Wulong Three Natural Bridges is located in the east of Xiannvshan Town, Wulong District, Chongqing Municipality, situated south of Xiannv Mountain. The scenic area is a 5A-level tourist attraction. It features a typical karst landscape and is a rare ecological tourist area of geological wonders in China. The scenic area is characterized by the magnificent natural stone bridges, dense forests, and flying waterfalls, integrating mountains, water, mist, springs, gorges, peaks, streams, and waterfalls to form a perfect natural landscape scroll. The three natural bridges in the scenic area—Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge—are of huge scale. Tianlong Bridge is 235m high, 150m thick, with an average arch height of 96m, an arch span of 20-75m (average 34m), and a bridge deck width of 147m. Qinglong Bridge has a deck height of 281m, the highest among the three bridges, with an average arch height of 103m, a deck thickness of 168m, an arch span of 13-58m (average 31m), and a bridge width of 124m. Heilong Bridge is 223m high, with an average arch height of 116m (the highest among the three bridges), a thickness of 107m, an arch span of 16-49m, and a bridge deck width of 193m (the widest among the three bridges). The total area of the scenic area is 64 square kilometers.
Historical Culture
According to geological studies, the Three Natural Bridges were formed millions of years ago. Over the long years, this area was once a habitat for ancient creatures and an activity site for ancient humans. In recent years, archaeologists have discovered multiple ancient civilization sites here, providing valuable materials for studying China's ancient history and culture. The Tianfu Official Post Station in the scenic area was built in the second year of Tang Wude Period (619 AD). Located at the junction of "Zuantianpu" and "Baiguopu," it was an important post station for official information transmission between Fuzhou and Qianzhou in ancient times, later destroyed by war.
Main Attractions
Tianlong Bridge
Tianlong Bridge, the first natural bridge on the Yangshui River Gorge, is also known as Toudao Bridge. It is tall, massive, and imposing, renowned for its grandeur. Two through caves have formed under the bridge. The left (southern) through cave is called the Confusion Cave, and its bottom is 120 meters higher than the right (northern) through cave.
Qinglong Bridge
Qinglong Bridge, the second natural bridge on the Yangshui River Gorge (also known as Zhonglong Bridge), is named after the rainbow formed by sunlight shining through the mist of waterfalls pouring from the bridge deck after rain, resembling a green dragon soaring into the sky. With a deck height of 281m (the highest among the three bridges), looking up from below, the arch is vast and the cliffs are towering. The successive collapse sections of the cave roof are distributed in parallel arcs, demonstrating the formation and evolution process of sinkholes and natural bridges.
Heilong Bridge
Heilong Bridge, the most downstream natural bridge on the Yangshui River Gorge, has an ancient name derived from its deep and dark arch cave, which resembles a black dragon winding along the cave roof. On the north side of the cave wall, there are four hanging springs: Wuquan (Mist Spring), Zhenzhuquan (Pearl Spring), Yixianquan (Thread Spring), and Sandiequan (Three-Tier Spring), each with a distinct style.
Tianfu Official Post Station
Located at the bottom of Tianlong Bridge's sinkhole, the Tianfu Official Post Station is an antique quadrangle courtyard with green tiles and gray walls. Built with a wooden structure in classical style, it features small green tile roofs and upturned eaves. Composed of two connected quadrangle courtyards forming a rectangular square, the inner courtyard has about 20 rooms on all four sides. The left hall is the main hall for officials to work and receive guests, while the right wing houses official quarters and guard rooms.
Food
Yangjiao Dried Tofu
Made from high-quality soybeans, using groundwater from Yangjiao Town and brine prepared with 56 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs from the Wulong mountain area, this tofu has a history of over 200 years through repeated brining. It features a tender and smooth texture, rich flavor, a golden exterior, and a soft interior.
Yangjiao Old Vinegar
A characteristic condiment in the Wulong area, this vinegar is rich in aroma, brewed from high-quality ingredients. With a bright red color, moderate sweet and sour taste, and strong fragrance, it is suitable for cold dishes, stews, and other cooking methods.
Wulong Beef Jerky
With fresh meat and flavors like spicy and five-spice, this is a characteristic snack in the Wulong area.
Fern Starch Noodles
Made from ferns in Wulong's Baisunxi, these noodles are delicate, smooth, and slippery.
Xiannv Mountain Roast Whole Lamb
Local free-range black goats are marinated, coated in flour, and slowly roasted in a special oven until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a special sauce, the meat is delicious and fragrant.
Tickets
The package ticket is 155 yuan per person.
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 from 09:00 to 16:30, with the latest admission at 16:00.
Itinerary
Main Tour Route: Start from the scenic area entrance, visit Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge in sequence, and finally explore natural landscapes such as karst caves and waterfalls near the Three Natural Bridges.
Loop Tour Route: Start from the scenic area entrance, first visit natural landscapes like karst caves and waterfalls near the Three Natural Bridges, then tour the three stone bridges in sequence, and finally return to the entrance.
Hiking Through Route: Starting from the scenic area entrance, hike through the Three Natural Bridges along mountain paths to experience the magic of nature. This route is relatively arduous and suitable for hikers with experience.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Chongqing → Neihuan Expressway → Baomao Expressway → Wulong.
- Public Transport: From Chongqing to Wulong, take trains such as K73, 5609, K687, or take a bus.
- Direct Bus: You can purchase package tickets including admission to Wulong Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Difeng (Dragon Water Gorge Sinkhole), and round-trip direct bus tickets from Chongqing to Wulong.
Must-See Attractions
- Tianlong Bridge: The first natural bridge on the Yangshui River Gorge, tall and massive, with the Confusion Cave under the bridge, renowned for its grandeur. It is 235m high, 150m thick, with an average arch height of 96m, an arch span of 20-75m (average 34m), and a bridge deck width of 147m.
- Qinglong Bridge: The second natural bridge, named for the rainbow formed by waterfall mist after rain. With a deck height of 281m (the world's tallest karst natural bridge), it has an average arch height of 103m, a deck thickness of 168m, an arch span of 13-58m (average 31m), and a bridge width of 124m.
- Heilong Bridge: The most downstream natural bridge, with a deep and dark arch cave. The north cave wall has four hanging springs. It is 223m high, with an average arch height of 116m, a thickness of 107m, an arch span of 16-49m, and a bridge deck width of 193m.
- Tianfu Official Post Station: Located at the bottom of Tianlong Bridge's sinkhole, this wooden-structured quadrangle courtyard was built in 619 AD and serves as an ancient important post station.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as long walks are required.
- Bring rain gear as the weather in the scenic area is changeable.
- Plan your time reasonably and choose a suitable route based on your physical condition and interests.
- If interested in history and culture, spend more time at the Tianfu Official Post Station to experience the atmosphere of ancient post stations.
Notes
- Abide by scenic area regulations and do not arbitrarily damage the environment or cultural relics.
- When visiting bridges and cliff edges, pay attention to safety and do not lean on railings or perform dangerous actions.
- Take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures in summer; keep warm in winter.
- Obey the arrangements and instructions of scenic area staff, especially during peak visitor flows.