Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie in China - The Gate to Heaven
The Tianmen Mountain (National Park) is located in Hunan Province in China. The mountains in this region are known for its steep peaks and spectacular rock formations covered in deep green vegetation.
Tianmen Mountain Road & Tianmen Cable Car
Tianmen in Chinese literally means “sky gate” and this is due to its famous cave that looks like a way up to the heaven. It was formed naturally as a result of soil erosion. The mountain is best reached by cable car - the longest in the world (takes about 30 minutes to go up). To get to the cave you can either take an escalator or climb 999 steps (hence the name Stairway to Heaven).
The Perfect Flight through the Tianmen Mountain in China
In 2011 Jeb Corliss – the wingsuit pilot jumped out of a helicopter and glided through a 30 m wide Tianmen Cave. The video of his flight is simply jaw-dropping and quite inspirational so do recommend to watch. If you do not own a wingsuit, you can go down from the mountain by bus over the road “Avenue Leading to the Sky” with the famous 99 sharp bends. This is absolutelely spectacular and mystical experience especially in a foggy evening.
The red ribbons around the Tianmen Mountain
The red ribbons that are hung around the Mountain symbolizes wishes. It is believed that tying a red ribbon to the “wishing tree” will make the wish come true. The higher the ribbon is tied, the more likely it is that the wish will come true. Chinese dragons are powerful symbols too, they represent strenght and good luck. The Mountain in itself is believed to have magical powers, it is even called by the locals the “magic mountain of western Hunan.”
When it is the best time to visit the Tianmen Mountain?
It is best to be visited between September and October when the temperatures are pleasant. The entrance fee 258 CNY, includes a single journey on the Tianmen Cableway, the shuttle bus, and the escalator to Tianmen Cave.