The Scariest Glass Skywalk in China: Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan

If you’ve seen viral clips of people crawling, clinging to rails, or screaming on glass walkways in China… there’s a good chance those scenes were filmed in Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan.

Here at YellowBirdTour, we guide travelers across some of the most thrilling glass structures in the world – and one of our absolute favorites is the Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk (also called the glass walkway or glass plank path). Hanging more than 1,400 meters above the valley, this narrow glass path wraps around a sheer cliff on Tianmen Mountain, giving you the dizzying feeling of walking on air.

As your expert local guide in China, I will guide you through:

• What exactly the Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk is.
• Why many travelers call it the scariest glass skywalk in China.
• How it compares to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.
• How you can experience it on our 4‑day Zhangjiajie Tour and 5‑day Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Tour that already include Tianmen Mountain and its glass walkway.
• Practical tips to make the most of your visit.

What Is the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk?

Cliff‑Edge Glass Walkway High Above Zhangjiajie

The Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk is not a typical suspension bridge. It’s a narrow glass walkway built directly into the side of the cliff near the summit of Tianmen Mountain, in Zhangjiajie, Hunan.

From the top, you look down through transparent panels to see:

• The sprawling city of Zhangjiajie far below.
• The legendary 99 Bends Road (also called Heaven‑Linking Avenue), a mountain road with 99 hairpin turns leading towards the Heaven’s Gate area,.
• Forested valleys and dramatic limestone cliffs plunging beneath your feet.

Different sections of Tianmen’s glass paths vary slightly, but reliable travel and attraction guides describe them as:

• Around 60–100 meters long.
• Roughly 1.6 meters wide – just enough for two people to pass.
• Clinging to the cliff at around 1,400–1,500 meters above sea level,.

In our tours, we refer to this experience as the Glass Walkway or Glass Plank Path:

• On our 5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town tour, Day 4 includes “the breathtaking Glass Walkway suspended high above the cliffs”.
• On our 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour, we walk along the Glass Plank Path “suspended atop the cliffs” after taking the cable car up Tianmen Mountain.

Whether you call it a glass skywalk, glass walkway, or glass plank path, the feeling is the same: you’re walking along a cliff edge, with a vertical drop visible right under your feet.

How High and How Long Is the Glass Skywalk?

Travel guides and visitor reports agree on the key numbers:

• Altitude: The glass skywalks are perched at about 1,400–1,500 meters above sea level, which is why the views are so vast and the drop feels so intense,.
• Length: Main sections are roughly 60–100 meters long, winding around the cliff. They may be short compared to long suspension bridges, but the narrowness and exposure make every step memorable.

Imagine:

• A transparent path, barely wider than your arm span.
• A solid rock cliff on one side.
• Only a glass barrier and clean mountain air between you and the valley below on the other.

This is the type of experience thrill‑seekers dream about – and people with a fear of heights talk about for years afterwards.

Glass Skywalk vs. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

In Zhangjiajie, you’ll find two world‑famous glass experiences:

1. Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk – the cliff‑edge walkway on Tianmen Mountain.
2. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – the huge glass‑bottom bridge spanning a deep canyon.

They are different attractions, in different scenic areas, and we include both in our tours.

Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk

• Type: Cliff‑edge glass walkway / glass plank path built into the mountain.
• Location: Near the summit of Tianmen Mountain, part of Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park,.
• Height: Around 1,400–1,500 m above sea level, hugging sheer cliffs,.
• Experience: Look straight down through glass to the valleys and 99 Bends Road below; walk literally on the edge of the mountain,.

This is the experience we include on:

• 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour – Tianmen Mountain day with glass plank path.
• 5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town – Day 4 with the Glass Walkway.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is a separate, record‑breaking attraction:

• Type: Long glass‑bottom suspension bridge across a deep canyon.
• Location: The Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie, another scenic area near the city.
• Known for being, at its opening, the world’s longest and highest glass‑bottom bridge, and still one of the most spectacular glass bridges on the planet,.

On our 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour, we dedicate a full day to this area:

• Day 3: Glass Bridge Walk and Golden Whip Brook – in the morning, we drive to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you “walk across the Glass Bridge suspended 429 meters above the canyon floor,” then continue exploring the canyon.

On our Singapore‑focused Zhangjiajie guide, we highlight it as “once the longest and highest glass‑bottomed bridge in the world”.

