From the bustling streets of Zhangjiajie to the mist-shrouded peaks of Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park stretches the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car (天门山索道) – an aerial link connecting the city with the legendary Tianmen Mountain. During the ascent, the cabins slowly pass over residential areas, rural landscapes, dense forests and deep gorges, allowing you to watch the familiar city landscape gradually give way to majestic mountains.
Spanning approximately 7.5 kilometres (4.7 miles), the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is considered the longest passenger cable car line in the world. In just 28 minutes, it lifts visitors by 1,279 metres (4,196 feet), offering breathtaking views of the Tongtian Avenue, the winding mountain road famed for its 99 bends and known as the stairways to Heaven, and the surrounding cliffs. Today, a ride on the cable car has become an integral part of any visit to Tianmen Mountain, and the journey to the summit is every bit as impressive as the viewpoints themselves.
Architecture and Facts about the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
Construction of the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car began in May 1999, with surveys conducted by cableway companies from five countries. In 2001, Tianmenshan Cableway signed a cooperation contract with the French company POMA. Construction officially began on January 15, 2003, and the cableway opened to visitors on September 6, 2005, marking a major milestone in the development of Zhangjiajie’s tourism infrastructure and significantly easing access to the mountain plateau.
The project’s defining challenge was combining the cableway’s great length with a dramatic change in elevation. Engineers had to span demanding terrain, including deep gorges and steep slopes. To achieve this, the route was designed to follow the contour of the landscape, with support towers positioned at strategically secure locations to ensure the stability of the entire structure.
The load-bearing system consists of dozens of steel support towers and high-strength cables that carry enclosed passenger cabins along the route. The operation of the entire line is coordinated by an automated control system that monitors travel speed, the distance between cabins and the equipment’s operational parameters. This allows the line to accommodate a large number of visitors simultaneously, maintaining stable operation even during peak tourist seasons.
Below are some of the main facts about the cable car:
Status: World’s longest single-line circulating passenger cableway
Length: 7,455 metres (24,459 feet)
Vertical rise (Height): 1,279 metres (4,196 feet)
Capacity: 98 cabins, accommodating up to 8 passengers per cabin (maximum 1200 passengers per hour one way)
Speed / Ride Duration: up to 6 metres per second (19.7 feet per second); approximately 28 minutes
Year of Completion: 2005
Date of Opening: 6 September 2005
Materials: steel towers, high-strength steel cables, enclosed passenger cabins, reinforced concrete station structures
Number of support towers: 57
Manufacturer company: POMA (France)
Lower Station Location: Guanliping City Garden, on the northwest side of the intersection of Dayong Road and Yingbin Road in Zhangjiajie City.
Middle Station Location: midway along the cableway
Upper Station Location: Primitive Hanging Garden, Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Tours
Rise above the steep slopes of Tianmen Mountain and watch Zhangjiajie’s bustling streets fade into the distance, with mist-shrouded peaks on the horizon.
On a four-day trip around Zhangjiajie, the cable car takes you to the summit, where the Stairway to Heaven leads to the impressive Tianmen Cave. The itinerary also includes a visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a walk along the shaded paths of Golden Whip Stream, a boat ride on the emerald Baofeng Lake and a visit to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to its famous Glass Bridge.
A more comprehensive journey through Central China combines the country’s natural wonders with rich cultural heritage. After exploring the Forbidden City, Beijing’s ancient hutongs and a section of the Badaling Great Wall, the route continues to Xi’an and then Zhangjiajie, where you can ride the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car. From there, you continue to Guilin before ending your trip in modern Shanghai, with its bustling streets and evening lights.
Discover other tours in and around Zhangjiajie, where trips to picturesque mountain regions are complemented by visits to megacities, natural attractions and historical centres across China.
Best Time to Ride Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
Weather and Seasonal Conditions
The Tianmen Mountain Cable Car operates year-round, but the experience depends largely on the weather. On clear days, the route offers excellent views of the mountain slopes, gorges and the winding mountain road. After rain or in fog, the landscapes take on a more mysterious appearance, with the peaks often hidden among the clouds. Read more about the region’s climate in our Zhangjiajie City travel guide.
Mountain weather can change quite rapidly. If the wind strengthens or a thunderstorm begins, services are suspended until it is safe to operate again. It is therefore best to check the cable car’s operating status before heading to the station, especially in June and July, the wettest months.
Best Time of Day
The first few hours after opening are generally the most convenient time to ride: visitor numbers are lower and queues are shorter. By midday, it gets noticeably busier, especially at weekends and on public holidays. If your itinerary allows, plan to go up early in the morning.
