A stunt attempt on China’s Tianmen Mountain has gone viral after a SUV slid backwards down the famous 999 steps and smashed into a railing.
The incident happened on November 12, 2025, when Chery, one of China’s largest automakers, was filming a promotional video for its new Fengyun X3L SUV.
Footage captured at the site shows the car inching up the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” before losing momentum and rolling downhill, damaging the protective guardrail in the process and shocking bystanders.
The moment instantly drew comparisons to Range Rover’s 2018 Dragon Challenge, which used the same location and became one of the brand’s most iconic marketing stunts. Viewers were quick to place the two clips side by side, sparking jokes about copying the test and pulling off the wrong ending.
Chinese SUV rolls down iconic “Stairway to Heaven”
Tianmen Mountain is one of China’s most recognizable landmarks, with the 999 steps leading to the natural arch known as Heaven’s Gate. The staircase is steep and visually dramatic, which is why it has become a popular setting for promotional videos.
However, its sharp incline leaves little room for error, which is part of why Chery’s failed attempt spread so quickly across social media.
In a statement reported by Global Times, Chery said that “The outcome has exposed our insufficient assessment of potential risks and lapses in detail control during the planning and execution of this test. In particular, we deeply reflect on the public concerns caused by choosing to conduct the test in a public scenic area.”
As for why the SUV suddenly rolled down the stairs, Chery confirmed that the safety rope’s anchor point detached during the climb, causing the rope to wrap around the right wheel and block power output, which sent the SUV rolling backwards.
Chery has stated that they will cover the full cost of repairs at the site and says it is reviewing its safety processes.
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