Where is Truong Gia Gioi? Travel Experience from A to Z

Traveling to Truong Gia Gioi has become a trending destination in recent years. This place attracts tourists with its majestic and breathtaking natural landscapes. If you're someone who loves exploration and adventure, you definitely shouldn't miss out on this place. So, what makes Truong Gia Gioi so appealing to visitors? To find out the answer, let's dive into the following article!

Where is Truong Gia Gioi located in China? 

Truong Gia Gioi is situated in the northwest region of Hubei Province. This place is likened to a fairyland with its majestic mountain ranges and unique karst landscapes. The area boasts over 3,000 mountains with peculiar-shaped peaks. Among them, there are 243 mountains towering over 1,000 meters above sea level.

This destination plays a crucial role in Chinese tourism. It is home to many ethnic minority groups and was once a revolutionary base for many soldiers from Hubei and Trung Khanh. Thanks to this, you'll have the opportunity to explore the diverse culture and unique cuisine here.

Truong Gia Gioi, where nature's beauty is picturesque (Source: Collection)

Formerly known as Dai Dung (Dayong), in 1992, the Vu Lang Nguyen scenic area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By 1994, Dai Dung was renamed Truong Gia Gioi as it is known today. The name originates from a small village in this area and remains popular to this day.

If you've ever seen Avatar, you'll surely recognize the scenery here. The geological fractures during the Earth's formation created towering columnar karst formations. Thanks to its uniqueness, this place was chosen as the backdrop for the famous movie.

Best Time to Explore Truong Gia Gioi

Surely, you'll want to know the best time to visit Truong Gia Gioi for the ultimate experiences. This city is surrounded by forests and enjoys a subtropical climate. Summers here are not too hot, and winters are not too cold. Therefore, depending on your preferences and schedule, you can plan a suitable itinerary.

You can explore Truong Gia Gioi in any season of the year (Source: Collection)

• Spring in Truong Gia Gioi lasts from February to May. During this time, nature is vibrant with beautiful flowers, lively birdsong, and a bit of chilliness and mist. The mountains covered in mist add a mystical touch to the scenery.
• Summer temperatures here rise but remain pleasant. The lush greenery is full of vitality, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cable car rides, and glass bridge walks.
• In autumn, Truong Gia Gioi adorns itself with a romantic atmosphere. The autumn forests seem cozy and intimate, while the weather is pleasantly cool and gentle.
• Winter here often sees snowfall, with temperatures dropping very low and a chilly climate. You'll have the chance to experience exciting snow activities. Don't forget to bring warm clothes to protect yourself from the harsh weather conditions!

What to Prepare for Your Trip to Truong Gia Gioi?

Do you wonder what you need to prepare for your trip to Truong Gia Gioi in China? Your journey will be smoother and more enjoyable with thorough preparation. Let's take a look at the essential items and accessories you can't miss for your trip!

A well-prepared journey will provide you with the best experiences (Source: Collection)

• Personal documents (ID card/passport), passport, and visa. These seem to be indispensable items for every trip abroad. Make sure to check if your passport is still valid and apply for a visa early to ensure a smooth journey!
• Clothing. Depending on the departure time, you should pack suitable attire. Since the terrain here is mainly hills and mountains, prioritize comfortable and active wear. Also, opt for sneakers or shoes with anti-slip soles for easy movement.
• Other necessary items. Such as sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, basic medical supplies, etc.
• Some basic medications. There may be times when you need cold medicine, pain relievers, headache relief, etc.
• Budget for the trip and prepare the corresponding amount of money. You can exchange currency in Vietnam before your trip. Avoid carrying too much cash to prevent loss or theft. For convenience, you can also bring an ATM card for peace of mind.

How to Reach Truong Gia Gioi?

According to the travel experience of Truong Gia Gioi, there are various ways to reach this place. Let's explore which means of transportation would be most suitable for you!

1. Coach

A unique aspect is that you can entirely reach Truong Gia Gioi by coach. Some bus lines in Hanoi such as Tiep Mai and Ninh Quynh will take you to the Huu Nghi border gate. Upon arrival, you'll need to take another electric car ride to reach the Chinese border gate and go through immigration procedures.

Next, you'll catch a bus to reach Nam Ninh station. If traveling alone, you'll share the ride with others. But if you're with friends or family, it's better to rent the entire vehicle. This way, the cost will be cheaper as it's divided among everyone. It'll help you save some money for your trip.