In short:

• Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk = narrow cliff‑edge glass walkway.
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge = massive glass bridge suspended over a canyon.

Our itineraries are designed so you can experience both: the scariest glass skywalk in China and one of the most iconic glass bridges in the world.

Why the Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway Feels So Scary

Looking Straight Down Through the Glass

Even though the Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk is relatively short, travelers often say it feels more intense than longer glass bridges. Why?

• The glass panels are directly under your feet, crystal‑clear when the weather is good.
• You can see the entire vertical drop – cliffs, trees, roads – with no visual “buffer”.
• The walkway is narrow, so you’re always close to the edge.

From the perspective of a guide who has walked this route many times, the key psychological trigger is the combination of:

• Transparency: Your brain sees nothing solid under you.
• Exposure: The cliff drops away sharply; there is no gentle slope.
• Movement: Other travelers walking, stopping, or taking photos around you can make the glass feel even more “alive”.

Our guests often start confidently, then suddenly slow down or freeze as the valley opens beneath them. But with gentle encouragement (and a rail to hold on to), most complete the walk and step off with a huge smile.

The Height, the Cliffs, and the 99 Bends Below

The scenery below the glass walkway makes it even more dramatic:

• You look down at the iconic 99 Bends Road, a twisting mountain road with 99 sharp curves leading up the mountainside,.
• You see the deep green of the valley far below, framed by dramatic rock faces and ridges.

It’s not just “high” – it’s visually overwhelming. You’re not over a flat plain; you’re over a maze of cliffs and serpentine roads that constantly remind you just how high you are.

Is It Safe?

Despite the fear it provokes, the Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk is designed to be very safe:

• It is part of a major national tourist site with strict safety and maintenance standards,.
• Only a controlled number of visitors are allowed on the walkway at a time.
• You’ll usually be asked to wear protective shoe covers to prevent scratching the glass.

In practice, thousands of travelers walk these glass paths every year. The fear is real, but the structure is built to withstand far more than it actually carries.

As guides, we walk it regularly – and we wouldn’t bring our guests onto anything that wasn’t safe.

More Things That Make Tianmen Mountain Unique

Tianmen Mountain is much more than just its glass skywalk. It’s one of the top attractions in Zhangjiajie, listed right alongside the National Forest Park and the Grand Canyon,.

Tianmen Mountain Cable Car – One of the Longest in the World

The adventure begins even before you reach the glass walkway.

Tianmen Mountain is famous for its cable car, often described as one of the longest cableways in the world:

• The ride takes about 30 minutes, rising from Zhangjiajie city to the summit area,.
• It spans roughly 7.5–7.6 km from the lower station to the top, offering a continuous panorama of mountains, valleys, and cityscape,.

On our tours, we highlight this experience clearly:

• On the 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour, we “take the 7.6 meter long glass‑encased lift up the mountain, enjoying views of Zhangjiajie city and the winding 99 Bends Road below” (the text says “7.6 meter”, but in reality it’s a 7.6 km cableway).
• On the 5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Tour, we “take the 7.6 meter long glass‑encased cable car up the mountain, enjoying panoramic views of Zhangjiajie city and the winding 99 Bends Road below”.
• In our Zhangjiajie overview, we describe it as the world’s longest cableway, with a 30‑minute ride and breathtaking views.

Watching the 99 Bends Road twist below you from the cable car is one of the most unforgettable moments in Zhangjiajie – and a perfect preview of what awaits on the glass skywalk.

Tianmen Cave – the “Heaven’s Gate” with 999 Steps

At Tianmen Mountain, there’s another iconic landmark: Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate.

• It’s a huge natural arch / hole in the mountain, visible from far away and deeply symbolic in local culture,.
• To reach it from the top, you descend 999 stone steps, a number associated with eternity and good fortune in Chinese culture,.

Our tours include this in detail:

• On the 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour, after the Glass Plank Path, “we’ll descend 999 stone steps to Tianmen Cave, a giant karst formation known as the Gate of Heaven”.
• On the 5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Tour, from the mountain top, you “descend 999 stone steps to the magnificent Tianmen Cave. Often called the ‘Gate of Heaven,’ allow time to explore this giant karst formation”.
• In our Zhangjiajie planning guide, we list Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate) as one of Tianmen’s three essential highlights, along with the glass skywalk and cableway.

