Breakfast → Tianmen Mountain → Dinner → 'Tianmen Fox Fairy' performance
From now until 9 PM, you may not have the chance to sit down for a proper meal (unless you consider Burger King gourmet), so please make sure to eat well at this brunch. What is “Three Down Pot” “Three Down Pot” is a traditional dish unique to the Zhangjiajie region of Hunan, China, belonging to the classic cuisine of the Tujia ethnic group, widely known for its distinctive local flavor in cooking methods and ingredient combinations. It is said to have originated from military meals during the Ming Dynasty (about 400-600 years ago). At that time, soldiers were fighting in the Zhangjiajie area, and due to the busy war situation, they often mixed various ingredients and stewed them in one pot, which saved time and quickly replenished energy. Later, this cooking method spread to the countryside, gradually evolving by integrating local Tujia dining customs, becoming a special dish for celebrations, hospitality, or daily meals. The traditional “Three Down Pot” centers on three main ingredients, often selecting commonly found local pork, lamb, beef (or offal such as pig stomach, pig intestines, pig trotters, etc.), paired with ingredients like radishes, potatoes, tofu, and dried chili peppers. Nowadays, the ingredients can be more flexible, allowing the addition of chicken, preserved meat, vegetables, etc., while the essence of “mixing in one pot” remains unchanged. First, blanch the main ingredients to remove the fishy smell, then stir-fry with hot oil, adding bean paste, chili, peppercorns, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings to release the fragrance, and then add water to simmer until tender and flavorful. The taste is relatively spicy and rich, in line with the spicy dietary preferences of Xiangxi people. The traditional “Three Down Pot” is similar to the Northeast “Iron Pot Stew,” and now has evolved into a “Dry Pot” form— after the ingredients are stewed, they are transferred to a dry pot to eat while heating, keeping warm while making the flavors richer. It is not only a dish but also reflects the simple dietary culture of the Xiangxi region and the life wisdom of the Tujia people— using locally sourced materials, combining meat and vegetables, to create flavorful dishes with simple cooking methods. Today, “Three Down Pot” has become a signature dish in places like Zhangjiajie, a must-try option for tourists to experience local flavors. What is “Preserved Meat” Preserved meat is a traditional meat product from Southern China (such as Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangdong, etc.), processed through curing and smoking (or air-drying), known for its unique flavor and durability, making it a signature ingredient in winter diets, as well as a representative of “New Year’s flavor” on festive tables in many regions. Traditionally, pork is the main ingredient, commonly using pork belly (with a mix of fat and lean), hind leg meat, etc., while in some regions, beef and lamb are also used to make “preserved beef” and “preserved lamb.” The specific method involves cutting the meat into large pieces and mixing it with salt, Sichuan pepper, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, cooking wine, soy sauce (or sugar, chili, etc., adjusted according to regional taste) to create a marinade, evenly spreading it over the surface of the meat, and then placing it in a container to marinate for several days (generally 3-7 days), allowing the seasonings to penetrate while the salt inhibits bacterial growth. Then the meat is hung in a smoking room or above the stove, using smoke generated from burning pine branches, orange peels, or husks to slowly smoke for several days or even weeks; the aroma and components of the smoke not only further preserve the meat but also impart a unique smoky flavor, making the meat texture firmer. Some regions also use air-drying processes, hanging the cured meat in ventilated, dry locations, using natural wind and low temperatures (in winter) for dehydration and shaping, resulting in a flavor that leans more towards salty, with less smokiness. Overall, preserved meat is rich in salty flavor and can be categorized into “smoked flavor” (such as Hunan preserved meat) and “air-dried salty flavor” (such as Cantonese preserved meat); the texture is firm and chewy, with the fatty parts having a prominent fragrance, not greasy. The production of preserved meat is closely related to the winter climate in the south: low temperatures and high humidity allow for effective extension of the meat's shelf life through curing and smoking, reflecting the wisdom of ancient people adapting to nature and preserving food. Today, preserved meat is not only a practical ingredient but also carries regional culinary culture and “New Year’s flavor” memories. During the winter solstice and the twelfth month, many families will make their own preserved meat; during this season, it is common to see strings of preserved meat or sausages hanging on windowsills along the roads, becoming a unique sight in southern China.
