In Wulong, in the mountains of Chongqing, the rock is the architecture. The karst here, a limestone landscape of caves, gorges and sinkholes, has been carved by water over millions of years into huge forms, among them three natural bridges, giant stone arches that span a river gorge. Tianlong, Qinglong and Heilong bridges, each one rising well over a hundred metres, with spans of tens of metres, are among the biggest natural bridges in the world, and the river runs beneath them, in forest so deep that the light is green.
The area is part of the South China Karst, which UNESCO listed in 2007 and extended later. Wulong's other features include Furong Cave, a huge cave system with rimstone pools and calcite formations, and the Qingkou Giant Doline, a collapse sinkhole big enough to hold a small village. The scale was a draw for filmmakers, and the landscape has appeared in several international films. The surrounding countryside is a mix of forest, terraced fields and mountain pasture, with hamlets of wooden houses, and the air is cooler than in Chongqing, which is famously hot in summer, so city people come here to escape.
The roads in the area are mountain roads with tight bends, steep gradients and fog, and they pass through small valleys where you meet farmers on motorbikes and trucks carrying goods. The surface is generally good, but landslides can occur after heavy rain, and visibility can drop suddenly in the mist. Autumn is the best season, with clear skies and colour in the trees, and spring brings blossom and frequent rain. Check for road conditions before starting, and allow extra time, because distances are deceptive.
There are no larger towns on our list near here, so rely on Wulong's county town for fuel, shops and restaurants, and carry water and snacks when you go into the park. The food in Chongqing and the surrounding region is famously spicy, with chillies and Sichuan pepper, and a meal in a village will give you a taste. Tickets to the main sights are sold at the entrances, and some paths involve steps and boat or lift rides, so expect to walk.