Tianmen Mountain Lines A/B/C: Which Route Should You Take?
Tianmen Mountain offers A, B and C routes differing in how you go up and down. Choosing well means shorter queues and a smoother day.
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (Yongding District) offers several up/down combinations, usually grouped into routes A, B and C:
- Route A: ride the long cableway up (toward the summit), then descend via the express cableway / shuttle through Tianmen Cave. Easier — good for most visitors and elders.
- Route B: ascend through the Tianmen Cave side first, descend by cableway — good if you want to climb the 999-step 'Stairway to Heaven' or ride the escalator up.
- Route C: express cableway both ways, skipping the downtown long cableway — common for self-driving or special arrangements.
Highlights: Tianmen Cave (a rare high-altitude natural arch), Tongtian Avenue (a 99-bend mountain road), the glass skywalk (shoe covers optional), Guigu Plank Road, and the long cableway with views over the winding road.
Tips: book ahead in peak season; the summit is cooler than downtown — dress warmly. Cableway operation may change in high winds or maintenance; follow the day's official notice.
(Routes and prices follow the official operator; this article quotes no specific prices.)