Zhangjiajie offers two distinct glass-walkway attractions. One is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, spanning the canyon formed by Wulingyuan’s quartzite pillars. The other is the set of three Tianmen Mountain Skywalks, clinging to a cliff near Tianmen Mountain’s summit. Although often conflated, they differ greatly:
Even one-day itinerary planners must note: the two sites are physically separate. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Cili County) and Tianmen Mountain are about 74 km apart by road (roughly a 1¼–1½ hour drive).
Table: Glass Bridge Key Facts
Feature | Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Glass Bridge) | Tianmen Mountain Skywalks (East/West/Panlongya) |
Type | Single canyon-spanning bridge | Three cliff-mounted walkways (loop route) |
Length | 430 m (1,410 ft) | 60m (each east/west), 100m (Panlongya) |
Height Above Ground | 300 m above canyon floor | ~1,430–1,520 m elevation (cliff edge) |
Opened | August 2016 | 2011 (west), 2015 (east), 2016 (Panlongya) |
Ticket | Bridge route: ~¥128–219 (adults); (CNY 63 concession) | No extra fee beyond Tianmen admission – ¥5 shoe-cover service |
Main Activities | Glass walk + optional bungee jump and zipline | Glass walk only (plus hiking Tianmen’s trails) |
Fear Factor | Extreme (spans a deep, open canyon) | High (exposed cliff-edge, but path on mountain slope) |
Opened in 2016, this is a suspension bridge of reinforced glass panels. It’s 6 m wide and 430 m long, hanging 300 m above the canyon floor. At launch it boasted multiple world records (longest glass span, highest glass bottom), though taller/longer spans have since opened elsewhere. It was closed after 13 days due to record-setting crowds (they’d planned for 8,000 visitors per day but 10× arrived). After adding safety measures (more elevators, expanded paths) it reopened – now carrying up to 800 people at a time.
Construction details highlight strength: each glass panel is 5.1 cm thick, triple-laminated tempered glass. Before public use, reporters hammered the panels and even drove a car over them – only the top layer cracked, while the structure held dozens of people. The manufacturer claims an elephant could stand on it safely. Designers also stress redundancies: sturdy concrete anchors and stainless railings ensure stability. In short, no part of the architecture is cosmetic – each element exists to ensure the bridge can hold its rated load (800 people) without failure.
Tianmen’s glass sections are attached to a sheer limestone cliff, reached by cable car or winding 99-bend road. There are three separate skywalks:
None of these required a separate entrance fee. They closed in winter during heavy snow or rain (ice makes the glass dangerously slick), but on clear days they offer spectacular mountain vistas.
Choosing between the bridge and the skywalks depends on your interests. The Grand Canyon Bridge is all about heart-pounding exposure – spanning an open abyss, with activities like the world’s highest 285m bungee jump and a canyon zipline. Tianmen’s skywalks instead blend high-altitude mountain scenery with a bit less of the free-hanging sensation (the glass panels there are often tinted or painted to lessen vertigo). As a rough guide: thrill-seekers and photographers chasing the unique “walk-on-air” shot tend to favor the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, while those who prefer a broader scenic context might lean Tianmen. (It is physically possible to see both in one trip – the drive is ~1.5 hours – but pace yourself; each attraction can take hours.)
The visceral fear triggered by these glass walkways has psychological roots. Humans are evolutionarily wired to distrust open heights and transparent flooring. Seeing the ground 300m below, even through crystal-clear safety glass, can induce a sense of imbalance as if one were a child on the “visual cliff” experiment. This triggers fight-or-flight reactions (sweaty palms, trembling knees) in people with any acrophobic tendencies. Paradoxically, thrill-seekers crave the “thrill of transparency” – literally feeling themselves hovering in mid-air. For both groups, the engineering details can help explain (and thus alleviate) fear:
The Zhangjiajie panels are composite laminated glass ~5 cm thick. They passed extreme tests: hammers and cars were used to stress-test them. Notably, BBC reporters whacked a panel over a dozen times; only the top layer shattered while the lower layers held firm. Each pane can safely bear dozens of people at once. After such demonstrations, even park officials stepped on them en masse. Once you know that, your brain can start to override the knee-jerk “you’re falling” reaction. The air beneath is deep (Zhangjiajie bridge: 300m clearance), but the structure beneath your feet is scientifically engineered to never give way.
