Plan at a glance
High-altitude walkways are the focus, but the summit still has stairs
Mingtang Mountain Scenic Area is beside National Highway 318 in Hetu Town, Yuexi County, Anqing, with the main entrance at the scenic-area gate. The location is remote, so driving is the most convenient option. A car park is beside the ticket office.
The easier route takes about 4–5 hours and relies mainly on the scenic shuttle, cableway and Flying Carpet. The hike-and-cableway route takes about 5–6 hours and adds more climbing at the beginning. The glass walkway, U-shaped glass viewing platform, glass bridge and slides are separate experiences; check their opening status and extra charges for the day.
Tickets and entry time
The entrance ticket, scenic shuttle, cableway, Flying Carpet and glass attractions are charged separately. Check which core attractions a package includes when buying it. The usual arrangement does not require a reservation and may change by date; visitors planning a longer route should enter early rather than leave the high-altitude walkways and descent until closing time.
The summit is often windy and can be cooler than the foot of the mountain. Mingtang Mountain suits visitors who want mountain views and high-altitude facilities while reducing long uphill sections; a completely stair-free visit is not available.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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The high-altitude walkway loop
The glass walkway, U-shaped viewing platform and glass bridge run along the mountainside and form the main sightseeing area. The U-shaped platform works well for photos of people and the valley, while the glass bridge gives distant views and a sense of height.
This group of attractions suits families, couples and visitors who want mountain views with fewer long uphill sections. Rain, mist, lightning and strong wind can affect glass-attraction operations; in poor weather, use the ordinary walkways or shorten the route.
The easier route and the hike-and-cableway route
The easier route uses the scenic shuttle, cableway and Flying Carpet for the main uphill movement. The hike-and-cableway route starts with a walk from the shuttle drop-off to the cableway station, then continues to the Flying Carpet and high-altitude walkways; it has more stairs in the first section.
Both routes include mountain walking. The easier route reduces continuous climbing, but there are still about 15 minutes of stairs from the drop-off point to the cableway station. For the hiking option, wear suitable shoes and carry water for the uphill section.
Slides and photo stops
The dry or water slide may be used for the descent, depending on the day's arrangements. The Lovers' Pine, Cliffside Café and the area around the glass bridge are useful photo stops, but the summit is windy, so use a hat with a chin strap.
If you enjoy photography, the U-shaped platform and glass bridge are good places to pause when visibility is better. In rain or mist, views from the glass attractions may change; check what is open before buying a related add-on.
Build your day
Easier route: scenic shuttle, cableway and Flying Carpet
Scenic-area gate → scenic shuttle → cableway uphill → Flying Carpet → glass walkway → U-shaped viewing platform → glass bridge → dry slide or cableway downhill → scenic shuttle back. Allow about 4–5 hours, with most of the walking on the high-altitude walkway loop.
There are still stairs between the shuttle drop-off and the cableway station, so this route includes continuous walking and elevation change and will not feel like an ordinary flat attraction. Glass attractions, slides and the cableway may affect the order of the return; after the summit, follow the scenic area's downhill route.
Hike-and-cableway route: walk to the cableway station first
Scenic-area gate → scenic shuttle → walk to the cableway station → Flying Carpet → glass walkway → U-shaped viewing platform → glass bridge → cableway downhill → scenic shuttle back. Allow about 5–6 hours. The first section has more stairs, followed by the high-altitude walkway loop.
This route suits visitors with mountain-walking experience who want both a hike and the high-altitude views on the same day. In rain or mist, on slippery stairs, or when a companion becomes tired, switch to the easier route or descend early.
Descent and return
The dry slide, water slide and cableway may all serve as descent options, but they are not always open at the same time. Before going uphill, note which cableway, slide and downhill routes are open so you are not forced to change the return plan at the summit.
The scenic shuttle runs between the main gate and the mountain stations. After finishing the summit attractions, continue through the descent facilities and take the shuttle back to the main gate before collecting the car or leaving.
Get there
Drive to the scenic-area gate
Navigate to “Mingtang Mountain Scenic Area” (明堂山风景区) and enter through the main gate. The ticket office has a car park. After parking, take the scenic shuttle into the mountain; private cars cannot drive directly to the high-altitude walkway area.
Driving from Anqing takes about 1.5 hours, and driving from Hefei takes about 2.5–3 hours. The mountain road has many bends, so allow time for parking, tickets and the transfer to the scenic shuttle.
Public transport is not a good last-minute option
Public transport in the Yuexi mountain area is inconvenient, so arrange a vehicle before travelling to Mingtang Mountain. Without a private car, arrange the return before arriving; a last-minute taxi may be affected by the location and time of day.
Know before you go
Secure clothing and hats in the wind
The summit is windy and cool, so a windproof jacket is useful. Use a chin strap or another secure method for hats, and do not let loose items fall from the glass walkway or viewing platform.
High-altitude attractions and slides may close or change with rain, mist, lightning or wind. When visibility is poor or the ground is wet, the ordinary walkway and a shorter route are safer.
Tickets for separate attractions
The entrance ticket, scenic shuttle, cableway, Flying Carpet, glass attractions and slides may be charged separately. Check the inclusions before buying a package; if you do not plan to use an attraction, buy only the items you need.
The hiking route has few supply points, so carry water and simple food. Farmhouse restaurants operate near the scenic area for a meal after the descent; mountain food outlets cannot replace a full day's supplies.
Entry stops before closing
The area generally opens in the morning and closes in the evening, with entry stopping before closing. Start early on a longer route so the high-altitude walkways, descent facilities and scenic shuttle can all connect within the open period.
There are still about 15 minutes of stairs from the shuttle drop-off to the cableway station, and the hike-and-cableway route climbs for longer. Wear non-slip sports shoes, and do not hurry on the glass facilities or stairs after rain.