Tianzi Mountain (天子山, Son of Heaven Mountain), located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is one of the four major scenic areas of the park. It stands at the highest point in the “Golden Triangle” region, renowned for its breathtaking views and unique natural beauty. Often described as an “expanded bonsai” or a “miniature fairyland,” Tianzi Mountain offers an enchanting landscape with towering peaks and verdant forests.
Historically, Tianzi Mountain was known as Qingyan Mountain before the Ming Dynasty, named for its lush green stone forests. In 1353, during the Yuan Dynasty, a Tujia leader named Xiang Dakun was invited by scholar Li Boru, who lived in the Huanglong Spring Cave at the base of Qingyan Mountain, to ascend the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, Xiang Dakun, with Li Boru’s assistance, led a rebellion and established a stronghold, claiming the title of “Xiang King Tianzi” or “Son of Heaven.” He was seen as a representative of various ethnic groups, particularly the Tujia people, and gained their support and admiration. After the failed uprising, the local people honored Xiang Dakun’s memory by naming the area where he fought and lived as “Tianzi Mountain” to commemorate his legacy.
The mountain’s highest peak, Kunlun Peak, reaches an elevation of 1,262.5 meters, while the lowest point, Shilan Gorge, is at 534 meters. The scenic area covers approximately 67 square kilometers, with a 45-kilometer circular hiking route that allows visitors to explore its diverse terrain. The best time to visit Tianzi Mountain is from April to October, when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Tianzi Mountain
- Vlog about Tianzi Mountain
- Other Attractions in Zhangjiajie Scenic Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0744-5712189 |
Location and Transportation
Tianzi Mountain is situated within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China. It lies to the east of Suoxi Valley, south of Zhangjiajie, and north of Sangzhi County. Although Tianzi Mountain is closest to the park entrance at “Tianzi Mountain Ticket Station,” most visitors prefer to enter the park through the “Forest Park Ticket Station,” which is the nearest major entrance to Zhangjiajie city, and exit through the “Wulingyuan Ticket Station” on the eastern side of Tianzi Mountain.
To reach the Forest Park Ticket Station, which is the most convenient entrance from the city, take a direct bus from Zhangjiajie City Bus Station (next to the train station). The bus ride takes approximately 40 minutes, covering a distance of about 30 kilometers.
Highlights of Tianzi Mountain
Shentang Bay (神堂湾)
Shentang Bay is a secluded, crescent-shaped valley surrounded by sheer cliffs that resemble knife cuts. It is perpetually enveloped in mist and rain, creating an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere often described as a “mysterious paradise.” According to local legend, this is the place where Xiang Wang Tianzi, the “Son of Heaven,” ascended to the heavens.
Accessing Shentang Bay requires climbing a perilous nine-level ladder, with each step barely wide enough for a single foot. At the base of the valley lies a deep, mysterious pool with dark green waters that seem to have no bottom. The valley experiences a chill year-round, with persistent mist, rain, and swirling clouds. One of the most intriguing aspects of Shentang Bay is the faint sound of gongs, drums, and distant voices that visitors occasionally hear. This eerie phenomenon is actually caused by the collision of air currents between the valley and nearby viewpoints, creating natural acoustic effects that mimic these sounds.
Sky Garden (空中田园)
Sky Garden is situated to the right of Tianzi Mountain, about two kilometers from the direction of the Old Tiger’s Mouth and Lover’s Path, at an elevation of over 1,000 meters. It features a dramatic setting with an abyssal gorge below and towering cliffs that rise hundreds of meters above. At the top of these cliffs is a terraced field of about three hectares, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding rugged landscape.
The garden is encircled by verdant peaks, dense forests, and swirling white clouds, resembling a majestic landscape painting. Standing in the Sky Garden, visitors can experience a sense of tranquility and wonder, as if transported to a fairyland. The cool breeze, enveloping mist, and panoramic views of the lush peaks and cascading streams evoke a feeling of being in a picturesque, celestial realm.
Immortal Bridge (仙人桥)
Immortal Bridge, also known as “The First Bridge Under Heaven,” is a natural rock formation located on Monkey Slope, directly opposite Wangye Cave beneath Tianzi Peak. This remarkable bridge measures 26 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width, and over 1 meter in thickness, with a height of approximately 60 to 70 meters. It gracefully spans a chasm between two sheer cliff faces, showcasing an extraordinary natural engineering feat often described as “a masterpiece of heaven and earth.”
The bridge is composed of red sandstone, and its ends are adorned with towering Yellow Mountain pine trees and rhododendrons, adding to its picturesque beauty. The lush greenery surrounding the bridge enhances its charm and allure. At the eastern end of the bridge, natural stone steps lead down from the bridge’s surface. Walking along these steps provides a thrilling experience, as visitors look down into the abyss below, which can be quite dizzying due to the sheer drop.