Accident history offers further reassurance. No fatal falls have occurred from the Zhangjiajie bridges. (A related glass slide accident in Guangxi in 2019 prompted widespread safety inspections, but officials emphasize the structural integrity of Zhangjiajie’s bridges. They even publicly invited tests because of a prior incident in 2015 at another park: after a Jiaozuo glass walkway cracked in high winds, Zhangjiajie administrators gave reporters sledgehammers and cars to prove their bridge’s safety.) As one expert noted, these are “rigorous international safety standards,” with systems ensuring they are never overloaded. Understanding this engineering can shift fear into fascination: you realize you are holding a record, not falling to your death.
At 430 m long and 6 m wide, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge claimed many “world’s” records upon opening in 2016 (it was dubbed the longest and highest glass-bottom bridge at the time). It spans a wide canyon in the Wulingyuan (Zhangjiajie) scenic area. Its elevation is 360 m above sea level, but the sheer drop below is ~300 m – roughly the height of the Eiffel Tower. Its designer, Haim Dotan, emphasized minimal support: four massive concrete pillars at each end hold the structure out over empty air.
Inside the glass deck are built attractions. A 285-metre bungee jump platforms from the center; until recently this was the world’s highest commercial bungee. A 300-m zipline (from bridge to canyon exit) soars over the chasm as well. There’s also a VR flight experience that lifts riders via cables. All told, the bridge’s operators claim ten official world records – though note, newer attractions have since topped its length. For example, Vietnam’s Bach Long Bridge now stretches 633 m (150m above forest), which Guinness certified in 2022 as the longest glass-bottom bridge. Still, Zhangjiajie’s bridge remains the archetype and most photogenic example of a “walking-on-air” attraction.
Tickets are sold in a few standardized packages. The most common is Route B, which covers the canyon plus the glass bridge. In 2024/25, an adult full-price B-ticket is ¥219 (peak season). (Low season or advance bookings can drop it to ~¥178). A cheaper Route C offers “bridge only” access (no canyon trails) at about ¥128 for adults (seniors ~¥63). For reference, Route A (canyon walk, no bridge) is only ¥94, though this is rarely chosen by those who came for the glass.
Many visitors opt for the Route B+Activities pass (also called B1), which is roughly ¥298. This includes all the bridge fun (zipline, slide, VR, etc.) and saves money versus buying each separately. Park entry (canyon side) is included in these combo tickets.
Route | Description | Adult Price | Concession (60-65/65+) |
Route A | Canyon (no bridge) | ¥94 | (youth/seniors ~¥47) |
Route B | Canyon + Glass Bridge | ¥219 | (¥110/¥63) |
Route C | Glass Bridge only | ¥128 | (¥63/¥63) |
Route B + Extras | Bridge + 5 high-alt. activities | ¥298 | (¥211/¥186) |
Aside from the bridge itself, the park offers adrenaline extras. The most famous is the 260-meter free-fall bungee jump, launched from the bridge’s center tower. Operated by Bungy China, it bills itself as the world’s highest jump. One jump costs about ¥2,998 (around US$400) as of 2024. Note the rider plunges straight down with no pendulum – it’s a pure drop. Safety is paramount (each jumper is double-checked in harnesses). If skydiving over a canyon was in your bucket list, this is it.
A zipline runs from the bridge area toward the canyon exit. The line is ~358 m long with a ~302 m vertical drop, letting 6 people ride in tandem at a time. It takes about one minute and offers a bird’s-eye canyon view. There is also the “One-Line Sky Slide” (metal track slide down the canyon), the Via Ferrata iron-path cliff walk (168m of metal ladders) and boat rides on the river. These require separate tickets or combo passes (check onsite pricing).
