Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie: Cable Car, Heaven's Gate & Cliffside Paths

CHINA HAS IT ALL! | Exploring Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
CHINA HAS IT ALL! | Exploring Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
Sons & Eri 2025-06-2524 min

Get ready for one of the most thrilling adventures in China—Tianmen Mountain, home to the world’s longest cable car ride, towering cliffs, glass walkways, and the legendary Heaven’s Gate with its iconic 999 steps! We start our day with a cozy local breakfast, then head straight into the clouds aboard a 7km cable car that glides over mountains, towns, and sheer cliffs. From temples in the sky to cliffside paths and dizzying suspension bridges, this place is wild. If you’re planning a trip to Zhangjiajie, this is one spot you can’t skip!

--- Sons & Eri
June 25, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 0:45Homestay breakfast
  3. 1:38Cable car station arrival
  4. 2:32Buying our tickets
  5. 4:20World’s longest cable car ride
  6. 7:00Welcome to Tianmen Mountain
  7. 7:28Local photo ops
  8. 7:57Mountain exploration
  9. 10:16Temple visit
  10. 10:45Cloud Bucking Barrier
  11. 11:28Full mountain map
  12. 13:48More cable cars?!
  13. 14:07Tianmen Temple
  14. 14:50Sun Craving Cave
  15. 15:55Suspension Bridge
  16. 16:44Guigu Cliffside Path
  17. 19:0020-minute mountain escalator?!
  18. 19:41Heaven’s Gate + 999 Steps
  19. 24:25Night cable car ride

Sons & Eri's China adventure: Tianmen Mountain's cable car, 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, and breathtaking views leave them awestruck.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Start your day with a delicious and traditional local breakfast to experience authentic Chinese cuisine and culture. This will give you the energy for your adventures ahead. (0:46)
  2. Tip 2Purchase tickets in advance or be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak season. Understand the different ticket packages and choose the one that best suits your plans. (2:35)
  3. Tip 3Remember to bring your passport as it's required for entry and serves as your ticket to access various attractions within the park. This is a common practice in China. (3:28)
  4. Tip 4Learn about the cultural significance of the red ribbons tied around trees, which represent good fortune and wishes for family well-being. It's a beautiful tradition to observe. (8:14)
  5. Tip 5Tianmen Mountain offers various food stalls and coffee shops, so you don't need to carry snacks. This is a convenient amenity for visitors exploring the mountain. (10:04)
  6. Tip 6Embark on the Gufu Cliffside path, a 1600m hike that offers stunning views and a unique perspective of the mountain's landscape. Be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity. (16:40)

Sons & Eri's exhilarating journey atop Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China, is a breathtaking visual spectacle. From the world's longest cable car ride to the iconic 999 steps of Heaven's Gate, their adventure is filled with stunning views, unexpected encounters, and cultural immersion. This isn't just a travelogue; it's a vibrant tapestry of personal experiences, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the warmth of human connection.

More about the current video:( 7 / 7 )

CHINA HAS IT ALL! | Exploring Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie

This video follows Sons & Eri as they explore Tianmen Mountain National Park in Zhangjiajie, China. Their adventure begins with a traditional Chinese breakfast, setting the stage for a day of incredible experiences. The journey starts with a breathtaking 7.5km cable car ride, the longest in the world, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and towns.

Upon arrival, Sons & Eri consult their map and plan their route, which includes the iconic 999 steps to Heaven's Gate and the thrilling glass bridge. They purchase tickets, noting the complexities of the pricing system and the requirement for passports. The unexpected lack of a queue allows them to quickly board the cable car, where they share the ride with friendly locals.

The cable car journey itself is a highlight, with spectacular views, though initially obscured by fog. Once at the top, Sons & Eri encounter charming locals eager to interact with them, adding a personal touch to their experience. They explore various paths, discovering caves adorned with red ribbons symbolizing good fortune, and encounter a cute dog in a winter jacket.

Despite some initial fog, the weather gradually clears, revealing stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. While the glass bridge is unfortunately closed, they still manage to traverse a suspension bridge and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Their hike includes a challenging but rewarding journey along the Gufu Cliffside path, culminating in a spectacular sunset view.

The highlight of their trip is the descent of the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, although they admit to losing count along the way. The experience is made even more magical by a captivating light show at the bottom. Their day concludes with a night cable car ride back down the mountain, providing a final opportunity to appreciate the scale and beauty of Tianmen Mountain. Throughout their journey, Sons & Eri's infectious enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for the culture and natural beauty of the region shine through. They share personal observations, highlighting the unique aspects of their adventure and creating a memorable travelogue.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How long is the cable car ride?
A: It's 7 and 1/2 km long and takes around 28 minutes!
Q: How many steps are there to Heaven's Gate?
A: It's supposed to be 999 steps, but we lost count after 800!
Q: What's the significance of the red ribbons?
A: They represent good fortune and families put them up to wish good fortune for their family.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you found?
A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!
Q: What is the Gufu Cliffside path like?
A: It's a 1600m hike along the cliffside of the mountain; it's really high and scary!

Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie: Cable Car, Heaven's Gate & Cliffside Paths

🚠 The Longest Cable Car Ride in the World?! 🌄 | Tianmen Mountain Vlog | China Travel 2025 Get ready for one of the most thrilling adventures in China—Tianmen Mountain, home to the world’s longest cable car ride, towering cliffs, glass walkways, and the legendary Heaven’s Gate with its iconic 999...

Tianmen Mountain Zhangjiajie: Cable Car, Heaven's Gate & Glass Bridge

Embark on a thrilling adventure to Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China! This isn't your average mountain; it boasts the world's longest cable car ride, taking you on a breathtaking journey over mountains and sheer cliffs. Explore ancient temples nestled high in the sky, walk along cliffside paths, and conquer the iconic 999 steps to Heaven's Gate. Prepare for stunning views, exhilarating experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime. This is a must-see destination for any traveler seeking adventure and natural beauty in China!

Attractions in this video: Tianmen Mountain, Heavens Gate, Glass Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Tianmen Temple, Sun Craving Cave