KNOCK ON HEAVEN'S DOORS - THE TIANMEN MOUNTAIN (CHINA)

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.

FENGHUANG - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN CHINA?

FENGHUANG - ANCIENT TOWN - CHINA - PHOTO GALLERY

The dozens of slanted eyes stare at you. The words are like the endless gibberish. You wonder, is that you who are in an advanced state of inebriation or them. You speak clearly and cohesively. It must be them. You get on a coach in Huaihua (West Bust Station), heading to a place you hope is Fenghuang (The ancient town of the Phoenix). You hope. You have no certainty. There is only one English speaking person in the coach (not even fluently) and that is actually you.

China is much more than Beijing, Shanghai & Xi’an. China is much more than being vast, overpopulated communist country, it is more than just “Made in China”, the Great Wall, and the Tiananmen Square. It deserves to be fully explored even at the cost of the constant feeling of confusion, disorientation & communication hurdles.

Fenghuang is situated on the western boundary of Hunan Province, is regarded as the most beautiful town in China. It is widely popular among Chinese but usually neglected by foreign tourists. The Tuo Jiang River is a life-force of the town. You can observe here women washing the clothes in its waters and men fishing with their nets. At the centre of the town there is two stepping stone bridge connecting the two sides of the river. Taking a boat is a good way to get closer to the local life so do not miss this chance. The ancient city is also a gathering place for Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities. They are easily recognized. The Miao women wear traditional blue garments sets, complex necklaces, bracelets, earnings and headdresses.

Fenghuang was built in 1704 and is still being kept in its original appearance despite the fact that more than 300 years passed. The sights of this riverside settlement, the rickety wooden houses on the stilts and narrow stone roads transport you back to the times of the Old China. This is a true gem that should be put on your list when travelling to China. Although, at nights the town transforms itself into the Chinese version of some sort of Las Vegas (due to illuminations), it does not stop to amaze anyone who sets foot here.

How to get to Fenghuang?

• Coach from Huaihua West Bus Station (1h). Coaches set off every 2h from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm approx. 40 RMB.

• Coach from Zhangjaijie Bus Station (near Zhangjaijie Train Station) There are only 2-3 coaches per day. The advance reservation is recommended. Ask your hotel for the assistance. Approx. 80 RMB.

The best time to visit?

Spring or Autumn. The period from April to June is the rainy season.

The top attractions of the Ancient Town:

Southern Great Wall; East Gate Tower; Hong Bridge; Yang Family Ancestral Hall; Gucheng Museum; Queen of Heaven Temple.

Accommodation:

You can stay in one of the many hotels in the Old Town. I stayed slightly outside in Yinji Inn = 2 nights in a double room with a common terrace with a view over the Ancient Town and Chinese breakfast (soup) = 476 RMB = approx. 60 EUR.

prices:

Since April 2016 the entrance fee to the Ancient Town (but including the entrance to 9 sites) of 148 RMB has been cancelled. You will only need to buy a ticket when visiting the scenic spots inside the town.