Looking for something beyond Hangzhou's classical gardens and temples? Perched 1,000 meters up in Jiande's karst mountains, Maling Tianguan (also known as TF Adventure Park) is home to a jaw-dropping 22-meter golden Buddha Hand Bridge and a range of thrilling activities—via ferrata climbing, cliff-edge glass rafting, and mountain road racing.
It's a full-day adventure ideal for families with children. This guide covers how to get there, what to do, and how to plan your visit.
Facts
- Chinese name: 马岭天观 Mǎlǐng Tiānguān
- Location: Qiantan Town, Jiande City, 1.5 hours by car from downtown Hangzhou
- Open: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket: RMB 388 (USD 56 / SGD 71) for Super All-Access Pass; RMB 98 (USD 14 / SGD 18) extra for Cliff Glass Slide
- Time needed: 4-6 h
- Suitable for: Families with teens and kids seeking adventure, photo enthusiasts, thrill-seekers
What to Do in Maling Tianguan for Adventure?
If your family is up for a challenge, the park offers several adrenaline-pumping activities.
Hair-raising Via Ferrata
The most thrilling is the Via Ferrata, a rock climbing route that takes you up and across the cliff face using metal rungs, cables, and suspended bridges. The route is divided into three sections and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
The Via Ferrata in Maling Tianguan is suitable for beginners to try. It is only open to visitors aged 14 and above (minimum height 1.4m, weight limit 90kg).
Camel Harley (motorized ride)
For those who want thrills without the climb, try the Camel Harley—a motorized ride that takes you up and down the mountain on a winding track. It's fast, bumpy, and feels like riding a Harley-Davidson through the hills. Like the Via Ferrata, this is restricted to ages 14+.
Cliff Glass Slide Rafting
The most popular activity for all ages is the Cliff Glass Slide Rafting, in a 3,900-meter transparent chute with water flowing on it. You'll sit in a canoe and slide down the twisting glass tube with views straight through to the valley below.
It's thrilling but not extreme, and kids as young as 3 can join (with an adult). The park provides free raincoats in case of getting splashed. This activity requires an additional fee (98 RMB, 14.2 USD/ 17.9 SGD per person), but if you're seeking a real thrilling experience, it's worth trying.
Where to Take Iconic Photos?
If you love taking photos and want to capture pictures that rack up tons of likes, Maling Tianguan is absolutely the place for you.
Golden Buddha Hand Bridge
The star attraction is the golden Buddha Hand Bridge, featuring two 22-meter stone-carved Buddha palm sculptures jutting out from the cliff edge. Standing on the bridge with karst peaks stretching below makes for stunning photos. Visit in the morning when the light hits the hand and the golden bridge directly for the best shots.
Wanfu Ding and Glass Platform
At the top of the stairs, Wanfu Ding is a golden-roofed pavilion with dragon-scale steps that looks like a miniature palace on the mountaintop. Nearby, a glass platform reflects the sky and clouds, creating a surreal floating effect.
Is there anything suitable for younger kids?
If you're traveling with younger kids or prefer a more relaxed pace, there's plenty to enjoy without the extreme activities. You can take the Magic Carpet, which is a conveyor belt that carries you up and down the mountain, eliminating the need for hiking.
On the way up, stop at Squirrel Tribe and Little Luohan Forest Playground, two shaded areas with climbing nets, swings, and obstacle courses designed for younger children. These spots are perfect for letting kids burn off energy in a safe, playful environment.
The Step by Step Thrilling Bridge is a wobbly suspension bridge that offers just enough challenge for families without being too intense. Most kids love the swaying sensation, and it's a good middle-ground activity for mixed-age groups. Looking for a family-friendly Hangzhou tour? See our 2-Day Hangzhou Highlights & Grand Canal Heritage Tour.
How to Plan a Day Trip from Hangzhou
Maling Tianguan works best as a full-day outing from Hangzhou. We suggest planning about five hours inside the park, or around six if you want to add the Via Ferrata climbing route. The layout is simple, with one main path connecting all major highlights, so the day flows naturally without complicated navigation.
The park is suitable for different fitness levels. You do not need to hike up the mountain. To ascend, you can take the five-section Magic Carpet conveyor system or ride the Camel Harley. For the descent, you may use the same options, but the most complete experience is the glass cliff rafting combined with the dry slide and zipline. This route is more dynamic and especially popular with children and teenagers.
A practical route would be: take the Magic Carpet or Camel Harley up the mountain, then choose between the Via Ferrata for a more adventurous experience or the Little Luohan Forest Playground and Squirrel Tribe if traveling with younger children. Continue to the Buddha Hand Bridge, walk on to Wanfu Ding, visit the Sky Mirror glass platform, and finish with the glass rafting, dry slide, and zipline down the mountain.
Tip: Some outdoor activities may be suspended during heavy rain or strong winds for safety reasons. Check the weather forecast before your visit, and be prepared for possible changes to your itinerary. Check more information in Best time to visit Hangzhou.
Plan for 7 to 9 hours in total, including round-trip travel. Leaving Hangzhou around 8:00 to 8:30 am allows you to arrive by 9:30 to 10:00 am, when the light is good for photos at the Buddha Hand Bridge and the park is still relatively quiet. You'll leave around 3:00 to 4:00 pm and return to Hangzhou at 5:00 to 6:00 pm. You can contact us to plan your trip.
There is no public transportation to the park. We recommend choosing a private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off as the most convenient option, especially for families.
Is It Worth Visiting for Sightseeing Only?
No, it's not worth visiting if you only want sightseeing.
The main activities of this park lie in adventurous experiences. If your family enjoys active outdoor challenges such as via ferrata or rafting, Maling Tianguan can be an exciting adventure. However, if your goal is simply to visit the famous "Buddha's Hand" bridge for photos, the long drive and relatively high entrance fee may not justify the trip.
What to Bring
Essentials:
- Water and snacks: Bring plenty of drinking water and light snacks or a packed lunch. There are no restaurants or stores to buy food and drinks once you're in the park.
- Comfortable shoes: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with a good grip for walking and climbing. If you're going to do via ferrata, you absolutely must wear shoes with good traction.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential, especially during summer months when the sun is strong at altitude.
Recommended:
- Camera or smartphone: The photo opportunities are excellent, especially in the morning light.
- Phone lanyard: If you're going to try some thrilling activities, a lanyard is more reliable than keeping your phone in your pocket.
- Extra clothes: If you plan to ride the Cliff Glass Slide, you might get wet. Bring a change of clothes or a towel. The park provides free raincoats, but your clothes underneath may still get damp.
- Small backpack: Something light and hands-free is ideal for carrying your belongings while you explore.
Visit Hangzhou with Travel China
Want a stress-free day trip? We'll handle all the matters, including a private car, an experienced guide, and flexible timing to match your family's pace. We can also combine this trip with other Hangzhou highlights like West Lake or Lingyin Temple for a complete experience.
Contact us to plan your Hangzhou adventure, or explore our other popular tours in Hangzhou:
