Wulong Karst National Geology Park

🕳️ Wulong Karst National Geology Park (武隆喀斯特)

Massive natural sinkholes, towering stone bridges, and the filming location for Transformers 4 — Wulong is one of the most spectacular day trips from Chongqing.

Overview

The Wulong Karst (武隆喀斯特) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 2.5 hours from Chongqing. The main attractions are the Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) — three enormous stone arches spanning a giant sinkhole valley — and the Furong Cave (芙蓉洞), one of China's most impressive limestone caves.

Essential Info

How to Get There

Option 1: Train + Bus (Recommended)

1. High-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station (~2 hours, ¥65)
2. Shuttle bus from Wulong Station to the scenic area (~30 min, ¥10)
3. Return the same way

Option 2: Tour Bus

• Direct buses from Chongqing Sigongli Bus Station (~3 hours, ¥75)
• Less flexible but no transfers needed

Option 3: Guided Tour

• Many day tours available on Trip.com, Klook, or via your hotel
• Typically ¥300-500 including transport, tickets, and lunch
• Convenient but less flexible

What to See

Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥)

The main attraction. Three massive natural stone arches in a row:

• Tianlong Bridge (天龙桥) — 235m high, 150m wide
• Qinglong Bridge (青龙桥) — 281m high, the tallest
• Heilong Bridge (黑龙桥) — 223m high, 193m wide

You walk down into the valley and look up at the bridges. It's awe-inspiring. The valley floor has a small village and the "Transformers 4" filming location — a stone building used in the movie.

Furong Cave (芙蓉洞)

One of China's three most beautiful caves:

• 2,700 meters of passages
• Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites
• "Sleeping Beauty" and "Fairy Palace" formations
• Allow 1.5-2 hours inside

Longshuixia Fissure (龙水峡地缝)

A narrow gorge with waterfalls:

• 2km walking path along the cliff face
• Multiple waterfalls
• Usually combined with the Three Natural Bridges

Pro Tips

1. Start early — take the 7:00 AM train from Chongqing to maximize your time at Wulong.

2. Wear comfortable shoes — you'll walk 5-10km on uneven terrain, including hundreds of stairs.

3. Bring water and snacks — food options at the scenic area are limited and overpriced.

4. Go on a weekday — weekends and holidays draw massive domestic tourist crowds.

5. Bring a rain jacket — the valley floor can be damp, and weather changes quickly.

6. The Three Natural Bridges are the priority — if time is limited, skip Furong Cave and focus on the bridges.

7. There's an elevator down — you don't have to walk all the way down into the valley. Take the glass elevator (included in ticket).

FAQ

Is Wulong Karst a day trip from Chongqing? Yes, it's a popular day trip. The high-speed train takes about 2 hours each way, and you need 3-4 hours at the scenic area. Total: 8-10 hours including travel.

How much does Wulong Karst cost? The Three Natural Bridges ticket is ¥125, Furong Cave is ¥120, and a combo ticket is ¥175. Add ¥130 for round-trip train and ¥20 for the shuttle bus.

Was Transformers filmed at Wulong? Yes, Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) filmed scenes at the Three Natural Bridges. There's a small "Transformers exhibition" at the bottom of the valley.

Is Wulong Karst worth visiting? Absolutely. The scale of the natural bridges is breathtaking and unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. It's one of the best day trips from Chongqing.

How do I get to Wulong from Chongqing? Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station (~2 hours, ¥65), then a shuttle bus to the scenic area (~30 min, ¥10).

Cost Summary

Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023

Bobby

Living in Chengdu since 2023. Writes about practical China travel from firsthand experience. About me →