Readme before you journey
Tianmen Mountain, also known as Heaven's Gate Mountain, is a popular tourist destination in Zhangjiajie, China. It is particularly popular among Chinese tourists. It is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Following our visit to Zhangjiajie National Park in Part 1,
I departed from my accommodation to board a local minibus, heading towards my next destination, Tianmen Mountain. Upon arriving at Wulinyuan Bus Station, there was no need to purchase tickets in advance. If I recall correctly, buses depart every 30 minutes. Once on board, I waited to pay for my ticket.
The local bus resembles a small bus like this. Of course, there is no English, so you need to prepare to take pictures of the characters of the place names in China. I paid 20 yuan for the fare. The bus picked up people along the way and took 2 hours.
Finally arrived at Zhangjiajie Railway Station. I booked accommodation near the station, so I can drop off my luggage and continue exploring right away.
From my accommodation, I walked to the Cable Car station. It took 15 minutes, and it was quite easy. Just follow the cable car line, and you won't get lost because you will see the cable cars overhead all the time.
There are three options for ascending Tianmen Mountain: Plan A, which involves taking a cable car up and a bus down.
Take the B line bus and get off at the cable car station.
Take the C Line cable car back to the cable car station.
I chose Plan A line because the weather looks like it will offer better views.
Pay 258 yuan for the ticket, which allows for one round trip on the cable car. Take the escalator from the top of the mountain to the cave before descending the 999 steps.
He slowly moved out of the city.
Gradually ascend.
The sight of the winding mountain road made me feel dizzy.
The photos would be stunning if it weren't for the rain. I'm constantly getting drenched. This is the 99-curve steep route.
Map of Tianmen Mountain.
Tianmen Mountain: Gateway to Heaven
Tianmen Mountain, also known as Heaven's Gate Mountain, boasts the world's longest cable car ride, spanning 7,455 meters. This breathtaking journey ascends to the mountain's peak, offering stunning panoramic views of hundreds of majestic peaks and towering cliffs. The 7.5-kilometer cable car ride to the Upper Station takes approximately 40 minutes, allowing ample time to admire the captivating scenery.
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car and Hiking Options
Cable Car Stations:
- Lower Station: Ticket office and starting point.
- Middle Station: Transfer point for the Gate to Heaven.
- Upper Station: Leads to Tianmenshan Temple.
Hiking Options:
- Western Route (Red): Hike to the temple, then return on the same path or take the hanging cable car (blue).
- Eastern Route (Yellow): Hike to the temple, then return on the same path or take the hanging cable car (blue).
- Roundtrip by Hanging Cable Car (Blue): Fastest and most convenient option, but misses scenic views.
Recommendation:
For a moderate hike with stunning views, choose the Western Route (Red) and return by hanging cable car. The Eastern Route is longer and better suited for a full-day trip. The hanging cable car offers a quick and comfortable option but lacks the scenic experience of the hiking trails.
The rain started to fall intermittently, sometimes heavy, sometimes light. Today's weather is really bad, and I only have one day.
Some sections of the trail will be glass walkways (glass plank road in coiling dragon cliff) (there are 3 in total). You must wear shoe covers to protect the glass from scratches. The fee for walking on the glass walkway is 5 yuan.
The red shoes are very smelly. They are damp because it has been raining constantly. You have to put up with the smell.
Beautiful view, especially when the weather is good.
I continued walking along a shortcut path, following signs indicating the way to the Tianmen Mountain cable car station. On my way, I encountered wooden stairs offering stunning views.
I walked along the path, taking photos as I went, until I reached the end of the road at Tianmen Turbulent Water. It was a wide, open space with an elevator leading to Tianmen Cave, the Gate of Heaven. There were restrooms, food stalls, and a lot of people around. From here, I could see Tianmen Cave in the distance, although it was mostly obscured by the thick fog.
Please wait at the bottom of the escalator.
The first section of the escalator is approximately 6-7 sections embedded in the mountain, which is very long. It is easy to get tired standing here. This section is still free of charge. Our Chinese brothers have done a great job again! In the past, I saw some people review that they had to take the cable car to the middle station of the cable car to reach Tianmen Cave.
Upon reaching the top, you will find yourself at the gates of heaven. Take a few more steps, and you will encounter the path that will test your courage.
Tianmen Mountain, formerly known as **"Yunmeng Mountain or Songliao Mountain"**, is home to Tianmen Cave, also known as the Heaven's Gate Cave. Tianmen Mountain is one of the four most beautiful mountains in China. The reason it is called Tianmen Mountain is because the mountain exploded naturally, creating a cave or "heaven's gate." This gate is 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep.
Take it easy and don't worry.
I find these stairs easier to navigate than a natural downhill path.
The Heavenly Gate: A Popular Tourist Destination for the Chinese
This sentence describes the popular tourist destination, "The Heavenly Gate," in China.
A popular spot among Chinese tourists.
The sight of the 99 winding roads makes me want to take a sleeping pill and wake up in the city.
After taking photos, we waited for the blue minibus that would take us back to the cable car station in Zhangjiajie City. The ride took about an hour. The last bus leaves around 6 pm, so it's best to go earlier to avoid the crowds.
The next review will be about the journey from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang.
Please click on the link.
Part 1 for those who haven't read it yet.
Zhangjiajie National Park: The Land of Avatar Mountains, A Solo Adventure for Non-Mandarin Speakers, Part 1
Part 3, please.
The Ancient Town of Fenghuang: A Journey for Non-Mandarin Speakers (Part 3)
This article explores the captivating charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, a historical gem nestled in China's Hunan Province. It caters specifically to individuals with limited Mandarin proficiency, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating this enchanting destination.
Key Points:
- Immerse yourself in history: Fenghuang boasts a rich cultural heritage, dating back centuries. Its well-preserved architecture, including traditional stilt houses and winding alleyways, transports visitors to a bygone era.
- Embrace the local culture: The town's vibrant atmosphere is characterized by friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and unique customs. Engaging in cultural activities like attending a traditional opera performance or sampling local delicacies provides an authentic experience.
- Overcome language barriers: While Mandarin proficiency is beneficial, it's not essential for enjoying Fenghuang. Many residents understand basic English, and helpful resources like translation apps and guidebooks can bridge communication gaps.
- Explore the natural beauty: Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Fenghuang offers opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hiking through lush mountains, cruising along the Tuojiang River, or visiting nearby waterfalls provides breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature.
Additional Considerations:
- Planning your trip: Researching transportation options, accommodation choices, and essential travel documents beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Respecting local customs: Familiarizing yourself with basic etiquette and cultural norms demonstrates respect for the local community and enhances your interactions.
- Embracing the unknown: Be open to unexpected encounters and spontaneous experiences. The true magic of Fenghuang lies in its ability to surprise and delight visitors.
Conclusion:
Fenghuang Ancient Town offers a unique and enriching experience for travelers of all backgrounds. By embracing its cultural richness, overcoming language barriers, and exploring its natural beauty, even non-Mandarin speakers can discover the captivating charm of this historical gem.
No text provided for translation.
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Golfy The Journey
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:35 PM
