Zhangjiajie: Qixing Mountain Cable Car & Glass Platform

Experience the Awe of Zhangjiajie’s Qixing Mountain: Cable Car & Glass Platform Tour

If you’re dreaming of jaw-dropping vistas and adrenaline-pumping moments, the Qixing Mountain Cable Car & Glass Platform tour in Zhangjiajie offers just that, wrapped in a well-organized and immersive experience. While we haven’t done it ourselves, this highly-rated trip promises a chance to see some of China’s most iconic natural scenery, from cliffs that seem to reach the sky to lush greenery spread across an ancient volcanic landscape.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of spectacular panoramic views, the thrill of walking on a glass platform over a canyon, and the opportunity to ascend over 1,000 meters on the world’s longest pedestrian cable car. Plus, the private group setup ensures a personalized experience, with the flexibility to customize your day. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s quite physically engaging—so it’s not ideal for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95.

This experience suits adventure lovers, photographers eager for stunning shots, and anyone craving authentic encounters with nature’s grandeur. If you prefer leisurely sightseeing or are wary of heights, this might be a bit intense—yet the breathtaking views make it worthwhile for most.

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Good To Know

• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy panoramic views of cliffs, rock formations, and lush volcanic landscapes.
• World’s Longest Cable Car: Ascend over 1000 meters on a 2 km gondola ride that offers incredible vistas.
• Thrilling Glass Platform: Walk on a glass viewing platform that juts out from the cliff, providing a vertiginous view into the canyon.
• Unique Descent: Experience the Sky Ladder, a cliffside outdoor elevator offering a different perspective.
• Private Tour: A personalized, flexible experience with a knowledgeable guide in both Chinese and English.
• No Shopping Stops: The tour guarantees a focus on the sights, avoiding tourist trap shopping.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Getting Started: From Zhangjiajie City to Qixing Mountain
The day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie. If you’ve booked through this private tour, you’ll be greeted by your guide who helps coordinate your tickets and ensures a smooth start. Expect a 30-40 minute drive to the Qixing Mountain Visitor Center, with the scenery gradually revealing the rugged terrain ahead.

Having your hotel concierge write the destination in Chinese (“Qixing Mountain Visitor Center”) helps avoid confusion with local taxi drivers, ensuring you arrive without hiccups. The flexibility of private transport means you can start early or later, depending on your preferred pace.

The Highlight: “Dragon’s Ascend” Cable Car
Once you arrive, the first thing that’ll catch your eye is the cable car ride. Known as “Dragon’s Ascend,” it’s the longest pedestrian cable car in the world at over 2 km. This gondola doesn’t just move you up the mountain; it’s an attraction in its own right. The experience of ascending over 1,000 meters while enjoying panoramic views of cliffs, waterfalls, and dense greenery is genuinely exhilarating.

Multiple reviewers describe it as “jaw-dropping,” with one noting, “The ride offers breathtaking views that make the whole experience worthwhile.” The cable car’s unobstructed glass panels allow for 360-degree scenery, whether you’re gazing at the Knight’s Eyebrow—an iconic rock formation—or the verdant forest below.

Exploring the Summit: Pathways & Natural Wonders
Reaching the top, you’ll find well-maintained pathways along the cliff edges. These trails offer incredible photo opportunities and vantage points, ideal for snapping shots of the cliffs or just soaking in the scenery. You’ll also see the famous Knight’s Eyebrow—a striking, naturally sculpted peak that looks like a giant, arched brow.

Some reviewers mention enjoying the summit’s facilities—restaurants and snack kiosks serve Chinese staples like noodles and rice dishes, with unbeatable views. Finding a quiet spot to eat while gazing at the mountain’s grandeur makes for a relaxing break.

Heart-Stopping Moment: The Glass Viewing Platform
The highlight for many visitors is the Glass Viewing Platform. Extending out from the cliff face, this platform offers an adrenaline rush as you step onto the transparent floor. The feeling of walking “on air” over the canyon is both terrifying and thrilling. A reviewer shared, “My heart was pounding as I looked straight down into the canyon—an absolute must-do for thrill-seekers.”

