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2 Days Wulong Itinerary in Chongqing

Author: Kevin Deng Published May 19, 2025

2 Days Wulong Itinerary

Nestled 180 kilometres southeast of Chongqing, Xiannv Mountain in Wulong offers a breathtaking escape into a karst wonderland that feels light-years from the city’s bustle.

This UNESCO World Heritage site has captured my heart across five unforgettable visits—and I’m already plotting a sixth.

Getting here is a breeze: hop on a high-speed train for a mere 40-minute journey, drive the scenic route in about 2.5 hours, or take the area’s convenient shuttle bus.

Once you arrive, Xiannv Mountain seamlessly connects to iconic nearby attractions, including the dramatic Wulong Tiankeng Three Natural Bridges, the vertigo-inducing Wulong Longshuixia Fissure Gorge Travel Guide, and the ethereal Wulong Furong Cave: The Underground Wonderland—a mesmerizing karst cavern dripping with stalactites and ancient secrets.

Ready to lace up your hiking boots? Let’s dive into your two-day adventure.

Best Time to Visit Wulong Xiannv Mountain

Xiannv Mountain’s diverse landscapes and UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, part of the South China Karst, offer something magical in every season:

  • Summer: Escape Chongqing’s sweltering heat and humidity in the cool, misty mountains. Hike shaded trails or relax in the crisp alpine air.
  • Winter: Transform into a snowy paradise perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The slopes cater to beginners and pros, with cozy lodges to warm up in.
  • Spring and Autumn: Witness the mountains burst into vibrant hues—spring’s blooming wildflowers or autumn’s fiery reds and golds. These seasons are ideal for photography and leisurely exploration.

No matter when you visit, Xiannv Mountain delivers unforgettable experiences, blending natural beauty with cultural charm.

Getting to Wulong Xiannv Mountain

Train

If you’re travelling by train, purchase your ticket from one of these convenient Chongqing stations:

  • Chongqingdong (重庆东)
  • Chongqingxi (重庆西)
  • Chongqingbei (重庆北)
  • Jiangbeijichang (Jiangbei International Airport 江北机场)

Trains run frequently to Wulongnan (武隆南), with the earliest train departing from Chongqingdong at 7:21 AM and the latest departing from Wulongnan to Chongqing at 6:33 PM.

The following trains are available:

  • G-series High-speed Trains: Take you from Chongqing to Wulongnan in less than 40 minutes.
  • C-series High-speed Trains: Take you from Chongqing to Wulongnan in 50 minutes.
  • K-series Regular Trains: Take you from Chongqing to Wulong in around 2 hours, but cost you around ¥25.

Updated on October 28, 2025, at 8:18 PM.

Bus

Chongqing’s Silongli Long-distance Bus Station offers bus services to help you get directly to Fairy Mountain (仙女山), where the tourist center is. From the tourist center, you can purchase tickets to the park. Transportation from the tourist center to the park entrance is included in the ticket.

Silongli Long-distance Bus Station

Price: 35 – 45 CNY

Time: 2 hours

Driving

Navigate to Xiannv County Tourist Center

Distance: 175 KM

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Once you have arrived, from there, you can purchase tickets for the National Forest Park (仙女山国家森林公园), the Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) or the Longshuixia Fissure Gorge (龙水峡地缝).

Shuttle bus service is also provided from the tourist centre to various places in Xiannv Mountain, which is included in your ticket to the parks.

2 Days Wulong Itinerary Map

Wulong Xiannv Mountain 2-Day Itinerary Map
☀️ Day 1 Chongqing – Xiannv Mountain, National Forest Park, and Tiankeng Three Natural Bridges
☀️ Day 2 Longshuixia Fissure Gorge and Lanba LAB
☀️ Day 3 Optional day 3 for Furong Cave and Furong River

What to Pack for Xiannv Mountain

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: There will be lots of walking and hiking in this trip; therefore, pack a comfortable pair of shoes.
  • Breathable Shirts: You will be going up and down, so pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts
  • Jacket: The weather will be cool in the morning and at night, pack a comfortable jacket that keeps you warm.
  • Camera: Xiannv Mountain has many breathtaking views, make sure to bring your camera, and snap lots of pictures.
  • Power Bank: You’ll likely be taking a lot of pictures and videos, and using maps and translators; therefore, pack a power bank to ensure your phone lasts for the day. There are power banks at certain locations across the park, but do not rely on these resources.
  • Water Bottle: Bring your water bottle and stay hydrated. You will be doing lots of walking and hiking. Some parks, like the Three Natural Bridges, offer water station to fill your bottle.

Day 1: Chongqing to Xiannv Mountain, National Forest Park and Three Natural Bridges

Chongqing Raffle City in Chaotianmen. Photo by Anita Fan.

You will likely begin your journey from the Chongqing urban area.

There are multiple ways to get to Xiannv Mountain, located in Wulong District.

I recommend taking the high-speed train, which takes about 40 minutes to arrive. Alternatively, you can also drive to Xiannv Mountain.

Start your Wulong Itinerary at the Xiannv Mountain National Forest Park, a lush expanse of karst peaks and rolling grasslands. From the tourist centre, hop on a shuttle bus to the park’s entrance. Here, you have two options to reach the iconic grassland.

Mini-Train Ride (~¥20, purchased separately): A quick, scenic ride to the grassland, ideal for saving time.

Hike (15 minutes): Stroll through fragrant pine woods, soaking in the fresh mountain air. You might spot curious squirrels or animals along the trail.

The grassland is the park’s crown jewel—a vast, emerald expanse dotted with wildflowers in spring. Snap photos with wild horses or goats in the background, or spread out a blanket for a picnic under the open sky. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a perfect spot to relax.