Standing in front of Heaven’s Gate after conquering the glass walkway feels like a true “I made it” moment.

The 99 Bends Road – China’s Legendary Mountain Road

The 99 Bends Road (Heaven‑Linking Avenue) is itself a famous sight:

• A road with 99 sharp hairpin turns leading from the base area up towards Tianmen Cave,.
• It looks like a silver dragon curling up the mountainside when viewed from the cable car or viewpoints.

On our tours, we make sure you see this road from multiple perspectives:

• From the cable car, as you glide above it,.
• From the glass walkway, looking straight down at its dizzying curves.
• From viewing platforms, where you can appreciate how dramatically it climbs the mountain.

How to Visit the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk with YellowBirdTour

We design our Zhangjiajie itineraries so you can enjoy the glass skywalk, cable car, and Heaven’s Gate in one smooth, well‑organized day – with a local expert guide at your side.

4‑Day Zhangjiajie Tour with Tianmen Mountain Glass Plank Path

Our 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour is a perfect choice if you want a focused, nature‑and‑adrenaline trip. Tianmen Mountain is the grand finale.

On this tour, you:

• Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, including Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain), and Golden Whip Brook,.
• Experience the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge on Day 3, walking 429 meters above the canyon floor.
• On the final day, visit Tianmen Mountain to complete your glass‑themed adventure:
  • Take the glass‑encased lift / cable car up the mountain, with views over Zhangjiajie city and the 99 Bends Road below.
  • Walk along the Glass Plank Path suspended atop the cliffs – this is your Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk experience.
  • Descend 999 stone steps to Tianmen Cave, the Gate of Heaven.
  • Return to the city and transfer to the train station or airport to catch an evening departure.

This itinerary is ideal if you:

• Have limited time.
• Want both Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk.
• Prefer a private, well‑paced tour with transfers included.

5‑Day Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

If you’d like to mix adrenaline with culture and history, our 5 Days Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town tour is designed for you.

After spending the first days in Zhangjiajie’s natural wonders, Day 4 focuses on Tianmen Mountain, and Day 5 lets you immerse in ancient‑town charm.

On Day 4, as described in our itinerary:

• We drive to scenic Tianmen Mountain.
• Take the glass‑encased cable car up, enjoying panoramic views of Zhangjiajie city and the winding 99 Bends Road below.
• Walk along the breathtaking Glass Walkway suspended high above the cliffs – your Tianmen glass skywalk moment.
• Descend 999 stone steps to Tianmen Cave, the magnificent “Gate of Heaven”.
• After visiting Tianmen, we transfer to Fenghuang Ancient Town by high‑speed train or vehicle.

In Fenghuang:

• You stay in a well‑preserved historic town whose residents are predominantly of the Miao ethnic minority.
• In the evening, you can stroll along the scenic Tuo River banks, with old wooden houses and bridges lit up at night.

This tour is perfect if you want:

• The full Tianmen Mountain experience (cable car, glass walkway, Heaven’s Gate).
• The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (usually earlier in the itinerary).
• A memorable cultural add‑on in one of China’s most atmospheric ancient towns.

Why Experience Tianmen with a YellowBird Local Expert

At YellowBirdTour, we specialize in:

• Local expert guides in every country – including Zhangjiajie specialists who know the mountain routes, weather patterns, and crowd‑avoidance tactics inside out,.
• Tailor‑made itineraries & small groups, giving you flexibility and a more personal experience on the mountain and in the town,.
• Seamless airport/train station transfers, private transportation, and thoughtfully chosen 5‑star accommodation on our Zhangjiajie tours.

For Tianmen Mountain specifically, traveling with our guide means:

• Choosing the best time to ride the cable car and visit the glass skywalk (to avoid the longest queues and thickest fog),.
• Clear explanations in English about the different routes, ticketing, and options, which can be confusing if you go alone,.
• Calm, reassuring support if you’re nervous about heights – and help taking those once‑in‑a‑lifetime photos on the glass.

Practical Tips for Your Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk Visit

Best Time to Visit

Based on both local experience and independent Tianmen travel guides, the best seasons to visit are:

• Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November):
  • Milder temperatures.
  • Generally clearer skies and more stable weather,.

