a masterpiece of nature
Amidst the mountains of Western Hunan, there hides a magnificent mountain - Tianmen Mountain. This peak, resembling a wise old man who has witnessed the vicissitudes of time, stands quietly between heaven and earth, narrating stories spanning billions of years.
Tianmen Mountain
The most well-known feature of Tianmen Mountain is its towering Tianmen Cave, reaching hundreds of meters high. It seems like a window left by heaven on earth, allowing people to glimpse the mysteries of paradise. However, the charm of this Mountain extends far beyond that. As you ascend the winding mountain path, the scenery along the way is picturesque. The strange peaks and unique stones, each with its distinct shape, resemble an eagle spreading its wings to fly, or an old man meditating with closed eyes, as if they are masterpieces carefully made by nature's sculptor. Each one is filled with vitality and a sense of story.
Beyond its natural landscape, Tianmen Mountain also harbors profound cultural heritage. It was once a sacred site for Taoism and Buddhism, and the temples and Taoist monasteries nestled in the mountains bear witness to the vicissitudes of history and the transmission of culture. As night falls, the lights of the mountains and the starry sky complement each other, as if a veil of mystery has been draped over this marvelous mountain.
Top Attractions You Can't Miss
Tianmen Cave & 999 Steps (Stairway to Heaven)
Tianmen Cave
Tianmen Cave is a world-renowned natural wonder. Perched high on the ridge of Tianmen Mountain, it resembles a gigantic natural gateway, hence the name. Standing at the entrance, you can overlook the valleys and steep peaks below, feeling the grandeur and magnificence of nature that leave your soul deeply shaken. During rainy and foggy days, thick white mist emerges from the cave, resembling a white dragon darting through the sea of clouds, leaving you in awe. And when the rain stopped, the sky cleared up and the sun shines through the cave, casting a magnificent rainbow, you can't help but marvel at the magic brush of nature.
In Chinese traditional culture, caves symbolize secrecy and mystery. Tianmen Cave, with its immense size, steepness, and towering height, further accentuates a sense of grandeur and profundity that transcends the mundane world. Moreover, the Cave stands as a convergence of history and culture. On its cliff faces, numerous poems and inscriptions by ancient scholars and literati are carved, carrying ancient legends and tales. These cultural treasures bear witness to the splendor and wisdom of ancient Chinese civilization, adding a unique charm to Tianmen Cave.
999 Steps (Stairway to Heaven)
To ascend Tianmen Mountain, aside from taking the cable car or driving, there exists a more challenging route: scaling the "Stairway to Heaven" composed of 999 steps. These steps extend from the foot of the mountain all the way to the entrance of Tianmen Cave, each inscribed with a number or a character. Dubbed as "the world's most precipitous stairway", it boasts a steep gradient and a narrow width, barely accommodating one person at a time. Climbing it offers a thrilling experience of challenging yourself and the joy of reaching the summit.
Winding Mountain Road & 99 Bends
Winding Mountain Road
The Tianmen Mountain Road winds like a jade ribbon through the valleys. Layer upon layer, it rises majestically into the clouds when the mist swirls, creating a special sense of ascending to the heavens. Dubbed as "the most spectacular highway wonder in the world," it is also known as the "Road to the Heaven" due to its terminus being the “Stairway to Heaven” beneath the Tianmen Cave. Spanning a total length of 10.77 kilometers, the road ascends sharply from 200 meters to 1300 meters, flanked by precipitous cliffs and deep valleys. With a total of 99 bends, each segment presents a sharp 180-degree turn.
99 Bends
Starting from the foothills, the Tianmen Mountain Road twists and turns in a spiral pattern, often following a right turn immediately followed by a left. At every turn, a signpost marks the number of the bend, reminding travelers of their progress. Driving on this road is an adrenaline-pumping experience, with cars swerving left and right, just as thrilling as a roller coaster ride.
