Strip of Sky-Grand Canyon

Question

Does anyone know if the Strip of Sky and the Sky Ladder are opened and walkable?

I don't want to walk the glass bridge. My idea is to walk through strip of sky and sky ladder to reach Rainbow square area. Than walk down in the canyon (about 3 km) till the lake. Then boat to the exit of the canyon. Is it feasable? How long does it take?

Thanks

Answer

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon area, located near the famous Glass Bridge, includes several scenic walking routes such as the Strip of Sky, the Sky Ladder, Rainbow Square, and the canyon trail leading to the lake and boat exit. However, the accessibility of certain paths can change seasonally due to maintenance or safety concerns, so it’s important to confirm the latest information at the ticket office before your visit.

The Strip of Sky (Yixiantian) and Sky Ladder (Tianti) are natural and man-made sections of the canyon known for their steep but scenic trails. They are generally open to visitors except during bad weather or maintenance closures. These paths do not require you to walk on the Glass Bridge, so your plan to skip it is possible. The route you described — walking from the Strip of Sky through the Sky Ladder to Rainbow Square, and then descending into the canyon — is a classic hiking route.

Here is a general breakdown of the route and timing:

Strip of Sky to Sky Ladder: This section is narrow and steep but well-maintained, taking about 30–45 minutes on foot. It offers dramatic cliffs and vertical views.
Sky Ladder to Rainbow Square: The walk between these points takes about 20–30 minutes. Rainbow Square is a scenic platform area where many hikers take a short rest or photos.
Rainbow Square to the canyon floor and lake: The descent is around 3 km, mostly on stairways and paths with railings. It usually takes 1–1.5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Boat ride across the lake to the exit: The short boat trip at the end of the canyon lasts around 10–15 minutes and provides beautiful views of the cliffs from below.

Overall, this route is completely feasible without crossing the Glass Bridge. It typically takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on your pace and photo stops. The path is mostly downhill after the Rainbow Square section, but be prepared for a lot of stairs and uneven surfaces.

Additional travel tips:

Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good grip — the steps can be slippery, especially in humid or rainy weather.
Bring some water and light snacks, as there are limited refreshment points inside the canyon.
Check weather and operation notices at the ticket gate since the Strip of Sky and Sky Ladder occasionally close for safety maintenance or heavy rain.
If you prefer not to walk the full route, there are electric shuttles at certain exits to help return to the main entrance or parking areas.

In summary, your plan is realistic and rewarding for those who enjoy scenic hikes without needing to cross the Glass Bridge. Allow around half a day for the experience to explore comfortably and enjoy the natural beauty of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Strip of Sky-Grand Canyon

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