Suggested visiting time: 5-7 hours About Tianmen Mountain If your definition of “magic” is still stuck in books, then Tianmen Mountain will completely refresh your perception. This peak, located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China, is like nature accidentally spilling a magic box — a peak with an altitude of 1262 meters, split in the center by a natural hole that is 57 meters wide and 131.5 meters high, like the sky has specially opened a window for the earth. This is Tianmen Cave, a rare natural cave on earth. After rain, clouds and mist surge in and out of the cave entrance, and standing underneath it, looking up, it feels as if you can see the flowing light and shadows of another world. Local legend has it that this is the “Gateway to Heaven,” but for visitors, a more authentic experience is climbing the 999 stone steps (known as the “Heavenly Ladder”), where every step resonates with the mountain breeze and your heartbeat. If you enjoy thrills, Tianmen Mountain will become your “adventure paradise.” The Tianmen Mountain cableway is the longest mountain cableway in the world, stretching 7455 meters. Starting from the city, it threads like a silver line through fields and canyons, ultimately “flying” to the mountain top. Sitting in the cabin, you will see the villages below turning into building blocks, with forests merging into a sea of green. In the 15-minute ride, the altitude difference reaches 1279 meters, as if you are directly ascending into the clouds. Even more thrilling is the glass walkway. Built on the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 1430 meters, the pathway is made of transparent tempered glass, with an abyss right beneath your feet. Walking on it feels like levitating mid-air, with the mountain breeze screaming past your ears, and the surrounding clouds may sweep over at any time — this is undoubtedly an “aerial stroll” experience you won't find anywhere else. In addition to these “man-made wonders,” Tianmen Mountain's nature itself is full of surprises. It is a huge “biological museum,” with over 1600 types of plants growing in the hills, many of which are rare species you can only see here. If you're lucky, you might encounter wildlife resembling small leopards in the forest (of course, they are shy and usually keep their distance from humans). The platform at the mountain top seems to be carefully pruned by nature, filled with unique rocks and low shrubs, and standing here to gaze, the undulating mountains spread out like waves to the horizon, until they meet the sky. Tianmen Mountain is only 8 kilometers away from the central city of Zhangjiajie, making transportation very convenient. Whether you want to challenge your courage or simply witness a quiet rendezvous between mountain and cloud, this place won't disappoint you. Because here, every rock, every cloud, every gust of wind is telling you: the imagination of nature is always more spectacular than we can imagine. Generally, visiting Tianmen Mountain is divided into two routes: the East Line and the West Line. We have planned the East Line for you, which fully showcases the natural scenery of Zhangjiajie. If you feel tired or unwell along the journey, you can take the Tianmen Mountain forest sightseeing cable car directly to the Yuntian Immortal Peak, and then quickly reach the location of the downhill cableway. We will unfold today's journey in the following order — Tianmen Mountain Cableway Company → Tianmen Mountain Gate → Plaza in front of Tianmen Cave → Mountain-crossing Escalator → Northern View of Tianmen → Jade Pot Peak → East Line Glass Walkway → Southern View of Tianmen → Wood and Stone Love → Tianmen Temple (where you can take the Tianmen Mountain forest sightseeing cable car) → Viewing Guigu Cave → Suspension Bridge → Guigu Walkway → Wild Brush Treasure → Guigu Abyss → Wishing Forest - Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway → Li Na Villa → Yuntian Immortal Peak (optional) → Downhill
Take the cable car to the mountain gate parking lot, and it is recommended to arrive before 20:10. Please manage your time accordingly. "The Fox Fairy of Tianmen" has a total of five acts—— Act 1: The Fox King Chooses a Bride The Fox King sets a test under the guise of a "Bridal Selection Ceremony." The Fox Fairy passes the trials with extraordinary wisdom but yearns for freedom in the human world. To escape the Fox King's control, she secretly plans her escape. Act 2: A Wonder in the Fairy Mountain The Fox Fairy transforms into a mortal named "Amei" and meets the woodcutter Liu Hai at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. They fall in love due to their shared simple virtues, but their disparate identities lead to entanglement. Act 3: Moonlit Longing The two are forced apart due to their identity differences. The Fox Fairy transforms into natural elements like streams and mist on moonlit nights, quietly guarding Liu Hai, while Liu Hai expresses his longing through woodcutting and singing. Act 4: The Betrayal Whirlwind The Fox King collaborates with human forces to obstruct the love, and the Fox Fairy is imprisoned while trying to save Liu Hai. Liu Hai willingly accepts punishment to save his beloved, leading to a conflict between the heavens, earth, and humanity. Act 5: A Thousand-Year Vigil After enduring hardships, the Fox Fairy and Liu Hai transform into stones of Tianmen Mountain, becoming symbols that guard this land. Tips: 1. There are Chinese and English subtitles next to the chorus seats to help you understand the general content of the performance. 2. After the show, if there are too many spectators, it may be difficult to take a taxi, so it’s recommended to take the extra bus in the parking lot. Just follow the crowd to find it. The ticket price is 10 yuan/person, going directly to the main areas of the city (like the bus station or high-speed train station) without needing to transfer, making it easier to take a taxi back to the hotel afterward. 3. The theater temperature is relatively low, so please dress warmly. If needed, there is also coat rental on-site. If there’s a language barrier, you can show the staff the following text—"Where can I rent a coat" .
If you choose to watch 'Tianmen Fox Immortal', you will probably return to the city after 22:00. We recommend two restaurants that are open until late at night. If you do not choose 'Tianmen Fox Immortal', there is also one that will close at 21:00, you can also choose.
