A visit to the Wulong district is often always part of a Chongqing trip and it’s also a respite from the bustle of Chongqing city. Fairy Mountain and the Three Natural Bridges in the Wulong Karst National Geology Park are some of the biggest highlights of Wulong. This guide covers what we did on our Wulong day trip from Chongqing, including some important things to note before heading over.
In This Day Trip From Chongqing Itinerary
Getting to the Wulong District
Private Car
We hired a driver for our day trip, as it gave us the most flexibility to decide on the time we want to set off and the locations we wanted to visit. The cost of hiring a driver usually starts around SGD 100/pax so you can use that as a guideline when trying to get a private driver online.
Tour Group
For a cheaper alternative, you can join tour buses or tour groups. These group tours can cost less than half the price of a private car. The only downside is the flexibility, as you’ll be given a set amount of time at each location.
Fairy Mountain (仙女山)
Fairy Mountain is one of Wulong’s most iconic attractions, known for its green pastures, misty woodlands, and alpine scenery that feels nothing like typical Chongqing. Many visit Fairy Mountain to for the viral “world’s most beautiful road”, and for its ski spots during the winter.
Getting Around Fairy Mountain
There is a train with 2 stops, first at the prairie (大草原), and the next at the equestrian centre 溜马场.
Fairy Mountain area is large, but getting around is simple thanks to the internal sightseeing train that runs across the scenic area. The train makes two stops: 1. Prairie (大草原) and 2. Equestrian Centre (溜马场).
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm
Entrance fee: RMB 50/pax
Train: RMB 25/pax
Prairie (大草原)
The Prairie is a vast, open grassland that is the kind of place where you can just stand still and feel the cool wind sweep across the meadow.
What to expect at Prairie stop
- Huge open fields perfect for a stroll, taking photos, or simply relaxing
- Eateries and snack stalls scattered around the area, selling anything from grilled skewers to warm local dishes, a lifesaver on chilly days
- Great photo spots that look different depending on the season — green in summer, golden in autumn, and snowy in winter
Equestrian Centre (溜马场)
This stop is where it’s at — the stop for the famous scene Fairy Mountain is known for, “the world’s most beautiful road”.
Activities at Equestrian Centre stop
- Horseback riding activities
- Archery
- Sightseeing train
World’s Most Beautiful Road
This road is one of the main reason for many visits. It’s smooth curves surrounded by vast rolling meadows and is extremely photogenic. Misty weather creates a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere, perfect for dramatic landscape shots.
From the Equestrian Centre stop, walk along the paved road, the direction where the train came from and it is about a 10-minute walk to the road viewpoint.
Tip: arrive early if you want to avoid the crowd. We got here before 11am and were the only ones on the road for some time.
Wulong Karst National Geology Park (Three Natural Bridges)
Three Natural Bridges is the signature landscape of Wulong Karst National Geology Park, famous for its towering stone arches, dramatic vertical cliffs, and movie-set atmosphere. This is where several scenes from Transformers 4 and Curse of the Golden Flower were filmed — and walking beneath the giant bridges feels like stepping into a fantasy world.
The bridges are three limestone arches, formed naturally through weathering and collapse of the rocks in the area.
Opening hours: 8.30am – 5pm (last entrance at 4.30pm)
Entrance fee: RMB 155/pax (includes bus to the start of the trail)
Getting to the Three Natural Bridges in the Park
The Wulong Karst National Park is well-organised and straightforward to navigate, there’s only 1 path in the scenic area. Just follow the path, and you will not get lost.
It’s also easy to purchase your ticket right at the entrance. The entrance ticket already includes:
- Bus ride from the main gate to the start of the trail
- An elevator ride inside the scenic area
After entering the ticketed zone, simply follow signs to board the mandatory shuttle bus. This bus takes you down a winding route deep into the valley. The bus ride ends at the starting platform, where the famous Bumble Bee statue is and where the walking trail officially begins.
From the start of the trail, there is a short walk before reaching the elevator that takes visitors down to the valley floor. From here, the trail is entirely straightforward walking path that brings you through each of the Three Natural Bridges in sequence.
The start of trail consists of a large number of steps which you have to climb down. If you’re unable to, there are staff you can hire to carry you down the stairs.
Tianlong Bridge (天龙桥)
The first and tallest of the three bridges, Tianlong Bridge immediately sets the tone with its massive span and vertical limestone walls.
Right after Tianlong Bridge, you’ll get to arguably the most famous photo spot in the Wulong region, the Tianfu Post House. This famous post house was the filming location for the popular Chinese film, Curse Of The Golden Flower.
Note: You’ll have to climb up a number of stairs to get to the viewing platform for the photo of Tianfu Post House.
Qinglong Bridge (青龙桥)
The second bridge features a slightly narrower arch but an even more atmospheric environment. Mist often settles in this section, creating ethereal layers between the cliffs.
Heilong Bridge (黑龙桥)
The third and final bridge is the most rugged. Surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls, it has a raw, untouched character. Expect water trickling from the walls, especially after the rain, so do have an umbrella or cap on standby.
The End Of The Route
At the end of the trail, you will have an option to take a tram or walk to the bus top that brings you back to the main entrance. The tram costs RMB15, and is a 1.5-minute ride. There is no need to retrace your steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should I spend in Wulong?
Minimally a day. However, if possible, I would recommend staying a night so you would be able to check out spots other than those listed in this guide, such as Wujiang Gallery Scenic Spot.
How far away is Wulong from Chongqing?
Wulong is about 2 – 3 hours away from Chongqing by car.
How’s the weather/temperature in Wulong?
It is colder in Wulong than in Chongqing, often 5 – 10 degrees lower than in Chongqing. Remember to bring along a jacket for your visit!
