Tianmen Mountain Heaven-Linking Avenue in Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain’s winding road, known as the Heaven-Linking Avenue, is a remarkable highway located in Tianmen Mountain (天门山) in Zhangjiajie (张家界), Hunan Province, China. This mountain road has earned the nickname “通天大道” (Tōngtiān Dàdào), meaning “Sky-Linking Avenue,” due to its striking and scenic design.
General Information
- Length: 10.77 kilometers
- Elevation: From 200 meters to 1300 meters
- Characteristics: The road winds around the mountain and has 99 bends, including 180-degree sharp turns that give it a unique and awe-inspiring appearance. The road curves tightly, much like a jade belt (玉带环绕), and it is often described as “the first road wonder of the world” (天下第一公路奇观).
Tianmen Mountain Overview
Tianmen Mountain is the highest peak in the Yongding District (永定区) of Zhangjiajie, located just 8 kilometers from the city center. The mountain, known for its stunning natural wonder, Tianmen Cave (天门洞), was once called Songliang Mountain (嵩梁山), and also known as Yunmeng Mountain (云梦山) and Fanghu Mountain (方壶山). It is one of the earliest famous mountains documented in history, with its main peak reaching an elevation of 1518.6 meters. The mountain was established as a national forest park in 1992.
Construction of the Road
The Heaven-Linking Avenue was constructed starting in 1998 and was fully completed in 2005. The construction of this winding road was challenging due to the unique geological and climatic conditions of Tianmen Mountain. The road was eventually opened in May 2005, and its steep and dramatic design led it to be dubbed “Sky-Linking Avenue,” with its 99 sharp turns and breathtaking scenery, offering visitors a surreal journey up to the peak.
Legendary Events at Tianmen Mountain
Li Na’s Visit
In May 1997, famous Chinese singer Li Na (李娜) visited Tianmen Mountain. She felt a spiritual awakening during her visit and decided to embrace Buddhism. After a month, she shaved her head and took on the monastic name Shi Changsheng (释昌圣), marking the beginning of her spiritual journey.
First Airplane Through Tianmen Cave
In December 1999, a world-record-breaking event took place when a pilot flew an aircraft through Tianmen Cave (天门洞), the world’s first time an airplane flew through a natural cave. This stunning feat astonished audiences worldwide.
Construction and Development
The development of Tianmen Mountain into a premier tourist destination began in 2002, with an investment of nearly 600 million yuan to turn it into a world-class scenic area. By 2005, both the Heaven-Linking Avenue and the world’s longest mountain cable car (天门山观光索道) were completed, offering stunning views as they connect the base of the mountain with the summit.
Tianmen Mountain’s Recognition
In 2005, Tianmen Mountain was rated as one of the “Best Forest Parks in China” by the Asia-Pacific Tourism Association and the World Chinese Tourism Cooperation Organization.
High-Speed Cable Car
The Tianmen Mountain cable car, which spans 7455 meters and climbs 1279 meters in elevation, offers a breathtaking ride up to the summit. It is the longest cable car ride in the world, and the cable car’s path is often compared to a rainbow or a giant dragon soaring through the clouds.
Air Show
In March 2006, an air show by the Russian Air Force (俄罗斯空军) featuring Sukhoi Su-27 and Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft thrilled global audiences, drawing more than 800 million viewers to watch the live broadcast.
Awards and Recognition
Tianmen Mountain’s stunning beauty and tourist-friendly amenities have earned it a place among China’s top travel destinations. In March 2006, it was selected as one of the “Top 50 Most Worthwhile Places to Visit in China” by over 30 media outlets.
Artistic Contributions
The mountain has inspired several famous Chinese figures:
- Literary master Jin Yong (金庸) wrote the words “Tianmen Immortal Mountain” (天门仙山).
- Calligraphy master Shen Peng (沈鹏) inscribed “Curved Road Leading to the Sky” (曲道通天), highlighting the road’s magnificent design.
- Famous artist Huang Yongyu (黄永玉) has painted two works showcasing the mountain’s beauty.
Poetry
Well-known poet Wang Xinjian (王心鉴) wrote a poem, “Step onto Tianmen Mountain” (步天门山), which captures the mountain’s ethereal beauty:
“Several times in dreams I wandered,
The cool breeze carries flowers in ten miles.
Every step on the stairs leads to the Milky Way,
A vast cloud path winds around the green cliffs.
A secluded valley hides an ancient temple,
The rugged mountain views resemble the mystical Penglai.
Bathe in mist and twilight, entering a strange realm,
Mind tranquil, closer to the Jade Terrace.”
Recent Developments
Tianmen Mountain’s Five-Star Rating
Tianmen Mountain was officially granted a 5A tourist destination by the National Tourism Administration in 2011, solidifying its reputation as one of China’s premier natural wonders.
Skating Feat
On July 22, 2012, Yves Brondy, a French extreme skater known as the “Transforming Rollerblade” (轮滑变形金刚), performed a stunning 20-minute descent from Tianmen Cave to the mountain’s base using rollerblades, adding yet another extraordinary chapter to the mountain’s history.
The Future of Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain continues to develop as a major tourist destination, with ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and visitor experiences. The road, cable car, and stunning views remain a major draw for travelers from around the world, offering both adventure and spiritual tranquility in equal measure.
Legendary Stories, World-Class Views, and Spiritual Awakening
Tianmen Mountain (天门山), with its Heaven-Linking Avenue (通天大道), remains a beacon of natural beauty and human achievement, attracting travelers, adventurers, and spiritual seekers from around the world.
