The Record‑Breaking Sky Ladder: Why Mount Qixing’s 168‑Metre Rope Climb Thrills Adventurers

Mount Qixing rises to 1,528 m above sea level in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, a landscape famous for its towering sandstone pillars and cloud‑kissed scenery.

According to Travel China Guide, visitors can choose between two routes. Most opt for route 1, a 1.2 km trail that takes about three hours and includes the sky ladder, because it is considered the easier option.

The ladder itself measures 168 m, hangs at a height of 1,500 m, and is listed by Guinness World Records as the longest ladder in the world. It stretches horizontally across a wide gap, giving climbers a view of the drop below.

Before the ascent, climbers receive a traditional betel quid – a leaf wrapped around areca nut and slaked lime – to chew for warmth and alertness during the demanding climb.

When a person steps on it, the rope ladder sways and vibrates strongly. Water dripping from the cliffs can make the rungs slippery, forcing climbers to focus on each movement.

Flo, a foreign tourist, later admitted her knees were trembling as she tried not to look down.

At the top, instead of walking down, visitors can speed down the mountain on high‑speed slides that race past the dramatic scenery.

The mix of a Guinness‑record length, extreme altitude, traditional betel quid, and the thrill of a swaying, slippery ladder makes the sky ladder a uniquely thrilling attraction that draws adventure seekers from around the world.

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