Practical Information
Ticket Prices
A ride on the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is included in the admission ticket for Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, which costs CNY/RMB 288 (approximately $41.80, €37.20, £32.40).
Discounted rates are available for children, students, seniors, and certain other traveller categories:
- Ages 14 to 17 – CNY/RMB 152 (approximately $22.1, €19.6, £17.1)
- Ages 60 to 64 – CNY/RMB 152 (approximately $22.1, €19.6, £17.1)
- Ages 65 and over – CNY/RMB 116 (approximately $16.9, €15.0, £13.0)
During peak season, it is best to buy tickets in advance, as the number of daily admission slots is limited.
Opening Hours
On regular days, cable car services for the ascent operate from 09:00 to 17:00. Descending services continue until approximately 19:00, giving visitors time to leave the mountain.
Cable Car Stations
The Tianmen Mountain Cable Car has three stations:
- Lower Station – boarding in the central part of Zhangjiajie.
- Middle Station – an intermediate stop and, depending on the route, a transfer point for other forms of transport.
- Upper Station – in the upper part of Tianmen Mountain, close to the main routes across the mountain plateau.
Important note:
The cable car system undergoes scheduled maintenance each year, which can last from two weeks to a month. In 2026 the cableway closed from 8 to 12 October.
Since November 2025, the upper section of the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, between the Upper and Middle stations, has been closed for reconstruction. The work is expected to take up to two years. You can find details of the temporary routes in our dedicated guide, Routes and Lines of Tianmen Mountain Guide.
Is the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Safe?
The Tianmen cable car was designed by POMA, a global leader in cable transport known for its high-performance and eco-friendly mobility solutions. The group has successfully completed numerous projects worldwide and in China, including the Simatai Great Wall gondola lift, the Shaanxi Taihua Tourism Ropeway, and the 28 cabins for the Shenzhen observation wheel.
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway is a state-of-the-art feat of engineering. Its route climbs from the city to the mountain, negotiating a dramatic change in elevation and challenging terrain. Purpose-built support towers and dedicated safety systems help protect passengers along the way. The materials were selected to withstand varied weather conditions, and the stations are equipped with lightning protection, emergency response facilities and backup power.
The cabins are made from durable materials and equipped to ensure a long service life. Each cabin is equipped with safety features designed to protect passengers throughout the journey, as well as to provide a comfortable ride.
You may feel it sway slightly as it passes over support towers or steeper sections of the route.
Why Ride the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car?
Riding the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is more than a way to reach the summit; it’s part of the adventure. As you climb, the mountain scenery unfolds, revealing deep gorges, steep slopes and sheer cliffs, taking in views you can’t experience in quite the same way from hiking trails or the mountain road.
For many travellers, the cable car is the most convenient way to reach the summit of Tianmen Mountain without a long uphill hike, giving you more time and energy to explore. This can be especially helpful for families with children, people with reduced mobility and anyone keen to explore the viewpoints, walk along the glass skywalks, climb the Stairway to Heaven (999 Steps) and visit Tianmen Mountain Temple.
How to Get to Tianmen Mountain Cable Car?
Getting to the Lower Station
The Lower Station of the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is located in the Yongding District, on the northwest side of the intersection of Dayong Road and Yingbin Road. Thanks to its proximity to Zhangjiajie Railway Station and Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, it serves as a convenient starting point for most travellers arriving in the city by train or intercity bus.
From Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, you can also reach the station by city bus numbers 4 and 402.
Tianmen Cave Express Cableway
In addition to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway operates in the scenic area – a separate, short line connecting the foot of the mountain with the square in front of Tianmen Cave. You can reach the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway Lower Station by taking an eco-friendly shuttle bus that departs from the car park next to the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Lower Station. The ride takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
Tips for Visiting Tianmen Mountain
Most visitors enjoy the cable-car ride. If you’re prone to travel sickness, have experienced vertigo, or feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, consider this when planning your trip. Your ears may feel blocked as you ascend. This is common; try swallowing, yawning or chewing gum to help equalise the pressure.
If you feel unwell during the journey, remain seated and tell your guide or a member of the cable-car staff.
Have your camera ready. If you plan to take photos during the ride, get your smartphone or camera out before boarding. Space inside the cabin is limited, and the beautiful views change quickly. Take photos from your seat and leave room for other passengers to enjoy the scenery.
Dress for changing temperatures. The summit of Tianmen Mountain may feel cooler and windier than the city, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Check the forecast before you set off, as mountain weather can change.
Bring water and a light snack. Waiting at certain points along the route may take longer than expected. A little water and a snack can make the trip much more comfortable and help you recharge.