Tianzi Mountain – the Awe-Inspiring Summit of Zhangjiajie

Written by Clementine | Updated December 25,2025

Boarding Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to the south, Tianzi Mountain is one of the core scenic zones in Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and thus a can’t miss for any Zhangjiajie travel. It particularly stands out for the spectacular stone pinnacles densely scattering across the area, earning it the title “Kingdom of Peaks”. The highest peak of it is 1262.5 meters (Kunlun Mountain) and the lowest peak is 534 meters (Shilan Valley). The total acreage of the scenic area is 67 square kilometers, and the tour route around the mountain is 45 kilometers.

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• Fast Facts about Tianzi Mountains
• Why It is Called Tianzi Mountain?
• How Were the Tianzi Mountains Formed
• Tianzi Mountains Geology
• Main Attractions in Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve
• Recommended Routes for Visitors
• Tianzi Mountain Cable Car
• How to Buy Entrance Tickets?
• When is the Best Time to Visit Tianzi Mountain
• How to get to the Tianzi Mountain
• Attractions Nearby Tianzi Mountain
• FAQs about Tianzi Mountain
• Plan Your Zhangjiajie Adventure with China Xian Tour

Fast Facts about Tianzi Mountains

• Location: Located in Wulingyuan Scenic Area. In the north of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, east to Suoxiyu Scenic Area.
• Geology type: quartz sandstone
• Tickets: Included in the through ticket of Wulingyuan Scenic Area (CNY 224 per person); CNY 72 for a single trip of Tianzi Moutain cableway.
• Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30 (peak season); 08:00-17:00 (low season)
• Why Visit (Highlights):Spectacular peak forest landscape, sea of clouds and sunrise, panoramic view of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, rich biodiversity.
• Visiting Time Needed: 4-5 hours
• Best Time to Visit: Spring & autumn, especially in April & October.
• Highlight: Fields in the Sky, Tianzi Temple, the Western Sea Peaks Forest

Why It is Called Tianzi Mountain?

Tianzi Mountain was formerly known as Qingyan Mountain. It got its current name because the Tujia ethnic leader Xiang Dakun proclaimed himself the Tianzi at this place. In the Ming Dynasty, Xiang Dakun once led a peasant uprising in this area to fight for freedom and independence. To honor his bravery and indomitable spirit, locals renamed the mountain range Tianzi Mountain.

How Were the Tianzi Mountains Formed

The formation of the Tianzi Mountains is the result of the incredible geological changes taking place over hundreds of millions of years. About 318 million years ago, this area is believed a deep sea. A quartz sandstone layer over 500 meters thick was formed at that time because sand and mud from nearby ancient lands were carried to this area by water.

Then, the continuous tectonic movements transform this seabed into land. The surface of the  quartz sandstone layer, thus was exposed, and underwent erosion from weathering and gravitational collapse. The original sandstone layer was gradually fragmented into the peaks and valleys we see today.

The original sandstone layer contained both resistant quartz sandstone and the weaker layers, the hard sandstone was left during the weathering and gravitational collapse, forming the current isolated peaks in Tianzi Mountain.

Tianzi Mountains Geology

From a geological perspective, Tianzi Mountain is composed of two layers: the Permian shale limestone, which is 900 meters above the elevation, and the Devonian sandstone and quartz sandstone, which are spread out horizontally below 900 meters. The formation of vertical sandstone joints and the long-term application of external forces resulted in the formation of the distinctive landform of the vertical canyons and slab peaks on both sides of Tianzi Mountain.

Main Attractions in Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve

Fields in the Sky

Fields in the Sky is situated more than 1,000 meters above sea level on the right side of Tianzi Villa, near Tiger Mouth, Lover Road, two km from Tujia village.

The Sky Garden Valley is underneath it. There are hundreds of meters of cliffs in the deep valley, with a 3-hectare good field at the top of the cliff. The fields, towering trees, and white clouds resemble a stunning landscape painting,hence the name Fields in the Sky.

Helong Park

This park was constructed to commemorate Marshal He Long, one of China’s revolutionary heroes and founding fathers who was born in Sangzhi County in Zhangjiajie. An iconic symbol of the park is the bronze statue of Marshal He Long, boasting one of the largest figure sculptures in modern China.

Sitting at a relatively higher elevation in the scenic area, the park offers expansive views of Tianzi Mountain. There are several observation decks for visitors to marvel at the panoramic views of the magnificent peaks, valleys, and sea of clouds in this area.

