Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese traveler with years of international travel experience. After exploring different countries and cultures, I’ve developed a lasting interest in destinations in China that combine dramatic natural landscapes with deep geological significance. Wulong Karst stands out as one of the most representative examples. It impresses not only through sheer scenery but also as a geological epic written into the earth itself. In this guide, I draw on my firsthand experience and approach Wulong Karst from a World Heritage perspective, breaking down its key attractions, travel routes, and practical tips, so you can clearly understand why it’s worth visiting, how to explore it properly, and how to experience it on a deeper level.

Summary

Introduction to Wulong Karst Tourist Area

Wulong Karst Tourist Area is a national 5A scenic area in China. It consists of three core attractions—Three Natural Bridges, Fairy Mountain, and Furong Cave—and features classic karst landscapes such as caves, sinkholes, fissures, and deep gorges, along with local ethnic culture. The Three Natural Bridges formed between 500,000 and 300 million years ago and include Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge, creating the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia, with an average bridge height exceeding 246 meters. Fairy Mountain is known for its alpine grasslands and forest-and-snow scenery, with an average elevation of 1,900 meters. Furong Cave developed within Cambrian and Ordovician carbonate rock formations, stretches 2,700 meters in length, and contains spectacular stalactite features such as giant flowstones and underground pools. As part of the “South China Karst,” Wulong Karst is listed as a World Natural Heritage Site.

  • Address: Near Yinxing Avenue, Wulong District, Chongqing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening hours: 8:30–16:30; Fairy Mountain is accessible 24 hours
  • Suggested visit duration: 1–2 days
  • Best time to visit: Year-round
  • Ticket information: Each attraction requires a separate ticket; prices and details are listed in the main attractions section below
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Wulong Karst scenic area overview

Wulong Karst Tourist Area Map

Wulong Karst Tourist Area covers a large area. The main sightseeing zones are three sections: Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gorge Fissure, and Fairy Mountain.

Guide map of Natural Three Bridges in Wulong Karst
Guide map of Longshuixia Gorge fissure
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park guide map

Why You Should Visit Wulong Karst Tourist Area

World Natural Heritage Site

As part of the South China Karst, Wulong Karst is inscribed on the World Heritage List. Its geological significance and visual impact have received international recognition.

  • Three Natural Bridges: Home to the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia—Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge. Each stone arch exceeds 150 meters in height, width, and span, creating an imposing landscape often described as a “natural stone bridge museum.” The area also features the rare Tianlong Rotating Elevator, a 360-degree cliffside lift that offers a unique viewpoint over this geological wonder.
  • Fairy Mountain National Forest Park: With an average elevation of 1,900 meters, it’s known as the “Eastern Switzerland” and the “Summer Retreat of Chongqing.” Summers stay cool and pleasant, while winters bring snow-covered scenery suitable for winter activities. Alpine meadows, forest snowfields, and karst terrain blend seamlessly here.
  • Furong Cave: Formed more than 1.2 million years ago, it is the only cave in the world individually listed as a World Natural Heritage Site. Inside, diverse secondary mineral deposits create a wide range of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, earning it the reputation of a “natural cave science museum.”

Rich Experiences

  • Diverse natural landscapes: Beyond the three core attractions, Wulong Karst also includes Longshuixia Gorge Fissure and the Furong River. Sinkholes, fissures, gorges, caves, waterfalls, and forests come together, making the area especially appealing to geology enthusiasts and nature photographers.
  • Distinct local culture and traditions: Visitors can experience intangible cultural heritage such as Wu River boatmen’s work songs and the traditional preparation of Wulong bowl-style lamb. A visit to Yangjiao Ancient Town, themed around the thousand-year-old tracker culture, offers a closer look at local life.
  • Authentic local food: Regional specialties include wild mushrooms, fern cakes stir-fried with cured pork, Yangjiao dried tofu, and crystal sweet potato noodles from Tukan, providing a satisfying taste of mountain cuisine.

Top Things to Do in Wulong Karst Tourist Area

Main Attractions

Three Natural Bridges

Three Natural Bridges is the most iconic landscape in Wulong Karst and the true centerpiece of the entire scenic area. It consists of three massive natural stone arch bridges—Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge—forming the largest known natural bridge cluster in Asia. The bridges line up within the same canyon, each soaring high with astonishing spans. Walking through the gorge beneath them feels like entering a vast open-air museum shaped slowly by time itself.

From a geological perspective, Three Natural Bridges resulted from long-term karst erosion combined with large-scale collapses. This process unfolded over hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of years. The visitor route descends from above, passing sinkholes, deep gorges, and massive bridge openings, with constantly changing viewpoints. For first-time visitors to Wulong Karst, this is the one stop you simply should not miss.

