#006. Let's Go to Heaven

The Gate is in China

I once read that the Garden of Eden was discovered to have been located in Mesopotamia. We can then intuit that the garden Adam and Eve lived in before they were walked out was on earth.

But this paradise that we seek to live after this worldly quest appears to be in heaven. And it seems the Almighty has created an avenue for us to reach heaven easily, and get a backdoor access to paradise.

If that's the case, why not let's go to heaven?

The Heaven's Gate

Located in Zhangjiajie, China, the Heaven's Gate is a cave through a mountain called the Tianmen Mountain or the Heaven's Gate mountain. The mountain is 431 feet tall and 190 feet wide, and about 5000 feet above sea level.

It is rumoured that the cave was naturally enclosed until that part collapsed sometime in 263 A.D., and opened to the heaven. But many believe it is naturally so.

I too will like to think that it was created that way. You know, who no wan go heaven in an authorized way? 😉

To confer on the mountain a holy status, the "Tianmen temple” was constructed in the 870 A.D used by the Buddhists.

There is a cableway that leads to the cave. It travels for about 30 minutes to the lesser peak of the Heaven's gate. This "Tianmen" Cableway is named the "longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world", with about 25 feet long.

At the end of the cable journey, tourist can then take a 20-minute Chairlift ride to the summit for a bird's-eye view of the mountain. Tourists who wish to walk can take the cliff-hanging walkway which is about 1½ hour walk.

The walkway has three sections of glass floors suspended on the cliff sides for exhilarating "skywalk" experiences.

The first skywalk is named "Walk of Faith", known for its stunning views and the sensation of walking on air.

The second skywalk— “Ghost Path", also called "Yuhuayuan Glass Walkway," gives the illusion of walking on a path floating in the sky.

The third glass floor is called "Coiled Dragon Cliff", located near the summit of the mountain and is particularly famous for its spiral shape. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and canyons.

Seeing the depth of the mountain and the empty sky through the glass, clinging away from the cliff with just a jaw bite, must be a scary scene. The faint-hearted should not dare follow the path.

I would not want to give it a try 🙄. The faint-hearted is me. Me is the faint-hearted.🤕 While I have climbed several mountains and heights, I did them only with the masculine courage. Deep down, the mountain of my chest shivered.

Gentlemen, when I saw this little girl's swagger on this glass floor, I SMH for myself🙂

But the cableway and the walkway are not the only options. We have a choice. The bus trip. The bus takes you around the 99 bends of the road network to the cave.

Trekkers and bus passengers directly reach the mouth of the cave, and thereafter will take the 999 steps "Stairway to Heaven” to the Heaven's gate.

A French rock climber, Alain Robert, climbed the mountain in 2007, bare-handed and without protection.

In 2011, Jeb Corliss glided through the cave using a wingsuit from a helicopter at 6,000 feet high.

In 2013, Viktor Kováts plunged to his death during a training session when he was unable to open his parachute.

The Paradise

There is no heaven without the paradise. In the paradise are several gardens. Let's metaphorically enter this gate into the heaven, and walk through the gardens of the paradise.

Close to the Heaven's gate within the Zhangjiajie City of Hunan Province, are other amazing tourist centres to visit.

And I've often wondered: when there are stunning and sensational places around, why should I "see Paris and die"?

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie became a place of attraction for travelers after the movie "Avatar." Famous for its steep mountains, clear streams, thick forests, and big underground limestone caves, Zhangjiajie is 330 kilometers from Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, and 1,000+ kilometers from both Shanghai and Beijing.

Its park was China's first national forest park in 1982. When you enter this park, the following are the scenes that await you:

Yuanjiajie

The Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar were from the precipitous heavenly pillars of the Yuanjiaje mountain. It also contains the Lost Souls Platforms and the First Bridge under Heaven.

Bailong Elevator

Also called the Hundred Dragon Elevator, Bailong Elevator is used to reach the top of Yuanjiajie. It was recognized in 2015 by the Guiness Book of Record as the world fastest and tallest outdoor elevator, at 1000 feet commuting within 2 minutes.

Tianzi Mountain

Tianzi Mountain is known for its towering peaks and stunning panoramic views. The peaks rise up like pillars, immersed in swirling clouds, giving an otherworldly atmosphere. Look out for the Cloud Sea where low-hanging clouds create a dreamlike scenery, especially during early mornings or after rain.

Other viewpoints include Helong Park, Imperial Writing Brush Peaks, Xihai Stone Forest, and the Tianzi Ancient Village. You can also visit the Ten Mile Gallery where you can take memorable photographs, then pounce on the monorail train. Then you can hike up to Tianzi Mountain or go by cable car.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

It is the longest glass bridge in the world, spanning over two mountains of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It is 1,400 feet long and 20 feet wide. Around this bridge is a Bungee Jumping platform that goes down to about 984 feet. 

Gold Whip Stream

Located at the foot of the mountains, this stream is 7½ klm long. It takes about 2 hours to walk it, while having a sight of birds and wild monkeys.

YellowStone Village

This village derives its name from the yellowstone cliffs surrounding it, which creates a unique and stunning landscape. It is also surrounded by lush greenery and terraced fields.

Yellow Dragon Cave

Yellow Dragon Cave, also known as Huanglong Cave, is an expansive and magnificent limestone cave system. It is famous for its size, underground rivers, intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations that take the shape of dragons and pavilions. The cave system stretches over an impressive 15 kilometers, offering visitors a chance to explore its various chambers and grottoes.

Old House Area

The Old House Area is a charming and nostalgic district that reflects the traditional architectural style of the region. It consists of well-preserved ancient houses, offering a glimpse into the local history and lifestyle. The architecture showcases intricate woodwork, delicate carvings, and distinctive features of traditional Chinese homes.

Baofeng Lake 

Surrounded by mountains covered with trees, Baofeng lake is not far from the Grand Canyon. While taking a boat ride on it, there are green trees and stones around for sighting. At the mouth of the lake is the Baofeng Waterfall with its thunderous splashes, and nearby is the Baofeng Temple.

All in all,

The Heaven's Gate cave, and other sceneries¹ in the Zhangjiajie city of China, are not only popular tourist destinations, they also hold cultural significance for the locals.

Evidence is the number of temples and statues spotted around almost every corner.

These places provide magnificent vistas that have inspired countless artists and photographers.

If by chance you visit China, do well to stop by Zhangjiajie.

Welcome back to the earth 😉

What do you like to say about this article,

and where would you love to visit next?

Let’s chat in the comment.

1. Image credits: China Discovery, China Highlights, China Foto Press, Wikipedia, and Zhangjiajie Guide.

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