As you embark on your journey home, your bag may be filled with the mountain breeze and evening glow, while in your heart, the image of Tianmen Mountain is already cherished. Those walkways suspended in the clouds and the peak forests piercing the sky have allowed you to touch the magnificence of nature in awe; did the setting sun sinking into Tianmen make you hold your breath at the beauty of the world? When the night drapes the mountains in a light veil, and the lights outline a fantastical silhouette with the melodious singing of 'Tianmen Fox Fairy', how long have you been enchanted by the story? The landscapes of this day may have transformed into memories captured in your camera, or into topics for conversation at your dining table, but we all know that what is most unforgettable is often the feelings that cannot be shown to others — that is the rough warmth of the stone steps, the slight chill of the mist brushing your shoulders, the lingering echoes of legends left in your ears — this is the Tianmen Mountain that uniquely belongs to you. It is not on the map, nor in the classics, but in the gentle halo that rises in your eyes when you look back. May this memory transform into a breeze in the days to come; it may be difficult to capture, but whenever it unexpectedly comes to mind, it can, in that moment, take you back to savor today’s majestic mountains and rivers, emotions undulating. Good night. If the itinerary of this day has satisfied you, please do not hesitate to give us a good review. This would be very helpful for others who are considering traveling to China. Of course, if there’s anything that displeased you, please let us know in time. This will urge us to continuously improve our service. Thank you very much.
1. How to get to Zhangjiajie: There are direct flights to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. If you want to take the high-speed train, you can first go to Changsha. As the capital of Hunan Province, Changsha has many delicious food and fun activities, which you can enjoy before heading to Zhangjiajie in 2-3 hours by high-speed train.
2. This schedule includes viewing the night scene of Tianmen Mountain. It is recommended to set off after lunch. If you are worried about getting hungry on the mountain, you can bring some snacks. There is also a Burger King near the exit of the Tianmen Sky Road that can satisfy your hunger.
3. It may be windy on the mountain, so in summer, bring a skin jacket or sun protection clothing, and in winter, wear thicker clothes.
4. For safety reasons, the glass pathway will stop operating in heavy rain or icy weather; please adjust your route in time.
5. The 'Tianmen Fox Fairy' performance will be suspended in heavy rain; please pay attention to the weather.
6. Please wear comfortable shoes; there will be a lot of walking today.
7. Try to bring a portable charger to ensure your phone is online; there are almost no shared chargers on the mountain.
8. The itinerary starts at 10:30 today. You can enjoy a good sleep, but try not to have breakfast; let’s enjoy a brunch together.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 8 reviews from app travelers
Les enfants ont adoré la montée en téléphérique jusqu'au sommet de Tianmen — plus de mille mètres à pic le long de la falaise. L'arche de la porte du ciel est à couper le souffle, et le spectacle du soir La Fée Renard de Tianmen — un spectacle en plein air avec la montagne en toile de fond — a émerveillé toute la famille. Le dîner barbecue était une fin douillette. Zhangjiajie à son meilleur.
Tianmen ist ein Wandrerberg mit einer theatralischen Seite. Die Seilbahnabfahrt ist aufregend; das Himmelstor und die felsumarmenden Wege sind Weltklasse. Am Abend verwandelte die Aufführung der Fuchsfee den ganzen Berghang in eine Bühne — ich würde sie zu den besten Shows zählen, die ich je gesehen habe. Das Barbecue danach traf genau den Punkt. Zwei Tage Zhangjiajie, zwei perfekte.
The cable car up Tianmen Mountain is long and spectacular, and the sky gate — a natural arch in the cliff — is one of the great sights of China. The mountain-top loop walks are dramatic, with views over the whole region. The Tianmen Fox Fairy show at night is a huge open-air spectacle — music, lights, the mountain as a stage. A day I will never forget.
The opening line is brilliant: “There are three Tianmen Mountains — the one by day, the one by night, and the one in your heart.” After “Tianmen Fox Fairy” I found a fourth one — it lives in my head now.
Tianmen Mountain is an absolute must-do in Zhangjiajie. The cable car ride up is an adventure in itself, one of the longest in the world, with views that just get more and more dramatic. Walking the cliffside paths, including the glass skywalks, was heart-pounding! The main event, the "Heaven's Door" archway, is truly a marvel of nature. It’s massive and feels so spiritual. The evening show, "Tianmen Fox Fairy," was magical. It's set in the actual valley with the mountains as a backdrop, which is just stunning. The story was beautiful and the scale of the production was incredible. To top it off, the tour included a local barbecue dinner. The grilled meats and vegetables were smoky, spicy, and absolutely delicious—a perfect, casual end to a spectacular day.
Канатная дорога и подвесные тропы Тяньмэньшаня — инженерное чудо; идёшь по тропе в тумане, будто по облакам. Вечером «Лиса у Небесных врат»: сценой служит вся гора, вспыхнул свет — и гора стала театром.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour