Chongqing Three Natural Bridges · Longshui Gorge · Fairy Mountain
Complete Travel Guide
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Transformers: Age of Extinction filming location — the Wulong Karst three-attraction combo. Sink holes, dramatic gorges, and subalpine grassland in one trip. Book on Klook and skip the queues.
1. Overview
| Attractions | Three Natural Bridges · Longshui Gorge · Fairy Mountain National Forest Park |
|---|---|
| Location | Wulong District, Chongqing City, ~180 km from downtown Chongqing |
| World Heritage Status | UNESCO World Natural Heritage (South China Karst), inscribed 2007 |
| Ticket Prices | ¥95 Three Bridges / ¥85 Longshui / ¥50 Fairy Mountain (peak season) |
| Visit Duration | 1 day (quick tour) / 2 days (in-depth with Fairy Mountain overnight stay) |
| Best Season | April–October (summer: perfect escape from Chongqing heat; autumn: richest colours) |
| Ideal For | Nature lovers, photographers, families, summer heat escapees |
2. Wulong Karst: Nature's Masterpiece
The Wulong Karst landscape is among the world's most spectacular karst formations. In 2007, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site alongside Yunnan's Stone Forest and Guizhou's Libo Karst. Hundreds of millions of years of water erosion and geological activity have carved natural wonders: sinkholes, natural bridges, gorges, and caves that astound visitors.
Wulong's three core regions tell a complete story: Three Natural Bridges (massive stone bridge clusters and sinkholes), Longshui Gorge (deep canyons and waterfalls), and Fairy Mountain National Forest Park (alpine grassland and forest). Each offers a distinct experience. Global recognition came in 2014 when the Hollywood blockbuster Transformers: Age of Extinction filmed here at the Tianfu Guesthouse — introducing millions to this hidden wonder of southwest China.
3. The Three Attractions Explained
Three Natural Bridges (Tianlong · Qinglong · Heilong)
The Three Natural Bridges are the crown jewel of Wulong — Asia's largest natural stone bridge complex. Three colossal natural bridges span the same gorge, forming two enormous sinkholes between them:
- Tianlong Bridge (Heavenly Dragon): The tallest of the three, 235 metres high with a 150-metre span. Standing beneath it feels like standing in a giant's realm.
- Qinglong Bridge (Azure Dragon): At 281 metres, the most majestic. The bridge opening is deep and shadowed; light filtering through cracks creates a natural light show.
- Heilong Bridge (Black Dragon): The darkest and most mysterious tunnel. Spring water seeps from the rock year-round; the cave is perpetually wrapped in mist, like fairyland.
Between the two sinkholes sits Tianfu Guesthouse — a Tang dynasty-style courtyard inn that doubles as the iconic filming site from Transformers 4. Now it's the most Instagram-worthy spot in the park: stand at the courtyard centre, look up at the 300-metre-high cliffs towering on all sides, and feel both humbled and amazed.
Route: Scenic lift down to the valley floor (~80 metres) → Tianlong Bridge → Tianfu Guesthouse → Qinglong Bridge → Heilong Bridge → exit by shuttle. Total time: approximately 2–3 hours. Single downhill route, low physical exertion.
Longshui Gorge
Longshui Gorge is a deep-cut karst canyon; the gorge walls rise 200–500 metres, and in places the opening narrows to barely 1 metre wide. Walking the canyon boardwalk, 300-metre cliffs press close; overhead, the sky is a thin ribbon — hence the name "gorge," split by earth.
- Waterfalls: The gorge hosts multiple cascades; the most dramatic plunges 80 metres, its mist refreshing in summer heat.
- Primal Vegetation: Extreme humidity supports ferns, mosses, and vines so dense the canyon feels like a Jurassic-era forest.
- Underground River: At the gorge floor runs a clear underground stream, jade-green and mirror-still.
Duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours. The boardwalk can be slippery; wear grip-soled shoes.
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park
If Three Bridges and Longshui are "below," Fairy Mountain is "above." At 1,650–2,033 metres, Fairy Mountain sprawls with vast alpine grassland and dense forest. It's Chongqing locals' summer refuge: while the city swelters at 40°C+, Fairy Mountain sits at a cool 20°C — a 15–20°C drop — making it Chongqing's premier heat escape.
- Grand Grassland: Endless rolling green pasture, perfect for horseback riding, kite flying, and camping.
- Forest Trails: Pristine forest paths with crisp, ion-rich air.
- Winter Skiing: December–February brings rare southern snow and a natural ski slope — the only winter-sports destination for Chongqing and beyond.
Duration: Half-day for a quick visit; full day for deeper exploration. Overnight stay lets you catch sunset over the grassland and sunrise cloud-sea views.
4. Ticket Types & Prices
| Attraction | Peak (Mar–Oct) | Off-peak (Nov–Feb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Natural Bridges | ¥95 | ¥65 | Includes scenic lift + shuttle |
| Longshui Gorge | ¥85 | ¥65 | Includes shuttle |
| Fairy Mountain | ¥50 | ¥30 | Small train ¥25 extra |
| Three-Attraction Combo | From ¥200 | From ¥140 | Klook offers the best rates |
Discounts: Children under 1.2 m: free. Children 1.2–1.5 m: 50% off. Seniors 60+: 50% off with ID. Seniors 70+: free. Student ID: 50% off.
5. Best Seasons
- Spring (April–May): Mountain flowers bloom, fewer crowds, pleasant 15–22°C weather. Waterfalls run at ideal volume; soft light ideal for photography.
- Summer (June–August): While Chongqing city hits 40°C+, Fairy Mountain is only 20°C — paradise for overheated urbanites. Longshui Gorge roars with water, though crowds are at their heaviest; weekdays are preferable.
