Chongqing Wulong Karst - UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) is Asia's largest natural bridge cluster and renowned as the "world's top natural arch bridge". Formed around 200 million years ago through tectonic uplift and erosion, this spectacular landscape features three majestic bridges—Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong—each soaring over 150 meters high with spans exceeding 200 to 300 meters. And the pit - Tianlong and Eagle reaching 300-620m in diameter and 285-660m in depth further enhance the area's dramatic beauty.

As you walk along the sinkhole path, you'll encounter too large bridges and cliffs that defy capture in a single photo. These rocks are adorned with stratified faults exhibiting a range of light to deep hues, indicative of the changes of ancient subterranean flow. The quaint courtyard - Tianfu Official Post, most photographed spot in Wulong Karst and a filming location of “Curse of the Golden Flower” by Zhang Yimou, lies in Tianlong Pit. While, at Tianlong Heavenly Pit stands the Optimus Prim, that is rightly the fighting scene in “Transformer IV”.

You'll also be greeted by the diverse, bizarre and fascinating shapes of karst formations. Tianlong Bridge resembles a thumb, Qinglong Bridge a broadsword, and upon turning back after crossing it, you’ll see a jumping carp; Heilong Bridge resembling a gorilla, evokes King Kong. Other highlights include Eagle Heavenly Pit and Pearl Spring, etc.

Suggested Visiting Time: 1.5 hours

Longshuixia Gap (龙水峡地缝), a typical canyon karst landscape is known as the Earth’s most beautiful scar. Plunging 200 to 350 meters deep and narrowing to just 1 meter at its tightest point, this extraordinary site offers a surreal experience as you venture deeper like into the earth's core. Developed in the soluble limestone of the Ordovician Period about 470 million years ago, this gap spans 5km in total. You can walk along the 2km plank road and marvel at its diverse primitive geological remnants like bold cliffs, vortex pots, knick points, shoals, collapsed stones, and flowstone. Besides, the canyon is marked by "majesty, steepness, precipitousness, and elegance", so expect to encounter primeval vegetation, waterfalls, flowing springs, waterfalls, riffles, and pools, all flanked by towering cliffs. Enjoy a refreshing escape in this natural oxygen bar!

Furong Cave (芙蓉洞), is the world's only cave inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s also reputed as "one of the three largest caves in the world", "one of the best caves to visit in the world", and "Top Limestone Cave in China". Formed in the carbonate rocks about 1.2 million years ago, Furong Cave serves as a testament to the past climates and the geological evolution.

Stretching 2,700m long, Furong Cave contains all sedimentary types including more than 70 types of stalactites, such as stalagmites, stone pillars, coral crystal flowers, etc. When illuminated by colorful lights, the cave transforms into an unparalleled art palace, showcasing stunning speleothems in diverse shapes in their full glory such as the Curtain-like Waterfall, Life Origin, Coral Pool, Stone Flower King, etc. Most notably, Furong Cave also preserves numerous primitive and intact ones, a rare and invaluable treasure trove for nature lovers.

Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap are accessible by tourist buses from the Xiannvshan Tourist Center, and they have shuttle buses to transfer between them. However, there are no direct buses to Furong Cave. Thus, it's suggested to visit Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap on the same day (half to a full day), and arrange Furong Cave in another day.

1-day Route (Essence Tour):

Leave Chongqing downtown for Wulong Karst - visit Three Natural Bridges (3 hours) - take a shuttle bus (10 mins) - visit Longshuixia Gap (1.5 hours) - accommodate near Xiannvshan Tourist Center.

2-day Route (Highlights Tour):

Day 1: Leave Chongqing downtown for Wulong Karst - visit Three Natural Bridges (3 hours) - take a shuttle bus (10 mins) - visit Longshuixia Gap (1.5 hours) - accommodate near Xiannvshan Tourist Center;

Day 2: Visit Furong Cave (2 hours) - go back to Chongqing downtown.

Taking public transportation will require several transfers, which will significantly waste your time and energy. It's highly recommended to travel with us yangtze-river-cruises.com, which will offer safe, clean, comfortable, non-smoking, and air-conditioned private vehicles with experienced drivers as an important part of our tour packages. Moreover, once you book such service, our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, giving you introduction of your destinations and sharing some travel tips to help you travel as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Please feel free to send us your group size, traveling date and time for enquiry.

If traveling by coach and train, you need to transfer to the important transportation hub Xiannvshan Tourist Center first.

By Coach + Shuttle Bus (3 hrs 10 mins to Xiannvshan Tourist Center)

Take a coach from Chongqing Sigongli Transportation Hub (2.5 hrs) → Wulong Bus Station → take a shuttle bus to the Xiannvshan Tourist Center (40 mins)

By Train + Shuttle Bus (2 hrs 40 mins to Xiannvshan Tourist Center)

Take a train from Chongqing North Railway Station (2 hrs) → Wulong Railway Station → take a shuttle bus to the Xiannvshan Tourist Center (40 mins)

At the Xiannvshan Tourist Center, you can take a tourist bus, which is included in the ticket, to Three Natural Bridges (10 mins), to Longshuixia Gap (20 mins), or take a local taxi to Furong Cave (1 hr 10 mins).

▶ If you plan a Wulong trip right after getting off your flight, you can check more details at How to Transfer From Jiangbei Aiport to Wulong Karst Geological Park.

1. Best Time to Visit: From March to November is the best time to visit Wulong Karst Geological Park. However, July to August (average temperature: 22°C) is the peak tourist period with many crowds;

2. Tickets (only for reference):
Combo Tickets (most recommended): Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Gap CNY 230 (tourist buses from/back to the Xiannvshan Tourist Center & a shuttle bus between the two scenic spots included);
Single Tickets:
Three Natural Bridges CNY 140 (tourist buses from/back to the Xiannvshan Tourist Center included);
Longshuixia Gap CNY 105 (tourist buses from/ back to the Xiannvshan Tourist Center included);
Furong Cave (CNY 150, round ticket of cableway included);

3. Opening Time: 8:00-17:00 from March to October; 8:30-16:00 from November to next February;

4. Walking Tips: There are lots of steps to walk, so it is highly suggested to decide your trip according to your physical condition. Better wear comfortable and antiskid shoes when visiting; sedan-chair carrier service is available at Three Natural Bridges;

6. Other Items to Take: An umbrella, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, snacks, water, etc.; light coat in summer.

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Our Chongqing tour packages include expert guides, experienced drivers with comfortable private vehicles, carefully selected hotels, and all necessary attraction tickets. Each tour can be fully customized based on your group size, travel dates, fitness level, interests, budget, and any special requirements you may have. Our goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Chongqing. Browse our tours or contact us directly for assistance or to create a personalized itinerary!