All Zhangjiajie Tours & Excursions in 2026

What an incredible experience! Climbing the 999 steps to Tianmen (Heaven's Gate) was both challenging and rewarding. Our previous guide, Simone, jokingly told us that the fastest time she had seen someone complete the climb was seven minutes, perhaps as revenge for all the hiking we made her do! My partner and I were determined to give it a go and managed to reach the top in 9 minutes and 50 seconds, with our guide Syler cheering us on throughout the adventure. Tianmen was every bit as stunning as the Avatar Mountains, and we're so glad we included it in our itinerary. The scenery was breathtaking, especially as the mountains became shrouded in mist. Having Syler as our guide made a huge difference. The area is vast, and it would be easy to get disoriented as daylight fades and the mist rolls in. Syler made navigating the mountain effortless and ensured we could focus on enjoying the experience. Another highlight was visiting the 72 Stilted Buildings, which were absolutely mesmerizing. In our opinion, they were even more beautiful than Hongya Cave in Chongqing and are well worth a visit. With plenty of performances, activities, and photo opportunities inside the complex, there was always something to see and do. Special thanks to Syler for being so accommodating, helping us navigate the sites, and ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the day. Between the breathtaking views, the unforgettable climb to Heaven's Gate, and the beauty of the 72 Stilted Buildings, we had a truly wonderful experience and would highly recommend this tour.