Exploring Fuling: A 1-Day Weekend Trip Itinerary

Haonan from WelcomeCQ
Discover Chongqing with us. Join our Facebook group for FREE city tour. Author: Kevin Deng Published April 12, 2025

If you’re looking for a destination near Chongqing that doesn’t require extensive travel, Fuling is an excellent choice for a one-day weekend trip.

Fuling is renowned for its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, cultural heritage, and its famous Fuling ja choy (pickled mustard plant). This delicacy is available in Asian grocery stores around the world, showcasing Fuling’s culinary reach.

Things to Know Before Going

Fuling is approximately 107 kilometers southeast of Chongqing, situated along the Yangtze River, a major waterway that has significantly influenced the region’s history and economy. As a vital part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Fuling is surrounded by mountainous terrain and often experiences fog during the winter and rainy seasons.

Getting There

  • Driving (recommended): You can reach Fuling via the Shiyu Expressway or the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway, which connects to Shiyu Expressway. Entering your destination into a navigation app will guide you accurately. The drive takes about two hours.
  • By train: High-speed trains run from Chongqing North to Fuling North, taking roughly 40 minutes. If you choose this option, be prepared to arrange additional transport for local sightseeing, as travel time between locations may limit the number of sites you can visit.
  • With travel agencies – Many travel agencies in Chongqing offer day trips to Fuling, typically following similar itineraries. This can be a convenient option for exploring the area.

Things to Do

Visit Wujiang Gallery

The Wujiang River Gallery, located in the picturesque Fuling region, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage. The gallery showcases dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and the winding river, creating a mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors. In addition to its stunning vistas, the area is steeped in history, featuring ancient monuments and traditional villages that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region. This harmonious blend of nature and culture makes the Wujiang River Gallery a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the essence of Fuling.

Discover the History of Project 816

In 1966, the town of Baitao mysteriously vanished from maps, along with 60,000 residents. The secret was revealed in 1984: these individuals were part of Project 816, a highly confidential initiative to establish China’s second nuclear raw material industrial base. This significant project is a key example of China’s Third Front construction and is recognized as part of the second batch of Chinese twentieth-century architectural heritage.

Mt. Wuling Great Rift Valley

Photo from Yangtze Cruise & Tours.

Mt. Wuling features unique geological formations and is a remarkable representation of Chongqing’s karst landscape. This natural wonder, shaped over millions of years, consists of deep valleys, steep cliffs, and striking rock formations. Hiking through the Wuling Great Rift Valley allows visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of nature and experience its inspiring beauty up close.