Fairy Mountain National Forest Park is located in Xiannv Town, Wulong District, Chongqing. It is a national 5A-level tourist area and a national geopark, and also an important component of the Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage. With a total area of more than 100 square kilometers, it has 330,000 mu of forest area, more than 100,000 mu of natural grasslands, an average altitude of 1,900 meters, a main peak altitude of 2,033 meters, and an annual average temperature of 10.2°C. The scenic area has distinct characteristics and is known as the "Oriental Switzerland", "Southern Pasture", and "Mountain Summer Palace" for its charming alpine grasslands unique to the south of the Yangtze River, rare forest and snowfields in southern China, and beautiful forest and green wilderness landscapes.
History and Culture
The name "Fairy Mountain" originates from a mountain peak that resembles a dancing fairy. When white clouds curl around it, the peak appears and disappears, ethereal and misty, like a fairy wearing a thin veil, standing shyly. According to the Qing Tongzhi "Revised Fuzhou Annals": "(Fairy Mountain) has a deep stone cave halfway up the mountain, where it is said that fairies once lived and ascended to heaven, never to be seen again."
There is also a touching local legend: a shepherd boy married a fairy who descended to earth. Later, the fairy cleverly defeated a rich man who wanted to occupy her, and then transformed into a mountain peak standing on the top of a cliff, becoming a symbol of upholding justice and dispelling evil.
Main Attractions
Fairy Mountain Grassland
It is a rare alpine meadow in Chongqing with a vast area. In spring and summer, you can enjoy exotic flowers and grasses and gallop on horses; in autumn and winter, you can go skiing and enjoy roasted mutton. Visitors can also lie on the soft grass, gaze at the blue sky and white clouds, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Tongtian Tower
The highest peak of Fairy Mountain, with an altitude of 2,033 meters, it is said to be the place where Iron Crutch Li invited immortals to travel together. In the early days, the Fairy Mountain Forest Farm built a monitoring and observation tower here. Climbing the observation tower and looking into the distance, you can see the boundless forest.
Fairy Lake
Hidden deep in the mountains, surrounded by steep peaks and dense forests, it is emerald-blue and serene, resembling a secret bathing place for fairies.
Rhino Village
It is a well-preserved traditional ancient village on Fairy Mountain. Surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation, it is hidden among the canyons and forests. The Tujia stilt wooden houses built along the mountain have upturned eaves, shaded by bamboo, and with the murmur of flowing water. The people in the village still maintain traditional Tujia living habits, and the folk customs and natural scenery complement each other.
Food
Whole Roasted Lamb
The whole roasted lamb in Fairy Mountain is fragrant, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Using high-quality local lamb and special marinating and roasting techniques, the roasted lamb is delicious and a must-try for visitors.
Fern Cake and Smoked Pork
This is a farmhouse dish with rich local characteristics, stir-frying fern cake with smoked pork. The fern cake is soft and glutinous, and the smoked pork is salty and delicious, combining to make an endless aftertaste.
Sanye Native Chicken
Using locally free-range native chickens, the meat is tender and fresh. It can be cooked in various ways, such as stewing or braising, with a delicious taste and rich nutrition.
Tickets
The ticket price for Fairy Mountain is 50 yuan; the preferential ticket price for children and the elderly is 25 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "武隆景区", to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours a day.
Itinerary
In the morning, you can first go to Fairy Mountain Grassland to enjoy the grassland scenery and experience entertainment projects such as horseback riding; have lunch near there and taste local food; in the afternoon, go to Tongtian Tower, climb the peak, and overlook the forest; in the evening, go to Fairy Lake to enjoy the quiet and beautiful lake view. If time permits, you can also go to Rhino Village to experience Tujia folk customs.
Transportation
- Train: There are multiple trains passing through Wulong County every day from Chongqing North Railway Station. There are many vehicles from Wulong to the scenic area. You can transfer to the bus bound for "Xiannv Town" at Wulong Bus Station and get off at the tourist center, with a fare of about 10 yuan.
- Bus: You can take a bus to Fairy Mountain Scenic Area at Siguili Station; you can also take a bus to Wulong Bus Station at other bus stations and then transfer to a bus to the tourist center of the scenic area.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Fairy Mountain Scenic Area".
Must-See Attractions
- Fairy Mountain Grassland: A rare alpine meadow in Chongqing with a vast area, beautiful scenery, and rich entertainment projects.
- Tongtian Tower: The highest peak of Fairy Mountain, where you can climb the tower and overlook the boundless forest.
- Fairy Lake: The lake is emerald-blue and serene, with pleasant scenery around, just like a fairyland.
Travel Tips
- In summer, remember to bring light and breathable clothes and take sun protection measures; in winter, bring enough warm clothes such as down jackets and thick sweaters.
- If you want to experience camping, prepare camping equipment in advance and choose a safe camping site.
- You can take the scenic area's small train during the tour, which is convenient and allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Notes
- The climate in mountainous areas is changeable, so carry rain gear and warm clothes with you.
- Protect the ecological environment and do not litter casually.
- When carrying out activities such as mountain climbing, make full preparations, follow the guidance of staff, and ensure safety.
- Respect local customs and cultural traditions, and travel in a civilized manner.