Tianmen Mountain
Known as “the First Divine Mountain of Western Hunan”, Tianmen Mountain carries over 1700‑year‑old historical and folk culture. Its name dates back to 263 AD, when a massive natural cave formed on the cliff. Emperor Sun‑Xiu regarded it as an auspicious sign of “gateway to heaven”, hence the name Tianmen (Heaven‑gate) Mountain.
Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest‑altitude natural through‑cave, is regarded by local Tujia people as a sacred passage between mortal world and heaven. The 999‑step “Heaven‑Climbing Staircase” symbolizes the journey to immortality in Chinese folklore.
Legends tell that the ancient strategist Guiguzi once lived and practiced in the cliff‑hanging Guigu Cave. The cliff‑built Guigu Plank Road and Glass Skywalks echo this Taoist‑hermit legend. Walking on the transparent glass path high above deep valleys creates the feeling of wandering among clouds.
Tianmen Mountain is also a world‑famous venue for wingsuit flying, representing human courage to challenge nature. The mountain blends traditional folk beliefs, Taoist‑Buddhist culture and modern extreme‑sports spirit.
Yuntiandu Glass Bridge (Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon)
Yuntiandu (“Crossing‑Cloud‑Bridge”) is a spectacular suspension glass bridge spanning two mountain peaks over a deep canyon. Its name means “Heaven‑like bridge, to carry all people across”慈利县人民....
Rooted in ancient Tujia folk tales, local people had long dreamed of a magical fairy bridge connecting the two sides of the gorge. The modern glass bridge brings this old myth to reality.
Designed under the Chinese philosophy of “harmony between human and nature”, the light‑weight structure merges gracefully into the natural valley scenery. It has won international bridge‑engineering awards. Walking across the transparent deck 280 m above the forest valley offers a breathtaking experience, symbolizing people’s courage to overcome fear and cross barriers.