From Zhangjiajie city or Wulingyuan (the main tourist town), take the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon bus. Direct buses run from the city center and Wulingyuan bus stations to the Grand Canyon entrance (about 60–75 km from Wulingyuan). The ride takes roughly 1–1.5 hours and costs around ¥20–22. In peak season, buses depart every 15–30 minutes; off-season less frequently. Taxis and private car hire are also available (expect ~¥150–200 one-way).
Once at the Grand Canyon area, nearly everything is within walking distance. Shuttle trams carry visitors up to the bridge ticket gates, bypassing a 30-minute uphill path. There are also three glass elevators (Scenic, Sculpture, Treasure) to move between canyon levels (some require upgrade fees). On busy days, use the lifts to save time.
The site is busiest on national holidays (e.g. Golden Week in October, Chinese New Year week). To beat crowds, aim for a weekday or the shoulder seasons (late spring April–May or autumn September–October). Mornings tend to be cooler and clearer; the glass panels catch sunlight best then. Midday brings glare and reflected crowds.
By late afternoon the bridge often has thin traffic. In fact, in 2016 the bridge was closed after just 13 days because demand was ten times the original capacity. Since reopening, the management controls flows with timed entries. On peak days they limit bridge crossings per half-hour. If you see a queue, note the electronic sign showing wait time and plan a coffee break accordingly.
Once you have a timeslot, crossing is quick – the glass section itself only takes a few minutes (even slower walkers finish in <5 min). But allow 2–3 hours total if you plan to explore Canyon trails or do activities. (For example, the standard “Route B” tour is advertised as ~2.5–3 hours.) In-depth experiences (including the 5 high-altitude activities and a boat ride) can stretch to 4+ hours.
The Tianmen skywalks form a loop around a summit cliff. All are part of a larger path with guardrails. Details of each:
Each skywalk is only ~1.6 m across (so it feels narrow). They are fixed to the cliff by steel beams and hang over a 180–300m drop. There is no separate ticket to these walkways – visitors already pay for Tianmen Mountain access (by cable car or road), and a ¥5 fee at the site covers the disposable shoe covers needed. Showers of visitors mean glass floors can get dirty, so plastic covers are mandatory for grip.
You must first enter Tianmen Scenic Area. Most visitors ride the famous cable car (one-way ~¥230) from Zhangjiajie city; the summit station has trails and temples. The glass skywalks are reached on foot once at the top, via a roughly 2–3 km hiking loop that passes all three.
Importantly, there is no additional glass-skywalk ticket. Tianmen’s general admission (¥255 or so, for the scenic area) covers them, except for a small convenience fee. At the skywalk entrance you pay ¥5 for shoe covers. These are like slippers and must be worn. That’s it – no big line or extra barrier once you’re up on the mountain.
Since weather can close the walkways for safety, check ahead. If fog or rain roll in, staff will halt access until conditions clear. Summer and autumn months have the best chance of fine weather; in winter the path may be icy.
Tianmen Mountain offers many other highlights. After (or before) the glass walks, many take:
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours on Tianmen’s summit attractions (skywalks, cable, cave). It’s common to allocate a full day: morning on Tianmen’s pathways and cable, afternoon visiting the Grand Canyon Bridge, or vice versa.
All three skywalks are connected in a loop, but if pressed for time, prioritize the west “Walk of Faith” and Panlongya. The west skywalk sits nearer the summit plaza and tends to be the first seen (plus it has the most dramatic overhang). Panlongya’s 100m length and serpentine path offers a fresh perspective and usually draws fewer crowds, so it’s great for photography. The east skywalk is a mirror of the west (but note: its glass has more tinted sections and the walkway is a bit steeper).
In practice, visitors simply circle through all three sequentially – it forms a loop trail of about 2–3 km total. Allow 2–3 hours to walk the loop at leisure, including stops for photos and queueing. The route goes: Walk of Faith → cable-turnaround → Panlongya → back around to East. On a clear day, the views of the temple peaks and open sky from Panlongya can be spectacular.
