Yibudengtian in Zhangjiajie

Yibudengtian in Zhangjiajie

Yibudengtian (一步登天) is the highest peak in the Zhangjiajie Scenic Area (张家界景区). It features an iron ladder with 32 steps that leads visitors to the summit. The peak is flat at the top and surrounded by iron railings. To the southwest, neighboring peaks are covered with lush trees, and the view toward Zhonghu (中湖) reveals a layered landscape. The first layer showcases two short, flat stone columns, while the second layer has three stone peaks — one resembling a person holding a child, with the child rubbing their eyes, another looking like a pair of lovers embracing, and a third resembling a large screen. To the south, there’s a stone peak that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, resembling a wooden club.

Zhangjiajie Adventure: From Yibudengtian to Tianzi Mountain

Journey to Yibudengtian (一步登天)

🌿 Follow the stone path for about 2 kilometers to reach Yibudengtian (一步登天).
Visitors need to climb an iron ladder to enjoy the breathtaking view at the summit.
After descending the same ladder, continue forward without turning back.

Air Corridor (空中走廊)

The next viewing platform is the Air Corridor (空中走廊).
The road narrows and extends down the mountain, leading to a valley where echoes resonate like the valley’s call.
Keep going and you’ll find the Air Corridor (空中走廊).

Tianzi Mountain (天子山)

After visiting the Air Corridor (空中走廊), return to the Yangjiajie Cableway Ticket Platform (杨家界索道售票平台).
Take an eco-bus to the next scenic spot.
Tianzi Mountain (天子山) is the final destination of the day, featuring: Shentangwan (神堂湾), Helong Bronze Statue (贺龙铜像), Yunqing Terrace (云青台), Yubi Peak (御笔峰), Tianzi Pavilion (天子阁), and Fairy Scattering Flowers (仙女散花).
From Yangjiajie (杨家界), take the eco-bus and get off at Shentangwan (神堂湾), then walk for 10 minutes along a small path.

Shopping and Cable Car Ride

Near Tianzi Pavilion (天子阁), there is a silver jewelry store where you can browse and buy souvenirs.
After exploring Tianzi Mountain (天子山), take the eco-bus to Tianzi Mountain Cableway Upper Station (天子山索道上站).
Buy a ticket (72 RMB for adults) and take the cable car down the mountain.
Finally, take the eco-bus to the Entrance Gate (标志门) to exit the scenic area.

Tips for Visitors

Prepare water and snacks: Food inside the scenic area is expensive and average in taste.
Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, especially in summer.
Insect repellent: Carry mosquito repellent, such as floral water.
Wear comfortable shoes: Climbing and descending the mountain can be challenging without proper footwear.

Travel Experience at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园)

Climbing all day, the entrance ticket was absolutely worth it! 🎫

In the morning, I set off for Yibudengtian (一步登天). The trail was muddy and wet. I picked up a branch to use as a walking stick. At first, I couldn’t find any shoe covers, so I walked barefoot. Realizing the road was getting worse, I went back and bought shoe covers. 🌿

When I reached Yibudengtian (一步登天), I looked up and saw a steep staircase made of iron rods. Since I was already there, I mustered the courage to climb. It was breathtaking! The sun came out, the mist cleared, and the view was simply stunning! 📸

The day’s route included entering through the East Gate (东门), taking the Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯), visiting Yuanjiajie (袁家界), Yangjiajie (杨家界) — including Yibudengtian (一步登天) and the Air Corridor (空中长廊) — and ending at Tianzi Mountain (天子山) before taking the cable car back to the East Gate (东门).

By 3 PM, I had finished touring Tianzi Mountain (天子山), so I decided to visit Ten-Mile Gallery (十里长廊) ahead of schedule. 🚶‍♀️

Although Ten-Mile Gallery (十里长廊) wasn’t that far, descending the stairs took an hour. My legs felt numb and shaky by the time I arrived. I opted to walk down the mountain instead of taking the small train. The scenery was worth it — blue skies, white clouds, and lush mountains. The downhill path wasn’t too tiring. 🌤️

Overall, the trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园) was incredible. The views were spectacular, and the experience left me feeling both relaxed and fulfilled.

Travel Information

Duration

Less than 1 hour

Transportation

Enter through Yangjiajie Ticket Station (杨家界门票站) and climb via Balipo (八里坡) to the summit.
Alternatively, take the eco-bus from the surrounding scenic areas to Wulong Village Bus Stop (乌龙寨车站).
Walk about 40 minutes to the intersection of Yibudengtian (一步登天) and Balipo (八里坡), then hike for about an hour to Yibudengtian (一步登天).
Another 30-minute walk will take you to the Air Corridor (空中走廊).