Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Tours

Ride the World's Longest High-Altitude Cableway to the Legendary Heaven's Gate

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4-6 Hours
1 Languages
Private & Small Groups Available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

The Ultimate Tianmen Mountain Experience

Tianmen Mountain is not just a scenic spot; it is an engineering marvel and a natural wonder rolled into one. Your journey begins right from the heart of Zhangjiajie city, where you board the world's longest high-altitude passenger cableway. As you ascend over 7 kilometers, the urban landscape fades into lush farmland before rising sharply into jagged limestone peaks shrouded in mist. The summit offers a thrilling mix of serene forest paths and heart-pounding adventures, including the famous Glass Skywalk clinging to sheer vertical cliffs 1,400 meters above sea level. The experience culminates at the iconic Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate), a massive natural hole in the mountain ridge, reached by the legendary 999 'Stairway to Heaven' steps. Whether you are seeking spiritual awe or adrenaline, this mountain delivers an unforgettable adventure.

4.9/5
Guest Rating
7.5km
Cable Car Length
1,430m
Elevation
Daily
Availability

Why Book Through Our Platform

Guaranteed Ticket Allocation

Tianmen Mountain tickets sell out days in advance; our partners hold reserved allotments for guaranteed entry.

Optimized Route Planning

We secure 'Line A' tickets whenever possible, allowing you to descend the 999 steps rather than climb them.

Expert Local Guides

Navigate the complex shuttle, cable car, and escalator systems effortlessly with English-speaking guides.

Verified Operator Reviews

Book with confidence using ratings from thousands of real travelers who have experienced these specific tours.

Skip-the-Line Options

Minimize wait times at one of China's busiest attractions with pre-booked time slots.

Flexible Cancellation

Change your plans with ease thanks to free cancellation policies on most bookings up to 24 hours prior.

Guaranteed admission
Tianmen Mountain entry
Cable car ticket
Advance booking
Scheduled time slots

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Ticket Routes
Line A: Cable Car Up, Bus Down (Recommended)
Line B: Bus Up, Cable Car Down
Line C: Bus Both Ways
Physical Level
Moderate walking required
999 steep steps (escalator optional)
Cliffside walkways
What to Bring
Passport (Required for entry)
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket (cooler at summit)
Weather Policy
Open year-round
Views depend on mist/fog
Cable car may pause in high winds

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 3-7 days in advance as tickets sell out daily
  • Choose 'Line A' for the easiest physical route
  • Morning slots (7-8 AM) offer the best chance of clear weather and lower crowds

What to Bring

  • Passport
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Camera
  • Water Bottle
  • Rain Jacket
  • Cash for snacks

Best Seasons to Visit

April to October (Clearer views)|December to February (Snow scenery, fewer crowds)

What to Wear

Wear comfortable non-slip walking shoes|Bring layers as the summit is 10°C cooler than the city|Carry a rain poncho (umbrellas are dangerous in wind)

Planning

Historical Context

Historically known as Songliang Mountain, it was renamed Tianmen (Heaven's Gate) after the cave formed in the Three Kingdoms period.

Photography Tips

  • Use a wide-angle lens for the cave
  • Polarizer recommended to cut glare on the glass walk
  • Morning light is best for the 99-bend road

Insider Tips

  • Do not buy the 'Line C' ticket unless A and B are sold out (it misses the cable car)
  • Bring your passport or you will be denied entry
  • Use the bathrooms at the cable car station before ascending
  • The West Line glass walk is more popular, but the East Line is quieter

Our Partners

  • Tours operated by certified partners including Viator and local Zhangjiajie agencies.

Fun Facts

  • The 99-Bend Road took 8 years to build
  • The cable car climbs 1,279 meters in vertical height
  • Tianmen Cave was formed by a cliff collapse in 263 AD

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the travel date for most ticket options. Check specific tour details at checkout.

Social Media

Share your experience: #TianmenMountain #Zhangjiajie #ChinaTravel #GlassSkywalk #HeavensGate #CableCar

Explore More

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
USA • 2025-11-10

Breathtaking experience!

The cable car ride alone is worth the price. It just keeps going up and up! We booked the Line A ticket which I highly recommend because walking DOWN the 999 steps is much easier than walking up. The glass skywalk was scary but fun. Our guide made the logistics so easy.

W
Wei Chen
Singapore • 2025-12-05

Must do in Zhangjiajie

Booking online saved us so much hassle. The queue for tickets at the station was huge, but we just showed our QR code and passport. The view from Heaven's Gate is spiritual. Make sure you check the weather; we had a clear day and it was perfect.

L
Liam O'Connor
Australia • 2026-01-15

Great tour, foggy day

The organization was perfect. Picked up from our hotel on time. Unfortunately, it was very foggy at the top so we didn't get the panoramic views, but the mood was very mystical. The '99 bends' bus ride is a wild experience!

E
Elena Rodriguez
Spain • 2025-10-22

Incredible engineering

I cannot believe they built this cable car and these paths. The Coiling Dragon Cliff walk is spectacular. Be prepared for a lot of walking even with the cable car. The escalator inside the mountain is a life saver.

H
Hiroshi Tanaka
Japan • 2026-02-01

Efficient and beautiful

We took the private tour option. Our guide navigated us through the crowds perfectly. The lunch provided was a nice local Hunan style meal. The winter scenery with light snow on the peaks was magical.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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