This part of the tour isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views are unmatched. The platform’s design maximizes the sense of vertigo while providing a safe structure for visitors to appreciate the scenery from an entirely different perspective.

Descending on the Sky Ladder
Instead of taking the cable car back down, your tour includes an ascent on the Sky Ladder. This outdoor cliff-side elevator clings to the rock face, descending vertically down the mountain. It’s a unique experience that offers a fresh perspective on the mountain’s rugged terrain. Many reviewers mention the Sky Ladder as “a crazy and fun way to descend,” and a few describe it as “surprisingly smooth and safe, with panoramic views.”

Exploring the Base: Crater and Forest
After the thrilling ascent and walk, you’ll arrive back at the base where the lush greenery of Qixing Mountain awaits. Known as an ancient volcano, the mountain’s remnants of its crater have turned into a peaceful, forested area. Strolling here allows for a calmer, more contemplative experience, perfect for nature lovers.

Tour Logistics & Practical Tips
The full tour lasts about 9 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and some free time. The private setup means you can customize your itinerary—whether you want more time on the platform, additional photos, or a relaxed pace.

Tickets and passes are booked in advance, preventing long lines, and your guide will help you scan your passport at entry. This is a sightseeing-only tour, with no shopping stops, so your focus stays on the scenery and experience.

What the Tour Means for You

Value for the Price
Considering the inclusion of the cable car, entrance fees, private guide, and transport, the tour offers good value. The cable car alone, at over 2 km in length, is a highlight that you’d pay extra for if going solo. The personalized nature of the trip ensures a smooth, stress-free day, especially for travelers unfamiliar with Chinese language or logistics.

Experience Level & Comfort
This tour is ideal for those comfortable with heights and walking on uneven paths. It’s physically engaging but not overly strenuous. If you’re not afraid of heights, the glass platform and Sky Ladder are unforgettable highlights.

Timing & Flexibility
Starting times vary, and the tour lasts around 9 hours, so plan for a full day. The private nature allows some flexibility—if you want to spend longer enjoying a particular spot or skip a less interesting part, you can discuss this with your guide.

Accessibility & Limitations
Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone over 95. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed, but if you’re able to walk and love adventure, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Zhangjiajie Qixing Mountain Cable Car & Glass Platform tour combines breathtaking scenery, adrenaline-inducing experiences, and a touch of adventure that makes it stand out. It’s perfect for travelers craving stunning vistas and memorable thrills, delivered in a private, flexible setting. While the heights and walking paths might be challenging for some, the views justify the effort.

The tour’s emphasis on natural beauty, combined with modern engineering marvels like the longest cable car and the glass platform, makes it a memorable day. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous explorers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to tick a major natural wonder off their bucket list.

If you’re after a well-organized, activity-packed day with authentic scenic moments, this tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable experience.

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FAQs

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the tour is designed for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to your preferences.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak both Chinese and English, helping ensure clear communication throughout the day.

How long does the cable car ride take?
The “Dragon’s Ascend” cable car is over 2 km long, and the ride itself is a highlight, taking a few minutes to ascend over 1,000 meters.

Can I skip shopping stops?
Absolutely. The tour guarantees no shopping stops, so your focus stays on the scenic highlights.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and your passport are recommended, as you’ll need them for entry and for your tickets.

Is there any restriction for pregnant women or wheelchairs?
Yes, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those over 95 aren’t suitable for this tour due to the physical demands and design of the attractions.

How do I get to the meeting point?
Your guide will assist with hotel pickup in downtown Zhangjiajie; otherwise, coordinates are 29.0141, 110.4074 for self-arrival.

What if I want to customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss your preferences with your guide to tailor the itinerary.

Final Verdict

This tour provides a well-rounded opportunity to witness Zhangjiajie’s iconic natural beauty from multiple perspectives—sky-high cable cars, glass platforms, and scenic trails. Its combination of awe-inspiring views and adventurous elements makes it ideal for travelers seeking excitement and authentic scenery. While it’s physically demanding, the breathtaking vistas and unique experiences justify every step. For anyone looking for an active, scenic day in the mountains, this private tour offers excellent value and lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby