Chinese snacks like cold noodles or steamed buns. We’d highly recommended to pack your own water, high-energy snacks, and any specific dietary meals for your visit.
Best time to visit Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain is a year-round destination, but each season offers a unique experience with different challenges. The generally recommended times are Spring and Autumn, outside of major national holidays.
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