Tianmen Danxia Mountain in Ziyun County, Guilin
Overview
Tianmen Mountain (天门山) is a scenic area located in Ziyun County (资源县), Guilin (桂林), in Guangxi Province (广西省). The core area of the park covers about 146 hectares. The landscape is characterized by Danxia geomorphology, a type of landform formed by red sandstone. The area includes a variety of scenic spots, including Baihuigu Valley (百卉谷) in the east, One Line Sky (一线天) and Shenxianzhai (神仙寨) in the west, and Peach Blossom Island (桃花岛). The main peak, Sannv Stone (三娘石), has an elevation of 630 meters. The mountain formed during the Proterozoic orogeny about 30 million years ago. The scenic area received more than 1,200 visitors per day during the 2025 May Day holiday.
Tianmen Mountain is a National 3A-level tourist attraction and is also a National Geological Park, National Forest Park, and a provincial-level scenic spot. It is known for its natural landscapes, including 38 rocks, 19 ravines, 2 ponds, and 8 stones, and the preservation of 56 acres of primitive forest at the summit of Shenxianzhai. Recent additions include a glass observation platform and cable cars that combine natural scenery with human experiences.
Geography and Location
Tianmen Mountain is located on the western side of the Yuechengling Mountains (越城岭山脉), 8 kilometers from Ziyun County. It lies at 26°13′N latitude and 110°35′E longitude. The Danxia landscape here developed during the Proterozoic orogeny, forming vertical stone pillars and red sandstone peak forests. The highest peak in the scenic area, Shenxianzhai, reaches 630 meters and retains 56 acres of original forest, which includes southern yew (南方红豆杉), a nationally protected plant species.
The Zi River (资江), flowing from south to north, passes through the scenic area and forms several remarkable riverfront features such as Tianmen Lock (天门锁江) and General Riding Horse Town (将军骑马镇天门). Over 360 types of Chinese medicinal herbs have been identified in the area, making Baohuigu Valley (百药谷) a popular ecological research site.
Major Scenic Spots
One Line Sky (一线天)
Located in the western section of the park, One Line Sky is one of the core attractions, stretching over 400 meters. The narrowest part of the passage is only 0.32 meters, with a vertical cliff drop of up to 120 meters. The area features 1,098 stone steps, where visitors can see Tianmen murals and the Worry-Free Spring (忘忧泉), along with other geological relics.
Shenxianzhai (神仙寨)
Shenxianzhai is home to the Sky Glass Viewing Platform (天之港), one of the world’s most famous high-altitude viewing projects, alongside the Colorado U-shaped platform. The original forest at the summit of Shenxianzhai is home to Quaternary glacial relict plants, including the cold spruce (冷杉).
Baihuigu Valley (百卉谷)
Located in the eastern section of the park, Baihuigu Valley is a major tourist area, home to over 20 scenic spots, including Tian Shu Descends from Heaven (天鼠下凡) and Silver Beach (银沙滩). The valley is particularly famous for its 80-acre rhododendron flower sea in May, making it a seasonal attraction for visitors.
Tourism Development
The development of Tianmen Mountain began in 1997 when infrastructure, such as cable cars and walking trails, was built. In 2024, a new glass observation platform, hanging 208 meters above the ground, was opened to the public, offering a thrilling viewing experience. The park offers two primary tourist routes:
Zi River Essence Tour (资江精华游): Includes scenic water views like Tianmen Lock and Peach Blossom Island.
Mountain Exploration Route (登山探险线): Covers core areas like One Line Sky and Shenxianzhai.
In 2025, the park plans to introduce Tianmen Mountain Exploration Tours and the Sea of Clouds Photography Festival to create a full-season tourism experience.
Ticket Prices and Hours
Tianmen Mountain: 38 RMB
Zi River Essence Tour: 124 RMB
Cable Car One-way: 58 RMB, Round-trip: 110 RMB
Operating Hours: 08:30 – 16:00
Practical Information
Transportation
The park has an eco-friendly parking lot that can accommodate up to 200 vehicles. There are also direct buses from Guilin Bus North Station to Tianmen Mountain, with a journey time of about 2.5 hours.
Recommended Duration
It is recommended that visitors spend 4 to 6 hours exploring the park. The best visiting season is between April and October.
Important Notes
Footwear: Wear non-slip shoes for the mountain trails.
Rainy Season: During the rainy season, the Zi River rafting might be suspended.
Fire Regulations: Open flames are prohibited in the primitive forest area.
Nearby Attractions
Tianmen Lock (天门锁江)
General Riding Horse Town (将军骑马镇天门)
Peach Blossom Island (桃花岛)
Baohuigu Valley (百卉谷)
Shenxianzhai (神仙寨)
Tianmen Mountain (天门山) offers a unique combination of stunning Danxia geomorphology, ancient geological features, and rich cultural heritage. With its newly developed facilities, including the glass viewing platforms and cable cars, it presents a seamless blend of nature and modernity for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the one-line sky, hiking to the Shenxianzhai summit, or admiring the rhododendron blossoms in Baihuigu Valley, Tianmen Mountain is an unmissable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
