Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is located in the Damu Forest Farm of Fuling District, Chongqing, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The park covers a total area of 1,633.3 hectares, with an average elevation of 1,300 meters. The forest coverage rate reaches 95.2%, and the area is rich in animal and plant resources, including a variety of rare species. Integrating natural and cultural landscapes such as mountains, water, forests, springs, caves, temples, shrines, and stockaded villages, the park features unique karst landforms, with layered mountain ranges, dense forests, babbling streams, and fresh air. It is an ideal destination for leisure vacations, summer retreats, and forest exploration. The park is equipped with well-developed tourist facilities, including a visitor reception center, parking lots, hotels, and restaurants, offering high-quality services to visitors.
History and Culture
The Wuling Mountain area has a long history and is one of the important birthplaces of Ba culture. In ancient times, it was a region where the Ba people lived and thrived, leaving behind many ancient legends and cultural relics. The Damu Forest Farm, where Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is located, was once an important forestry production base in modern times. After years of development and conservation, it has gradually become an ecotourism destination. The temple structures within the park carry local religious culture and serve as important sites for visitors to learn about the area's history and religious beliefs. In addition, the Wuling Mountain region boasts rich folk culture, such as traditional Ba-Yu songs, dances, and handicrafts, which add a strong cultural atmosphere to the park.
Major Attractions
Nantianmen (Southern Heavenly Gate)
Nantianmen is the highest point in Fuling District, with an elevation of 1,985 meters. It is located 6 kilometers from the visitor reception center and can be reached by tourist road, or by hiking the Tongtian Road (3333 steps, approximately 2.3 kilometers). The view from here is exceptionally broad and spectacular, offering panoramic sights of the sunrise and sunset, as well as the majestic and perilous scenery of Wuling Mountain. Visitors can gaze into the distance at the beautiful Wujiang River, overlook precipitous cliffs and deep valleys, admire the lush pines and green firs up close, and watch as light clouds and mist drift beneath them while the red sun slowly rises—an awe-inspiring experience.
Tongtian Road (Road to Heaven)
Tongtian Road starts from Dingxiang Villa and ends at Nantianmen, comprising 3,333 steps (approximately 2.3 kilometers). It symbolizes "a road to heaven, with broad prospects ahead." Climbing Tongtian Road brings a sense of expanding horizons and a promising future, while stepping back offers a broader perspective and the serenity of a meditative state. Upon reaching Nantianmen, visitors can take in the panoramic view of rolling mountains, valleys, and vast forests stretching as far as the eye can see.
Wuling Chan Temple
Wuling Chan Temple is an important cultural attraction within the park. Originally expanded through private donations during the Qing Jiaqing period, it was later rebuilt on its original site and renamed Wuling Chan Temple, covering an area of over 11,000 square meters. The temple houses numerous Buddhist statues and enjoys a steady stream of incense-burning worshippers. Visitors can explore the temple, admire the Buddha statues, appreciate the profoundness of Buddhist culture, and participate in various religious activities held at the temple to experience the charm of religious culture.
Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)
Tianchi is a natural lake within Wuling Mountain National Forest Park, with crystal-clear water surrounded by dense forests. The lake water maintains a constant temperature throughout the year, making it a delightful spot for leisure and recreation. Visitors can take a stroll along the lake, go fishing, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Wuling Mountain Prairie
Wuling Mountain Prairie is located adjacent to the visitor center, next to the forest oxygen bar and the Gesang flower sea, covering an area of nearly 30,000 square meters. Walking through the prairie, visitors are surrounded by lush green grass and verdant forests. The chirping of birds in the woods is crisp and pleasant, while the fragrance of flowers and grass refreshes the senses. Cattle, sheep, camels, and Tibetan mastiffs roam the area, becoming popular subjects for playful interaction. Colorful tents are scattered picturesquely across the prairie, creating an impressive scene. Visitors can prepare a delicious picnic in the "self-service kitchen," enjoy drinks with friends in the Mongolian yurts, or take a romantic stroll under the stars with a loved one—a truly perfect place to embrace the serenity and beauty of nature.
Recommended Tour Route：
After entering the park, visitors can first take a sightseeing bus along Tongtian Road to enjoy the natural scenery along the way. At Nantianmen, they can get off to overlook the surrounding mountains and forest landscapes. Next, they can visit Wuling Chan Temple to experience the allure of Buddhist culture. Then, they can proceed to Tianchi to admire the lake and mountain views and take a walk or go fishing by the lake. Finally, they can enjoy local specialty dishes at the park's restaurants and purchase some Fuling pickled mustard tuber and other local souvenirs.
Travel Tips：
When visiting in summer, remember to protect yourself from the sun and take precautions against mosquitoes and insects, as the park's dense forests harbor many insects.
Visitors may choose to stay overnight at the park's hotels to experience the nighttime forest scenery, but room reservations should be made in advance.
If hiking Tongtian Road, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing, and to pay attention to safety.
When trying local food, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid consuming too much greasy or spicy food.
Important Notices：
Observe the park's rules and regulations, protect the natural environment, and do not litter.
When visiting Wuling Chan Temple, respect religious beliefs and temple rules, and refrain from inappropriate behavior.
When playing near Tianchi, stay safe and do not approach the lake edge to prevent accidents.
If driving to the park, pay attention to traffic safety and obey traffic regulations, especially when driving on mountain roads—be mindful of road conditions and speed.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from downtown Chongqing, take the Shanghai–Chongqing South Expressway, exit at Fuling, then proceed via Baitao and Wuling Mountain Township to reach Wuling Mountain National Forest Park. The total distance is approximately 180 kilometers, with a driving time of about 3 hours.
Public transportation: Visitors can take a bus from Chongqing's Sigongli Transportation Hub to Fuling, then transfer to a bus to Wuling Mountain Township, and finally arrive at Wuling Mountain National Forest Park.
Opening Hours：
Wuling Mountain National Forest Park is open year-round, daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tickets：
The park entrance fee is 45 RMB per person, and the sightseeing bus service costs 20 RMB per person.