Wulong's Three Natural Bridges: A Karst Day from Chongqing
Wulong's Three Natural Bridges are three huge limestone arches spanning a gorge in Chongqing's Wulong district, part of the South China Karst World Heritage site since 2007. In the 2026 peak season (March to October) an adult ticket is 155 yuan, including the shuttle bus from the visitor centre and the lift into the gorge. The walk under the bridges takes two to three hours. Since the new high-speed line opened on 27 June 2025, the fastest trains from Chongqing East reach Wulong South in about 34 minutes, so a day trip is now possible. From the station you still need a bus or taxi to the visitor centre at Xiannüshan town. For planning the rest of your stay, see the Chongqing travel guide.
What you are looking at
Over a very long time, an underground river dissolved the limestone here and the roof of its cave system collapsed. What survived are three natural bridges, Tianlong (Sky Dragon), Qinglong (Green Dragon) and Heilong (Black Dragon), with two giant sinkholes (tiankeng) between them. They are often described as "three bridges between two pits". The scale is hard to judge until you see people on the paths below. Film fans may recognise the gorge from Curse of the Golden Flower and Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Tickets and hours (2026)
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, peak season (March to October) | 155 yuan, including shuttle bus and lift |
| Students and ages 60 to 64 | 120 yuan |
| Those exempt from the main ticket (65 and over, active military, disabled visitors) | 85 yuan for the shuttle bus and lift |
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| May | 08:30 to 17:00 |
| June to August | 08:00 to 17:00 |
| 1 September to 30 April | 08:30 to 16:30 |
These figures come from 2026 listings by local travel agencies and ticketing sites, not directly from the scenic area. Check the official Wulong tourism channels before buying, including whether the lift is included and the last entry time.
The route through the gorge
- Visitor centre at Xiannüshan town. Buy or collect your ticket and take the shuttle bus to the top of the gorge.
- Lift down into the gorge. Queues build mid-morning in peak season.
- Walk downhill past the three bridges and the sinkholes, mostly on paved paths and steps. Two to three hours at a steady pace.
- Shuttle back from the exit to the visitor centre.
It's mostly downhill, but there are still plenty of steps. Wear good shoes, and carry water in summer.
Getting there
- Fastest: high-speed train from Chongqing East to Wulong South, from 34 minutes. Then a bus or taxi to the Xiannüshan visitor centre. Check how long that leg takes before booking a tight return.
- Slower: the older line from Chongqing North to Wulong station, two to three and a half hours.
- Make sure you have the right station. Chongqing East, Chongqing North and Chongqing West are far apart.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip is now possible on the fast train, but it's a long day. Staying a night at Xiannüshan lets you see the bridges early, before the lift queue, and add more of Wulong's karst on a second day: the Longshuixia Fissure, or the Fairy Mountain grasslands.
Wulong or Dazu?
Choose Wulong for landscape and walking, Dazu for Buddhist art. If your Chongqing stay is three days, take only one of them. The city sights, Jiefangbei, Hongyadong, the Yangtze Cableway and Ciqikou, need the other two days.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip. The paths in the gorge are damp, and some steps are steep.
- Water and a light rain jacket. The gorge can be wet even when it isn't raining in the city.
- Your passport, for buying tickets and for the train.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at the Three Natural Bridges?
Two to three hours in the gorge, plus the shuttle and lift queues. Allow a full day from Chongqing.
Is the lift included in the ticket?
In 2026 the peak-season adult ticket of 155 yuan includes the shuttle bus and the lift. Visitors exempt from the main ticket pay 85 yuan for those two.
Can you visit Wulong as a day trip from Chongqing?
Yes, on the fast train from Chongqing East to Wulong South, from 34 minutes. Leave early and book your return in advance.
Before you go
- Check the price, what's included and the season's hours on the official channel.
- Book the return train and allow time for the transfer from the visitor centre.
- After heavy rain, paths and parts of the gorge may close, so check notices that morning.