When planning the trip to Chongqing, we (my brother, sister-in-law and I) had included a day trip to Wulong Karst National Geology Park. It’s about 200 km from central Chongqing to Wulong and would take about 3 hours on the road.
We had toyed with the idea of taking a high speed train from Chongqing to Wulong which would take 2 hours. In the end we wisely left it to the professionals and booked a day trip via the hotel. It was such a well-organised trip. We travelled in a comfortable coach with breaks at about 75 minutes’ intervals. In the course of the day we realised that making our own way would have been fraught with difficulties.
Wulong Karst National Geology Park
Wulong Karst National Geology Park is a national 5A-level scenic spot in China. It was named a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 2007. It’s famous for its spectacular karst landscape. Soaring mountains, deep gorges and intriguing caves – amazing scenery crafted by nature.
Getting there
When we arrived at Wulong the guide had to register all our IDs with the authority. We were then taken to the outskirts full of local hotels and restaurants for an unexpected inclusive lunch. The food was simple and rustic but appreciated.
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park
We travelled about 30 minutes to reach Fairy Mountain National Forest Park. When we arrived we were transferred to a mini train to tour around the park. We stayed at the grassland for 30 minutes. It was rather nice to walk around.
Then it became more and more misty and mystical. When we rejoined the train to get back to the entrance it was so misty that we could hardly see anything let alone take photos!!
Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥)
Then came the main event of the day, the UNESCO world heritage site of Three Natural Bridges. It took us about 1 hour 40 minutes to get there. At the entrance there’s a large incongruous robotic figure in yellow and black. Apparently Wulong Geology Park was the location of the filming of Transformers IV Age of Extinction in 2014 – a film that means nothing to me!!
Our tickets were checked against our IDs at the entrance turnstile. Then the really interesting part of the excursion began, starting with the glass-bottomed observation deck to admire the majestic mountains around.
We walked along a path carved out from the mountains, marvelling at the wonder of nature …
Then we walked though a cave to the sightseeing elevator down to the valley floor.
The sightseeing elevator was absolutely awesome! It rotated inside so people on all sides of the elevator could enjoy the majestic mountains
There were some more steps (400, apparently) down to reach the path to start the exploration of the Three Natural Bridges.
Some people chose to hire a sedan chair with 2 carriers. The price ranged from ¥200 to ¥600, depending on the distance. As there’re handrails all the way down, it’s not a difficult walk at all!
Finally we’re on this path to start the exploration of the Three Natural Bridges : Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, Heilong Bridge. Now we could see the glass-bottomed viewing platform above where we were nearly an hour ago!
Tianlong Bridge
Tianlong Bridge is 235 metres above us. It’s like the front gate of the scenic area, spanning across steep cliffs. Soon we arrived at Tianfu Official Station (天福官驿)
Qinglong Bridge
According to the signpost, Qinglong Bridge is 500 metres from Tianfu Official Station. Qinglong Bridge has the largest vertical drop among the three “bridges”, stretching over the 280-metre-deep valley.
Heilong Bridge
Heilong Bridge is so called because of the low light there which makes it looks like a black dragon lurking on the top
Above the Heilong Bridge the stone formation resembles the face of a gorilla with deep-set eyes
Karst spring (岩溶泉)
As we emerged from Heilong Bridge our eyes were drawn to trees of green and orange leading to the turquoise green Karst Spring full of Golden Carps.
Water trickling down the four streams from the edge of the spring looked like pearl curtains!
This thatched walkway led to steps back to the car park. It would take a fit person 15 minutes to walk up. Alternatively for ¥15 there’s a bus to the car park in less than 5 minutes. At the end of the hike, of course I chose the latter!
We didn’t get back to Chongqing until nearly 20.00. It was a long but enjoyable day. And I have this unique reminder of the special day!