Explore Further or Move On: If time allows, follow the paved trail deeper into the park (10 kilometres total). It winds past karst cliffs and serene meadows, with the mini-train stopping at key viewpoints. For a full park tour, the train is a time-saver; otherwise, hikers can enjoy a leisurely pace. If you’re sticking to my plan, return to the tourist centre by shuttle bus after 2 hours.

Next, take a shuttle bus from the tourist centre to the Tiankeng Three Natural Bridges, a UNESCO-recognized marvel of limestone arches carved by nature. Plan to arrive around 3:00 PM, when the setting sun bathes the cliffs in golden light, creating dramatic contrasts for stunning photos. Follow the marked trail through the karst valley, marvelling at the three colossal bridges—Sky Dragon, Green Dragon, and Black Dragon—each framed by waterfalls and lush greenery.

Spend about 2 hours exploring, with time for photos and a guided tour (~¥30) to learn about the site’s geology and folklore. Check my detailed Tiankeng Three Natural Bridges Guide for visitor tips, must-see spots, and preparation advice. Return to the tourist centre via shuttle bus by 6:30 PM.

Before heading to your hotel, treat yourself to a unique dining experience at Qixiange Restaurant in Jinchan Karst Cave, just a short detour from the tourist centre.

This extraordinary eatery, built entirely within a karst cave leased for 50 years, blends rustic charm with natural beauty. With 200 tables and over 80 staff during peak times, it serves authentic Chinese cuisine and fiery Wulong hotpot, featuring local ingredients like wild mushrooms and lamb. Expect to spend ~¥50 – 80 per person for a memorable meal surrounded by stalactites.

Day 2: Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, Lanba LAB, Back to Chongqing

On the second day, we’ll start our journey at Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, another unique experience Xiannv Mountain offers. You can travel to this place by taking a shuttle bus from Xiannv Mountain Tourist Centre. Plan to arrive at around 9:00 AM.

This hiking trail unveils a subterranean marvel, often described as a journey to the “heart of the Earth.” The trail showcases nature’s raw artistry, sculpted over millennia. On sunny mornings, the experience is nothing short of magical: sunlight pierces the narrow gorge, casting radiant beams that create a mesmerizing Tyndall effect, where light scatters in vivid, visible rays.

Check out my complete guide to Wulong Longshuixia Fissure Gorge Travel Guide for photos, travel routes and important things to know before visiting.

Next up, we will go to Lanba LAB. Lanba LAB is an open-air art museum that harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings. You can expect to encounter a variety of art installations that blend seamlessly with the environment. Featuring works by artists from Germany, Denmark, Japan, the United Kingdom, China, and beyond.

Plan to spend 2 hours here to discover various museums and artworks at Lanba LAB. Make sure to check out my Wulong Lanba LAB: The Art of the Land for park information, top attractions and more.

Once you complete your visit to Lanba LAB, head back to the tourist centre for buses to go to Wulong train station and take your train to head back to Chongqing. This completes your 2 day Wulong itinerary. However, if you have one additional day available, I’ve prepared 1 additional must-visit sight for you.

Day 3: Optional Day for Furong Cave

If you have an extra day to transform your Xiannv Mountain weekend into a 3-day adventure, make the trek to Furong Karst Cave, a UNESCO-recognized marvel that’s well worth the effort. Often overshadowed by its less accessible location, this 5A-rated Chinese tourist site (the highest national ranking) is a hidden gem that left me speechless. Trust me—venture into this “world beneath the earth” and you’ll be awestruck by its subterranean splendour.

Furong Karst Cave is not located in Xiannv County. It is located in Furong County, which is about 30 kilometres away from Wulong District. There are no official shuttle buses to help you arrive at Furong Cave. Consider travelling back to the Wulong district, then take a bus to arrive at Furong County, then get a taxi or private car from the county to Furong Karst Cave. You can also check out Wulong Furong Cave: The Underground Wonderland, which includes information for transportation.

Formed over 1.2 million years ago, Furong Cave is a geological masterpiece stretching 2.7 kilometres through the karst landscapes of Wulong, part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Visitors can explore 1.8 kilometres of its illuminated pathways, marvelling at a dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations sculpted by millennia of dripping water rich in calcium salts. From delicate curtains of stone to towering columns, the cave’s otherworldly beauty feels like stepping into a sci-fi film. Its vast chambers and intricate details make it a must-see complement to Xiannv Mountain’s above-ground wonders.

How to Get Around in Xiannv Mountain

🚗 Driving: If you are able to drive (check out my tips on driving in Chongqing), this is the best option to explore Xiannv Mountain, as well as many nearby attractions such as Fuling 816, Great Rift Valley and Underwater Musuem, Nanchuan Golden Buddha Route 178.

🚌 Official Shuttle Bus: The official shuttle bus provided by Xiannv county can take you to the National Forest Park, Tiankeng Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Fissure Gorge. For Lanba LAB and Furong Karst Cave, you would need to find your way of transportation.

🚲 Shared Electric Scooters: There are shared electric scooters available in the county that can take you to various places. You will be required to use the Chinese app to unlock these scooters.

Accommodation on Xiannv Mountain

After countless trips to Xiannv Mountain in Wulong, I’ve found my perfect home base: the White House Mountain View Homestay. This gem is my absolute go-to for its jaw-dropping views, exceptional quality, and cozy charm, making every stay a highlight of my adventures.

I like to wake up early in the morning to view the sun rise. This homestay gives you a panoramic view of the Xiannv mountains. You can just sit in your room and watch the sunrise. Check your weather app for the sunrise time so you don’t miss the gorgeous moment.

Attractions Near Wulong

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