China's Zhangjiajie has this sandstone arch called Tianmen Cave—literally "Heaven's Gate"—punching through Tianmen Mountain at 1,520 meters elevation. At 131 meters high and 57 wide, it's basically nature's version of a skyscraper doorway.

The hole formed when underground water eroded the limestone over millennia until the cave roof collapsed, creating this massive natural window. Local legend says it opened in 263 AD during an earthquake. The 999 steps leading up? Nine is lucky in Chinese culture, so they tripled down on it.

Visit March-May or September-November for clear skies minus the summer crowds. Cable car from Zhangjiajie city takes 30 minutes, then either brave those stairs or take the escalators built into the mountain. Yes, escalators inside a mountain—China doesn't mess around with accessibility.

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