Written by Natalia |
Zhangjiajie is one of the most picturesque travel destinations in China, with its surreal sandstone peaks standing as some of nature’s grandest wonders. And except for its famous “Hallelujah Mountains,” its heart-stopping glass-bottomed bridges and skywalks have also attracted countless visitors to experience “walking in the air.” To help more people plan a rewarding Zhangjiajie tour with skywalks as the major highlight, this guide will provide every detail you need to go deeper into these wonders.
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- The World-Famous Bridges
- 1. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – The Record Holder
- 2. The Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk
- 3. Tianmen Mountain East Line Skywalk
- 4. Tianmen Mountain West Line Skywalk
- Head-to-Head: Glass Bridge vs. Glass Skywalks
- Other Glass Walkways in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Essential Planning Guide for Your Zhangjiajie Glass Skywalk Adventure
- FAQs about Safety and Pro Tips
- Plan Your Perfect Zhangjiajie Tour with China Xian Tour
The World-Famous Bridges
A Landscape Built for Awe
Zhangjiajie’s landscape can make people feel otherworldly. It would be quite shocking to really see the towering sandstone pillars, which have their peaks rise from deep ravines and are often shrouded in mist. Set within the vast Wulingyuan Scenic Area, these dramatic formations can be the most breathtaking backdrop if you’re taking views on the glass-bottomed bridges and skywalks.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in World Records
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge has long had its name shine among famous glass bridges in China. Opened in August 2016, this incredible construction had once been known as the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world at the time.
The designer had also put a lot of effort into considering how to ensure the bridge’s stability, so that it eventually got built with 99 triple-layer glass panels, which can hold up to 800 visitors at once. Besides, the site also has the world’s highest commercial bungee jump (260 m). All of these highlights together cement Zhangjiajie’s reputation as the ultimate destination for daredevil travelers.
1. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – The Record Holder
Key Facts & World Records
- Location: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Hunan Province
- Length: 430 meters (1,410 ft)
- Height: 300 meters (984 ft) above the canyon floor
- Opened: August 20, 2016
- Capacity: 800 people at a time
- Ticket Price: Around ¥138 (may vary by season)
The bridge immediately got its global fame when it opened in 2016, as it was officially recognized as the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge at the time. Its incredible scale and daring design have since then attracted a large number of visitors from all over the world. Looking down through the glass into the vast canyon below delivers both fear and fascination, and if you’re seeking an even more exciting experience, then you can visit its 260-meter bungee platform, one of the world’s highest. More than just a viewpoint, the bridge also stands as a symbol of the creativity and courage of human beings.
How to Get There
The bridge is located in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area in Cili County, so you’ll need a one-hour drive to reach here from Zhangjiajie city. Direct buses are available (from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station), and they can take travelers to the scenic area directly.
Besides, you can first go to Wulingyuan and then transfer to the site.
2. The Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalke
The Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk (Panlongya Glass Walkway) offers one of the most thrilling walks you can have in Zhangjiajie. Perched high on Tianmen Mountain, it’s about 100 meters long and only 1.6 meters wide. While looking like a transparent “dragon,” this bridge winds along the cliff face more than 1,400 meters above the ground. Opened in 2016, it has long served as a must-visit attraction for those seeking a breathtaking view and an adrenaline rush in a Zhangjiajie tour.
As you step onto the path, you’ll be able to see the famous 99-bend road beneath your feet, and this could be a rather surprising experience as you would see the road twisting like a ribbon through the valley. Clouds drift past, sometimes wrapping the walkway in mist, turning the moments you spend on the bridge into something almost surreal.
How to Get There
Take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway to the mountain’s summit area. From there, the cliffside trail toward the west section will take you to the Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk. It’s part of the broader network of glass walkways circling Tianmen Mountain.
3. Tianmen Mountain East Line Skywalk
The East Line Skywalk clings to the cliffs near the summit of Tianmen Mountain. It is about 60 meters long, and it stands at a height that is over 1,400 meters above sea level. This bridge has a rather long history since it was opened in 2015 as one of the first glass walkways built on the mountain.
Walking here can give visitors a sense of calm blended with a touch of thrill. You’ll find yourself literally walking on the clouds and below your feet, there’s sweeping view of the valley. The path stays close to the mountain rock, so that excepting for providing another layer of safety, the scene can also provide some excitement of standing above the void.
How to Get There
Take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway to the summit area, then follow the main walking route around the peak. The East Line section appears near the exit of the escalator tunnel that is close to Tianmen Cave. It’s part of the standard mountain loop, so you won’t need a separate detour, just follow the signs leading to the glass walkway.
4. Tianmen Mountain West Line Skywalk
The West Line Skywalk winds for roughly 60 meters along the cliffs of Tianmen Mountain (about 1,430 meters above sea level). It was first opened to the public in 2011, and it’s also part of the main scenic loop.
This walkway offers a slightly quieter yet deeply immersive experience. When the weather is clear, visitors can feel like they are walking on the sky, which is reflected in the glass. And when mist rolls in, the cliffs and path will then fade into clouds, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Because it hugs the rock wall closely, so that each step brings a tingle of adventure. The contrast between solid mountain and open air further makes walking here as emotionally stirring as it is visually spectacular.
