Conquering the Little Tianmen Mountain

🌈 Highlights: Forgot to book tickets in advance, so I had to purchase the B-line ticket for the 14:00 slot on-site. Here’s a simple itinerary I put together—hope it helps! ✅ Route Plan (B-line Core Process) According to the latest park policy, the B-line route is as follows: Downtown Tianmen Mountain Cableway Lower Station → Free shuttle bus to the mountain gate → Tianmen Cave Express Cableway uphill → Tianmen Cave & 999-step staircase → 7-level mountain-piercing escalator to the summit → East/West Line core attractions → Main cableway downhill back to downtown. Below is the detailed time allocation: 1️⃣. 14:00-14:30 Mountain Gate to Tianmen Cave Express Cableway ◦ Take the free 10-minute shuttle bus from the downtown cableway station to the mountain gate, then queue for the express cableway (B-line wait time today: ~10 mins). ◦ The 5-minute express cableway takes you to the mountainside, followed by a 10-minute walk along Fuyuan Boardwalk to Tianmen Cave Square. 2️⃣. 14:30-15:30 Tianmen Cave & 999-Step Staircase ◦ Visit Tianmen Cave (a natural karst cave spanning 131.5m high and 57m wide). If you’re up for it, challenge the 999-step "Stairway to Heaven" (~40 mins one way) or pay ¥32 for the lower escalator (5 mins one way). ◦ Note: The steps are steep—wear non-slip shoes and take breaks at viewing platforms. 3️⃣. 15:30-16:00 Mountain-Piercing Escalator to Summit ◦ Ride the free 7-level escalator (included in the ticket) to the summit, enjoying the surreal mountain interior views along the way. 4️⃣. 16:00-18:30 East/West Line Exploration ◦ **West Line Highlights**: Glass Walkway (¥5 shoe covers) → Ghost Valley Plank Path (cliffside walk) → Ghost Valley Cave (best shot with telephoto lens) → Cherry Bay → Tianmen Mountain Temple. ◦ **East Line Gems**: Jade Pot Peak (top photo spot) → North View of Tianmen → Wood-Stone Love → Drunk Cloud Pavilion. ◦ Prioritize the West Line, then explore select East Line spots if time allows (~2.5 hours total). 5️⃣. 18:30-19:00 Main Cableway Descent ◦ Take the 30-minute cableway from the summit back to downtown, overlooking Zhangjiajie’s panorama. Last ride departs at 19:30—allow 10 mins for ticket checks. 🕐 Park Hours: 07:30-19:30 (last entry at 16:00), subject to official notices. 🚗 Transport Tips: ✅ 1. **Drivers**: Park at the cableway lower station lot (¥10/12h for cars, ¥20 for buses) or stay at nearby hotels like the Four Famous Residences Aesthetic Inn (5-min walk, free parking). ✅ 2. **Train/Flight Arrivals**: Taxi (~15-20 mins, ¥15-20). My hotel offers free airport/station transfers—super convenient! 💗 Extra Tips: 💰 **Costs**: B-line ticket (¥278) covers express/main cableways + escalators. Excludes: lower escalator (¥32), glass walkway shoe covers (¥5), forest sightseeing cable car (¥25). ☁️ **Weather & Gear**: Overcast today (20-26°C)—pack a light jacket, non-slip shoes, and a foldable umbrella/poncho. Fog may close the glass walkway; listen for park announcements. ⭕️ **Emergency**: In storms/winds, head to shelters (e.g., Tianmen Mountain Temple) and heed safety alerts.