  • Off-season tickets: November to February
    • Adult: 125 CNY, includes admission, shuttle bus, and elevator
    • Child/Senior: 105 CNY, for ages 7–18 and seniors 60–64
    • Seniors 65+: 85 CNY
  • Peak-season tickets: March to October
    • Adult: 155 CNY, includes admission, shuttle bus, and elevator
    • Child/Senior: 120 CNY, for ages 7–17 and seniors 60–64
    • Seniors 65+: 85 CNY
  • Tip: Exit sightseeing shuttle costs 15 CNY; you can skip it and walk about 15 minutes
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
  • Compare ticket prices and find the best deals: Click Here
Natural Three Bridges karst landscape in Wulong Karst

Longshuixia Gorge Fissure

Longshuixia Gorge Fissure is a massive rift carved deep into the karst plateau. Unlike the open and monumental atmosphere of Three Natural Bridges, this area emphasizes vertical depth and a strong sense of enclosure. Near-vertical rock walls rise sharply on both sides, while streams, waterfalls, and moss along the canyon floor create a dark, primeval atmosphere.

Most of the route follows wooden walkways, with certain sections narrow and steep. The experience clearly shows how tectonic movement and flowing water cut through the earth’s surface. If Three Natural Bridges represents the “macro structure” of karst landscapes, Longshuixia Gorge Fissure feels like a geology lesson that takes you inside the planet.

  • Off-season tickets: November to February
    • Adult: 85 CNY, includes admission, shuttle bus, and elevator
    • Child/Senior: 67.5 CNY, for ages 7–18 and seniors 60–64
    • Seniors 65+: 50 CNY
  • Peak-season tickets: March to October
    • Adult: 105 CNY, includes admission, shuttle bus, and elevator
    • Child/Senior: 77.5 CNY, for ages 7–17 and seniors 60–64
    • Seniors 65+: 50 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Longshuixia Gorge fissure scenery in Wulong Karst

Fairy Mountain

Fairy Mountain National Forest Park sits on top of the karst plateau, creating a striking contrast with nearby gorges and sinkholes. With an average elevation of around 1,900 meters, it’s known for alpine meadows, dense forests, and clearly defined seasons. Summers stay cool, making it a popular retreat from Chongqing’s heat. In winter, snowfall transforms the area into a completely different, northern-style landscape.

Compared with other attractions that involve constant stair climbing, Fairy Mountain features gentler terrain. As a result, it suits slower-paced exploration and works well as a relaxing stop if you stay overnight in Wulong.

  • Ticket price:
    • Adult: 50 CNY
    • Child/Senior: 25 CNY, for ages 7–17 and seniors 60–64
    • Free admission: Seniors 65+
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
  • Compare ticket prices and find the best deals: Click Here
Fairy Mountain grassland and forest scenery

Furong Cave

Furong Cave is one of the most scientifically significant attractions in Wulong Karst. The cave developed within Cambrian and Ordovician carbonate rock formations, and its internal structure remains exceptionally well preserved. Many refer to it as a “cave science museum.” Inside, large chambers contain dense clusters of stalactites, stone curtains, and flowstone formations, with remarkable variety and scale.

From the cave exit, a short walk leads to the Furong River cruise dock. Floating downstream offers a completely different perspective on the surrounding karst canyon. Make sure to plan your timing carefully, as the boat ride lasts about one hour.

  • Off-season tickets: November to February
    • Adult: 135 CNY, includes admission and cable car
    • Child/Senior: 102.5 CNY, for ages 7–18 and seniors 60–64
    • Seniors 65+: 70 CNY
  • Peak-season tickets: March to October
    • Adult: 150 CNY, includes admission, shuttle bus, and elevator
    • Child/Senior: 110 CNY, for ages 7–18 and seniors 60–64
    • Seniors 65+: 70 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Furong Cave colorful karst cave interior

Impression Wulong Show

Impression Wulong is a large-scale outdoor performance staged directly against the natural mountain landscape. Directed by Zhang Yimou’s team, it combines canyon terrain, lighting, music, and local cultural elements. The open-air setting turns the mountains themselves into part of the stage design, creating a powerful visual experience once night falls.

If you stay overnight in Wulong, this show is well worth adding to your itinerary. However, winter temperatures can be low, and performances may stop, so it’s important to confirm the schedule in advance.

  • As an outdoor show, performances may pause during very cold winter periods; book tickets in advance and confirm availability
  • Show duration: about 70 minutes; regular schedule is 20:00–21:10, with possible adjustments during holidays or peak seasons
  • Ticket prices: Standard seat 200 CNY, Premium seat 300 CNY, VIP seat 550 CNY; during peak season, Premium seats are strongly recommended, as Standard seats offer a limited experience; in the off-season, seating is often flexible
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Impression Wulong outdoor night performance

Wulong Karst Ticket Guide

Visiting Wulong Karst involves purchasing multiple tickets, as each attraction requires a separate admission. Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gorge Fissure are essential stops. If you stay overnight, the Impression Wulong show is highly recommended, and Fairy Mountain is also worth visiting. Furong Cave can be added based on your available time.

