Overview
Wulong Karst National Park, located 170km southeast of Chongqing city center, features some of China's most dramatic geological formations. The park became internationally famous as a filming location for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Allow two full days to properly explore the main attractions.
Day 1: Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Gorge
Morning: Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥)
8:00 AM - Arrive Early
Take the first tourist bus from Wulong town (6:30 AM) or stay overnight near the park entrance. Early arrival means fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
8:30 AM - Descend into the Sinkhole
Begin at the entrance and take the glass elevator (or 128 steps) down into the massive Tianlong Tiankeng sinkhole - 500 meters long, 300 meters wide, and 276 meters deep.
The Three Bridges Route (2-3 hours):
Tianlong Bridge (天龙桥) - Height: 235m, Span: 147m
The first and tallest of the three bridges. Look for the "Transformers" filming location sign at the cliff base.Qinglong Bridge (青龙桥) - Height: 281m, Span: 300m
The largest natural bridge in the group. The courtyard building "Tiankeng Inn" was built for the film "Curse of the Golden Flower."Heilong Bridge (黑龙桥) - Height: 223m, Span: 193m
The darkest and most atmospheric bridge, with springs flowing through caves. Named for the black dragon legend.
Afternoon: Longshuixia Gorge (龙水峡地缝)
1:00 PM - Gorge Exploration
Located 5km from the Three Bridges, this 5km-long fissure gorge features waterfalls cascading down 200-meter walls. The walkway winds along the gorge floor through caves and past underground rivers.
Key Highlights:
- Yincongyan Waterfall (银丛岩瀑布) - 50-meter drop into the gorge
- Chuanyandong Cave (穿眼洞) - Sunlight pierces through natural holes
- Rainbow Section - Morning light creates rainbows in the mist
4:00 PM - Return to Wulong Town
Rest and enjoy local Wulong lamb hot pot for dinner.
Day 2: Fairy Mountain & Optional Extensions
Morning: Fairy Mountain (仙女山)
8:00 AM - Alpine Grasslands
Fairy Mountain offers a completely different landscape - subalpine meadows at 1,800-2,000m elevation. In summer, the grasslands are perfect for hiking and horseback riding. In winter, it's a popular ski destination.
Activities:
- Grassland hiking trails (2-3 hours)
- Horse riding (¥50-100)
- Sightseeing train (¥25)
- Outdoor barbecue areas
Afternoon Options
Option A: Furong Cave (芙蓉洞)
One of China's finest karst caves, featuring stunning stalactites and the famous "King's Throne" formation. 2-hour visit.
Option B: Tiankeng Three Bridges Glass Walkway
Return to experience the cliff-side glass skywalk if you missed it on Day 1.
Practical Information
Getting There
- From Chongqing: Direct tourist bus from Longtousi Coach Station (4 hours, ¥82) or take high-speed train to Wulong North Station (2 hours, ¥65) then local bus
- Within Park: Shuttle buses connect all attractions (¥40 all-day pass)
Tickets
- Three Natural Bridges: ¥125 + ¥40 shuttle + ¥15 elevator
- Longshuixia Gorge: ¥115
- Combination ticket available: ¥200
- Fairy Mountain: ¥60
Best Time to Visit
- April-June: Lush greenery, comfortable temperatures
- September-November: Clear skies, autumn colors
- Avoid: July-August (extremely crowded), Chinese holidays
Where to Stay
- Budget: Wulong town has many affordable hotels (¥150-250)
- Mid-range: Fairy Mountain hotels offer mountain views (¥300-500)
- Recommended: Stay one night in town, one on Fairy Mountain
Tips
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
- Bring rain gear - the gorge can be wet
- Start early to avoid tour group congestion
- The gorge walkway involves significant stairs - assess your fitness level
Disclaimer: This information is provided for reference only and was last updated on . Requirements and regulations may change. Always verify with official sources before making travel plans.
