Tianzi Mountain

天子山

The “King of Peak Forests,” home to Imperial Brush Peak, Fairy Offering Flowers and He Long Park; the highest viewing area in Wulingyuan, reached by cable car for panoramic views of the thousands of peaks.

Tianzi Mountain lies in northern Wulingyuan, with its highest point, Kunlun Peak, at 1,262 meters above sea level. It got its name because Xiang Dakun, a Tujia chieftain, declared himself “Son of Heaven” here. Its viewing platforms overlook the entire forest of peaks and are praised as the “King of Peak Forests” and an “enlarged bonsai, shrunken wonderland.” Highlights include Imperial Brush Peak (several sharp peaks standing like brushes stuck upright, the most famous image of Tianzi Mountain and also the design on Wulingyuan tickets), Fairy Offering Flowers, He Long Park (a bronze statue of Marshal He Long and a viewing platform), Yunqing Rock and Dianjiang Terrace. Flat walkways connect the viewing platforms, and the whole loop takes about 1.5–2 hours. Getting up and down: take the Tianzi Mountain cable car (connecting Tianzi Mountain and Suoxiyu, about 72 yuan one way, 7 minutes), or take the eco-shuttle from Yuanjiajie via Yangjiajie and Daguan Platform. You can also take the eco-shuttle from the upper station of the Tianzi Mountain cable car to Yuanjiajie to form a loop. Tianzi Mountain is also the best spot for watching sunrise, sea of clouds and winter rime ice. If you want to photograph the sunrise, you can stay at Dingxiangrong Village guesthouse inside the scenic area (accommodation is limited, so book in advance). Tickets are included in the Wulingyuan combined ticket. Notes: Tianzi Mountain is about 5°C colder than the foothills, so it is cold in the early morning and evening. On foggy days with very poor visibility, you can first visit Huanglong Cave, Shili Gallery or other rainy-day alternatives. The cable car stops in strong winds. There are many commercial stalls near He Long Park, and prices are high.

Tianzi Mountain

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby