China’s Sky Ladder: A Thrilling 5,000-Foot Climb Offering Breathtaking Views and Adventure

China’s latest tourist sensation, the Tianti (“Sky Ladder”), is attracting adventurous travelers seeking thrilling experiences high above the ground. Located on Mount Qixing in Zhangjiajie Nature Park, Hunan province, this exciting new attraction stretches 551 feet (168 meters) between two cliffs at a staggering height of 5,000 feet.

The via ferrata-style climbing trail, built on a steep rock wall, features steel handrails, footrests, tethers, and cables, allowing climbers to safely navigate the challenging terrain. The Sky Ladder has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking to push their limits, with up to 1,200 tourists visiting daily, despite the nerve-wracking experience.

The Zhangjiajie Ferrata has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin (China’s TikTok), where videos showcasing climbers’ breathtaking views and heart-stopping moments have captured massive attention. The attraction has even caused “people jams” in the air as more thrill-seekers line up for a chance to conquer the heights.

According to Yuan Xiaorui, marketing supervisor of Qixing Adventure, the company behind the attraction, the experience costs 580 yuan ($80) and includes safety gear, coaches, and full safety precautions. With the growing popularity of outdoor sports in China—over 400 million participants as of 2024—adventure tourism like the Sky Ladder is becoming a significant trend.

Other similar daring attractions, such as a cliffside café with panoramic views and the world’s “most inconvenient convenience store” for hikers, are also gaining attention, showing that China’s sky-high adventures are here to stay.