Chapan Tower in Zhangjiajie

Chapan Tower in Zhangjiajie

Chapan Tower Scenic Area (茶盘塔风景区) is a breathtaking tourist destination located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. It is named after its unique shape, resembling a giant Tujia tea tray. The stunning platform offers visitors a sense of otherworldly beauty and endless charm, while showcasing the mysterious underground scenery.

Key Information

Location: Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province (湖南张家界)
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: 258 RMB
Famous Attractions: Shuanghe Cave (双合洞), Tianzi Peak (天子峰), Xianren Bridge (仙人桥)
Shape: Resembles a giant Tujia tea tray

Main Attractions of Chapan Tower Scenic Area

Lover’s Tryst (情人幽会)

A beautiful peak naturally split into two halves, appearing like a couple embracing each other. The surrounding hills are serene and secluded, adding a sense of romantic mystery to the area.

Difficult Step (一步难行)

This peak, shaped by thousands of years of geological activity, features a 15-meter-long and only 1-meter-wide rock crevice. From the stone platform above, you can peer into the deep abyss below — a heart-pounding sight. Those with a fear of heights often hesitate, leaving behind a lingering regret.

Shezi Rock (舌子岩)

Clusters of peaks rise sharply through the sea of clouds, resembling a pack of wild wolves crouching and sticking out their tongues.

Xianren Bridge (仙人桥)

Located on Tianzi Mountain (天子山) within the Chapan Tower area, Xianren Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge measuring 26 meters long, 1 meter thick, and 67 meters high. The bridge spans across two cliffs, appearing as though crafted by celestial beings. The stone walls on either side are covered with lush plants, including wind-resistant grasses. A spring flows through the vegetation, and the sound of trickling water can be heard as one crosses the bridge, adding to the ethereal experience.

The formation of Xianren Bridge is similar to Nantian Gate (南天门), the First Bridge under Heaven (天下第一桥), and Tianqiao (天桥), created by the collapse of soft rock layers along intersecting fractures.

Tianzi Peak (天子峰)

Tianzi Peak is the highest point of Tianzi Mountain (天子山), standing at an elevation of 1,262.5 meters. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie (张家界), and Suoxi Valley (索溪峪). It is the perfect spot to capture stunning photographs of the sea of clouds and witness breathtaking sunrises. According to legend, this was once the residence of Xiang Wang Tianzi (向王天子).

Shuanghe Cave (双合洞)

Shuanghe Cave lies at the base of the tiered cliffs in the Chapan Tower area within the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve (天子山自然保护区). It consists of two parallel caves — a dry cave and a water cave.

The dry cave is over 30 meters wide, 26 meters high, and stretches for more than 2 kilometers. The roof is smooth, with stone pillars standing like ancient sentinels. When illuminated, visitors can faintly see the carved inscription:

“天下太平” (meaning “Peace under Heaven”).
The walls are adorned with intricate rock formations resembling curtains, bamboo forests, stone beasts, and maidens, all shimmering with vibrant colors.
The water cave is deep and damp, with a tranquil pool about 5 meters below the surface. The crystal-clear water allows for bamboo rafts to float along its expanse, reflecting the cave’s mystical beauty.

Chapan Platform (茶盘场)

The iconic Chapan Platform resembles a massive Tujia tea tray. Standing on the platform, visitors feel an unearthly sensation, immersed in the magical landscape. From here, you can marvel at the surrounding wonders, including Xianren Bridge (仙人桥), Shuanghe Cave (双合洞), Lover’s Tryst (情人幽会), Difficult Step (一步难行), Shezi Rock (舌子岩), and Tianzi Peak (天子峰).

Travel Information

Ticket Price

Admission Fee: 258 RMB
Discounts:
- Children under 1.2 meters: Free
- Seniors over 70 years old (with valid ID): Discount available
- Active military personnel (with officer ID): Discount available

Transportation

By Bus: From downtown Zhangjiajie, there are frequent buses to the Tianzi Mountain ticket station (天子山门票站). The bus fare is approximately 15 RMB. Most buses go to Wulingyuan Town (武陵源镇), where you can take a motorbike taxi (about 3 RMB) to the entrance.
By Park Shuttle: Visitors entering the scenic area from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园) or Suoxi Valley (索溪峪) can use the park’s free eco-friendly shuttle buses to reach Chapan Tower.