Fairy Mountain National Forest Park
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, a 4A-rated tourist attraction, is a high-altitude grassland and forest ecosystem spanning 891 square kilometers in Wulong District. Known as “Eastern Switzerland of Chongqing,” it sits at 2,033 meters above sea level, offering alpine meadows, virgin forests, and seasonal attractions like spring wildflowers, summer horseback riding, autumn red maples, and winter skiing. Designated a national forest park in 1999, it blends Tujia cultural experiences with outdoor adventures like paragliding and hot air ballooning
Historical Overview
The area was historically a summer retreat for the Tujia ethnic minority, with records of pastoral activities dating to the Tang Dynasty. Modern development began in 1993, transforming it into a tourist destination. Key milestones include the 2006 opening of the “Fairy Mountain Grass Skyline” cable car, the 2015 establishment of China’s southernmost ski resort, and the 2022 inclusion in the “World’s 50 Most Beautiful Highlands” list by National Geographic.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into three zones:Grassland Zone: Features the 200,000-square-meter “Fairy Grassland” with yurts, a horse ranch, and the “Hand of God” rock formation.
Forest Zone: Home to ancient cypress and larch trees, including the 800-year-old “Emperor Tree” and the 3-kilometer “Oxygen Bar” trail.
Adventure Zone: Includes the “Let’s Go” ski resort, a zip line over the Balong Gorge, and a 100-meter-tall glass observation deck.
Major Attractions
Fairy Grassland: Vast meadows with grazing horses and a 19th-century Tujia stone fort replica.
Throat-Singing Gorge: A 2-kilometer limestone canyon with echo chambers amplifying Tujia folk songs.
Let’s Go Ski Resort: 6 ski slopes (2 beginner, 3 intermediate, 1 expert) and a 1,000-meter snow tubing lane.
Emperor Tree: A 35-meter-tall cypress wrapped in red silk for luck, visited by 200,000 tourists annually.
Balong Gorge Zip Line: A 1.8-kilometer flight over the canyon at 80 km/h (weather-dependent).
Tujia Cultural Village: Workshops on embroidery, shamanic rituals, and the “Silver Bell Dance.”
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (3 hrs): Visitor Center → Fairy Grassland → Throat-Singing Gorge → Tujia Village.
Adventure Route (5 hrs): Balong Gorge Zip Line → Emperor Tree → Let’s Go Ski Resort (winter only).
Summer Escape (Full Day): Combine routes 1–2 with a 4 PM horse trek to “Sunset Meadow.”
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official site (xiannvshan.com) or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at Visitor Center (queues peak 10–11:30 AM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥150 (adults), ¥75 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥90 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Bus: Chongqing Longtousi Station → Wulong Bus Terminal (2.5 hrs, ¥60) → Shuttle Bus to park (¥20).
Taxi: Direct from Chongqing to Visitor Center (3 hrs, ¥500–¥700; 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 60% more tourists).
Weather: Summer (June–August) for cool grasslands; winter (December–February) for skiing.
- Essentials:
Wear layers (temperatures drop 10°C from Chongqing).
Bring sunscreen (UV levels 30% higher at altitude).
Photography allowed (drones prohibited without permit).
Prohibited: Littering, off-trail hiking, and feeding wildlife.
More popular itineraries
FAQ
What hidden spots in Fairy Mountain are perfect for taking "fairy-tale" photos?
Try the bamboo forest path near Wulong Lake, where morning mist weaves through the trees. The cliffside overlook at Tianchi (Heavenly Pond) also offers stunning views of clouds floating over the forested valleys.
What hiking trails are recommended in Fairy Mountain, and what’s their difficulty level?
Grassland Loop (5km, easy): Flat paths through meadows, suitable for all ages. Forest adventure Trail (8km, moderate): Winding through pine forests with occasional uphill sections. Cliff Edge Trail (12km, challenging): Offers panoramic views but requires good physical condition.
What transportation options are available within Fairy Mountain Scenic Area, and how much do they cost?
Shuttle buses run between major attractions (Grassland, Forest Area, Lakes) every 20 minutes, costing 25 RMB for a day pass. You can also rent electric scooters (50 RMB/hour) or bicycles (30 RMB/hour) for more freedom.
Does the weather in Fairy Mountain change a lot, and what essential items should be brought?
Yes, temperatures can drop 5–10°C in the evening. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket (especially in summer), comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. In winter, warm coats and gloves are necessary for snow activities.
What are the specialty handicrafts of Fairy Mountain, and where can they be bought?
Look for Tujia embroidery (with mountain and fairy motifs), bamboo baskets woven from local bamboo, and wooden carvings of sika deer. These can be purchased at the Grassland Souvenir Market or in nearby Tujia villages.