Before you go, pack and plan carefully. These are some key considerations gleaned from on-site experience:
Packing Checklist (sample):
– Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (flat-soled)
– Layered clothing (shirt/jacket for variable mountain weather)
– Cell phone in a secure pocket (to capture photos)
– Small crossbody bag (large bags to go in locker, ~¥5 deposit)
– Sunscreen and hat (high UV at altitude)
– Refillable water bottle (empty at entry, then fill inside)
– Cash in small bills (for shoe covers ¥5, lockers ¥5–10, quick snacks)
– Printed or downloaded tickets / ID
Standing on a glass plank hundreds of meters above the ground is not easy, even for intrepid travelers. Here are strategies drawn from visitors and guides:
In the race for records, Zhangjiajie’s title has been superseded, but its legacy endures. As of 2026:
Nonetheless, Zhangjiajie’s is often described as the archetype. Its combination of length, height, and the vertical sandstone pillars below make it uniquely photogenic. Tourists interviewed say other bridges may be longer or higher, but “none feel quite like walking on air in the Avatar mountains.”
In global context, Zhangjiajie’s glass bridge is no longer the longest: Vietnam’s 633m Bach Long Bridge has that honor. But each has a different thrill – for instance, the US Grand Canyon Skywalk is just 21m long but has a 240m drop, whereas Zhangjiajie’s modern bridge emphasizes unobstructed sky views. See the table below for a quick comparison:
Bridge | Location | Length | Drop/Height | Opened | Unique Feature |
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon | Hunan, China | 430 m | 300 m above canyon | 2016 | Bungee jump (285m) |
Bach Long | Son La, Vietnam | 633 m | 150 m above forest | 2022 | Current world’s longest |
Grand Canyon Skywalk | Arizona, USA | 21 m | ~240 m over Colorado River | 2007 | Original glass horseshoe |
Hongyagu | Hebei, China | 488 m | 218 m height | 2017 | Held “longest” briefly |
Q: Is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge safe?
A: Yes – the bridge has never suffered a structural failure in use. Built with triple-laminated 5.1cm glass and robust steel supports, it exceeded building codes. Park operators have even staged public stress-tests (hammers, cars, elephants) to prove safety. As of 2025, no fatalities have occurred on the bridge. Routine inspections and a strict capacity limit (800 people at a time) are enforced.
Q: Has anyone fallen off the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge?
A: No. Glass is high-strength, and railings prevent accidental falls. Reports from the opening year mention crowds and closures, but none of the incidents were due to a bridge collapse or people falling through. (By contrast, a separate China glass slide accident in 2019 led to nationwide checks.)
Q: How much does the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge cost?
A: Adult tickets for the bridge start around ¥128 (Route C, bridge-only) and ¥219 (Route B, with canyon). There are cheaper rates for young children, seniors, etc. See Section 3.2 for the full table. For exact prices (which can change), use official booking sites or park counters.
Q: How long does it take to walk across the glass bridge?
A: The transparent span itself is 430m, so the walk can be done in 2–3 minutes if you hurry. Most visitors stroll slowly (often with stops), so allocate ~5–10 minutes. However, the total visit including trails to and from the bridge, plus any elevator rides or queues, can be 1–3 hours. Tours that include the bridge (Route B) generally allow 2.5–3 hours.
Q: Is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge the longest in the world?
A: Not currently. It opened as the longest glass span in 2016, but Vietnam’s Bach Long Bridge (633m) now holds the record. However, Zhangjiajie’s bridge remains the highest (300m above ground) and most famous.
Q: Can I visit both glass bridge and Tianmen in one day?
A: It’s possible, but a tight schedule. The two sites are ~75 km apart by road (over 1h each way), and each attraction can take 3–4 hours to fully experience. Many itineraries split them into separate days. If pressed, consider a late afternoon Tianmen trip (when crowds thin) and the next morning in the canyon, or vice versa with an early Grand Canyon visit and a late Tianmen cable car ride.
Q: What should I wear to the glass bridge?
A: Comfortable hiking-type attire. Flat sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal. Avoid heels or shoes with soft soles (they are actually forbidden on the glass). Dress in layers: the canyon bottom can be hot and humid, but wind atop the bridge can be cool. Bring a hat and sunscreen due to intense sunlight.
