Seven Star Mountain
Seven Star Mountain, also called Qixing Mountain is located in the south part of Zhangjiajie. Considered the most dangerous and difficult one to climb in Hunan by local mountaineers, Seven Star Mountain owns hundreds of peaks, some with the altitude over 1,500 meters (4,920 ft), gorges, valleys, streams, and lakes, as well as historical sites and primitive villages. At the same time, so many thrilling high-altitude programs will impress you deeply.
Why named Seven Star Mountain?
With an average altitude over 1,300 meters (4,265 ft), Seven Star Mountain is a “sky city” literally. Its top is a giant hilly terrace and there are more than 100 peaks of various sizes. Among them, 7 peaks of different shapes are spectacular. Observed from different angles, the 7 peaks: Tianshu, Tianxuan, Tianji, Tianquan, Yuheng, Kaiyang, and Yaoguang look like the Bigger Dipper. Therefore, local people gave the name Seven Star Mountain.
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| Seven Star Mountain |
Apart from those 7 peaks, other distinctive ones include Qian Gui Shi, meaning “Thousand Turtle Rock” in Chinese, and Yu Huang Hall (Emperor Hall). The former looks like a huge and ferocious turtle with crystal stones embedded on the surface; while the latter is a massive, grandeur cave with countless pillars inside.
Top Places to Go on Seven Star Mountain
1. Xi Ma Zhuang Observation Platform
Xi Ma Zhuang attracts lovers to pray for eternal love. Its altitude is 1,314 meters (4,311 ft), which has the similar pronunciation with the Chinese characters “Yi Sheng Yi Shi”, meaning “lasting forever”. Standing on the Observation Platform or Walkway, you can watch Tianmen Mountain on the opposite.
2. 1520 Eye of Sky Platform
The platform’s altitude - 1,520 meters (4,990 ft) sounds like “Yao Wo Ai Ni” in Chinese, literally “I Love You”. So this is also a romantic place to go for lovers. Standing on the round glass platform, you can also see Tianmen Mountain in the east and Xion Bi Rock in the west. Whenever you come, the scenery is good like the sea of flowers in spring, the sunset in summer, the red leaves in autumn, and the white snow in winter.
3. Via Ferrata – Climbing Ladder in Air
Ferrata is a high-altitude climbing program. In Seven Star Mountain, you can climb on the 168-meter-long (551 ft) ladder with the highest altitude of 1,480 meters (4,855 ft). With 300 meters’ (980 ft) altitude difference between the starting point and destination, it is a challenge for your courage and patience. Usually, it takes you 3 hours to finish it.
Tips for Climbing Via Ferrata
1. Only tourists taller than 1.2 meters can climb on Via Ferrata. 2. Those with heart diseases, hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperlipidemia are not recommended and allowed to climb it.3. Please wear the safety rope and helmets correctly for the sake of your safety.4. Please check the weather in advance as the cloudy weather influence the scenery you will see greatly.5. To protect your skin, you can wear long-sleeve clothes and sun cream4. Ruyi Glass Walkway
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| Ruyi Glass Walkway |
5. Picking Star Platform
To see the panorama of Seven Star Mountain, then Picking Star Platform must be the best place. With the altitude of 1,528.6 meters (5,015.1 ft), it is the highest site of the scenic area. Standing there, the Grand Canyon of Seven Star Mountain and peaks can be seen.
6. Toboggan
Qixing Mountain Toboggan is about 1,000 meters (1,094 yd) long and time needed for a single slide is 3 minutes. The Toboggan is set outdoors, which enables you to appreciate the natural beauty while sliding down on it.
7. Skiing & Camping Sites
Qixing Mountain also has an outdoor skiing resort with 5 areas: practice area, skiing area, skating area, cross-country area, and accommodation area. In addition, in the coming future, the Canyon Starry Camping Site will provide camping sites of various themes like RV, container, tent, jungle treehouse, and cliff hotels.
2 Recommended Tour Routes on Seven Star Mountain
1. Regular Route for Most Visitors
Take Seven Star Mountain Cable Car at the lower station – reach the summit – walk to Octagonal Pavilion – take sightseeing bus to get to Picking Star Platform – watch Seven Star Mountain Grand Canyon – walk along the Tourist Plank – arrive at 1520 Eye of Sky – take Toboggan to go downhill – take sightseeing bus to return to Octagonal Pavilion – take the Cable Car to reach the lower station
Time needed: 1 day
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2. Hiking Route to Challenge
Xiaojia Tower – Tianlan Pass – Leech Area – Cliff Group – Cliff Plank – Popo Cave – Wabaolaoren – Heavenly Ladder – Leiwo Puddle – Reed Puddle – Ancient Village Relics – Seven Star Mountain Plank – Tang Village Yuanlin Valley
Time Needed: 10 hours
Hiking Distance: over 18 km (11 mi)
This hiking route is difficult and tiring, only suitable for experienced hikers not scared of height.
Tickets
1. Entrance Fee
Adults: CNY239Minors aged under 14 and seniors aged over 65: CNY92Minors aged 14 – 18 and seniors aged 60 – 65: CNY 120Note the above prices include cable car and sightseeing bus.
2. Programs
Toboggan: CNY80Via Ferrata: CNY 780Glass Viewing Platform service fee: CNY5Opening Hours
8:30 – 16:00
Note 16:00 is the last entry time.
How to Get There
Step 1: To get to Seven Star Mountain, you can arrive at the lower station of Seven Star Mountain Cable Car first:
a. Take the special bus line around Huatian Hotel, which runs from 9:00 to 16:00 and returns from 9:30 to18:30. The frequency is 30 minutes and time needed on the way is about 20 minutes. To get to the Hotel, please take City Bus No.101/102/13 first, get off at Wuling Shanzhenguan Bus Stop, and walk for 5 minutes.b. Or, you can spend CNY9 to take the direct buses near Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. It operates from 8:00 and the frequency is about 1 hour.Step 2: Take the cable car to ascend the mountain.
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- Last updated on Jan. 22, 2025 by Zoey Gong -