Ticket Purchase Options

  • Online: Official WeChat accounts or third-party booking platforms.
  • On-site: Tickets are available at the Fairy Mountain Visitor Center and Furong Cave Visitor Center. During peak season, buying in advance helps save time waiting in line.

Wulong Karst covers a large area, so it’s not realistic to see everything in one day. The following routes work best for most travelers:

  • One-day trip: Three Natural Bridges + Longshuixia Gorge Fissure: With this plan, you can travel back to Chongqing on the same day. Routes inside the scenic areas are mostly linear, so simply follow the main paths.
  • Two-day trip: On the first day, visit Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gorge Fissure, then watch the Impression Wulong show in the evening and stay near the scenic area. On the second day, explore Fairy Mountain. If time allows, add Furong Cave.
  • Tip: Expect plenty of walking with frequent uphill and downhill sections. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Most restaurants around Wulong Karst are concentrated near the Fairy Mountain Visitor Center, where you’ll also find many hotels and dining options. Inside the scenic area, transfer stations have small food stalls selling drinks and local snacks such as hot-and-sour noodles. For a proper meal, it’s best to eat near the visitor center.

If you want to fully explore all four major attractions in Wulong Karst, staying one night near the Fairy Town Visitor Center is highly recommended. Traveling back and forth to Chongqing in a single day isn’t efficient. If you plan a same-day round trip, staying near Jiefangbei in Chongqing is more convenient for accessing train stations and bus terminals. For a detailed city stay, see the <Chongqing Hotel Guide>. Below is a recommended hotel in Fairy Town for travelers staying near the scenic area.

Daweiying Holiday Hotel

Daweiying Holiday Hotel
  • Location: Opposite Fairy Mountain Visitor Center
  • Reference price per night: 242 CNY
  • Check rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.2
  • Special needs: Quadruple rooms, five-person rooms

Excellent location, only a 5-minute walk to the Fairy Mountain Visitor Center. There are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets nearby, making it very convenient for a two-day visit to Wulong Karst.

Although the hotel has been around for some years, facilities are well maintained and practical. Rooms are spacious, bright, clean, and well equipped. Staff service is friendly, and overall value for money is high.

How to Get from Chongqing to Wulong Karst

Taking the train is the most comfortable option, as it avoids long bus rides. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, long-distance buses are also available.

Train

From Chongqing North Railway Station, take a train to either Wulong Station or Wulong South Station. After exiting the station, you’ll find direct transport to the scenic area.

  • Fare: Train ticket 75 CNY; transfer from station to scenic area 10 CNY
  • Travel time: About 2 hours 10 minutes by train, plus around 40 minutes to the scenic area

Long-Distance Bus

Buses depart from Chongqing’s Sigongli Transportation Hub to Wulong Bus Station. From there, transfer to buses serving each scenic area.

  • Fare: Chongqing to Wulong Bus Station 36 CNY in the off-season (60 CNY in peak season); Wulong Bus Station to Fairy Mountain 10 CNY
  • Travel time: 2–3 hours to Wulong Bus Station, then about 50 minutes to Fairy Mountain

Tourist Shuttle Bus

Direct tourist buses depart from downtown Chongqing, with pickup in Jiefangbei, and run straight to the Fairy Mountain Resort Visitor Center and major attractions.

  • Fare: 70 CNY
  • Travel time: About 4 hours
  • Departure time: 7:30 a.m.
  • Pickup location: Chongqing Bombing Relic Site “June 5 Tunnel Massacre” (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Tickets: Purchase via the official WeChat account “重庆景区直通车”

How to plan your Chongqing trip

Chongqing is famous for its mountain city landscape, riverside night views, cable cars, and unique urban culture. A short stay of 2 days works well for city highlights, while 4–5 days allows you to explore Red Rock history and extend your journey to Wulong’s UNESCO landscapes. Here are our most popular private tour options:

  • Chongqing and Wulong 5-Day Private Tour — Chongqing city icons, Red Rock history, and Wulong’s UNESCO landscapes all covered with easy private transfers.
  • Chongqing 4-Day Private Tour — Private car service to Red Rock sites, Ciqikou, Liziba, and the Yangtze Cableway with pandas, photo spots, and relaxed city exploration.
  • Chongqing 2-Day Private Tour — Private car access to cableway rides, Hongya Cave, Liziba, and key museums for a compact but immersive Chongqing experience.

FAQ

Is Wulong Karst suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

No. Except for Fairy Mountain, which has relatively flat terrain, the main attractions—including Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gorge Fissure, and Furong Cave—have many stairs and are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Where can I store luggage?

Free luggage storage is available at the Fairy Mountain Visitor Center on the basement level. If lockers are full, ask staff for assistance with storage.

Essential Chongqing Travel Resources