China’s ‘Sky Ladder’ is the latest tourist attraction

China is a vast country with 3.7 million square miles of land waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. While traditional land exploration is popular, more and more young Chinese travelers are opting to see their country from a different perspective – the sky.

One of the latest sky-high attractions drawing thrill-seekers is the Tianti, also known as the “Sky Ladder” in Chinese. This impressive structure spans 551 feet long and is located at a height of 5,000 feet between two cliffs on Mount Qixing in Zhangjiajie Nature Park, Hunan province. The area is renowned for its complex terrain and diverse landforms, making it a perfect location for such an adrenaline-pumping experience.

The Tianti climbing trail is built in a via ferrata style, utilizing steel handrails, footrests, tethers, and cables to enable climbers to ascend the steep rock walls securely. Videos of daring climbers, including a viral video of a mother and her son on the ladder, have been circulating on Chinese social media platforms, garnering thousands of likes and shares.

He Qian, who runs a nearby B&B and helps visitors book tickets for the attraction, shared her experience of climbing the Tianti with her son. She mentioned that while she remained calm, her son was initially nervous but quickly overcame his fears. The attraction sees an average of over 1,200 tourists per day, with its popularity leading to occasional “people jams” in the air.

Yuan Xiaorui, the marketing supervisor of Qixing Adventure, the company operating the attraction, shared that the three-hour via ferrata experience costs 580 yuan (US$80) and includes the guidance of coaches, safety equipment, and regular inspections to ensure the safety of participants.

The Tianti in Zhangjiajie is just one of the many sky-high attractions gaining popularity in China. From cliffside cafes offering breathtaking views to convenience stores catering to hikers suspended off the side of a mountain, the country is embracing outdoor adventure experiences like never before.

With the number of people participating in outdoor sports in China surpassing 400 million, it’s clear that the trend of exploring the country from new heights is here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or looking to step out of your comfort zone, China’s sky-high attractions offer an unforgettable experience that combines thrill with awe-inspiring views.