Tianmen Cave & Heaven-Linking Avenue
天门洞
A natural cave through a cliff at over 1,300 meters above sea level, with a 99-bend mountain road and 999 steps leading to the gate; it is the emblem of Tianmen Mountain.
Tianmen Cave lies on the northern cliff face of Tianmen Mountain. It is one of the highest natural through-caves in the world, running from north to south, about 131 meters high and 57 meters wide, and from afar it looks like a gate hanging on the mountain. The Heaven-Linking Avenue leading to Tianmen Cave has 99 bends and is about 10.77 km long; visitors pass along it on the scenic eco-shuttle, and its stacked hairpin curves make a classic aerial photo. Upon arrival, visitors must climb the 999-step Heavenly Ladder to enter the cave (you can also take the escalator through the mountain for an extra fee). Tianmen Cave is included in the Tianmen Mountain ticket, and a visit takes about 1.5–2 hours. On rainy or foggy days, clouds often billow out from the cave, a sight known as “Tianmen Exhaling Mist.” The steps are steep and long, so those with average stamina are advised to take the escalator route.
Opening hours
Follows Tianmen Mountain scenic area, about 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Tianmen Mountain
- Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk
- Tianmen Mountain Temple
- Tianmen Fox Fairy Show
- Tianmen Mountain Cableway
- Dayong Ancient Town & Seventy-Two Qi Lou
- Puguang Temple
- Tujia Folk Customs Park