Xiannvshan (Fairy Mountain) National Forest Park sits on a plateau in Wulong District, Chongqing, averaging about 1,900m in elevation with a main peak of 2,033m, and combines roughly 330,000 mu of forest with over 100,000 mu of natural grassland. Nicknamed the "Southern Pasture" and "Eastern Switzerland," it is the one open, pastoral landscape in a Wulong tourism region otherwise defined by karst gorges and caves such as the Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave, which are part of the South China Karst World Heritage property. With summer averages near 21C it functions as Chongqing's heat-escape retreat, and its low-latitude ski area gives it a second winter peak season. Treat it as a half-day to full-day plateau stroll for meadows, big skies and photography rather than a summit hike.
Highlights
The Great Grassland: rolling meadows with wooden fences and grazing horses, the park's signature view and the focus of most photo stops.
Rock landmarks scattered across the plateau, including Fairy Stone (Xiannv Shi), Tongtian Tower and Pusa Tuo, linked by the in-park sightseeing shuttle route.
Conifer forest walking trails between the visitor centre and the grassland, roughly a 15-minute walk with cool shade even in midsummer.
Plateau skies and sunset: at 1,900m clouds sit low and seas of cloud form often; the western edge of the grassland is most dramatic in late afternoon.
Winter ice-and-snow zone and ski field, unusually large for such a low latitude in southern China, with beginner and intermediate slopes and snow tubing from roughly December to February, weather permitting.
Good to know
RulesMainland China uses real-name ticketing, so carry your original passport for purchase and entry. During peak periods (summer, public holidays, festival weekends) online pre-booking and visitor caps may apply, so confirm reservation requirements through official channels before you travel.
RulesVisa-free entry rules change frequently by nationality; the current 30-day visa-free scheme covering South Korea and many other countries runs to 31 December 2026. Re-check your own eligibility with the Chinese embassy or the National Immigration Administration shortly before departure, and note that the permitted stay is counted from the day after arrival.
SeasonAt around 1,900m the air stays cool: about 21C on average in summer and noticeably colder at dawn and dusk. Bring a windbreaker or light insulated layer even in July and August, plus a hat and rain shell, as UV is strong and fog and sudden showers are common.
SafetyFrom December to February snow and ice can trigger chain requirements or closures on the mountain roads, and ski operations depend on conditions. Medical facilities on the mountain are limited, so carry travel insurance and basic medication and avoid solo off-trail walking.
MannersThe grassland is a protected area. Driving, camping, cooking or open fires outside designated zones are prohibited and rubbish must be carried out. Drone use is restricted in some zones and periods, so follow on-site signage and staff instructions.
CautionHorse rides, costume rental and paid photo services on the grassland are a common source of price disputes because duration or number of laps is left vague. Agree the price and what it covers before paying. Unlicensed taxis tout outside Wulong station, so use the official shuttle or a properly dispatched car, and buy entry tickets only at the official counter or official online channel.
RulesAlipay and WeChat Pay are the default payment methods; linking an international Visa or Mastercard now works at most merchants, but small stalls on the mountain may accept only QR codes or cash, so keep some RMB as backup. Google, Instagram and several messaging apps are blocked, so rely on international roaming or a travel eSIM, and install and sign in to any VPN app before you enter China.
Practical info
From Chongqing North Station take a high-speed train to Wulong (Wulong South) in roughly 1-2 hours, then the dedicated Xiannvshan tourist shuttle bus from outside the station for about 40 minutes, generally running from around 07:00 to 20:00; driving via the Baomao Expressway (G65) takes roughly 2.5-3.5 hours, and Xiannvshan Airport (CQW) serves domestic routes nearby. The park itself is broadly open all day, while facilities such as the ski field keep separate hours (around 08:30-16:30), and admission plus in-park shuttle and activity fees vary by high and low season, so always confirm the latest prices and hours through official channels.
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