Glass Bottom Cliffside Path & Glass Plank Road
Glass Bottom Cliffside Path
Suspended over the sheer cliffs, the glass walkways of Tianmen Mountain boast a length of 60 meters and a width of 1.6 meters, affording you a thrilling sensation of walking on air. Beneath the transparent glass, the abyss-like chasm triggers a heart-racing excitement. Yet, it is also a prime spot for admiring the wonderful vistas of Tianmen Mountain. There are three glass walkways, namely Glass Plank Road, Eastern Glass Bottom Cliffside Path, and Western Glass Bottom Cliffside Path, each unique based on the chosen hiking route, offering unparalleled views that will leave you marveling at the wonders of nature's exquisite craftsmanship.
Yu Hu Peak
Yu Hu Peak
Yu Hu Peak, at more than 1,400 meters above sea level, is one of the 16 peaks of Tianmen Mountain. It gets its name from having the shape of a pot used to store alcoholic drinks. The legend has it that the wine pot that the goddess Ma Gu used to toast the Queen Mother of the West to a long life was left here, so Tianmen Mountain also once had the name "Fanghu Mountain".
As you gaze out from the peak, the panorama of rolling hills and verdant valleys spreads out like a living tapestry beneath your feet. The sky above is a canvas of ever-changing hues, from the deepest azure to the soft blue, while the clouds float gracefully, almost within reach. The distant mountains fade into the horizon, their outlines softened by the misty veil, creating a sense of profound tranquility.
Yunmeng Fairy Peak
Yunmeng Fairy Peak
The Viewing Pavilion atop the Yunmeng Fairy Peak, adopting the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, complements the Tianmen Mountain Temple in a similar yet unique fashion. From this vantage point, you can behold majestic peaks and verdant ridges. Surrounding the pavilion, the sixteen peaks of Tianmen Mountain exhibit diverse shapes, while the Tianmen Mountain Temple stands imposing. Gazing afar, you can also see Fude Mountain to the north, Qinglong Mountain to the east, and Baihu Mountain to the west. On sunny days, the scenery of Wulingyuan, and even the Liuqige Pavilion on Huangshi Zhai, are all clearly visible. Looking towards the city, the Lishui River flows gently like a jade belt across the southern end of the city, revealing the rapid changes and developments of Zhangjiajie City at a glance.
The World's Longest Cable Car Ride
The World's Longest Cable Car Ride
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway spans a total length of 7,455 meters with a height difference of 1,279 meters, making it the longest alpine passenger cableway in the world. Riding it up the mountain is a truly exciting experience, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape of Zhangjiajie. As the cable car gradually ascends, it gives you a sense of walking through the corridor where heaven and earth meet. Along the way, verdant vegetable fields and dark green ponds dot the vast wilderness, spreading out until they reach the foot of the mountain. Through the clear and bright glass windows, you can distinctly see the towering mountains, with peaks of varying heights, unfolding like vivid paintings before your eyes. Although thrilling, it is indeed a visual feast.
Soon, the originally flat terrain suddenly becomes precipitous. Giant rocks of various shapes form undulating micro-mountains, lying horizontally on the path of the cable car. Rugged rocks protrude from the mountains one after another, witnessing the geological changes of Tianmen Mountain over thousands of years. After navigating through these overlapping small peaks, a vast gorge comes into view. Inside the empty valley, a zigzagging mountain road snakes along the cliff walls. As the cable car turns corner after corner, heading towards the peak of Tianmen Mountain, you feel as if you have journeyed from the mortal world to a fairyland, piercing through the clouds and mist.
Transmountain Escalator
Transmountain Escalator
Transmountain Escalator is an important traffic facility which connects the scenic spot of the Tianmen mountain top and Tianmen cave. It is all installed within the artificial tunnel through the mountain to avoid the destruction of the forest vegetation. Transmountain Escalator has a total length of 510 meters and its bidirectional capacity is upto 6,000 people per hour. "Transmountain Escalator" and the "Dengtian Escalator" below the Tianmen cave together began to be built in August 2011. The construction was finished on August 2014 three years later. This project in all is regarded as that with the most difficult construction conditions, highest technical requirements and the longest escalator cascade in total. It is a miracle in elevator engineering history.
Riding this escalator is akin to traversing a time tunnel, seamlessly transporting you from one world to another marvelous realm. It's a journey that leads you into the unknown, unveiling wonders and mysteries at every turn.
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