Tianzi Pavilion

Tianzi Pavilion is located on a terrace 200 meters east of Helong Park. The three characters of “Tianzi Pavilion (天子阁)” were inscribed by Guan Shanyue, a master of contemporary landscape painting and Lingnan painting school.

Tianzi Pavilion is 30 meters high; It is an antique building with six floors and four eaves. Tianzi Pavilion offers a panoramic view of Tianzi Mountain.

Yunqingyan

Yunqingyan is a famous natural observation platform in Tianzi Mountain, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire scenic area. This platform is near to the statue of Marshal He Long and got its name for the frequent mist-shrouded scenery in this area. This massive rock platform spans hundreds of square meters, featuring a flat and open stage extending out from the edge of the cliffs. Here photographers will easily catch some great photos of the dawn, sunset, and sea of clouds after rain or in the early morning.

Western Sea Peaks Forest

A top highlight of the natural landscapes in Tianzi Mountain, the Western Sea Peaks Forest is comprised of thousands of stone peaks which are in diverse shapes and heights. The best observation platform to admire this natural wonder is Yunqingyan, where you can see the peak forest stretching out like a magnificent sea.

Imperial Brush Peaks (Yubi Feng)

One of the most representative natural landmark in Tianzi Mountain, Imperial Brush Peaks got its name for the multiple stone peaks standing in uneven rows in this site. There is one peak particularly standing out, which towers over 100 meters and looks like a inverted imperial brush. The peaks are at their most beautiful when being embraced by spring blossoms or the mist.

Dianjiang Terrace

Meaning commanding terrace, Dianjiang Terrace is said the place where the Tujia leader Xiang Dakun once counted soldiers and issued commands to his troops. Dianjiang Terrace is located in the central area of Tianzi Mountain, offering great panoramic view of the endless peaks, especially the West Sea Stone Forest.

Shentang Bay

Shentang Bay should be the most mysterious site in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It is surrounded by sheer cliffs on four sides, and can only be peered from an opening on one mountainside. Since being encircled by lush forests and perpetual mist, the bay seems bottomless from above. Currently, visitors can only observe the bay from the observation deck above, and are not allowed to enter the bay. As you get close to the edge of the bay, you’ll hear the faint sounds of drums, trumpets, and battle cries, contributing to the enigmatic allure of the bay.

Recommended Routes for Visitors

Option A: The Express Tour (4 hours)

Focus: Take the cable car to have a round-trip for maximum views with minimum hiking.

Route: Cable Car (Up) → Helong Park → Yunqingyan → Tianzi Pavilion → Cable Car (Down).

Why choose this? This route is designed for those short on time but still want to capture the essence of Tianzi Mountain. The cable car can take visitor to quickly embrace a view on the high vantage point. You are also allowed to visit three of the key viewpoints and eventually descend without long trekking.

Option B: Moderate Exploration (Half Day, ~5–6 hours)

Focus: Combine the cable car with a bit more walking and more viewpoints.

Route: Shuttle bus to Lower Station → Cable Car (Up) → Fields in the Sky → West Sea Peaks Forest → Dianjiang Terrace → Walk/hike or shuttle bus to exit or Cable Car (Down).

Why choose this? If you’re not that short in time and are comfortable with walking, then this route gives you greater breadth. You’ll start via cable car to save some time, then explore more scenic zones like the West Sea stone forest by foot or shuttle bus.

Option C: Full Scenic Loop (One Day)

Focus: A deeper immersion of Tianzi Mountain plus nearby areas in one full day itinerary.

Route: Early arrival → Shuttle to Lower Station → Cable Car Up → Helong Park → Yunqingyan → Western Sea Peaks Forest → Trek/hike along trails down (or walk to nearby spots like Ten-Mile Gallery) → Cable Car or shuttle bus down in afternoon.

Why choose this? This is for the visitor who wants to fully explore the mountain zone with an abundant time and doesn’t mind more walking. Along this route, there are multiple highlights waiting for you and you’ll get to explore site slower and more relaxing.

Tianzi Mountain Cable Car

The lower station of the Tianzishan cable car is situated in the Suoxiyu Nature Resert on the west slope of Zhaigong Bay, while the top station is situated in the northeast of Tianzi Mountain, close to the Yellow River Viewing platform. The “Wulingyuan Ticket Station” is accessible by free eco-car from the lower station.