An image of bustling traffic at the Huu Nghi border gate (Source: Collection)

After arriving at Nam Ninh station, you'll proceed to purchase tickets to Truong Gia Gioi. At this point, you can take a brief rest to recharge for your journey. Traveling through China by road will undoubtedly be a memorable experience for you.

2. Train

Taking a train to Truong Gia Gioi will take quite a bit of time. However, if you're not concerned about time, this journey is worth trying. You can buy a ticket from Gia Lam to Nam Ninh for around 800,000 VND. The total travel time will be about 12 hours.

With this option, when you reach Dong Dang station, you'll need to disembark to complete the exit procedures. Then at Bang Tuong station, you'll need to disembark again for the entry procedures. So, remember to pay attention to this and don't fall asleep!

And once you've reached Nam Ninh, you'll continue to buy tickets to Cat Thu - Truong Gia Gioi station. At this point, you'll spend another 15 hours. Upon arrival, you'll take another bus to reach Truong Gia Gioi. This journey is about 50 km long.

3. Flight

Another 'fast and convenient' option for those far from Hanoi who want to save time is to fly to Truong Gia Gioi. This mode of transportation is extremely convenient and popular. However, our country has not yet opened direct flights to Truong Gia Gioi.

Flight is the most preferred mode of transportation chosen by travelers to reach Truong Gia Gioi (Image Source: Collection)

In this case, you'll fly to Guangzhou first. Then from Guangzhou, you'll take another flight to Truong Gia Gioi. Some airlines flying to Guangzhou that you can consider are Vietnam Airlines, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, etc.

Beautiful and famous destinations in Truong Gia Gioi

There are plenty of beautiful landscapes in Truong Gia Gioi waiting for you to explore and enjoy. To discover all the highlights here, you'll need 2 or 3 days to unwind. Let's see what this land has to offer!

1. Thien Mon Son National Forest

Thien Mon Son National Forest is a must-visit destination when you come to Truong Gia Gioi. The unique experiences here will bring you through a spectrum of emotions.

Admire the 99 turns pass

To reach the summit of Thien Mon Son, you have to navigate through the infamous 99 turns pass. Although it's only about 11 km long, this is one of the most perilous roads in the world. These twists and turns soar up to 1,300 meters above sea level, making them a daunting challenge for drivers.

This construction began in 1998 but wasn't completed until 2006. From above, you'll see these 99 turns winding like a dragon flying around the mountain. Through this, you'll glimpse humanity's aspiration to conquer nature.

An image of the treacherous 99 turns pass when viewed from above (Source: Collection)

If you see it from above, you'll surely marvel at the grandeur and magnificence of this place. To ensure safety, according to the regulations of the Chinese government, only cars are allowed to travel on this route. Many believe that these 99 turns symbolize the 9 layers of clouds in heaven.

After completing the 99-turn pass, you must ascend 999 stone steps to reach the sky gate. These steps are entirely made of stone with 3 lanes for movement and handrails. This serves as the transit point to take you to the Thien Mon Son sky gate.

Thien Mon Son Cable Car

If you lack the courage to conquer the 99-turn pass, there's still another way for you to reach Thien Mon Son. To facilitate tourists' sightseeing journey, there's a cable car and escalator system here. It's worth mentioning that this is the longest cable car in the world, stretching up to 7,455 meters.

The Thien Mon Son Cable Car with fluffy clouds below (Source: Collection)

The cable car is constructed with the Truong Gia Giới station ascending to the mountain peak and a total of 98 cabins. Sitting inside the cabin, you'll have the opportunity to fully admire the 99-turn pass amidst the vast mountains. Upon arrival, you'll need to take an additional 12 escalator loops to reach the destination.

Thien Mon Son Sky Gate

Arriving at Thien Mon Son, you'll be amazed. The sky gate, towering 130 meters high and 57 meters wide, is naturally formed. According to legend, this place was formed after a great flood. The limestone mountains collapsed, forming a roof arch, hence called the sky gate (Thien Mon). The mountain peak is called Thien Mon Son.

The Thien Mon Son Sky Gate with its magnificent beauty (Source: Collection)

Stepping foot here, you'll feel like you're lost in a fairyland, with your hands lightly touching the clouds. The temperature here is quite cold, so remember to bring a warm coat!

The Skywalk Hotel

Although both are skywalks, don't confuse it with the Van Thien Bridge also in Truong Gia Giới! Van Thien Bridge is a bridge connecting mountain peaks. Meanwhile, The Skywalk Hotel is the glass pathway of Thien Mon Son mountain. This conquering journey is only for the truly brave and courageous.