- Autumn (September–October): The consensus best season. Fairy Mountain grassland turns gold, forests blaze with colour, light on Three Bridges becomes drama-filled. Avoid National Day holidays; crowds spike 5–10 fold.
- Winter (November–February): Snow at Fairy Mountain is rare elsewhere in the south and picturesque. However, parts of Three Bridges and Longshui may close due to ice; check ahead.
6. Getting There From Chongqing
Train (Recommended)
From Chongqing North Station or Chongqing West Station, board a train to Wulong Station — approximately 2 hours, tickets ¥24–55. Multiple daily departures. At Wulong, exit right to the coach station and board a coach to Fairy Mountain Visitor Center (about 40 minutes, ¥15). The Visitor Center is the central hub for all three attractions; scenic shuttles depart from there to each site.
Driving
From Chongqing city centre, take the G65 Baomao Expressway, exit at Wulong toll station — total ~180 km / 3 hours. Set your GPS to "Fairy Mountain Visitor Centre." Large parking lots at all attractions (¥10–20/day).
Guided Day/Multi-Day Tours
If transport logistics feel overwhelming, Klook offers Wulong one-day and two-day package tours from Chongqing with hotel pickup, entrance tickets, and local guide. Stress-free for those without a car or unfamiliar routes.
7. Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Quick Tour
- 07:00 Depart Chongqing North Station by train;
- 09:00 Arrive Wulong, transfer to Visitor Center;
- 10:00–12:30 Three Natural Bridges (2.5 hours);
- 12:30–13:30 Lunch at Fairy Mountain town (local roasted lamb or lamb-noodle soup);
- 14:00–15:30 Longshui Gorge (1.5 hours);
- 16:00 Return to Wulong Station for evening train back (~18:00 arrival in Chongqing).
Two-Day In-Depth Tour (Recommended)
- Day 1 Morning: Three Natural Bridges → Afternoon: Longshui Gorge → Evening: Check in to Fairy Mountain accommodation;
- Day 2 Morning: Fairy Mountain grassland + forest trails → Afternoon: Return to Chongqing.
8. Practical Tips
- Footwear: Sturdy trail or hiking boots (Longshui Gorge is slippery). Summer: bring a light jacket (Fairy Mountain has steep temperature swings).
- Sun + Rain Protection: Mountain weather shifts fast — pack sunscreen and a compact umbrella.
- Power Bank: Mobile signal is adequate; bring a power bank, as few charging facilities exist.
- Snacks & Water: On-site snack bars are pricey. Pack dry snacks and 1–2 water bottles.
- Photography Timing: Three Bridges: 10:00–11:00 AM, when light shafts down into the sinkholes (Tyndall effect), is optimal.
- Fitness Level: Three Bridges is mostly downhill (lift down, walk out) — easy. Longshui has some wet steps — moderate. Fairy Mountain is mostly flat — suitable for all ages.
- Avoid Peak Crowds: National Day and Labour Day holidays see crowds 5–10× normal. Visit on weekdays if possible for a superior experience.
9. Transformers 4 Filming Location — Tianfu Guesthouse Checklist
In 2014, the Hollywood smash Transformers: Age of Extinction chose Tianfu Guesthouse, nestled in the Three Bridges sinkhole, as the backdrop for the robot dinosaurs' dramatic emergence. The site has become the park's most sought-after photo spot and cultural landmark.
Tianfu Guesthouse sits at the sinkhole floor between Tianlong and Qinglong Bridges, styled as a Tang dynasty courtyard. Standing in the courtyard and looking upward, you see 300+ metres of cliff face framing an irregular patch of sky — the visual impact is profound. Plan 15–20 minutes for photos; morning light is best.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Three Natural Bridges tickets cost?
Peak season (Mar–Oct): ¥95. Off-peak (Nov–Feb): ¥65. Both include scenic lift and shuttle. Longshui Gorge is ¥85 (peak) / ¥65 (off-peak). Fairy Mountain is ¥50 (peak) / ¥30 (off-peak). Three-attraction combos on Klook start at ¥200 and offer the best value.
How do I get to Three Natural Bridges from Chongqing?
Easiest: train from Chongqing North or West Station to Wulong (~2 hours, ¥24–55), then coach to Visitor Center (~40 minutes, ¥15). Alternatively, drive the G65 expressway (~3 hours, 180 km).
Can I see Three Bridges and Longshui Gorge in one day?
Yes. Three Bridges in the morning (2–3 hours), Longshui Gorge in the afternoon (1.5–2 hours), and sunset at Fairy Mountain. For a deeper Fairy Mountain experience, an overnight stay is ideal.
What's the best time to visit?
April–October. Summer is superb for escaping Chongqing's sweltering heat (Fairy Mountain is 20°C). Autumn (Sept–Oct) is peak-season perfection: golden grassland, crimson forests, dramatic light on the bridges. Winter offers snow but some trails may be closed.
Is it suitable for elderly visitors and families with young children?
Three Bridges is mostly downhill so manageable for all ages. Longshui Gorge has some slippery steps — use caution. Fairy Mountain is flat and grassland-based, excellent for families.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Strongly recommended. During peak season and holidays, on-site queues can exceed 1 hour. E-tickets on Klook let you scan directly through — faster and easier.
11. Why Book With Us
- Combo pricing beats buying single tickets on-site;
- E-tickets with instant scan-and-entry — no queues;
- Flexible dates once booked — book now, visit any qualifying date;
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before — zero risk if plans change;
- Multilingual customer service and checkout;
- Klook platform trust — 25+ million global users.