Chery’s Tianmen Mountain challenge ends in an unexpected accident

Chinese automaker Chery had planned an ambitious promotional event for its new SUV, the Fulwin X3L, by attempting to climb the legendary “Heaven’s Gate” steps on Tianmen Mountain. Known for its extreme incline and 999-step height, the site is considered one of the world’s toughest ascent routes. However, the test run on November 12 ended with an unforeseen accident.

Video footage shows the test vehicle attempting to scale the steep staircase before suddenly sliding backward and crashing into the safety railings. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, though parts of the staircase were damaged. Witnesses reported that the car remained immobile for nearly two hours and that the entire area was cordoned off for safety.

The “Heaven’s Stairway” section of Tianmen Mountain is notorious for its 300-meter length, 150-meter vertical climb, and gradients that reach up to 60% in certain areas. The climb is typically reserved for professional athletes and specialized off-road vehicles.

Following the incident, Chery issued an official apology on November 13. Preliminary findings indicated that the accident occurred due to a sudden break in the test system’s safety rope attachment point. The rope then became entangled in the front right wheel, restricting the engine’s power and causing the vehicle to roll backward.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid Range Rover Sport successfully completed the same climb in 2018, becoming the first SUV to reach the iconic Heaven’s Gate. Chery’s attempt, unfortunately, ended in failure.