Located downstream of the Wujiang River in the southeast of Chongqing Municipality, the Wulong Karst Tourist Area is a national-level tourist resort, a national ecological tourism demonstration zone, and a China Forest Tourism demonstration zone. Rated as a "China Forest Oxygen Bar" and listed in the "World Heritage List", it is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Centered on Wulong Urban Area, the tourist area radiates to various scenic spots. With a subtropical monsoon humid climate and a distinct three-dimensional climate, it has an average annual temperature of 17.4°C and anions content of over 5,000 per cubic centimeter. The tourist area mainly includes five major scenic spots: Fairy Mountain, Tian Sheng San Qiao (Natural Three Bridges), Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure, Furong Cave, and Furong River, as well as a large-scale live landscape performance "Impression Wulong".
History and Culture
In May 1993, five villagers from Jiangkou Town discovered Furong Cave, which was officially opened to the public in May 1994. From 1994 to 2001, five premium scenic spots were successively developed, including Furong Cave, Fairy Mountain, Tian Sheng San Qiao, and Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure. On June 27, 2007, the Wulong Karst landform in Chongqing was successfully inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List.
The Wulong Karst Tourist Area emphasizes development within protection and protection during development. It has introduced the Measures for the Protection of the Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage in Chongqing Municipality, established a joint meeting system, formed a joint law enforcement team, and issued special Rules for Joint Management and Operation to ensure the naturalness, authenticity, and integrity of Wulong Karst. Meanwhile, Wulong has compiled China’s first science textbook on world natural heritage, Wulong Karst and World Heritage, which is incorporated into the curriculum of local primary and secondary schools to enhance public awareness of world natural heritage protection.
Main Attractions
Fairy Mountain
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Fairy Mountain National Forest Park covers a total area of 8,910 hectares, with an average altitude of 1,900 meters and a peak of 2,033 meters. Known as the "Oriental Switzerland" for its charming alpine grasslands, rare snow forests in southern China, and lush forest landscapes, it enjoys the reputation of "Mountain City Summer Palace". The scenic area offers over 20 recreational projects such as sightseeing trains, horseback riding, skiing, and car racing, as well as brand events like the "Fairy Mountain Grassland Camping International Music Season" and "International Mountain Outdoor Sports Open".
Tian Sheng San Qiao (Natural Three Bridges)
As the core area of the World Natural Heritage Site, a national 5A-level scenic spot, and a national geopark, Tian Sheng San Qiao is a rare geological wonder eco-tourist area in China. The scenic area is renowned for three magnificent stone arch bridges—Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge—forming the largest cluster of natural bridges in Asia. With an average height of over 300 meters and a bridge span of over 500 meters, the three natural bridges within a 1-kilometer distance are unique in the world. It served as the only outdoor filming location for director Zhang Yimou’s Curse of the Golden Flower and Michael Bay’s Transformers 4.
Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure
As the core area of the World Natural Heritage Site, a national geopark, and a national 4A-level scenic spot, Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure is a 5-kilometer-long gorge with a depth of 200-500 meters, consisting of the entrance fissure, middle cave, and exit gorge. Shaped like a deep crack in the earth, the narrowest part of the gorge bottom is only 1 meter, and the widest part is less than 10 meters, with a height difference of over 350 meters between the fissure entrance and the bottom. The scenic area is delicate and beautiful, featuring steep cliffs, primitive vegetation, waterfalls, and deep pools.
Furong Cave
As the core scenic spot of the World Natural Heritage, a national 5A-level scenic spot, and a national geopark, Furong Cave stretches 2,700 meters. It is famous for its numerous sinkholes, complete types of cave deposits, perfect shapes, and pure texture, with the largest cluster of sinkholes discovered at home and abroad. The cave is filled with various secondary chemical deposits, almost covering all types of stalactite deposits, praised as "a splendid underground art palace and a rich cave science museum". Rated as "China’s Most Beautiful Cave" by National Geographic of China, it is known as the "No. 1 Cave in the World" by visitors.
Furong River
As a national scenic spot and a national 4A-level scenic spot, Furong River originates from Suiyang County, Guizhou Province. As the largest tributary of the Wujiang River, it spans 243 kilometers, with 35 kilometers flowing through Wulong District. Known for its mountain peaks, rivers, and gorge scenery, the entire gorge is majestic and winding.
Local Cuisine
Jiangkou Wujiang Fish
A specialty of Wulong District, this dish features fresh and tender fish meat, loved for its delicious taste and unique cooking methods. It is usually prepared in various styles such as spicy and braised, catering to different tastes.
Wanwan Mutton
Originating from Huolupu, the largest post station on the ancient Han-Tang Road, this dish uses horned goats raised in alpine green pastures. With extremely delicate processing, it boasts perfect color, aroma, taste, and appearance. With a history of 300 years, it is a time-honored folk craft and a shining business card of Wulong cuisine.
Fern Cake Stir-Fried with Smoked Pork
A traditional Wulong dish, it stir-fries fern cake with smoked pork. The fern cake is soft and glutinous with a unique fragrance, while the smoked pork is salty and savory, creating a perfect combination.
