Tianbo Mansion in Yangjiajie

Tianbo Mansion in Yangjiajie

Tianbo Mansion in Yangjiajie is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Tianbo Mansion is a platform atop a mountain, surrounded by dozens of steep cliffs, creating a grand and imposing scene that from afar resembles the ruins of ancient walls. Locals believe this to be the site of the historic "Tianbo Mansion" of the Yang Family Generals. Located within the Yangjiajie Scenic Area near Wulong Village, it’s a great spot for photography and one of the best photo locations in Zhangjiajie. Most visitors hike to Tianbo Mansion after climbing up to Wulong Village, where they must tackle a nearly 90-degree iron man-made staircase that is extremely steep. However, safety rings along the stairs make the experience more thrilling than dangerous.

Behind Wulong Village, sheer cliffs and deep valleys lie in all directions, and not far away stands a solitary rock towering above the surrounding mountains — this is the legendary treasure hiding place known as Tianbo Mansion. Before arriving, I had imagined that since it was called a "mansion," it would at least be a large building, or at the very least a house. But upon reaching the site, I discovered that the so-called Tianbo Mansion is simply a mountain peak, completely different from what I had envisioned. Why is it called this? According to legend, a branch of the descendants of the Yang Family Generals settled here, which is why this part of the scenic area is called Yangjiajie. Tianbo Mansion was named after the command post built by the Twelve Widows of the Yang Family during their campaign to suppress the rebellion of the Wuling Man tribes.

Tianbo Mansion is located within the Yangjiajie Scenic Area, characterized by quartz sandstone peak forest canyon landforms. Xiangzhixi Stream is situated in the eastern part of the Yangjiajie Scenic Area. The stream meanders through the landscape, flanked by majestic peak forests. Within Longquan Gorge, towering stone peaks stand densely, with clear streams, serene pools, and cascading waterfalls that complement each other beautifully. Before the 1990s, this area remained an overlooked corner, but in the early 1990s, its majestic, precipitous, elegant, and tranquil beauty gradually became known to the public.

The Tianbo Mansion Scenic Area boasts picturesque landscapes with clear waters and lush mountains. Xiangzhixi features lofty peaks, distant skies, deep valleys, clear waters, setting suns over ancient paths, and the sounds of birds and cicadas, resembling a paradise on earth. Longquan Gorge is lined with sheer cliffs, forming a natural barrier that resembles a spectacular ancient city wall. Baihou Valley is home to macaques and egrets, with troops of monkeys roaming the cliffs and valleys, and flocks of egrets perching amidst the green leaves. Yangjiajie also hosts what is hailed as the "No. 1 Vine of China" — the "Cliff Vine King."

Tianbo Mansion and Wulong Village are not directly connected. To get from Wulong Village to Tianbo Mansion, there was originally no path — the connection is a suspension bridge strung between two mountain peaks. The bridge is nearly two meters wide and about twenty to thirty meters long. After crossing the suspension bridge, there’s a hanging iron ladder, which, by estimation, is almost a perfect 90-degree angle. Only after climbing this ladder can you reach the summit of Tianbo Mansion. Ever since I donated my courage to the hospital, I’ve suffered from acrophobia, and what frightens me the most is swaying, wobbly, and seemingly flimsy suspension bridges. As soon as I step onto the bridge, my legs tremble, feeling an inexplicable pull dragging me toward the abyss. Looking down, the depth is bottomless, and after much hesitation, I never summon the courage to go up.

At Tianbo Mansion, you can admire four naturally formed stone walls, arranged row by row, like squads of soldiers standing in formation, standing upright like city walls. The view is spectacular, elegant, vast, and open, with uniquely shaped peaks and stones forming a naturally exquisite scene. Without the courage to face it, one can’t help but feel regretful, able to imagine the beauty but not dare to witness it, leaving only a sense of loss. Descending from the village gate, many sedan chair carriers wait here. The chair bearers have a keen eye for recognizing visitors, and those who rode earlier mostly opt for the chairs.

Time Needed

20–30 minutes

Transportation

Accessible on foot within the Yangjiajie Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Ticket

No separate ticket required

Included with the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ticket; valid with the general park admission.

Opening Hours

7:00–18:00 (Zhangjiajie Forest Park opening hours)

Location

Within the Yangjiajie Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie Forest Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City

Yangjiajie Scenic Area

Wulong Village