Wulong Hike Trip: An In-Depth Review

Alright, so you’re thinking about checking out Wulong Karst, huh? That’s totally awesome! Very cool pick. I mean, this place, just a bit outside Chongqing, in China, it is seriously something else. What I aim to do here is provide, more or less, a rundown of the “Chongqing One Day Wulong Hike Trip” which usually covers the Geopark and Fairy Mountain and, as a matter of fact, even throws in the car. I am trying to keep this pretty real and give my opinions on whether the trip’s worth it or not.

What to Expect on the Wulong Karst Tour

Okay, so the main thing to know? The Wulong Karst Geopark, often what people come for, I should add, is simply stunning. Like, picture towering karst formations, kinda like giant stone pillars sticking straight up out of the earth, it really hits differently. Very famous in particular is the Three Natural Bridges. This area became mega-famous after appearing in stuff like “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and some famous Chinese movies too, so it might seem a little recognizable. You actually hike down into the gorge, you know, walking across these bridges, it’s kind of breathtaking.

There are a few different ways, so to speak, to do this part of the tour, but the organized trips often include transportation, which you, actually, might want. Believe me, this whole area is huge, really huge! So hopping between spots on your own could, possibly, take up way too much time. It’s probably easier with a car. I’m speaking as someone who once tried public transport in this area – yikes!

Another big stop, the second act of the trip could be? Fairy Mountain (仙女山, Xiān nǚ shān). After all, the name alone sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I might add it offers, typically, something totally different than the karst landscapes. Basically, it’s a big plateau, up above it all, with grasslands and forests and just plenty of space to, sort of, wander. Some say, apparently, that you might even feel like you’ve been transported to Mongolia, because of its high, open meadows. If the weather’s being nice and sunny, which it usually is, views seem to stretch on forever. Arguably, the vibe is way more chill compared to the Geopark, you are mostly walking around on flatter terrain here. The hiking on Fairy Mountain is definitely, certainly, easier than it is in the Geopark.

Getting There and Around: Is the Car Worth It?

Now, let’s talk about getting there! By the way, Chongqing is actually massive! Just a bit sprawling, as cities go, so getting out to Wulong on your own requires a bit of effort, let me tell you. Taking a bus from Chongqing Chaotianmen Bus Station is a possibility. As a matter of fact, it is quite popular. Though that’ll take a good several hours, probably half a day gone travelling! Potentially more if you happen to miss a bus. I feel like, a day trip becomes challenging when so much time is eaten up by travelling.

That, like your tour that tosses in a car, very convenient. So in my eyes it can be worth it. Especially if time is, perhaps, something you don’t have an awful lot of, and that’s generally always the case. Having a car just takes the headache out of the day – no waiting around for buses, no needing to work out connection schedules. That said, the ride from Chongqing can take several hours even with a car, that’s just how it is.

The Hiking Experience: Geopark and Fairy Mountain

Alright, let’s talk more about the actual hiking part of it, specifically, the physical demands. At the Geopark, basically, expect a lot of stairs, in some respects many, many stairs. It can get a bit slippery, alright, when it has rained so you’ll want decent shoes to handle them. By the way, I saw a lot of people wearing sandals who looked to be regretting their life choices.

One thing to remember; the trail actually descends quite a bit into the gorge, obviously which means, of course, what goes down must come up. The hike back out can be a bit taxing if you are not usually used to physical exertion. Anyway there are some sedan carriers, local guys who carry people up, just a little easier! Though personally I think I would be too heavy for them. Though the views kind of make it worth pushing through! Especially the Natural Bridges, just like everyone claims, definitely deliver on the wow-factor.

I think I need to reiterate here, but so it is important to wear proper shoes to protect from slips and ankle support, so you do not get hurt while hiking the Geopark. And bring plenty of water!

Fairy Mountain: Easier Trails and Different Views

Fairy Mountain’s kind of another world, in that, the terrain is more or less flat. After that climbing at the Geopark it is going to be very welcome. Usually there’s options here, from ambling around grasslands to walking along more wooded trails. It can feel rather breezy because, you know, you’re on a plateau. It makes it rather nice to cool down. It may be worth packing a light jacket, though! Even on sunny days the wind can feel quite strong.

In winter, actually, Fairy Mountain can transform completely. That is to say the area often gets snow and sometimes skiing and other snow activities get going here. Although a lot of people don’t, I kinda love seeing these kinds of views of China since they don’t fit the normal paddy fields image!

Is the Chongqing One Day Wulong Hike Trip Worth It?

At the end of the day? Basically I’d probably say yes. Now if you only have a small amount of time in Chongqing and you’re trying to see a pretty spectacular landscape without a pile of planning, this checks boxes. So Wulong Karst Geopark and Fairy Mountain both offer uniquely great things.

I might want to put this bluntly, actually: Doing it all in a day is quite tiring. Very jam-packed. Just make sure that you’re, in a way, fairly prepared for a long day and, in addition to that, be okay with spending a chunk of it traveling in the car. All the same, for sheer convenience it’s almost perfect. Is that day trip the best? Or maybe would it make sense to slow it down a little? Well sure!

If you possibly could, by any chance, spare two days? Arguably I’d recommend that. Spend one solely on Wulong Karst Geopark and make it relaxed and spend some additional time. This might well save your feet from all the stress of trying to rush everything! Plus there actually are other spots near Wulong town worth, almost, taking a look at. This then gives a greater chance of you finding them. Still, I appreciate the convenience.

So, in short, very glad that I experienced the ‘Chongqing One Day Wulong Hike Trip’! Pretty pleased! But hopefully, you know, this insight helps with making your travel choices easier!

• Accessibility: Including a car in the tour saves loads of time.
• Physicality: Geopark has stairs, Fairy Mountain is flatter. Be careful and take care.
• Time: This tour saves so much time. The hassle-free part of it means more enjoyment of the main sites.
• Overall: Worth it, if you have the time and you’re properly prepared.