The challenging winding glass pathway testing the 'bravery' of tourists (Source: Collection)

The Skywalk, approximately 60 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, made of glass, protrudes from the cliff and is connected to wooden planks. Most people passing through here can't help but feel their heart race as they look down into the deep abyss below. Stepping here gives you the feeling as if you're walking amidst the clouds.

Thien Mon Son Temple

Thien Mon Temple is located near the cable car station to the mountain peak. This temple was built about a thousand years ago, during the Tang Dynasty. The space around the temple is almost entirely enveloped in mist. This has added an extra mystical and sacred touch to the spiritual destination.

A corner of Thien Mon Son Temple with the beauty of snow in winter (Source: Collection)

This destination welcomes millions of tourists each year for blessings and pilgrimage. If you have the chance to visit Truong Gia Gioi, Thien Mon Son, don't miss out on this place! The smoky incense at the temple will bring you a sense of peace and tranquility.

2. Vu Lang Nguyen Scenic Area

The Vu Lang Nguyen Scenic Area has always been a famous destination in Truong Gia Gioi. There are many prominent spots here to stop by, let's see what those landmarks are!

2.1 Truong Gia Gioi National Garden Park

Truong Gia Gioi National Forest Park boasts magnificent and spectacular natural scenery. This will undoubtedly be a journey filled with fascinating and unforgettable experiences.

Bach Long Elevator

When you visit Truong Gia Gioi, you'll have the opportunity to experience the Bach Long Elevator. Situated right next to the mountain cliff, it's known as the tallest elevator in the world. True to its name, from afar, the elevator resembles a dragon soaring straight into the sky. This will surely be a valuable experience in your journey to explore Truong Gia Gioi!

This man-made structure amidst the majestic nature leaves visitors impressed (Photo Source: Collection)

This structure has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest and fastest elevator in the world. It takes only about 2 minutes to reach the foot of the mountain. At first glance, the elevator may seem out of place in the natural scenery. However, the Bach Long Elevator has somewhat demonstrated the intelligence and power of humans.

Van Thien Do Glass Bridge

It can be said that this is one of the most famous landmarks in Truong Gia Gioi. The Van Thien Do Glass Bridge is also known by other names such as the Dai Hiep Coc Glass Bridge or the Truong Gia Gioi Glass Bridge. This transparent glass bridge is 536 meters long and 280 meters high from the valley floor.

At first glance, it may seem fragile, but you can completely feel at ease when stepping on it. The bridge is made of three layers of toughened glass with a very sturdy steel frame. At the same time, the structure can withstand the weight of over 800 people. If you're brave enough, you can experience bungee jumping here.

The long glass bridge is a favorite check-in spot for tourists (Image Source: Collection)

Walking on the bridge, you'll have the opportunity to admire the valley and deep gorge beneath your feet. It feels like walking in mid-air, incredibly novel and unique. To ensure safety, before its inauguration, a test was conducted. Thirty men were tasked with smashing the glass surface with hammers simultaneously. Then, a 2-ton SUV was driven across the bridge.

Truong Gia Gioi, renowned for the Hallelujah Peak

One of the highlights when visiting Truong Gia Gioi is the Hallelujah Peak. This place is also known as Thanh Nham Mountain with over 3,000 unique-shaped stone columns. Formerly, this mountain was known as the “Southern Pillar of the Sky”. Until 2010, with the rising fame of the movie Avatar, the rock formation was renamed Hallelujah.

The towering, majestic mountains have become the focal point of this place (Image Source: Collection)

Amidst these rock masses is a stone bridge formed naturally, connecting two mountain peaks. Though the bridge is only 50 meters long, it reaches a height of 400 meters. This structure is romantically known as the “twin bridge” or the “first bridge below the celestial realm.”

Maoyan River 

For those who enjoy conquering and adventure, Maoyan River is a must-visit. This river runs deep within the mountain gorge. Along the riverbanks, there are numerous waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs... creating a chain of breathtaking landscapes. The terrain also facilitates the development of boating activities.

It's truly an exciting experience that you should try at least once. The water's flow, sometimes calm, sometimes swift, will make your boat bob up and down constantly. This will surely make you unable to contain your excitement and cheer.

2.2 Sach Khe - Famous Natural History Museum Area

This destination may seem quite unfamiliar when mentioning Truong Gia Gioi. However, if you mention Bao Phong Lake, you will feel more familiar. The conservation area of Sach Khe or Tac Khe, if transliterated into Tho Gia language, would mean 'village on the mountain in the mist.' The two most valuable attractions here are Bao Phong Lake and Hoang Long Cave.

