Wulong

Wulong is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its magnificent South China Karst formations. Visitors explore the otherworldly Three Natural Bridges, the vast Furong Cave, and the sweeping Fairy Mountain. The dramatic scenery even served as a filming location for Hollywood blockbusters like Transformers and Chinese epic films. The local diet features hearty rural dishes, famous for Wulong dried bean curd, roasted whole lamb, and spicy river fish, heavily influenced by the robust flavors of neighboring Chongqing. Located about two to three hours by bus or train from central Chongqing, it's a popular side trip. The best seasons are spring for lush green landscapes and autumn for crisp weather, while summer features a cool retreat on Fairy Mountain away from the city heat.

Nearby cities

Chengdu

Chengdu is a relaxed metropolis famous as the home of giant pandas and the incredibly spicy, numbing Sichuan cuisine.

Wuhan

Wuhan is a bustling metropolis divided by the Yangtze River, famous for its historic Yellow Crane Tower and vibrant cherry blossoms.

Chongqing

Chongqing is a sprawling megacity in southwest China, famous for its hilly terrain, vibrant night views, and spicy hotpot.

Zhengzhou

The capital of Henan province and one of the ancient capitals of China.

Luoyang

One of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, located in Henan province.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie fascinates its visitors with gigantic, towering sandstone pillars that famously inspired the blockbuster movie Avatar.

Shangri-La

Shangri-La offers a truly mystical atmosphere with authentic Tibetan monasteries and spectacular mountain scenery.

Wulingyuan

Wulingyuan is famous for its thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

Jiuzhaigou Huanglong

Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are renowned for their multi-tiered waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks.

Emeishan

One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, famous for its Golden Summit, misty forests, and mischievous wild monkeys.

Qinghai Lake

The largest inland and saltwater lake in China, surrounded by stunning mountains and bright yellow rapeseed flowers.

History & landmarks

Leshan

Home to the world's largest stone Buddha statue, carved directly into a red sandstone cliff at the confluence of three rivers.

Dengfeng / Shaolin

Dengfeng is the spiritual home of martial arts, famous worldwide for the legendary Shaolin Temple and Zen Buddhism.

More places

Longmen Grottoes

Tens of thousands of statues of Buddhist figures and their disciples, carved into the limestone cliffs of the Xiangshan and Longmenshan m…

Kaifeng Dragon Pavilion

A park built on the site of the imperial palaces of several dynasties when Kaifeng was the capital of China.