The Wulong Karst Scenic Area (武隆喀斯特旅游区) is a vital part of the southern Chinese karst landscape, exemplifying the features of deep-cut canyons. It represents a significant chapter in Earth’s geological history and serves as a living record of ongoing geomorphic processes, showcasing essential landforms and natural geographic characteristics.
This scenic area comprises three primary attractions: the Three Natural Bridges, Fairy Mountain, and Furong Cave. The Three Natural Bridges, located to the south of Fairy Mountain, are renowned for their dramatic arches and stunning scenery. Fairy Mountain itself lies in Xianren Mountain Town within the Wuling Mountain Range in eastern Chongqing, offering lush landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and various outdoor activities for visitors. Meanwhile, Furong Cave, situated along the Furong River just 4 kilometers from Jiangkou Town, captivates visitors with its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.
These remarkable attractions, including the Three Natural Bridges, Furong Cave, Fairy Mountain, and the Houping erosion-type sinkhole, are recognized as World Natural Heritage sites. This designation highlights their exceptional geological and ecological importance.
Travel Information about Wulong Karst Scenic Area
Ticket and Opening Hours
The Wulong Karst Scenic Area has varying ticket prices for its main attractions:
- Fairy Mountain: 50 RMB
- Three Natural Bridges (including elevator access): 125 RMB
- Longshui Gorge: 105 RMB
- Little Train Ride: 25 RMB per person
- Furong River Boat Ticket: 100 RMB per person
The area is open all day, while specific attractions have different opening hours:
- Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave:
- Weekdays: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Wulong is in the autumn. The climate is humid, with distinct seasons; spring and summer tend to have higher rainfall.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Wulong is located within Chongqing. To reach the area, take a bus from the Qiaokou Hub to Wulong, which will take you to the Wulong Bus Station. From there, you can transfer to a local bus heading to Fairy Mountain Town. The scenic area also offers environmentally friendly buses that shuttle between the three main attractions.
Scenic Area Rating
- Special Features: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Wulong Karst Scenic Area
Three Natural Bridges
The Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area in Wulong boasts the largest group of natural bridges in Asia and is one of the rarest karst systems in the world. Situated over the Yangshui River, a tributary of the Wu River, the area features three magnificent bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge, which are sequentially arranged. Between these natural bridges lie two unique karst sinkholes—Tianlong Sinkhole and Shenying Sinkhole—creating a stunning geological wonder of “three bridges enclosing two sinkholes.” This extraordinary formation is unparalleled in size and grandeur worldwide.
In addition to the three natural bridges and the two sinkholes, the scenic area is home to several other attractions, such as Longquan Cave and Xianrendong Cave. Notably, the ancient post station featured in the film “Curse of the Golden Flower,” directed by Zhang Yimou, is also located here.
Ancient Post Station: Nestled within the sheer cliffs of Tianlong Sinkhole is the ancient post station, designed in a traditional siheyuan (courtyard house) style. To create an authentic historical atmosphere, the director insisted that all building materials appear aged, and moss was deliberately placed on the rooftops to enhance the ancient charm.
Pillar of Heaven: Known as “Qingtian Yizhu (擎天一柱),” this stone peak, shaped by millennia of wind and rain erosion, rises prominently. The isolated peak is adorned with lush vegetation, resembling a green canopy atop a towering pillar. This natural formation is a significant feature of the karst landscape, where clusters of stone peaks come together to form a remarkable stone forest.
Fairy Mountain
Fairy Mountain is located on the northern bank of the Wu River, approximately 200 kilometers from downtown Chongqing and about 30 kilometers from Wulong District. It derives its name from a peak that resembles a graceful fairy dancing in the sky. From a distance, the Fairy Peak appears shrouded in swirling white clouds and purple mist, creating an ethereal image reminiscent of a fairy standing shyly in a translucent veil.
The mountain features several attractions, including Shiziyan (Lion Rock), Xianvshi (Fairy Stone), Houjia Mountain Villa, Jiuba Axe, and lush grasslands surrounded by pristine forests. The breathtaking highland meadows, the rare southern sea of trees blanketed in snow, and the serene beauty of the green landscape make it a captivating destination. Visitors often refer to Fairy Mountain’s enchanting forests, unique peaks, vast grasslands, and snow-covered plains as the “Four Wonders.”
Seasonal Beauty
The winter season on Fairy Mountain lasts long, from November to February, marked by snow-covered landscapes. The ski resort here is the largest alpine ski and grass skiing area in China at its southernmost latitude, offering a perfect blend of leisure, vacation, and sports. During this time, the mountain transforms into a winter wonderland, with white snow blanketing the ground. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snow viewing, and even barbecuing lamb in the snowy fields, immersing themselves in the thrill of “a true winter paradise.”
In summer, the climate on Fairy Mountain is cool and mild, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 18°C to 20°C. Even in the hottest months of July and August, temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. The vibrant summer scenery, coupled with the refreshing climate and gentle breezes, makes Fairy Mountain an ideal retreat for relaxation and a perfect escape from the summer heat, earning it the reputation of the “Summer Palace of Mountain City.”
Furong Cave
Furong Cave is renowned as the only cave nominated for “World Natural Heritage” status, making it a significant attraction. This large limestone cave, formed during the Quaternary Period (approximately 1 million years ago), developed within ancient Cambrian dolomitic limestone. The temperature inside the cave remains stable at around 16.1°C. The main cave stretches for 2,500 meters, with a visitor pathway of 1,860 meters. Its width exceeds 12 meters at the base and reaches a maximum of 69.5 meters, covering a total area of 37,000 square meters. Notably, the Grand Hall within the cave spans over 1,000 square meters, capable of accommodating more than 100,000 visitors at once.