Summer can be beautiful but hotter and more humid, with a higher chance of mist. Winter can bring snow and ice, which is atmospheric but also means some paths may be slippery,.

Within the day:

• Morning visits are often best to avoid the largest crowds and to catch clearer views before afternoon clouds roll in.

What to Wear and Bring

We recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip – you’ll be walking on stairs, paths, and occasionally damp surfaces,.
• Layered clothing – it can be cooler and windier at the top than in the city.
• Small backpack for water, snacks, and a light jacket.
• Camera or smartphone with a secure strap – the views from the cable car and glass walkway are incredible.

At the glass walkway:

• Be prepared to put on protective shoe covers provided at the entrance, to protect the glass surface and keep it clear for photos.

Safety, Tickets, and Queues

Tianmen Mountain is one of the top attractions in Zhangjiajie and can get very busy, especially during Chinese public holidays and peak seasons,. On your own, you’d need to:

• Choose between different route lines (A, B, or C), which mix cable car and bus options,.
• Navigate ticketing options and timed entries, which can change seasonally.
• Deal with possible long queues at the cable car and shuttle buses.

On a YellowBirdTour itinerary, we handle:

• Advance planning of routes and times to smooth your day.
• All tickets, transfers, and connections between Zhangjiajie, Tianmen, and (on the 5‑day tour) Fenghuang.
• Real‑time adjustments based on weather, visibility, and crowd patterns, thanks to our local guides on the ground.

Is the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk Right for You?

For Thrill‑Seekers

If you love:

• High viewpoints.
• Skywalks and glass bridges.
• Experiences that make your heart race…

…then the Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk is a must‑do. Pair it with:

• The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – once the longest and highest glass‑bottom bridge in the world,.
• Other Zhangjiajie highlights like the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator at 326 meters,.

You’ll go home with some of the most impressive “I did it!” stories (and photos) of your life.

For Travelers Who Are Afraid of Heights

Many of our guests arrive saying, “I’m not sure I can do the glass walkway.” And yet:

• Most end up crossing at least part of it – slowly, maybe clutching the rail – but proud and exhilarated at the end.
• You don’t have to rush; you can take your time, step by step.
• You can always choose to enjoy the view from solid ground if you prefer. The cable car and mountain viewpoints alone are worth the trip.

As your guide, our job is to:

• Respect your comfort level.
• Encourage without pressuring.
• Offer alternative positions (like staying on the nearby stone path) if the glass simply isn’t for you.

For Families, Couples, and Photographers

The Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk and surrounding attractions also work wonderfully for:

• Families with older children and teens – the glass walkway adds excitement to the trip and becomes a shared family story.
• Couples – dramatic clifftop views, Heaven’s Gate, and evening strolls in Fenghuang make for romantic memories.
• Photographers – unique angles of the 99 Bends Road, floating clouds around the peaks, and reflections on the glass panels.

With our small‑group or private tour formats, we can adapt the pace and photo stops to your interests.

Plan Your Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk Adventure

Tianmen Mountain offers a rare combination:

• One of the world’s longest cable car rides, taking around 30 minutes from city to summit,.
• A natural Heaven’s Gate with 999 steps, carved into a towering karst wall,.
• A cliff‑edge glass skywalk, suspended at roughly 1,400–1,500 meters above sea level, often described as one of the scariest glass walkways in China,.

At YellowBirdTour, we’ve designed two key itineraries that let you experience this fully and comfortably:

• 4 Days Zhangjiajie Tour
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, Golden Whip Brook,.
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge at 429 meters above the canyon floor.
  • Tianmen Mountain glass plank path, cable car, and Heaven’s Gate on your final day.
• 5 Days Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town
  • Zhangjiajie’s essential highlights and glass bridge.
  • A full Tianmen Mountain day with the Glass Walkway and 999 steps to Tianmen Cave.
  • A cultural finale in Fenghuang Ancient Town, home to Miao minority residents and picturesque Tuo River nights.

Both tours are led by local expert guides, include private transportation, and are crafted with a balance of must‑see sights and flexibility for your pace,.

If the idea of stepping onto a glass skywalk high above Zhangjiajie excites you (or scares you, just a little), this is your invitation.

Join us in Zhangjiajie, and let YellowBirdTour guide you across Tianmen Mountain’s glass skywalk – safely, confidently, and with the kind of stories you’ll be telling for years.