What to Expect
The 99-hairpin cliff road (通天大道, Tōngtiān Dàdào — Road to Heaven) is one of China’s most photographed roads, winding up the cliff face of Tianmen Mountain through 99 switchbacks over 10.77 km. Buses drive it to the summit; almost no one walks it.
Walking the descent is an unusual, quiet experience. You share the road only with the occasional shuttle bus. The views of Zhangjiajie city spreading below between hairpins are extraordinary.
Difficulty
Rated hard not for elevation (it’s all downhill) but for knee strain. 1,200 metres of descent over 8 km on tarmac is punishing on the knees. Use trekking poles if you have them. This trail is not suitable for anyone with knee problems.
The Route
Take the Tianmen Mountain cable car to the summit first. From the upper bus station, join the road heading downhill. The road is well-signed and impossible to lose — just follow the switchbacks down.
Allow 2.5–3.5 hours to the city base. The final section runs through the Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park before meeting the cable car base station road.
Practical Tips
- Start the descent by 2pm to ensure you reach the base before dark.
- Bring trekking poles — knee strain is the main challenge.
- The road surface is tarmac throughout. Trail shoes or road shoes work well; no hiking boots needed.
- Buses do not stop to pick up walkers on the descent road. You cannot hitch a ride.