1. Geographic location
Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges is located in Wulong District in the southeast of Chongqing Municipality, China, about 180 kilometres away from Chongqing Municipality. The scenic area is under the jurisdiction of the town of Xiantuoshan, and is the core area of the ‘Wulong Karst’ World Natural Heritage. It is located in the canyon of Yangshui River, a tributary of Wujiang River, surrounded by mountains, with an average altitude of about 1,200 metres, a mild and humid climate, and different sceneries in all seasons. It is also surrounded by well-known attractions such as Fairy Mountain National Forest Park and Hibiscus Cave, forming a tourist route that emphasises both nature and humanity.
2. Mode of transport
Departure from Chongqing Municipality*
- High-speed railway/train
Take the high-speed railway from Chongqing North Railway Station to Wulong Station, the journey takes about 2 hours and the ticket price is about 60 RMB. Upon arrival, change to a direct tourist bus to the scenic spot outside the railway station (about 40 minutes, ticket price 10 RMB) or take a taxi (cost about 80 RMB). - Long-distance bus
Take a direct bus to Wulong District at Chongqing Siqiqi Bus Junction and Chenjiaping Bus Station, the journey takes about 3 hours and the fare is about RMB 60. After arriving at Wulong Bus Station, transfer to the scenic spot shuttle bus (about 30 minutes). - By car
Drive along the G65 Baomao Highway for about 3 hours and navigate to ‘Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges Scenic Spot Car Park’. The car park charge is about 20 RMB/day, and it is recommended to take a sightseeing bus to enter the core touring area.
**Internal Scenic Area Traffic
- Sightseeing bus: The entrance to the scenic area to the core attractions need to take the sightseeing bus (included in the ticket), the ride is about 10 minutes.
- Walking/battery car: the whole walk in the core area is about 2.5 hours, or you can choose the battery car for walking (15 RMB one way).
3. Sightseeing Spots .
Tiansheng Three Bridges: A Miracle of Nature*
Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges consists of three naturally formed giant stone arch bridges, namely Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Black Dragon Bridge. They were formed about 2.6 million years ago, due to the erosion of the underground dark river and the uplift of the earth’s crust, the top of the rock collapsed after the residual bridge-like landforms, is listed as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.
- Tianlong Bridge
- Features: The largest span among the three bridges (234 metres in length and 281 metres in height), the bridge is shaped like an arch, and at the bottom of the bridge there is an ancient post station in Tang Dynasty style called ‘Tianfu Guanyi’, which was once the setting for the movie ‘The City is Full of Golden Armour’.
- What to see: the ‘one-line spring’ at the top of the bridge flows vertically down from the stone cracks, forming a rainbow when the sun shines; the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy Cave’ under the bridge is densely covered with stalactites, just like a maze. 2.Qinglong Bridge* is the only place where you can see a lot of stalactites.
- Qinglong Bridge
- Features: the highest vertical height (350 metres), the bridge waterfalls after the rain, when the fog filled like a green dragon circling, hence the name.
- What to see: the bridge under the ‘Dagger Reflection’ landscape, the bridge is reflected in the lake in the shape of Guan Gong’s blue dragon crescent sword; near the ‘Carp Leaping Dragon Gate’ rock vivid shape. 3.
- Black Dragon Bridge
- Features: The longest bridge (193 metres) is dimly lit, and the rock texture at the top of the bridge is like the scales of a black dragon. There are four springs under the bridge – ‘Pearl Spring’, ‘Mist Spring’, ‘One Line Spring’, ‘Three Diers Spring’, ‘Three Diers Spring’, ‘Three Diers Spring’, ‘Three Diers Spring’, ‘Three Diers Spring’, ‘Three Diers Spring’. ‘San Diei Quan’, the water flows in different forms.
- Sightseeing Spot: The small lake formed by the artificial dam at the end of the Black Dragon Bridge, where koi carp swim, contrasts sharply with the surrounding cliffs.
Other highlights
- Glass Overlook: Located on the north side of Tianlong Bridge, it is suspended 280 metres in the air, overlooking the panoramic view of the tiankeng, suitable for photo-taking and carding.
- Tianfu Official Post: a restored Tang Dynasty post station, the green tile and grey walled courtyard has exhibitions of ancient carriages and weapons, and you can also experience taking photos in Chinese dress.
- Canyon Trail: The trail connecting the three bridges has caves, waterfalls and vegetation such as wild kiwis along the way, which is cool and pleasant in summer.
4. Summary of Attractions
Why is it worth a visit?
- World-class natural wonders: As the largest group of natural bridges in Asia, the scale and geomorphology of the three bridges are rare in the world, and were called ‘one of the most beautiful places on earth’ by the director of ‘Transformers 4’.
- Cultural and natural fusion: Humanistic elements such as ancient post stations and film locations complement the karst landscape, making it suitable for tourists who enjoy photography and history.
- Suitable for all kinds of tourists:
- Family tour: the trail is gentle and easy to explore for both children and the elderly.
- Adventure enthusiasts: Hibiscus Cave Adventure and Fairy Mountain Skating are available in the neighbourhood.
- Film buffs: The scenes of ‘A City Full of Gold’ and ‘Transformers 4’ are highly restored.
Practical advice
- Best Season: Cool climate and lush vegetation in spring and autumn (April-May, September-October); snowy winter scenery is also unique.
- Tickets & Hours:
- Tickets: 125 RMB (including sightseeing bus), it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.
- Opening time: 8:30-16:30, the whole tour is about 3-4 hours.
- Precautions:
- Wear non-slip shoes, the trail is slippery in rainy days.
- Fewer meals in the scenic area, you can bring your own dry food.
Concluding Remarks
Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges is a ‘geological textbook’, with millions of years of time to carve out shocking canyons and bridges. Whether you want to experience nature’s ingenious craftsmanship or look for fantasy scenes in films, this place can satisfy your expectations.
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