Located amidst the towering mountains of the southeast, Wulong in Chongqing is home to a site inscribed on the World Natural Heritage list as part of the “South China Karst.” The Three Natural Bridges were formed by the Yangshui River carving out a deep gorge, featuring three majestic natural stone bridges—Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong—that rise impressively from the landscape.
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- Best Time to Visit
- Guide to the Three Natural Bridges Route
- Practical Tips and Important Information
- Your Trip to Wulong, Chongqing
Best Time to Visit
Wulong experiences four distinct seasons, and the Three Natural Bridges are open year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm:
- Spring (March–May): Fresh green shoots emerge amidst the rock faces, and the air is filled with the fragrance of plants. Around mid-April, temperatures range from approximately 15°C to 25°C, so a light jacket is sufficient.
- Summer (June–August): Situated at an altitude of nearly 1,900 meters, Fairy Mountain (Xiannv Mountain) is about 10°C cooler than downtown Chongqing. Mist swirls through the deep gorge, and a refreshing coolness greets you as you walk along the boardwalks, making it an ideal escape from the scorching summer heat of the south. Mountain weather is changeable, so it is wise to carry a light jacket and rain gear.
- Autumn (September–November): One of the recommended seasons. From mid- to late October, the rock faces are bathed in warm orange autumn hues, and the interplay of light and shadow in the canyon is at its most rich and varied.
- Winter (December–February): Temperatures are relatively low, averaging around 7°C. The Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area applies off-season ticket pricing from November through February, making the visit more affordable.
Guide to Visiting the Three Natural Bridges
Scenic Area Opening Hours
- Peak Season: March 1 – October 31 → 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Off-Season: November 1 – February 28 → 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Ticket Details (includes shuttle bus + Tianlong Spiral Staircase)
- Adult Ticket: ¥155 (Low Season: ¥125); Child/Senior Ticket: ¥120 (Low Season: ¥90); Sightseeing Bus: ¥15
Tour Route
The route numbers correspond to the order shown on the scenic area map; it is recommended to follow this sequence (the full tour takes approximately 2–3 hours):
Scenic Area Entrance → Tianlong Rotating Elevator: Take the sightseeing elevator straight down to the valley floor; it is recommended to stand on the right side of the elevator for a wider view.
01 Tianlong Bridge
The first of the three bridges stands approximately 235 meters high, exuding a majestic grandeur.
- Photo Spot 1: After exiting the spiral staircase and walking to the first bridge—Tianlong Bridge—turn back to snap a photo of the cave shaped like a “thumbs-up” gesture.
- Photo Spot 2: There is an observation deck located 5 meters above and to the right of Tianlong Bridge, offering an elevated view of the Tianfu Official Posthouse (a filming location for Zhang Yimou’s movie Curse of the Golden Flower).
02 Qinglong Bridge
Eons of water erosion have carved fissures into the rock face, creating the appearance of being hewn by a giant blade or axe.
- Photo Spot 1: Capture the dramatic, blade-like fissures of Qinglong Bridge and the “Broadsword Cave” (Dadao Dong).
- “Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate”: Slightly lower the exposure on your phone or camera to capture a sharply defined, fish-shaped silhouette of the cliff face.
02 Black Dragon Bridge
At Black Dragon Bridge, you can see the “Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate” formation, the Divine Eagle Sinkhole, a mountain spring flowing outward, and a rock formation resembling a giant gorilla.
- Gorilla Cliff: The space beneath the bridge is deep and dark, and a section of the cliff face resembles a crouching gorilla.
- Divine Eagle Sinkhole: Looking up, the silhouette of the cliff face resembles a divine eagle with its wings spread wide; it is one of the scenic area’s iconic photo spots.
At the end of your visit, you have two options for leaving the scenic area (after passing Heilong Bridge, walk to the electric shuttle boarding point):
- Take the electric shuttle to the exit (5-minute ride; cost: 15 yuan).
- Walk uphill to the exit (15-minute walk).
Practical Tips and Important Notes
Footwear Advice: The scenic area features mostly stepped paths and boardwalks; be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip athletic shoes or hiking boots.
Personal Items: Bring your own drinking water and snacks, as dining options within the scenic area are limited. Most dining facilities are located in Fairy Mountain Town (Xiannvshan Town).
Translation Tools: Signage and maps feature both Chinese and English, though some explanatory text is in Chinese only. It is recommended to download translation apps (such as Google Translate or Microsoft Translator) to your phone in advance.
Network Signal: Mobile signals may be weak in some deep sections of the canyon, but 4G coverage is generally available at major viewing platforms and along the walkways. Services from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all work reliably.
Mobile Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted for admission tickets, sightseeing shuttles, souvenirs, and at most restaurants. It is recommended to link an international credit card or top up your balance in advance.
Your Trip to Wulong, Chongqing
Everyone has different travel habits and levels of physical stamina, so the pace of a tour at the Three Natural Bridges can be tailored to individual needs. If you would like an itinerary that is better suited to your specific preferences, we can create a customized plan for you.
2 Day tour of Wulong Karst Scenic Area, Chongqing
Chongqing Wulong One-Day Tour Three Natural Bridges & Fairy Mountain
