Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is located in the State-owned Damu Forest Farm of Fuling District, Chongqing Municipality, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The total area of the park is 1,633.3 hectares, with an average altitude of 1,300 meters. The scenic area has a forest coverage rate of 95.2%, abundant animal and plant resources, and a variety of rare species. It integrates natural and human landscapes such as mountains, waters, forests, springs, caves, temples, monasteries, and stockades, featuring a unique karst landform. With overlapping mountains, dense forests, gurgling streams, and fresh air, it is an ideal destination for leisure and vacation, summer resort, and forest exploration. The scenic area is equipped with complete tourism facilities, including a tourist reception center, parking lot, hotels, and restaurants, which can provide high-quality services for tourists.
Historical Culture
The Wuling Mountain area has a long history and is one of the important birthplaces of Ba culture. In ancient times, this was a region where the Ba people lived and carried out activities, leaving behind many ancient legends and cultural relics. The Damu Forest Farm, where Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is located, was an important forestry production base in modern times. After years of development and protection, it has gradually become an eco-tourism resort. The temple buildings in the scenic area carry the local religious culture and are important places for tourists to understand the local history and religious beliefs. In addition, the Wuling Mountain area is rich in folk culture, such as the traditional songs and dances and handicrafts of the Bayu region, which add a strong cultural atmosphere to the scenic area.
Major Attractions
Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate)
Nantianmen is the highest point in Fuling District, with an altitude of 1,985 meters. It is 6 kilometers away from the tourist reception center and can be reached directly by tourist road or on foot via Tongtian Road, which has 3,333 steps (about 2.3 kilometers). This place has a broad view and excellent viewing effect, allowing visitors to enjoy both the rising sun and the golden sunset. The magnificent and precipitous scenery of Wuling Mountain can be seen at a glance. Looking far away, you can see the beautiful Wujiang River; looking down, you can overlook the cliff valleys; looking nearby, you can see the green pines and firs. With floating clouds brushing past your feet and thin mist rising, a red sun rises slowly, evoking a sense of grandeur.
Tongtian Road (Road to Heaven)
Tongtian Road starts at Dingxiang Villa and ends at Nantianmen, with a total of 3,333 steps (about 2.3 kilometers). It implies "the road leads to heaven, and the career is broad". When climbing Tongtian Road, every step forward brings a broader view and a promising future; every step back gives a more open perspective, as if wandering in the Tai Chi (the universe). After climbing to Nantianmen, you can look far into the distance and see all the mountains, valleys, and the endless forest sea.
Wuling Chan Monastery
Wuling Chan Monastery is an important humanistic attraction in the scenic area. It was expanded with donations from local people during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, and later rebuilt on the original site and renamed Wuling Chan Monastery, covering an area of more than 11,000 square meters. The monastery enshrines many Buddha statues and has a thriving incense. Tourists can visit the Buddha statues in the monastery to experience the profoundness of Buddhist culture, and also participate in various religious activities held by the monastery to feel the charm of religious culture.
Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)
Tianchi is a natural lake in Wuling Mountain National Forest Park. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by dense forests. The water temperature of Tianchi remains constant throughout the year, making it a great place for tourists to relax and entertain. Tourists can walk and fish by the lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Wuling Mountain Grassland
Wuling Mountain Grassland is adjacent to the tourist center, next to the Forest Oxygen Bar and Gesang Flower Sea, covering an area of nearly 30,000 square meters. Wandering here, you can see lush green grass everywhere; turning around, you are surrounded by dense greenery. The clear and pleasant birdsong in the forest and the refreshing fragrance of flowers and grass fill your heart. Cattle, sheep, camels, and Tibetan mastiffs are scattered around, becoming the objects that people vied to play with. Unique tents are scattered all over the place, presenting a spectacular scene. You can cook a delicious picnic in the "Self-service Kitchen", drink happily with friends in the yurt, or walk under the starry sky with your loved one. It is truly a sacred place to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of man and nature.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first take a sightseeing bus along Tongtian Road to enjoy the natural scenery along the way. Get off at Nantianmen to overlook the surrounding mountains and forest landscapes. Then go to Wuling Chan Monastery to experience the charm of Buddhist culture. Next, head to Tianchi to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and walk or fish by the lake. Finally, taste local specialty foods in the restaurant within the scenic area and buy some special souvenirs such as Fuling mustard.
Travel Tips
- When visiting the scenic area in summer, pay attention to taking sun protection and anti-mosquito measures, as the scenic area has dense forests and a large number of mosquitoes.
- Tourists can choose to stay in hotels within the scenic area to experience the forest scenery at night, but it is necessary to book rooms in advance.
- If you choose to visit Tongtian Road on foot, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing, and pay attention to safety.
- When tasting local food, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too much greasy and spicy food.
Notes
- Abide by the rules and regulations of the scenic area, take good care of the natural environment of the scenic area, and do not litter randomly.
- When visiting Wuling Chan Monastery, respect religious beliefs and the monastery's rules, and do not behave inappropriately.
- When playing by Tianchi, pay attention to safety, do not get close to the lake shore to prevent accidents.
- When driving to the scenic area, pay attention to traffic safety and abide by traffic rules. Especially when driving on mountain roads, pay attention to road conditions and speed.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Depart from downtown Chongqing, take the Shanghai-Chongqing South Expressway, exit at Fuling South, then pass through Baitao and Wuling Mountain Township to reach Wuling Mountain National Forest Park. The total distance is about 180 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3 hours.
- Public Transportation: Tourists can take a bus from Chongqing Sikongli Transportation Hub to Fuling. After arriving in Fuling, transfer to a bus to Wuling Mountain Township, and finally reach Wuling Mountain National Forest Park.
Opening Hours
Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is open all year round, with daily opening hours from 8:00 to 18:00.
Tickets
The ticket price of Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is 45 yuan per person, and the cost of the sightseeing bus in the scenic area is 20 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area "武陵山国家森林公园" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.