Bao Phong Lake 

This lake is situated amidst the scenic area of Truong Gia Gioi, 1.5 km from Vu Lang Nguyen. With its romantic and charming beauty, the lake is dubbed the “highest lake in the world.” The water has a jade-like green color, nestled amidst the mountain valleys and misty haze.

Bao Phong Lake with its serene and tranquil beauty (Photo Source: Collection)

Visiting here, you can take a boat ride to admire the scenery along the river. This peaceful and poetic landscape will make your worries seem to melt away. The pristine beauty of the mountains and forests will be vividly portrayed before your eyes.

Hoang Long Cave 

Hoang Long Cave is also known as the Golden Dragon Cave. It's considered the most beautiful cave in China. The breathtaking scenery inside the cave will surely leave you in awe. With an area of 100,000 m², a length of 7,600 meters, and a maximum height of 400 meters.

The impressive beauty of Hoang Long Cave (Photo Source: Collection)

Here, you'll find various stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, flowstones, and more. Inside, there's also an underground river system and waterfalls. It's safe to say this is the largest limestone cave in the world. You'll have the chance to admire the beauty of the Thiên Tân waterfall, the Dragon Dance Palace, the Golden Dragon Palace, the Fairy Tale Palace, and more.

What to Eat in Truong Gia Gioi?

During your independent trip to Truong Gia Gioi, don't miss the chance to savor the distinctive cuisine here!

Stewed chicken with chestnuts is a nutritious dish you shouldn't miss (Photo Source: Collection)

• Sanxia Guo. This dish is made from three main ingredients: tofu, smoked meat, and turnips. However, to add a twist, locals often include various other ingredients such as beef, pork, lamb, fresh vegetables, etc.
• Stewed chicken. Duck meat can be substituted for chicken. The best time to enjoy this dish is during winter. It will help warm your body after a long journey exploring Truong Gia Gioi.
• Stewed chicken with chestnuts. Chinese chestnuts are known to be very nutritious and are often used in cooking. It can be said that chestnuts are a specialty of Truong Gia Gioi and are abundant in the forest.
• Smoked tofu. Smoked tofu is a dish you can't miss when visiting Truong Gia Gioi. The dish is made from tofu, pork, pepper, chili, salt, etc.

Important Tips for Traveling to Truong Gia Gioi

There are some things you need to keep in mind when visiting Truong Gia Gioi. These will greatly benefit your trip. Let's quickly go through some information to see what these considerations are!

1. Avoid visiting Truong Gia Gioi during peak season

If possible, it's best to visit Truong Gia Gioi during the off-peak season. Visiting during peak season may not provide the best travel experience. Additionally, service prices and tourism activities here tend to be higher during peak days. Therefore, visiting during the off-peak season allows you to enjoy the full atmosphere of the place.

2. Avoid overexertion during the sightseeing process

As seen, most of the spots in Truong Gia Gioi will require quite a bit of walking. However, you can assess your energy and move by cable car or elevator. Explore with a relaxed mindset, unwind, and don't forget to admire the surrounding scenery.

The path to the gate of Heaven's Gate Mountain (Source: Collection)

3. Remember to bring food and drinks with you on your exploration journey 

During the tour, you can stop and rest anytime if you feel tired. And don't forget to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration because you will be moving quite a bit. It's best to also prepare some snacks and fresh fruits to recharge your energy whenever needed.

4. Avoid getting too close to monkeys in the tourist area

During your exploration journey in Truong Gia Gioi, you might encounter monkeys. This is considered quite normal when visiting this place. However, it's best to keep your distance from them as some monkey species can be aggressive. Especially if you have food or any objects in your hands, some monkeys may try to snatch them from you.

Remember to handle your belongings carefully during the tour! (Source: Collection)

5. Challenge your courage in the exploration journey

When you're in Truong Gia Gioi, embrace the challenges of your exploration journey! One of them is walking on those glass bridges! It's truly an amazing experience you can't miss out on. Perhaps it'll even be one of the most memorable moments in your travel adventure.

6. Don't expect too much from accommodations in Truong Gia Gioi

The truth is, the quality of hotels in Truong Gia Gioi won't match those in Beijing or Shanghai... To have the best experience, opt for five-star hotels near Truong Gia Gioi National Park. This will also help you save time and money on transportation costs.

The information above about Truong Gia Gioi will provide you with a better overview of this place. Hopefully, you'll have a joyful trip filled with fantastic experiences. If you lack experience in traveling to China, a self-guided trip might be challenging. You can book a tour for a safe and worry-free journey. Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour to book your tour today!