Hi,my name is Lily Xia, and I am a professional travel consultant with over two years of experience in the tourism industry, specializing in destinations across China. I have helped countless international travelers plan their trips throughout the country. This guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Introduction to Wulong Three Natural Bridges
The Three Natural Bridges are a spectacular natural wonder located in Wulong Karst National Geology Park, approximately a three-hour drive southeast from Chongqing city center in China. This area is part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three bridges—Qinglong (Azure Dragon) Bridge, Tianlong (Sky Dragon) Bridge, and Heilong (Black Dragon) Bridge—are not man-made but are instead massive natural limestone archways formed by the relentless erosive forces of water over millions of years. They are renowned for being the largest cluster of natural karst bridges in the world.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 16:30 PM (Ticket sales usually stop at 16:00 PM. Hours can be extended during peak seasons and national holidays).
Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 125 (price may vary seasonally). This typically includes entrance to the park and the mandatory shuttle bus that takes you between the visitor center and the trailheads.
Elevator Ticket: An optional, but highly recommended, elevator descent into the gorge costs an additional ~CNY 35. It saves a significant number of steps.
Note: It is highly advisable to book your tickets online in advance through platforms like Ctrip or the park’s official WeChat account, especially during weekends and holidays.
Main Attractions
Divine Eagle Tiankeng:The tiankeng has layered rock textures on its cliffs and is densely covered with vegetation. From the picture, its deep structure and unique geological form can be seen, which is a typical landform formed by the collapse of karst caves.
Heilong (Black Dragon) Bridge: The widest bridge and the most elongated in span. The gorge underneath is dark and mysterious, with a powerful waterfall during the rainy season.
The Gorge and Pathways: The walking path itself is the main attraction, winding through the breathtaking canyon floor beneath the three immense bridges. You’ll pass by ancient official post houses (from the movie Curse of the Golden Flower), waterfalls, and unique karst formations.
The Viewing Platforms: Strategically placed platforms offer the best angles for photography, allowing you to capture the full scale of the natural arches.
Transportation: How to Get There
Getting to the Three Natural Bridges requires some planning as it’s located in a rural area.
From Chongqing:
By Tourist Bus: The most straightforward option. Direct tourist buses depart from Chongqing’s Longtoushu Tourist Distribution Center or Chongqing North Station. The journey takes about 3 hours. Round-trip tickets are available.
By Public Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Chongqing’s Sigongli Bus Station or Jiangbei Bus Station to Wulong Bus Station. From there, take a local taxi or a public bus to the visitor center of the Three Natural Bridges. This option is cheaper but more complicated for non-Mandarin speakers.
By Private Car/Driver: Hiring a private driver for the day is a comfortable and convenient, though more expensive, option. It offers flexibility and door-to-door service.
By Train: A high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station is now available (approx. 2 hours). From Wulong Station, you will need to take a taxi or a local bus to the scenic area (approx. 30-40 minutes).
Experiences & Activities
Hiking the Trail: The primary activity is the 2-3 hour downhill walk through the gorge. The trail is well-paved but involves a lot of steps. The walk offers constantly changing, stunning views of the karst landscape.
Photography: This is a photographer’s paradise. The best light for photos is often around midday when the sun reaches the canyon floor. The scale and grandeur of the bridges provide incredible subject matter.
Movie Location Sightseeing: The area gained fame as a filming location for Zhang Yimou’s Curse of the Golden Flower and Michael Bay’s Transformers: Age of Extinction. You can see the ancient Tang Dynasty-style post house built for the film.
Taking the Elevator: The glass elevator descent is an experience in itself, offering a panoramic view as you plunge into the depths of the karst valley.
Q&A
Q: Is the hike difficult?
A: The trail is paved and well-maintained but involves a significant number of steps, both down and up. It is manageable for most people with average fitness, but can be tough on the knees. The elevator descent helps reduce the strain.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is cold and the landscape can be starkly beautiful but sometimes icy.
Q: Is it suitable for young children or elderly visitors?
A: Due to the amount of walking and steps, it can be challenging for very young children and the elderly. There is an option to hire sedan chairs (carried by porters) for a fee for those who cannot manage the walk.
Lily Xia
She is Lily Xia,a 25 years old girl.
For over ten years, she’ve been traveling with her camera,
and her greatest passion is capturing the beautiful moments,
places, and especially the people she meet along the way.
Essential Chongqing Travel Resources
1、Core Chongqing Attractions
Wulong Three Natural Bridges:The Travel Guide 2025
2026 Wulong Three Natural Bridges Trip – UNESCO Karst Masterpiece
Chongqing Zoo 2026 | Ultimate Giant Panda & Wildlife Guide
Hongyadong Chongqing 2026 | Cliffside Ancient Village & Night Wonderland
Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise 2026 | Ultimate Night View Guide
2026 Baidi City & Qutang Gorge (Three Gorges) Travel Guide: Explore the Legendary Gateway of the Three Gorges
2026 Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street Guide: Discover Chongqing’s Bustling Urban Commercial Heart
2026 Ciqikou Ancient Town Chongqing Guide: Wander Through Old-Chongqing’s Traditional Streetscape
2026 Chongqing Cloud Eye Observation Deck Guide: Panoramic Views Over Mountain City’s Skyline
2026 Chongqing Fairy Mountain (Xiannvshan) Guide: Tips for the Karst Forest National Park2、Must-Stay Chongqing Hotels
Top 10 Chongqing Scenic Hotels: Your Ultimate View Guide
Chongqing Top 2 Family-Friendly Hotels：Explore this Fascinating City
Chongqing Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Hotels:Your Suitable Guide
3、Chongqing Transportation Guide
Travel Made Simple: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Transit Guide
4、Chongqing Food Guide