How to Get There
Still, start your journey with the Tianmen Mountain Cableway and reach the summit. From there, follow the cliffside walking loop toward the Ghost Valley area, clear signs will lead you to the West Line Skywalk.
To enter the bridge, everyone will be required to put on shoe covers (which also cost a small fee) in order to protect the glass’s surface. Visiting early in the morning is most recommended as there will be fewer crowds and the best light.
Recommended Tour Packages:
3 Days Private Zhangjiajie Adventure Tour with Glass Bridge
11 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Guilin Tour
3 Days Zhangjiajie Private Tour: China Avatar Discovery
Head-to-Head: Glass Bridge vs. Glass Skywalks
Feature |
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge |
Tianmen Mountain Skywalks |
Experience |
Spanning the gap across a deep canyon, suspended hundreds of meters above its floor |
Clinging to cliff faces on Tianmen Mountain, with sweeping views of peaks, valleys, and the famous Tianmen Cave |
Thrill Level |
Extreme — you look straight down into the canyon |
High — you look out over drops to the side while walking along rock walls |
Main Activities |
Walking the bridge; optional bungee jump and zipline |
Walking, photography, exploring cliff paths and adjacent cliffwalks |
Best For |
Those seeking maximum adrenaline and “bucket list” thrills |
Travelers wanting dramatic views with more connection to solid rock and mountain terrain |
Ticket / Cost |
~ CNY 178 for Grand Canyon + Glass Bridge (Line B ticket) |
Entry to Tianmen Mountain is ~ CNY 278 including cable car, shuttle buses, etc. Glass-walk service (shoe cover) fee: ¥5 per section |
Other Glass Walkways in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Walkway Name |
Approx. Length |
Height |
Highlights |
West Line Glass Walkway (Tianmen Mountain) |
60 m |
1,430 m |
Narrow path on a cliffside with dramatic valley views. |
East Line Glass Skywalk (Tianmen Mountain) |
60 m |
1,430 m |
Near Tianmen Cave, perfect for short scenic walks. |
Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk |
100 m |
1,430 m |
Curved walkway with wide-angle photo spots. |
Essential Planning Guide for Your Zhangjiajie Glass Skywalk Adventure
Best Time to Visit
The most comfortable time to visit Zhangjiajie would be spring and autumn. Summer is not recommended as Zhangjiajie can be quite hot during this time. In comparison, spring and autumn are believed to provide the the mildest and most suitable weather for outdoor activities, and the scenery will also at its best.
And no matter which season your journey is planned, it’s always important to avoid public holidays such as the first week of October unless you also want to catch the festive vibe. During holidays, there would be enormously large crowds in all the attractions, and this can make access to the sites rather difficult.
What to Wear and Bring
Shoes are a key consideration when planning a skywalk trip. The right choices can most greatly ensure your safety and comfort. It is better to prepare some light and comfortable shoes with good traction, and definitely no high heels and slippery. Most attractions would also provide shoe covers to keep the glass clean and safe for walking. Besides, since the walkways are fully exposed in the outdoor space, sun protection should also be a major consideration, especially on sunny and clear days.
FAQs about Safety and Pro Tips
Are These Attractions Safe?
Yes. The glass bridges and skywalks in Zhangjiajie are all constructed with multi-layered tempered glass. They are designed and also tested to be able to handle heavy loads and stress. And all structures are inspected regularly, while visitor limits can add another layer of guarantee.
Who Should Avoid This?
People with serious heart conditions, vertigo, or mobility issues should reconsider and assess their conditions. Pregnant travelers and seniors with weak balance are also often advised to skip the glass walkways.
How to Conquer Your Fear
Move slowly and steadily, looking outward toward mountains, but not looking down. Take a breath and try some shorter walkways first if you’re uneasy. Many visitors find their confidence gradually builds with each step they take.
What is the official name of the main glass bridge, and how does it rank in terms of world height and length records?
The main span of the walk is officially named Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, which was claimed as the highest and longest of its kind at its opening in 2016.
Is it necessary to purchase tickets in advance for the glass attractions, and are there different ticket packages for the bridge and the Grand Canyon?
Bridge and canyon access require separate tickets, so advance booking is highly recommended.
What weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, or ice) can lead to the temporary closure of the glass bridge or skywalks?
Glass walkways may close during fog, rain, wind, or icy conditions, and these are made for ensuring visitors’ safety.
Recommended Tour Packages:
3 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour from Shanghai
5 Days Changsha and Zhangjiajie Tour by High-speed Train
Plan Your Perfect Zhangjiajie Tour with China Xian Tour
Zhangjiajie has long been one of the most attractive travel destinations in a China tour. And except for the skywalks, there are still many local highlights waiting for you to explore in this city. To have the best experience, we recommend you to consider joining a fully customized Zhangjiajie tour with China Xian Tour. Your local guides will prepare everything for you to provide you a smooth and rewarding trip, and you’ll get the chance to touch the essence of the land that embedded in every rock and plant of the mountains. With us taking care of everything for you, all you’ll have to think about along this journey is how to welcome the greatest moments and memories.
