On November 12, 2025, a mishap unfolded as a yellow Chery Fengyun X3L embarked on an ambitious climb up the Heavenly Staircase at Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area. Throughout the ascent, the vehicle continually slid backward, ultimately crashing into and demolishing several guardrails before finally coming to a halt, with white smoke billowing from the crash site. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained in the incident.

Scenic area personnel clarified that the event was a privately arranged challenge activity. Consequently, the staircase was closed to tourists on both the 12th and 13th to accommodate the activity's logistical needs. In response to online inquiries regarding the cost of the damaged guardrails, staff refuted claims that the guardrails incurred expenses exceeding 200,000 yuan.

It's worth noting that the Tianmen Mountain Heavenly Staircase stretches nearly 300 meters in length, with a sheer vertical drop of 150 meters. Comprising a total of 999 steps, the staircase boasts an average gradient of 45°, with certain sections exceeding a daunting 60°, presenting exceptionally challenging driving conditions. Notably, in 2018, a specific Land Rover model successfully accomplished the feat of ascending this formidable staircase.