Tiansheng Three Bridges
The Wulong Three Natural Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a spectacular karst landscape featuring three colossal limestone bridges—Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong—spanning the Yulong River. Formed over 12 million years, these bridges stand as the world’s largest natural bridge cluster, with heights up to 350 meters and spans exceeding 150 meters. The site gained global fame after featuring in Avatar (2009) and showcases China’s geological diversity alongside cultural landmarks like the ancient Qinglong Temple.
Historical Overview
The bridges formed during the Neogene Period, with the Yulong River eroding the limestone over millennia. Local Tujia people revered the area as sacred, building the Ming Dynasty-era Qinglong Temple (1480 CE) atop Heilong Bridge. Modern exploration began in 1994, leading to UNESCO designation in 2007. Key events include the 2003 discovery of prehistoric fossils and the 2015 opening of the “Transformers 4” film location tour.
Structural Layout
The 15-square-kilometer site includes:Tianlong Bridge: The tallest at 235 meters, with a 60-meter-wide “Dragon’s Gate” arch.
Qinglong Bridge: Features the 1,200-year-old Qinglong Temple and a 400-meter-long natural corridor.
Heilong Bridge: Known for its 95-meter-wide “Heavenly Pit” sinkhole and the “Avatar” Hallelujah Mountains replica.
Yulong River: A 3-kilometer emerald-green waterway winding beneath the bridges.
Major Attractions
Tianlong Bridge Elevator: A glass sky lift descending 280 meters into the “Dragon’s Gate.”
Qinglong Temple Ruins: Ming Dynasty murals and a 10-meter-tall Buddha statue carved into the limestone.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountains: 3D-mapped replicas of the film’s floating peaks (open 9 AM–5 PM).
Heilong Bridge Sinkhole: The world’s deepest natural sinkhole at 662 meters, accessible via 1,080 steps.
Yulong River Cruise: 45-minute boat tours through the “Dragon’s Spine” rapids.
Ancient Tujia Village: Reconstructed 18th-century stilt houses with folk dance performances.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (3 hrs): Visitor Center → Tianlong Elevator → Qinglong Temple → Yulong River Cruise.
Adventure Route (5 hrs): Heilong Sinkhole → Avatar Mountains → Tujia Village → Qinglong Bridge Corridor.
Film Fan Tour (Full Day): Combine routes 1–2 with a 2 PM guided tour of Transformers 4 filming locations.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official site (wlly.com) or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at the Visitor Center (queues peak 10–11:30 AM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥135 (adults), ¥70 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥95 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Bus: Chongqing Longtousi Station → Wulong Bus Terminal (2.5 hrs, ¥60) → Shuttle Bus to site (¥15).
Taxi: Direct from Chongqing to Visitor Center (3 hrs, ¥450–¥600; negotiate fare upfront).
Self-Drive: G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway → Wulong Exit (3 hrs; parking ¥20/day).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Monday–Thursday (weekends host 70% more tourists).
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild temperatures.
- Essentials:
Wear hiking boots (uneven terrain; 10,000+ steps).
Bring rain gear (sinkhole mist can dampen clothing).
Photography allowed (drones prohibited without permit).
Prohibited: Feeding wildlife, littering, and commercial filming without authorization.
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