About 130 km southeast of central Chongqing, in Xiannüshan Town of Wulong District, three colossal limestone arches — Tianlong, Qinglong and Heilong — span the Yangshui River gorge in what is Asia's largest cluster of natural bridges. The site was inscribed in 2007 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage property 'South China Karst', and is widely known as a filming location for Zhang Yimou's 'Curse of the Golden Flower' and 'Transformers: Age of Extinction'. Since the Chongqing East–Wulong South section of the Yu–Xia high-speed railway opened in June 2025, the site has become an easy day trip from the city — and correspondingly busier in peak season. Visitors descend by cliff elevator to the canyon floor and walk roughly 3 km of trail over about two hours, so plan it as a light trek rather than a viewpoint stop.
The three arches — Tianlong, Qinglong and Heilong — each over 200 m tall, with different thicknesses and openings, so their silhouettes shift constantly as you walk.
The two tiankeng (giant sinkholes) between the bridges: the signature 'three bridges cradling two sinkholes' formation, best appreciated looking upward from the canyon floor.
Tianfu Guanyi, a reconstructed Tang-dynasty courtyard post station on the sinkhole floor — the only outdoor set built for 'Curse of the Golden Flower', dwarfed by the surrounding cliffs.
The cliff-face elevator descent and panoramic viewing facilities, which drop you along a vertical wall with exposed rock strata (check current operating status of the glass platform and similar add-ons).
Mist, seeps and waterfalls inside the gorge, where cool air pools year-round and the temperature contrast with the outside is striking in summer.
Good to know
SafetyAfter the elevator you walk roughly 3 km of trail and stairs for about two hours, and wet limestone and metal steps are slippery. Wear shoes with real grip and bring a light rain shell; if you have knee problems or a stroller or wheelchair, assume the full route is not feasible.
SeasonAt over 1,000 m elevation the gorge stays much cooler than the surrounding lowlands, so bring a light layer even in midsummer. Sections may close during the June–August rainy season due to downpours and rockfall, and winter ice or snow can restrict roads and trails around Xiannü Mountain — check operating status the day before.
RulesEntry is by real-name advance booking. Reserve through official channels such as the '武隆景区官方平台' mini-program in WeChat or Alipay using your passport details; tickets sell out during Labour Day and National Day holidays, so book about a week ahead. Private vehicles cannot enter — everyone transfers to the official shuttle at the Xiannüshan Town visitor center.
RulesMany nationalities, including Korean passport holders, currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, with the announced end date of 31 December 2026; confirm your own eligibility and the latest extension with your foreign ministry or the Chinese embassy before departure. Carry your physical passport at all times for ticket name checks and hotel registration.
RulesSort out payments and connectivity in advance. Linking an overseas Visa or Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay is effectively essential, since many small vendors accept QR payment only; carry some cash as backup. Google, YouTube, Instagram and LINE are blocked on local networks, so international roaming or a travel eSIM that routes through your home carrier is the simplest workaround.
CautionTouts offering private cars at Wulong South / Wulong stations and around the visitor center, and unofficial 'guide and ticket included' packages, frequently lead to price disputes. Book only through the official app, the ticket counters, or a reputable platform, and avoid deeply discounted resale tickets, which can be refused at the gate.
MannersThis is a World Heritage site and a national 5A scenic area. Straying off marked walkways, touching or defacing rock formations and littering are penalised, and drone photography is prohibited without prior permission. On the narrow stair sections, step aside rather than stopping to photograph and blocking the flow.
Practical info
From Chongqing East railway station (connected to metro Line 6), the Yu–Xia high-speed railway reaches Wulong South in about 34 minutes, with second-class fares starting around CNY 76; from Wulong South or Wulong station, continue by bus or taxi to the Xiannüshan Town visitor center and transfer to the compulsory scenic-area shuttle. Opening hours run roughly 08:00–17:00 in summer and 08:30–16:30 off-season with an earlier last-entry cutoff, and a combined ticket including shuttle and elevator is around CNY 155 — but fares, hours and the last shuttle vary by season, so always verify the latest details through official channels.
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