Wulong Yangjiao Tofu
Famous for its unique production process, rich flavors, and deep cultural heritage, this tofu comes in various flavors such as spicy and five-spice. It is a popular snack and souvenir among tourists.
Wulong Sweet Potato Noodles
Made from high-quality sweet potatoes through multiple processes, these noodles have a unique texture and elasticity. They can be used in hot pot, stir-fries, or soups, and are a common dish on Wulong’s dining tables.
Admission Fees
Admission prices for each scenic spot in the Wulong Karst Tourist Area are as follows:
- Tian Sheng San Qiao: CNY 70/person (peak season), CNY 40/person (off-season)
- Fairy Mountain: CNY 50/person (peak season), CNY 50/person (off-season)
- Furong Cave: CNY 80/person (peak season), CNY 65/person (off-season)
- Furong River: Boat ticket CNY 100/person
- Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure: CNY 55/person (peak season), CNY 35/person (off-season)
Discounts may be available at different times. For example, before June 30, 2024, individual tourists can enter Furong Cave free of charge with a valid ID; tourists born in 1994 can visit Furong Cave for free (including admission and round-trip cable car) with a valid ID. For specific discount information, please follow the official website or WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Opening Hours
General opening hours for each scenic spot in the Wulong Karst Tourist Area are as follows:
- Fairy Mountain: 24-hour access; entertainment projects open from 08:30–17:00 (May 1–31), 08:00–17:00 (June 1–August 31), and 08:30–16:30 (September 1–April 30)
- Tian Sheng San Qiao: 08:30–17:00 (May 1–31), 08:00–17:00 (June 1–August 31), 08:30–16:30 (September 1–April 30)
- Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure: 08:30–17:00 (May 1–31), 08:00–17:00 (June 1–August 31), 08:30–16:30 (September 1–April 30)
- Furong Cave: 08:30–17:00 (May 1–31), 08:00–17:00 (June 1–August 31), 08:30–16:30 (September 1–April 30)
- Furong River: 08:30–17:00 (May 1–31), 08:00–17:00 (June 1–August 31), 08:30–16:30 (September 1–April 30)
The live performance "Impression Wulong" lasts approximately 70 minutes. Specific showtimes are scheduled according to tourist flow and seasons; advance inquiry and ticket booking are recommended.
Itinerary Recommendations
Below is a common two-day itinerary:
Day 1: Fairy Mountain National Forest Park → Tian Sheng San Qiao → Impression Wulong
In the morning, visit Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, known as the "Mountain City Summer Palace," and take a European-style sightseeing train through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Tian Sheng San Qiao, the largest cluster of natural bridges in Asia, to admire the unique karst geological wonder of "three bridges between two sinks." Stay overnight in the Fairy Mountain National Tourist Resort and watch the large-scale live performance "Impression Wulong" to experience the magic of the intangible cultural heritage Chuanjiang Boatman's Chants.
Day 2: Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure → Furong Cave → Furong River
On the second day, visit the "Most Beautiful Crack on Earth," Longshui Gorge Ground Fissure, to observe natural hazards and unique landscapes. Then explore the "Underground Art Palace," Furong Cave, and shuttle through various scenic spots. After the cave tour, take a cruise on the Furong River to enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains and waters.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From the main urban area of Chongqing, you can take the Chongqing-Xiangxi Expressway (or Yinbai Expressway) to Wulong Service Area (or Wulong West), and then proceed to each scenic spot in Wulong.
- Train: Take a train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Wulong Railway Station, then transfer to transportation to each scenic spot.
- Bus: Take a bus from Chongqing Sigongli Bus Hub to Wulong Bus Station, then transfer to vehicles to each scenic spot.
- Airplane: Arrive at Fairy Mountain Airport from various places across the country, then proceed to each scenic spot in Wulong.
Must-See Attractions
- Fairy Mountain: Features vast alpine grasslands and snow forest landscapes, ideal for leisure vacations and natural scenery appreciation, with rich recreational projects.
- Tian Sheng San Qiao: Asia’s largest cluster of natural bridges, showcasing amazing karst landforms, enhanced by its fame as a movie filming location.
- Furong Cave: A world-famous cave with diverse interior landscapes, known as an underground art palace, boasting high ornamental and scientific values.
Travel Tips
- Plan your itinerary in advance, choose attractions based on your time and interests, and arrange visiting orders reasonably.
- Check the weather forecast of the scenic area and bring appropriate clothing and equipment. For example, prepare warm clothes and rain gear for variable weather at Fairy Mountain.
- Comply with scenic area regulations, protect the environment, and do not arbitrarily damage natural landscapes or public facilities during your visit.
- If time permits, stay overnight in the scenic area’s resort to enjoy a leisurely vacation and better appreciate the scenery.
Notes
- Some sections within the scenic area have complex terrain; pay attention to safety while walking and follow signposts and guides.
- Take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures in summer; be cautious of slippery surfaces in winter, especially in snowy areas like Fairy Mountain.
- Keep personal belongings safe while using transportation, note the vehicle number and seat number, and take seats in order.
- Arrive early for the "Impression Wulong" performance, follow the show rules, and avoid random movement or loud noise.