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Tianmen Mountain: 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate, Zhangjiajie

CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... 🇨🇳 OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie)

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... 🇨🇳 OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie)
Two Drifters47 min

CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... 🇨🇳 OR TOURIST. This was filmed by Two Drifters. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

In this travel vlog, we take on one of China's most iconic and challenging attractions, the 999-step Stairway to Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. Known for its breathtaking views, dramatic cliffs, and the legendary Heaven’s Gate, Tianmen Mountain is a must-see destination for visitors to Hunan Province. But is the climb really worth it, or is it a brutal tourist trap? Join us as we document every step, from the cable car ride to the top to the exhausting stair climb, and share our honest experience as international travelers exploring this stunning yet demanding site in China. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about one of China's most famous mountains, this video will give you an unfiltered look at what it's really like to climb the Stairway to Heaven.

--- Two Drifters
May 16, 2025, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Two Drifters set out from Zhangjiajie to climb Tianmen Mountain, beginning the day with breakfast before realizing they have not booked the cable car. That setback leads them to the famous 999 steps. A bus ride on winding roads takes them up the mountain, where they start climbing steep, narrow stairs. Along the way they meet friendly locals and other travelers, stop at a coffee shop and take in the scenery. At Heaven's Gate they see the views, a glass-floor viewpoint and a waterfall area used for parkour competitions. They descend by cable car and end the tiring day with Burger King. Their advice is to take the cable car up early, explore and walk down if time and energy allow.

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CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... 🇨🇳 OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie)

The climb begins with a change of plan

Two Drifters travel to Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. They start with breakfast, including bao buns and guzzas, then discover they have not booked cable car tickets. Instead of taking the cable car at once, they take a bus up a route of 99 winding roads and begin the 999-step climb. The stairs are steep and narrow, and the climb proves more difficult than expected.

They meet local people along the way, including a couple excited to speak with English visitors. A coffee shop halfway up gives them a place to rest. They share laughs and take photographs with other travelers, which makes the demanding climb feel more social. The steps still require effort, especially near the top.

Heaven's Gate and the descent

Reaching Heaven's Gate is a high point of the day. The pair look out over Zhangjiajie's scenery and visit a glass-floor viewpoint. They also see a waterfall area where parkour competitions take place. The view makes the long climb feel rewarding, but the walk is physically exhausting.

After exploring the summit area, they take the cable car down and finish the outing with a Burger King meal. For another visit, they recommend taking the cable car up in the morning, exploring the top and then walking down if time and energy permit. Cable car queues can be long during peak season, so extra time is useful. They also mention QR-code locks on toilet-paper boxes in some areas. The trip combines a missed booking, stairs, friendly encounters, mountain views and a careful return by cable car.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most challenging part of the climb?
A: The last section was the hardest, when the stairs became very steep and narrow. My legs were burning by the time I reached the top.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the trip?
A: Reaching Heaven's Gate stood out most. The view was incredible and made the effort of climbing all those steps feel worthwhile.
Q: What's your advice for other travelers?
A: Take the cable car up in the morning, explore the area and then walk down if you can. Be ready for a lot of steps along the route.
Q: What was the food like?
A: The breakfast bao buns and guzzas were great and inexpensive. At the end of the tiring day, we chose Burger King for a familiar meal.
Q: Did you meet any interesting people?
A: Yes, we met a friendly couple who were excited to meet English people. We even exchanged WeChat contacts.

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Tianmen Mountain: 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate, Zhangjiajie

CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... 🇨🇳 OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie) In this travel vlog, we take on one of China's most iconic and challenging attractions, the 999-step Stairway to Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. Known for its breathtaking views, dramatic...

Tianmen Mountain Zhangjiajie: 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate

Two Drifters embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey to Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China. Their vlog documents the climb of the iconic 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, capturing breathtaking views and dramatic cliffs. They share their honest experience as international travelers, offering an unfiltered look at this stunning, demanding site. From the cable car ride to the exhausting stair climb, the video provides a comprehensive account of their adventure, perfect for those planning a visit or simply curious about this famous Chinese mountain.

Attractions in this video: Tianmen Mountain, Heavens Gate, Stairway To Heaven, Glass Bridge, Zulong Cave