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: Yes, especially during peak season. Online booking (official site or agents) is strongly recommended several days ahead. The bridge has timed-entry tickets that often sell out on holidays. If you wait, onsite queues can be long.
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: As of 2025, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge area is generally open 8:30–15:30 (last entry around 15:00). (These hours shorten in winter.) Tianmen Mountain’s skywalk is open roughly 8:00–18:00, though cable cars run on a similar schedule. Always confirm the day’s hours on the official site or local tourism bureau before going.
Q: Is the glass bridge open when it rains?
A: Light rain or drizzle may allow limited access, but heavy rain or thunderstorms will close the bridge for safety (wet glass is extremely slippery, and winds can be strong). Check weather forecasts. If it’s foggy, consider postponing; visibility below would be low anyway.
Q: Are there any age or health restrictions?
A: Anyone can walk it, though children under 3 usually aren’t permitted on the bridge for safety. Pregnant women or those with severe heart conditions are generally advised to skip the bridge. Acrophobia itself is not a strict medical exclusion, but consider your ability to continue if panic strikes. On the positive side, the metal handrails and side ledges provide extra support if needed.
Q: Can I bring a camera on the glass bridge?
A: Small cameras and phones are allowed, but not tripods or large DSLRs (they must go in lockers). Many visitors simply use their phone camera and wait to take shots. When shooting, try to have the camera on you but not actively used over the drop (both for safety and to avoid blocking others’ views).
Q: Is there bungee jumping at the glass bridge?
A: Yes – a separate ticket covers a 260m bungee jump tower (operated by Bungy China). It’s optional and costly (~¥2,998). You must meet height/weight requirements and sign a release form. It is open year-round except in high winds.
Q: Which is scarier: Grand Canyon Bridge or Tianmen Skywalks?
A: Subjectively, most people find the Grand Canyon Bridge more terrifying because it is a long span over an open abyss. The Tianmen skywalks, while high, run along a mountain wall and are shorter, and some sections are even painted to reduce transparency. However, “fear” is individual – some who fear heights find both overwhelming, and others feel surprisingly calm on one or the other.
Q: How do I get to Zhangjiajie from Shanghai/Beijing?
A: The fastest is to fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG). There are direct flights from major cities including Beijing and Shanghai. From the airport or Zhangjiajie station, take a bus or taxi (~40 minutes) to Wulingyuan District, the base for all attractions. For budget travelers, overnight trains arrive in Zhuzhou or Changsha (Hunan Province) from major cities, then connect by day bus or train to Zhangjiajie.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: September–October and April–May are ideal: cool to warm temperatures, mostly dry, and lush green scenery. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold and cloudy (often below 10°C) and Tianmen’s road may close in snow. Summer (June–Aug) sees thunderstorms in afternoons and very high crowds. Also avoid early October (National Day holiday) and late January (Spring Festival) if you dislike crowds.
Q: Can I turn back if I get too scared?
A: Absolutely. The bridge is wide enough that you can simply step aside and walk back to the entrance. Staff are understanding: many first-timers retreat a few steps to calm down. If you need a breather, lean against the rail, breathe, and go at your own pace. No one will force you forward.
By now it’s clear: crossing Zhangjiajie’s glass bridge is as much a mental feat as a physical one. The unique value lies in the extremes it offers – the engineering ingenuity, the incomparable views of the canyon forest below, and the personal challenge. As one seasoned traveler sums up: “It’s a moment where fear and thrill merge. You won’t just get pictures – you’ll have a story.”
Prospective visitors should weigh the crowds and the queue times against their appetite for adventure. If you relish adrenaline and panoramic vistas, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (perhaps coupled with Tianmen’s skywalks) is a bucket-list experience. If not, you can simply do the canyon hike (Route A) or enjoy Tianmen’s mountain scenery minus the glass. Regardless, both sites deliver a sensory experience that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing – they make you conscious of height, gravity, and even your own courage.
