Located at an elevation of 1,300 meters, Aotaoji Tourism Resort (奥陶纪旅游度假区) is the highest-altitude vacation project in the scenic Heishan Valley. Covering an area of approximately 3.3 million square meters, it boasts a pleasant average summer temperature of 23°C.
Aotaoji is an integral part of the Heishan-Shilin National 5A Scenic Area. The resort is designed with an experiential tourism approach at its core, offering a blend of leisure, commerce, and vacation facilities. It features a unique development model that supports cultural experiences in film and television, creating a cohesive environment for visitors.
The resort encompasses three primary tourism functions: a core attraction center, a leisure gathering center, and an extended development center. These elements work together to provide a comprehensive tourism experience, combining sightseeing, relaxation, cultural commerce, and business meetings. This integrated development positions Aotaoji as a premier destination within the national 5A Scenic Area, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
Travel Information about Aotaoji Tourism Resort
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Weekdays: ¥210
- Weekends: ¥230
- Holidays: ¥270
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Getting to the Resort
Address: Heishan Aotaoji Scenic Area, Wansheng Economic and Technological Development Zone, Chongqing.
Transportation:
- Take a long-distance bus from Nanping Sigongli Hub Station, Chenjiaping Long-Distance Bus Station, or any other long-distance bus station to Wansheng Bus Station.
- From Wansheng Bus Station, transfer to Bus No. 113 to reach Heishan Valley South Gate Station, and then take Bus No. 119 to arrive at the Dreamlike Aotaoji Scenic Area.
Scenic Ratings
- Thrilling: ★★★★★
- Unique: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★
- Beautiful: ★★
- Romantic: ★★
Highlights of Aotaoji Tourism Resort
Sci-Fi Dream Factory
The Sci-Fi Dream Factory harnesses advanced scientific technology to transport you back 500 million years to the Ordovician period. Here, you can experience the constant changes of time as if it flows at light speed through your fingertips. Once everything stabilizes, you find yourself in a primordial era, surrounded by ancient species such as trilobites, nautiluses, and moss animals.
At the Dream Factory, you can truly appreciate the wonders of natural development and the evolution of life. The experience is enhanced by special effects in the seating and the environment, immersing you in a journey that allows you to witness the dramatic transformations of history.
Sky Walkway
The Sky Walkway holds the Guinness World Record for the “World’s Longest Cantilevered Glass Walkway,” a title it achieved on May 19, 2017. The bridge features an “A”-shaped design, extending more than 80 meters out from the cliff edge without any support underneath.
Walking on this impressive structure gives visitors a thrilling sensation of vertical movement, as the walkway sways gently beneath your feet, embodying the phrase “you walk, the bridge shakes.” The fully transparent glass adds to the excitement, providing a breathtaking view of the scenery below and enhancing the overall experience.
Cliff Swing
The Cliff Swing is the first of its kind in China, perched atop a mountain right at the edge of a cliff. As you swing out over the edge, the mountain breeze rushes past your ears, and you are greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the Shilin Scenic Area below.
With a drop of over 300 meters beneath your feet, the initial swing can be a disorienting experience, leaving your mind momentarily blank. However, once you acclimate to the sensation, you can fully embrace the exhilarating feeling of flying free. The Cliff Swing offers an unforgettable thrill, combining adrenaline with stunning natural vistas, making it a must-try attraction for adventure seekers.
Glass Suspension Bridge
The Glass Suspension Bridge is centrally located in the Dreamlike Aotaoji Theme Park, suspended 300 meters above the ground and stretching 150 meters in length. Walking on this bridge provides a unique sensation of soaring high above the landscape, as if you are stepping into the sky. The transparent glass walkway allows for unobstructed views of the stunning surroundings, creating an exhilarating experience for visitors.
Dinosaur Park Ice and Snow World
No matter when you visit, the Dinosaur Park Ice and Snow World offers a winter wonderland experience, thanks to its artificial snow. Even if the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing, you can freely enjoy snow activities here.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by lifelike dinosaur-themed sculptures, including formidable adult dinosaurs and adorable baby dinosaurs hatching from their eggs. Once you step into the ski area, you’ll find yourself in a world blanketed in pure white snow, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue sky. The surrounding mist adds an enchanting touch, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale realm.
Visitor Guide for Aotaoji Tourism Resort
Accommodation Options
There are plenty of accommodation options near Aotaoji, ranging from hotels within the scenic area to various guesthouses in the surrounding region.
Located within the Aotaoji Scenic Area, Dream Town Hotel (梦幻小镇酒店) offers nearly 200 rooms with stunning views of diverse landscapes, including forests, cliffs, and lakes. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, such as relaxing in hot springs, watching performances at the theater, and skiing.
Dining Options
In the Aotaoji Scenic Area and its surroundings, there are many restaurants. Options include the Aotaoji Yunshang Restaurant (奥陶纪云上餐厅), Sky Walk Farmhouse (悬廊农家乐), and Jufuyuan Hot Pot (聚福源火锅). You can also try local specialties at the Vortex Noodle Restaurant (漩涡面馆) next to Wansheng Bus Station.
Entertainment
The Dreamlike Aotaoji Theme Park is positioned as the first experiential geological theme park in the country. It centers around the Ordovician geological era and features specially designed attractions such as the 5D film “Return to the Ordovician,” interactive rides like “Through the Ordovician” and “Brave Drift,” and geological heritage from the Ordovician period. This systematic presentation allows visitors to not only admire the geological relics of the Ordovician but also gain a deeper understanding of this historical era.
Additionally, the park combines the country’s first night-time Stone Forest light and shadow show with the large-scale live performance “Bashu Eternal Love,” creating a dreamlike night-time Stone Forest tour. There is also a Children’s Paradise designed for young visitors, featuring a mechanical equipment amusement area. Together, these elements make the Dreamlike Aotaoji Theme Park a comprehensive destination that integrates natural sightseeing, themed entertainment, live performances, and night-time exploration.