Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

Located about 8 kilometers south of downtown Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, China, Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is a popular tourist destination. Tianmen Mountain, with an elevation of 1,518.6 meters, offers breathtaking natural scenery. Since the visit involves a lot of walking, I opted for Route A among the ABC routes, which includes taking a cable car to the summit and descending afterward. The park is designed for tourists to enjoy, featuring attractions like the glass walkway and rest areas. 1. Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate Cave) This massive natural arch stands 131.5 meters tall and 57 meters wide, often referred to as the "Gate to Heaven." To reach the cave, visitors must navigate the "Avenue to Heaven," which has 99 sharp turns, and climb the 999-step staircase known as "Heaven's Ladder." 2. World's Longest Cable Car Spanning 7,455 meters with a vertical drop of 1,279 meters, the cable car connects downtown Zhangjiajie to the mountain summit in about 30 minutes. The views along the way are stunning, offering aerial perspectives of the Avenue to Heaven's 99 curves. 3. Glass Walkway (Skywalk) Suspended on a cliff at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters, this transparent glass walkway provides a thrilling experience. The "Dragon Coiling Cliff Glass Walkway" is particularly popular among visitors. 4. Tianmen Mountain Temple Located at the summit, this Buddhist temple replicates Tang Dynasty architectural styles. It offers a serene atmosphere for visitors to find peace and tranquility. The park is easily accessible, situated about 8 kilometers from downtown Zhangjiajie. Visitors can reach the cable car station at the base in about 5 minutes by taxi or bus.