Last updated: June 2026
Wulong was one of the biggest surprises of my trip through China. After a few days in Chongqing, surrounded by skyscrapers and the city's futuristic atmosphere, arriving in Wulong was like stepping into another world. The contrast between futuristic Chongqing and the nature of Wulong is enormous, and that's exactly what made the experience so special.
The region is known for its karst landscapes, with giant rock formations and deep canyons, and the main highlight is the Three Natural Bridges: three enormous stone arches formed naturally over millennia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive places in China.
Is the Three Natural Bridges worth visiting?
Yes, very much so. The experience at Wulong is completely different from China's cities, here the focus is nature at a grand scale, with giant rock formations and a quieter atmosphere. Walking through the valley and passing beneath enormous natural bridges is one of the most memorable experiences in the region and a highlight of any itinerary through China.
What are the Three Natural Bridges?
The Three Natural Bridges are three gigantic stone arches shaped by natural erosion over millennia. Each one stands tens of metres tall and wide, creating a grand spectacle deep inside a steep valley.
The bridges span different sections of the canyon and form a cinematic landscape, one that has even been used as a filming location, including for Transformers: Age of Extinction.
How to get to Wulong from Chongqing
The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on the transport. The main options are:
- Organised tour or private transfer, the most practical and comfortable option, ideal for making the most of the day
- Train + local bus, a more budget-friendly alternative, but considerably longer with more connections
I went on my own from Chongqing: I took a train, then a bus to the visitor centre and, from there, another bus to the Three Natural Bridges. There are also direct buses from Chongqing, which may be even simpler for some people. Leave early, because it's a full day counting the round trip.
How the visit works
The visit follows a structured route through the valley, with trails, staircases and pathways that pass beneath the natural arches. The circuit includes:
- Descent to the floor of the valley, starting point of the main trail
- Walking between the rock formations, passing beneath all three bridges
- Viewpoints and panoramic spots, along the route, with open views across the canyon
I used the panoramic elevator to descend to the bottom of the canyon and did the whole route walking beneath the natural bridges. It's well organised and pleasant: there are staircases in some sections, but nothing that got in the way. What impressed me most was the size of the stone arches, I knew they were big, but in person they're far bigger than I imagined. Passing beneath these giant formations was one of the most beautiful sights I saw in China.
The Transformers: Age of Extinction filming location
A fun detail: Wulong was a filming location for Transformers: Age of Extinction, and you can recognise some spots from the film. At the park entrance there's a Bumblebee statue and, inside the complex, a replica of a robot resembling the one from the film. Even if you're not a fan, it's interesting to see this connection to cinema.
Tickets
- General admission: ¥95 (~$13)
- Includes access to the full Three Natural Bridges circuit
Check the official website for up-to-date prices before visiting, as they may vary by season.
How long to spend
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the circuit. I spent between four and five hours exploring at a relaxed pace, and it was worth every minute. When I visited, the park was peaceful, at no point did it feel overcrowded, which let me enjoy the trails and viewpoints without rushing. Counting the journey from Chongqing, the visit takes up practically a full day.
Best time to visit
- Early morning, fewer tour groups and cooler temperatures
- Weekdays, significantly fewer visitors than at weekends
- Spring and autumn, the best seasons, with pleasant weather and lush vegetation
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear, the terrain includes staircases and uneven trails
- Bring water, especially on warmer days
- Go early to avoid the midday tour groups
- Check the weather before going, rain can affect the trails