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Zhangjiajie: Climbing 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate

WE CLIMBED 999 STEPS IN ZHANGJIAJIE CHINA!

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
WE CLIMBED 999 STEPS IN ZHANGJIAJIE CHINA!
Paula and Henry30 min

WE CLIMBED 999 STEPS IN ZHANGJIAJIE CHINA!. This was filmed by Paula and Henry. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

In the next 48 hours, we are going to explore the beautiful city in China called Zhangjiajie. This is Paula's most sought-after trip in this series. We went to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park on day 1 and the next day, we visited the Tianmen Mountain.

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--- Paula and Henry
November 4, 2025, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Paula and Henry's Zhangjiajie adventure is a visual feast, inspired by Avatar's floating mountains. They conquer the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, marveling at towering sandstone pillars and riding the colossal Bailong Elevator. From Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain, they navigate scenic routes, sample local snacks, and even encounter lively monkeys. The climax is Tianmen Mountain, where they ascend the legendary 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, experiencing scenic views above the clouds. This journey is an example of the raw, majestic beauty of China.

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WE CLIMBED 999 STEPS IN ZHANGJIAJIE CHINA!

Zhangjiajie’s Avatar mountains

Paula and Henry embark on an awe-interesting 48-hour adventure in Zhangjiajie, China, a landscape famously recognized for interesting the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Their journey begins at the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where they rise early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise, even with a bit of cloud cover. The park boasts five main scenic points, and the duo focuses on three, utilizing the convenient bus system that transports visitors between areas. Their first major stop is Yuanjiajie, where they ascend via the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, offering scenic views of the sandstone pillars that dominate the scenery. Despite Paula's fear of heights, the spectacular vistas make the exhilarating ride worthwhile. Continuing their exploration, they hike through the Yanji Xi scenic area, eventually reaching Hallelujah Mountain. The sheer scale of the sandstone pillars, some reaching 200 meters tall and formed by millions of years of erosion, is a constant source of wonder. They also visit the World's Number One Bridge, a natural rock formation that once formed a single mountain. Visitors can tie ribbons here for good luck. The adventure then takes them to Tianzi Mountain, where they experience the local cuisine, trying items like an egg hot dog and grilled squid skewers, noting the lively food stalls catering to tourists.

Trails, lifts and Tianmen Mountain

The views from Tianzi Mountain offer a different perspective, with pillars appearing thinner and more numerous, resembling toothpicks compared to the grand columns seen earlier. Their journey concludes with a hike along the Golden Whip Stream, offering a ground-level view of the mountains and a cooler, shadier environment. Here, they encounter playful monkeys, receiving a crucial tip: do not eat in front of them, as they may snatch food. They also learn to avoid provoking the monkeys to prevent aggressive behavior. The hike also reveals signs warning of falling rocks, an example of the dynamic nature of the landscape. The second day is dedicated to Tianmen Mountain, a destination reached via a bus ride and a cable car. They opt for a less crowded route, appreciating the memorable cable car journey through the mist. The highlight is the ascent to Heaven's Gate via the famous 999 steps. While Henry tackles the steep climb, Paula utilizes an indoor escalator, a convenient alternative for those with physical limitations or a fear of heights. Reaching the summit, they are rewarded with a notable view above the clouds, a truly scenic finale to their Zhangjiajie exploration. The journey concludes with a ride on the world's longest cable car, offering a final, spectacular perspective of the unique landscape.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most scenic place visited?
A: The most scenic place was Zhangjiajie, with its crazy landscape that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
Q: What is the Bailong Elevator?
A: It's the world's largest outdoor elevator, over 300 meters tall, that takes you up to the mountains for a glimpse of the Avatar Mountains.
Q: What is the World's Number One Bridge?
A: It's a natural rock formation that was once part of a mountain, which collapsed due to erosion, leaving a bridge-like structure.
Q: What food did you try at Tianzi Mountain?
A: We tried an egg hot dog, grilled squid skewers, and rice cake pancakes. The squid skewer was particularly good, freshly grilled and juicy.
Q: What should you be careful of with the monkeys at Golden Whip Stream?
A: You should not eat in front of them, as they might snatch your food. Also, do not yell at or provoke them, as they might become aggressive.
Q: How many steps are there to Heaven's Gate?
A: There are 999 steps leading up to Heaven's Gate on Tianmen Mountain.
Q: What are the options for navigating Tianmen Mountain?
A: There are three options, including taking a bus to the mountain's foot, a cable car up, and then the world's longest cable car down, or variations of these.
Q: What was the experience of riding the world's longest cable car like?
A: It was spectacular, stretching about 7.5 km and taking around 30 minutes. Riding through the clouds offered a memorable and grand view.

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Zhangjiajie: Climbing 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate

In the next 48 hours, we are going to explore the beautiful city in China called Zhangjiajie. This is Paula's most sought-after trip in this series. We went to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park on day 1 and the next day, we visited the Tianmen Mountain. 0:00 - Introduction 0:43 - East Gate...

Zhangjiajie Travel: Avatar Mountains, 999 Steps & Tianmen

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Zhangjiajie, China, where Paula and Henry conquer the legendary 999 steps to Heaven's Gate. This adventure takes you through the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, featuring the awe-inspiring Bailong Elevator and the stunning Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Witness the natural wonder of the world's No. 1 Bridge and ascend Tianzi Mountain for panoramic views. The exploration continues to the mystical Tianmen Mountain, promising a truly epic travel experience.

Attractions in this video: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Hallelujah Mountain, World's Number One Bridge, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, Tianmen Mountain, Heaven's Gate, 999 Steps