Fairy Mountain National Forest Park is located within Xiannv Town, Wulong District, Chongqing Municipality. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national geopark, and an important component of the Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage. Covering a total area of over 100 square kilometers, it boasts 330,000 mu (about 22,000 hectares) of forest and more than 100,000 mu (about 6,700 hectares) of natural meadows. The average altitude is 1,900 meters, with the main peak reaching 2,033 meters, and the annual average temperature is 10.2°C. The park features distinctive scenery, renowned for its charming highland grasslands (rare in southern China), its unusual forest and snowfield landscapes, and its lush, beautiful jungle vistas, earning it the nicknames "Switzerland of the East," "Southern Pastoral Land," and "Summer Palace of the Mountain City."
History and Culture
The name "Fairy Mountain" comes from a mountain peak that resembles a graceful dancing fairy. When white clouds swirl around it, the peak appears and disappears, ethereal and hazy, like a fairy draped in a thin veil, shyly standing. According to the 1873 edition of the Recompiled Chronicle of Fuzhou Prefecture: "On the mountainside there is a deep and secluded stone cave; legend has it that a fairy once lived here and ascended to heaven, never to be seen again."
There is also a local folklore: a shepherd boy married a fairy who descended to the mortal world. Later, the fairy cleverly defeated a wealthy landlord who wanted to take her by force, and then transformed into a mountain peak standing on the cliff's edge, symbolizing the triumph of justice over evil.
Major Attractions
Fairy Mountain Grand Grassland
This is a rare highland meadow in Chongqing, with a vast expanse. In spring and summer, visitors can admire exotic flowers and herbs, go horseback riding; in autumn and winter, they can enjoy skiing and roast lamb. You can also lie on the soft grass, gaze at the blue sky and white clouds, and feel the peace and beauty of nature.
Tongtian Pagoda (Heaven-Reaching Pagoda)
At an altitude of 2,033 meters, it stands at the highest peak of the entire park. Originally a fire lookout tower for the Fairy Mountain National Forest Farm, built of fir wood, it was later replaced by a brick-and-concrete structure that continues to serve fire monitoring while also allowing visitors to climb and enjoy panoramic views.
Fairy Stone
Located in the northern part of the park, these are several stone pillars standing on a cliff, with graceful, feminine shapes. Legend has it that they are associated with the love story between the seven fairies and a mortal man, and they have stood here for millennia, witnessing that tale of love.
Fairy Pool
During the rainy season, it covers an area of about 70,000 square meters, though the surface area varies seasonally, with a maximum depth of 20 meters. Sheltered by forests, the pool water is clear and emerald green. On calm days, the surface is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding scenery, with occasional birds skimming across—a picturesque landscape.
Treetop Walk
This is a 1.8?km wooden suspended walkway that winds through the fir forest. It features a 41?meter?high observation tower offering a bird's?eye view of the Wulong Karst landforms. The 360° viewing platform is ideal for creative forced?perspective photos. Opening hours: 8:30–17:30; it is recommended to allow 2–3 hours for this attraction.
Fairy Mountain Ski Resort
Covering 50,000 square meters of ski area, it can accommodate 3,000 skiers simultaneously. It has four ski runs—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—each 65 meters wide and with an average length of 500 meters. It is one of China's largest low?latitude ski resorts. In winter, visitors can enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
Suggested Itineraries：
One?day tour: Start by taking the sightseeing train to the Grand Grassland to enjoy the prairie views and horseback riding (about 2 hours). Then head to Fairy Pool to admire the clear waters and surrounding scenery (about 1 hour). Next, visit Tongtian Pagoda to climb to the top and overlook the forest sea (about 1 hour). Finally, experience the Treetop Walk to enjoy the view from above the treetops (2–3 hours).
Two?day tour:
Day 1: Visit the Grand Grassland, Fairy Stone, and Pusa Tuo (Bodhisattva Mound) etc., and camp overnight or stay in a hotel within the park.
Day 2: Go to Tongtian Pagoda and Fairy Pool, then in the afternoon head to the Ski Resort (in winter) or try other activities such as grass skiing (in non?winter seasons).
Travel Tips：
In summer, bring light, breathable clothing and take sun protection measures; in winter, bring warm clothing such as down jackets and thick sweaters.
If you plan to camp, prepare your gear in advance and choose safe camping spots.
The sightseeing train within the park is convenient and allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
As the park is large, it is advisable to purchase a train ticket for easy travel between attractions, saving time and energy.
You may bring snacks and drinking water; there are also food and beverage outlets in the park, but prices may be relatively high.
For photography enthusiasts, it is recommended to bring a telephoto lens and a tripod, especially for capturing snow scenes and sunrises/sunsets.
Important Notes：
The mountain weather is changeable, so carry rain gear and warm clothing at all times.
Protect the ecological environment; do not litter.
For activities like hiking, be well prepared, follow staff instructions, and ensure safety.
Respect local customs and cultural traditions; practice responsible tourism.
When skiing in winter, follow the ski resort’s safety regulations; beginners should practice on the beginner slopes and wear protective gear.
There are free?range cattle, sheep, and other animals on the grasslands; do not feed or startle them to avoid accidents.
If camping inside the park, use designated camping areas, be cautious with fire, and avoid causing forest fires.
Transportation：
Train: Chongqing North Railway Station has multiple daily trains to Wulong County. From Wulong, there are many buses to the park; take a bus from Wulong Bus Station to "Xiannv Town" and get off at the Visitor Center (fare about 10 RMB).
Bus: You can take a direct coach from Sikeshan Station to Fairy Mountain Scenic Area; alternatively, take a bus to Wulong Bus Station from other terminals and then transfer to a bus to the Visitor Center.
Self?driving: Navigate to "Fairy Mountain Scenic Area."
Plane: Fly to Fairy Mountain Airport, which is only a 5?minute drive from the forest park.
Opening Hours：
Open all day.
Tickets：
Fairy Mountain admission: 50 RMB; discounted tickets for children/seniors: 25 RMB.