Tianmen Mountain switches to Route C on 13 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 04:20 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Tianmen Mountain changed to Route C on 13 October 2026 after renovation work stopped passenger operations on the full main cableway. The mountain attraction in Zhangjiajie, China, remains accessible, but travellers now enter through Mountain Gate and use the Tianmen Cave Express Cableway.
Route C is now the only route at Tianmen Mountain
The operator announced that the full cableway would cease carrying passengers from 13 October 2026. Round-trip Routes A and B and one-way Routes 1 and 2 are suspended, with their return date to be announced separately as construction progresses.
Route C takes visitors from Mountain Gate to Tianmen Cave by express cableway. From behind the cave, the seven-stage mountain-crossing escalator leads to the summit, and the same route is used in reverse. The official Route C operating notice says the shuttle between the lower cableway station and Mountain Gate continues to run.
Renovation changes the journey to the summit
The change removes the main cableway from the visitor route, including the long ascent from the city area. It also means Routes A and B are unavailable, while the summit attractions remain part of the Route C journey through the cave area and escalator system.
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. The park covers 96 square kilometres, and its main peak reaches 1,518.6 metres above sea level. The Hunan tourism authority profile describes the site as a national 5A tourist attraction.
The 999-step Heavenly Ladder leads towards Tianmen Cave, while a glass-bottomed walkway is attached to the mountain above the canyon. The Route C change therefore affects the approach to these features rather than removing them from the published sightseeing route.
What Route C means for visits in October 2026
The operator has not given a reopening date for Routes A and B. Its notice also warns that the West Line Glass Skywalk, East Line Glass Skywalk, Panlong Cliff Glass Skywalk and the Stairway to Heaven may close temporarily because of weather, maintenance or events.
Visiting Tianmen Mountain: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Route C has applied from 13 October 2026, and Routes A, B, 1 and 2 are suspended.
- Access remains available through Mountain Gate, with the express cableway to Tianmen Cave and the seven-stage escalator to the summit.
- The shuttle between the lower main cableway station and Mountain Gate continues to operate, linking the city-side station with the revised entrance.
- The visit includes steep mountain terrain, the 999-step Heavenly Ladder and cliff-side attractions, although some features may close temporarily.
- The official languages are Mandarin Chinese and other recognised Chinese languages, and the national currency is the renminbi.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Tianmen Mountain
When did Route C become the only operating route at Tianmen Mountain?
Route C became the only operating route on 13 October 2026, when the full main cableway stopped carrying passengers for renovation.
What has changed at Tianmen Mountain?
Routes A and B and one-way Routes 1 and 2 are suspended. Visitors use the express cableway from Mountain Gate and the mountain-crossing escalator instead.
Where is Tianmen Mountain and how do you get there?
The park is in Zhangjiajie City in Hunan Province, China. The continuing shuttle connects the lower main cableway station with Mountain Gate, where Route C begins.