In June 1996, the Tianzi Mountain cable car was constructed by Hunan Wulingyuan Ropeway Co., LTD., with a total length of 2091m, and was officially put into operation in May 1997. The Tianzi Mountain cable car was further updated and officially opened on February 6, 2016.

Its fastest one-way trip takes six minutes. Each carriage can hold eight people. It travels at a speed of six meters per second, and it handles 2100 passengers each hour.

When you ride the Tianzishan cable car, you’ll observe odd pines and rocks, verdant forests, isolated springs, and playful monkeys.

How to Buy Entrance Tickets?

• Prices of tickets

Notes: The combo ticket includes four core scenic spots (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, Tianzi Mountain) of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The ticket is valid for 4 days with many scenic spots in the scenic area, so, it is necessary for visitors to plan the tour route before travelling.

Opening time: 07:00-18:30

• Prices of transportation

When is the Best Time to Visit Tianzi Mountain

The best time to visit Tianzi Mountain is April to October. During these months, the natural scenery is charming with green and density trees and blooming flowers.

Tips: Visitors had better avoid the official holiday in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays to ease the pressure of their work. As a result, many Chinese tourist attractions are overcrowded and traffic jams are common. Therefore, visiting China at this time will bring tourists a less pleasant travel experience.

Best time of day (for certain spots):

• Sunrise / Early morning: It’s the best time tocapture the “sea of clouds” across the peaks, especially at Helong Park or Yunqingyan, mist and lighting will create a miracle for you.
• Mid‐morning:After early mist clears and before larger crowds arrive, this period is good for people to walk and enjoy viewpoints with clearer skies.
• Late afternoon / Sunset: Great for dramatic lighting on pinnacles (especially Imperial Brush Peaks), but be prepared that visibility may reduce if mist rolls in.

How to get to the Tianzi Mountain

• by Bus

Visitors can take the direct shuttle bus at the Zhangjiajie Bus Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and then take a battery car or walk to Tianzi Mountain.

• by Cable Car

Visitors can take cable car to Tianzi Mountain directly, which is not only a way to save time and energy, but also a good choice for visitors to enjoy the charming scenery that cannot be seen by walking.

Attractions Nearby Tianzi Mountain

• Yangjiajie Scenic Area
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

FAQs about Tianzi Mountain

How did Tianzi Mountain get its name and what’s the legend behind it?

It was originally named after Xiang Dakun, a Tujia ethnic leader who once led an uprising during the late Yuan Dynasty. Locals believed he was blessed by heaven, so after his death, they named the peaks where he fought “Tianzi” to honor him, as in Chinese, “Tianzi” means “Son of Heaven,”

How long does it take to explore Tianzi Mountain’s main scenic spots?

A typical visit takes 4 to 6 hours if you combine the cable car and walking. However, if you plan to hike between scenic spots or even connect your trip with Yuanjiajie, then you’d better expect a full-day itinerary of about 7-8 hours.

How does the cable car system at Tianzi Mountain work, and where are the boarding stations?

The Tianzi Mountain Cable Car runs between Suoxiyu Valley (lower station) and Tianzi Pavilion (upper station). The one-way ride takes around 5-7 minutes and the whole trip covers approximately 2,100 meters. It operates year-round but winter would see reduced hours.

What facilities are available at the top of Tianzi Mountain (restaurants, restrooms, shelters)?

At the summit area (near Helong Park and Tianzi Pavilion), there are a lot facilities like small restaurants, snack stalls, souvenir shops, and public restrooms. And along the main waling paths, there are many rest shelters and observation decks are well-marked, so you can take a break according to your own pace.

How can visitors combine Tianzi Mountain with nearby attractions in a one-day or two-day itinerary?

If you only have one day, pair Tianzi Mountain with Yuanjiajie and return via the Bailong Elevator. But you are comfortable to spend 2 days in this trip, then combine Tianzi Mountain with Yangjiajie and Golden Whip Stream. Consider staying overnight in Wulingyuan Town as this area provides easier access and early-morning views.

Plan Your Zhangjiajie Adventure with China Xian Tour

Tianzi Mountain is definitely a must-included part of any Zhangjiajie trip. Its natural beauty is shocking and even a glance of it can leave you an unforgettable memory. Join China Xian Tour to have a customized Zhangjiajie tour, which will give you all the best services and most smooth experience. With us taking care of all the details, just let yourself fully immersed in Zhangjiajie’s unparalleled charm.