Inside Furong Cave, visitors can marvel at a dazzling array of colorful secondary chemical deposition formations, particularly stalactites, which encompass over 70 different types. The primary mineral compositions include calcite and gypsum, along with aragonite and dolomite. Many of these formations are unique in their quantity, perfection of shape, and extensive distribution, making them unparalleled in domestic discoveries. Certain types are rare in China and even more uncommon globally. To protect the cave, access is limited to 30 people per group, with free guided tours throughout the cave, where the lighting is also managed in sections.
Furong Cave is famous for its “Five Wonders”: the “Giant Waterfall,” “Source of Life,” “Coral Pool,” “King of Stone Flowers,” and “Dogtooth Crystal Flower.” These wonders are not only treasures of Furong Cave but also exquisite gems in the world of cave landscapes. Among these, the “Coral Pool” and “King of Stone Flowers” are recognized as the largest in the world.
Furong River
Historically known as Ruo River and also called Pangu River, Furong River derives its name from the abundant hibiscus trees that line the banks near Jiangkou Town, where it converges with the Wu River. Stretching 231 kilometers in length, it is the largest tributary of the Wu River. The scenic area of Furong River boasts breathtaking and magnificent views, featuring crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. Elegant bamboo and willow trees hang gracefully along the riverbank, while ancient trees rise like dragons into the sky. At times, the river’s surface mirrors the sky, with fish gliding just beneath, while other moments reveal rushing rapids that cascade down the mountains like a galactic river, creating a stunning contrast in the landscape.
Longshui Gorge
Longshui Gorge is a captivating natural wonder featuring an impressive 80-meter waterfall that cascades like a delicate veil, creating an ethereal paradise. Within the gorge, ancient trees entwined with vines thrive, and springs flow down the steep, rugged walls, while bizarre rock formations loom dramatically overhead. As you gaze up at the towering cliffs, bathed in soft sunlight, you might feel a sense of disorientation, caught between the beauty of nature and the passage of time.
The Big Cave Entrance marks the starting point of the Longshui Gorge, representing the ancient outlet of a subterranean river formed millions of years ago. This cave has gradually widened due to the erosion of rock layers by early underground water, resulting in an irregular, trumpet-shaped opening.
Nearby, the Milky Way Waterfall plunges from a 100-meter-high cliff, with torrents of white water cascading down in a breathtaking display, resembling a massive silver curtain that adds to the dramatic scenery of the gorge.
Houping Tiankeng Group
The Houping Tiankeng Group is located in the Houping Township of Wulong District, sitting at an elevation of 1,300 meters in a karst plateau region known for its intense tectonic uplift. This area features a well-developed landscape of karst sinkholes, including a variety of geological relics such as sinking holes, vertical shafts, collapse funnels (sinkholes), canyons, stone pillars, stone forests, and caves.
Key attractions within the tiankeng group include the Qingkou Tiankeng, Niubizhong Tiankeng, Shi Wang Dong Tiankeng, Daluang Dangu Tiankeng, Tianpingmiao Tiankeng, Er Wang Dong, San Wang Dong, Mawandong, and the Baota Stone Forest. The collapse funnels here are grand in scale and densely distributed, showcasing typical formations that are remarkably well-preserved. This tiankeng group is unique in China and even the world, being the only known surface water erosion-formed sinkhole group.
Surrounded by sheer cliffs, each tiankeng presents a perfect shape and an overwhelming depth that seems unfathomable. During the rainy season, waterfalls cascade dramatically from cliffs up to 200 meters high, creating spectacular displays of rushing water that echo throughout the area, making for an awe-inspiring sight.
Visitor Guide for Wulong Karst Scenic Area
Accommodation in Wulong
Wulong is a well-developed tourist destination with a variety of accommodation options to meet the needs of visitors.
Wulong Bi’an Hotel (武隆彼岸酒店): Located at No. 37 Yiyun Road, Xianren Mountain Town, this hotel is an excellent choice for exploring the world natural heritage sites of Tian Sheng San Qiao (Three Natural Bridges) and Xianren Mountain National Forest Park, as well as watching the performance of “Impression Wulong.”
Fairy Mountain Baihao Lijing Hotel (仙女山柏豪丽景酒店): Situated on Cuiyun Road in Fairy Mountain Town, this hotel integrates business travel, leisure vacation, and shopping. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and the Tian Sheng San Qiao.
Wulong Mountain Scenic Resort Hotel (武隆山景城度假酒店): Located at No. 59 Ginkgo Avenue, Fairy Mountain Town, this hotel boasts a prime location directly opposite the Xianren Mountain Tourist Reception Center, providing convenient transportation for visitors.
Wulong Ba‘eryal Hotel (武隆巴尔要酒店): Nestled within Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, this hotel is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with herds of cattle and horses outside. However, it is worth noting that due to its location, the rooms may be somewhat humid.
Things to Do in Wulong
Huangbadu Rafting: Located in southeastern Wulong, just 3 kilometers from the city center, Huangbadu Rafting spans 8 kilometers within the Xianren Mountain Scenic Area. This self-guided rafting experience allows groups of two or three to navigate the river with their own paddles. As you drift from south to north, you will encounter scenic valleys, calm waters, and thrilling waves, making for a fun and enjoyable adventure. The route offers a mix of tranquil stretches and exciting rapids, providing a refreshing and exhilarating experience. After rafting, visitors can savor delicious local dishes at the riverside farms at the endpoint.
Impression Wulong Singing Performance: This theater is located in the Gankou Canyon of Wulong District, about 9 kilometers from Xianren Mountain Town. The canyon has a U-shape with a vertical drop of 180 meters. Directed by the renowned team of Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge, and Fan Yue, the performance features over 100 unique actors who passionately perform traditional songs. The 70-minute show allows the audience to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural scenery and the unique customs of the Bashu region.