Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Navigate the complex transport routes, pack appropriately for the summit, and structure your day on Tianmen Mountain.
Tianmen Mountain
Tianmenshan National Forest Park, Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie
GPS 29.04988, 110.478888
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the mountain
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: From downtown Zhangjiajie to the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station. | 15-20 minutes from the central train/bus stations | Free | Unlike most remote mountains, the main gateway and cable car station are located right in the city center. |
| Train: High-speed rail from major cities to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, followed by a local bus (Route 4) or taxi to the lower cableway station. | Varies by origin | Varies | High-speed rail has made Zhangjiajie much more accessible from hubs like Changsha and Chengdu. |
| Tour: Guided private or group tours offering hotel pickup, transport, and guided routing up the mountain. | 6-8 hours | 400 - 800 RMB | Highly recommended for foreigners to navigate the complex real-name ticketing system and A/B/C routing seamlessly. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Tianmen Mountain is open year-round. April, May, September, and October offer the best combination of pleasant temperatures and clear visibility. Summer is popular but hot, and the mountain is often crowded. Winter brings cold weather and occasional ice, which may close some cliff paths.
What to bring
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The main cableway spans 7,455 meters directly from downtown Zhangjiajie.
It is one of the longest passenger cableways in the world.
How the day runs
Suggested itinerary
A typical route utilizing the main cableway up and the eco-bus down.
- Arrive at Lower Station
Arrive early to clear security and passport checks at the downtown station.
- Cableway to Summit
Enjoy the 30-minute scenic ride up 7.5 kilometers to the top.
- Cliff Paths & Skywalks
Walk the Guigu Plank Road and the Coiling Dragon Cliff glass walkway.
- Transmountain Escalator
Take the internal escalator tunnel down to Tianmen Cave Square.
- Tianmen Cave & 999 Steps
View the natural arch and descend the 999 steps (or use the lower escalator).
- 99-Bend Road
Take the eco-bus down the twisting mountain road back to the city.
Navigating the Routes
Tianmen Mountain operates complex entry routes (often labeled A, B, or C). Route A typically takes the cableway up and the bus down. Route B takes the bus up and the cableway down. Route C uses the bus both ways. Route A is highly recommended to avoid hiking up the steep 999 steps.
Prepare for changing weather. The summit is significantly cooler than downtown Zhangjiajie. Bring high-grip shoes, as the cliff paths and stone steps can be narrow and uneven. See Packing & Clothes for more details.
Easiest way to do it
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park Tickets
4 h to 6 h 5.0 (2)
- Round-trip Cableway (Tianmenshan Cableway – Tianmen Cave Express Cableway) +Scenic area car+ Insurance
- Tianmenshan National Forest Park Admission Ticket
From$55per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does the visit take?
Plan for 6 to 8 hours. Navigating the cable cars, escalators, and buses takes time, even without hiking. Crowds during peak season will increase wait times.
Where is the entrance?
The main entrance and cableway lower station are located right in downtown Zhangjiajie, making it very accessible from city hotels and the central train station.
Can I skip the 999 steps?
Yes. You can use the Transmountain Escalator to bypass the steep stone stairway entirely.