How to Visit the World’s Highest Natural Arch on Tianmen Mountain in China
Tianmen Mountain: A Heavenly Destination in China
Tianmen Mountain, located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China, is a natural wonder that attracts millions of tourists every year. The mountain is famous for its stunning scenery, including lush forests, towering peaks, misty clouds, and a spectacular cave that is regarded as a gateway to heaven.
The Heaven's Gate Cave
The most iconic feature of Tianmen Mountain is the Heaven's Gate Cave, a natural arch that was formed by the collapse of a cliff in 263 A.D. The cave is about 131 meters high and 57 meters wide, making it the world's highest naturally formed arch².
The cave is also known as Tianmen Cave, which means "Heavenly Gate" in Chinese. According to legend, the cave was once visited by an immortal who left his footprints on the rock. The cave is considered a sacred site by many locals and visitors, who believe that it is a portal to the celestial realm.
How to Reach the Heaven's Gate Cave
There are two ways to reach the Heaven's Gate Cave: by cable car or by bus. The cable car is the longest and highest passenger cableway in the world, spanning 7.5 kilometers and reaching an altitude of 1,279 meters⁴. The cable car offers a breathtaking view of the mountain and the city below, as well as a thrilling experience of passing through the cave.
The bus ride is another option for those who prefer a more adventurous journey. The bus follows a winding road that has 99 bends and climbs up to 1,100 meters above sea level. The road is known as the "Tongtian Avenue", which means "Avenue to the Sky" in Chinese. The road is narrow and steep, requiring skillful driving and nerves of steel.
The final challenge to reach the Heaven's Gate Cave is to climb 999 steps, which are called the "Stairway to Heaven" in Chinese. The number nine is considered auspicious in Chinese culture, as it symbolizes eternity and good fortune. The steps are steep and uneven, but they offer a rewarding view of the cave and the surrounding landscape.
Other Attractions on Tianmen Mountain
Besides the Heaven's Gate Cave, Tianmen Mountain also boasts other attractions that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Some of these attractions are:
The Glass Skywalk: A transparent walkway that wraps around the edge of a cliff, offering a thrilling view of the valley below. The walkway is 60 meters long and 1.6 meters wide, and can accommodate up to 800 people at a time.
The Tianmen Temple: A Buddhist temple that was built in 870 A.D., and renovated in 1949. The temple covers an area of 10,000 square meters and consists of five halls and several pavilions. The temple is a place of worship and meditation for Buddhists and tourists alike.
The Ghost Valley Plank Road: A wooden plank road that hangs on the side of a cliff, with a height difference of 400 meters. The road is only 1.6 meters wide and has no railings or safety nets. The road is named after the legend that ghosts haunt the valley below.
The Tianmen Academy: An ancient academy that was established in 940 A.D., and was one of the four famous academies in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The academy was a center of learning and culture, where scholars and poets gathered to study and exchange ideas.
Conclusion
Tianmen Mountain is a unique destination that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. It offers a variety of attractions and experiences for different types of visitors, from thrill-seekers to history buffs to nature lovers. Tianmen Mountain is a place where one can marvel at the wonders of nature, appreciate the richness of culture, and feel the connection with heaven.