Tourists scaling the "sky ladder" for an adventurous climb. CNN
In recent years, a growing number of young travelers in China have been seeking adventure in the skies, choosing to explore their country from dizzying heights rather than by foot. Among the latest heart-pumping attractions is the Tianti, also known as the "Sky Ladder." This stunning structure, which stretches 168 meters (551 feet) between two cliffs, sits at a thrilling 5,000 feet above the ground. It is located on Mount Qixing in Zhangjiajie Nature Park, in the southwestern part of Hunan province, known for its dramatic landscapes and unique terrain.
Tianti is not for the faint-hearted. This "via ferrata" style climbing trail is built directly into the rock face of the mountain. It features steel handrails, footrests, cables, and tethers, offering climbers the chance to scale steep rock walls while being safely supported. This structure provides an adrenaline-pumping experience for those brave enough to conquer it, offering a unique way to enjoy nature’s beauty from above.
One video from a woman named He Qian, in which she shared her climbing experience on the Sky Ladder, quickly went viral on Douyin (China's version of TikTok). In the video, He’s feet are shown climbing the ladder, and then the camera shifts to her young son calmly sitting on the ladder. The video garnered hundreds of likes and sparked conversation online. "I was not nervous, my son was," He shared in an interview, adding that her son quickly overcame his fear after getting used to the height.
He Qian runs a nearby bed-and-breakfast and helps other visitors book tickets to the Sky Ladder. "Those who like to challenge themselves really enjoy this," she said. "I’ve helped dozens of people get tickets. They were all scared at first, but most of them loved it once they tried."
The attraction has become incredibly popular, with over 1,200 visitors daily, according to state-run media. It has sparked so much interest that there was even a "people jam" in the air at one point. Videos from the site have flooded Chinese social media, with breathtaking views that have attracted thousands of likes and shares. "My hands are full of sweat just watching it!" one commenter wrote. Others, however, expressed doubt about attempting the climb themselves, with one user commenting, "I wouldn’t try even if someone gave me 10 million."
The Tianti experience is run by Qixing Adventure, and it costs around 580 yuan (about $80) for a three-hour adventure. Visitors are provided with helmets, safety belts, and guided support throughout the climb. "The entire area is regularly inspected to ensure safety," said Yuan Xiaorui, the marketing supervisor at Qixing Adventure. The growing interest in outdoor activities in China, with over 400 million participants as of August 2024, shows how these types of attractions are gaining traction.
Other high-altitude adventures around the country are also proving popular, including a cliffside café offering a $56 cup of coffee with views of Taiwan, and the world’s “most inconvenient convenience store,” which serves hikers suspended from a mountain in Hunan province.
