Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tickets

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is located very close to downtown Zhangjiajie, only about eight kilometers from the city center. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the mountain from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, the main high-speed railway station in the area, and about 20 minutes from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport.

Tianmen Mountain was formed around one million years ago, but the famous Tianmen Cave did not exist at that time. According to historical records, the cave was created in 263 AD when a large section of the cliff suddenly collapsed, forming the enormous natural arch seen today. Since then, the mountain has been regarded as a sacred place and has earned the reputation of the “Most Sacred Mountain in Western Hunan.”

What to Expect

• Marvel at the magnificent Tianmen Cave, a natural wonder with deep cultural significance.
• Enjoy breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Zhangjiajie and the surrounding karst mountains from the terraces on the mountain top.
• Challenge yourself on thrilling cliffside attractions, including glass plank roads and hanging bridges built along the cliffs.

Open Hours

Tourists must enter Tianmen Mountain Park between 08:01 and 16:00, and leave before 19:00.

Entry Time Slots

Visitors must enter Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park within the selected time slot. Entry will be denied if you miss your assigned time. Available entry time slots are as below:

• 08:01 – 10:00
• 10:01 – 12:00
• 12:01 – 14:00
• 14:01 – 16:00

Recommended Sightseeing Route (Route A)

There are three main sightseeing routes in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Route A, Route B, and Route C. The tickets for each route include different cable car arrangements.

Route A is generally recommended for most visitors, as it requires the least physical effort and is considered the most energy-saving option. It is possible to book the tickets for all the three routes with us.

Tourist Center to the Middle Station of the Main Cable Car Route

The tourist center is also the starting point (lower station) of the main cable car route in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. The cable car ride from the lower station to the middle station takes about ten minutes.

During the journey, visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Zhangjiajie and the Lishui River valley, offering a spectacular perspective of the city and surrounding landscape.

Middle Station – Tianmen Cave Square – Mountain Top

From the middle station, visitors take a shuttle bus to Tianmen Cave. The road to the cave is built along the cliffs of Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and features many sharp turns. The 30-minute bus ride is both thrilling and scenic.

Once you arrive at Tianmen Cave Square, there are two ways to reach the cave: climbing the famous 999-step stairway, also known as the “Heaven-Linking Avenue,” or taking an escalator. The escalator is not included in the entrance ticket and costs CNY 32 per person. Many energetic visitors enjoy climbing the stairs for the unique experience and impressive views.

After visiting Tianmen Cave, visitors can take the Escalator Through the Mountain up to the top of the mountain. This escalator ride is included in the entrance ticket.

Highlights on the Mountain Top Area

Except for Tianmen Cave, most of the major attractions in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park are located on the mountain top. It is generally recommended to explore the area from west to east for a smoother sightseeing route. The attractions below are introduced in this order.

• Lingxiao Terrace – This three-story wooden terrace stands beside a cliff in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. Since most surrounding peaks are lower than the terrace, visitors can enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the mountains as well as the city of Zhangjiajie from this viewpoint.
• Glass Plank Road – The famous Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway is built along a cliff about 1,430 meters above sea level. Although the walkway is only about 60 meters long, many visitors feel nervous walking on the transparent glass floor. Before stepping onto the plank road, tourists are required to buy protective shoe covers (CNY 5).
• Hanging Bridge – The Tianmen Mountain Hanging Bridge sits at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, even higher than Lingxiao Terrace and the Glass Plank Road. The bridge may sway slightly on windy days, which adds to the thrill, but it is completely safe. For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to run on the bridge and must move forward in a single direction.
• Temple of Tianmen Mountain – Compared with the thrilling viewpoints above, Tianmen Mountain Temple offers a peaceful atmosphere. Originally built in 870 AD, the temple later became an important Buddhist center in western Hunan. Today, its traditional Buddhist architecture and tranquil surroundings make it one of the most meaningful cultural landmarks on the mountain.

Mountain Top – Tianmen Cave Express Cable Car Station – Tourist Center

After completing your sightseeing on the mountain top of Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, visitors can take the Tianmen Cave Express Cable Car down to the lower cable car station. From there, a shuttle bus will transfer you back to the tourist center, which serves as the exit of the scenic area.

What's Included

There is no difference in the sightseeing route among Route A, B, and C in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. The only difference lies in the cable car arrangements included in each route.

Included in Route A, B, and C

• Entrance ticket
• Shuttle bus transfers within the scenic area
• Escalator through the mountain
• Service fee (USD 6 per ticket)
• Adults and children are charged the same price.

Cable Car Rides Included in Route A

• Tourist Center → Middle Station (main cable car)
• Upper Station → Lower Station (Tianmen Cave Express Cable Car)

Cable Car Rides Included in Route B

• Middle Station → Tourist Center (main cable car)
• Lower Station → Upper Station (Tianmen Cave Express Cable Car)

Cable Car Rides Included in Route C

• Lower Station ⇄ Upper Station (Tianmen Cave Express Cable Car, round trip)

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation is available before the tickets are booked.
• Once the tickets are booked, the service fee is non-refundable.
• If tickets are canceled three days or more before the visiting date, approximately 90% of the ticket price will be refunded.
• If tickets are canceled 2–3 days before the visiting date, approximately 80% of the ticket price will be refunded.
• Tickets cannot be canceled within two days of the visiting date.

How to Use the Ticket

A confirmation email will be sent once your tickets are booked. Please bring your passports to the ticket office at Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Forest Park to collect paper tickets before entering the canyon area.

Good to Know

• It is recommended to book your tickets at least 8 days in advance, as they may sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Please follow staff instructions at all times in cliff areas, such as plank roads, observation terraces, and hanging bridges, to ensure your safety.
• Personal shoe covers are not permitted on the Tianmen Mountain Glass Plank Road. Official shoe covers must be purchased before entering.
• The 999-step stairway to Tianmen Cave may be challenging for senior visitors. Please assess your physical condition before attempting the climb.