Furong Cave in Chongqing: China’s Stunning Natural Treasure
By Leo
Hi, I’m Leo. With over 20 years of traveling across China’s natural and cultural wonders, visiting Furong Cave in Chongqing’s Wulong District felt like stepping into another world. Vast chambers filled with glittering crystals and winding underground rivers revealed nature at its most impressive. For anyone exploring Chongqing, Furong Cave in Wulong is an unforgettable highlight. In this article, I provide the most authoritative guide with practical insights to help you experience this natural wonder with confidence.
Must-See Geological Wonders at Furong Cave in Chongqing
Exploring Furong Cave in Chongqing reveals some of China’s most extraordinary geological wonders. From glittering crystal pools to majestic waterfalls, the cave’s unique formations—known as the Five Treasures—showcase nature’s artistry and make it a must-visit destination for anyone in Chongqing.
Top 5 Must-See Wonders of Furong Cave in Chongqing
Coral Yaochi Pool: A 32-square-meter pool filled with pale yellow calcite crystals and floating stone stalagmites. The surface crystals and pool-bottom formations create a dazzling visual effect, recognized as a world-class karst wonder in Furong Cave in Chongqing.
Giant Curtain Waterfall: A stone waterfall 15.76 meters wide and 21.04 meters high, appearing like frozen silver. Under lights, it reveals dreamlike layers and textures.
Source of Life: A stalagmite 1.2 meters tall and 1.24 meters around, symbolizing the birth and continuation of life. It is the iconic feature of Furong Cave in Chongqing.
Canine Tooth Crystal Pool: Filled with dog-tooth-shaped calcite crystals, sparkling like underwater coral. This rare formation is extremely uncommon worldwide.
Stone Grapes: Calcium carbonate deposits resembling grape clusters, recording underground river levels from millions of years ago, like natural geological “time stamps.”
Other Stunning Features of Furong Cave in Chongqing
Furong Cave in Chongqing offers stunning features beyond the Five Treasures. Delicate crystal filaments, vast sparkling halls, and long natural art corridors reveal the cave’s extraordinary beauty.
Silver Thread and Jade Filaments: Delicate curling stones and crystal flowers on the walls, pure white and intricate, showcase nature’s artistry inside Furong Cave in Chongqing.
Brilliant Hall: A massive 11,000-square-meter cavern that can hold thousands. Stalactites hanging from the ceiling sparkle under lights like a starry sky, making it one of the most breathtaking chambers in Furong Cave in Chongqing.
Art Corridor: A hundred-meter-long passage lined with dense stalagmites, stone drapes, and stone flags, resembling a natural art gallery.
Practical Tips for Visiting Furong Cave in Chongqing
Visiting Furong Cave in Chongqing requires some practical preparation. This guide covers opening hours, transportation, safety measures, and photography tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Furong Cave in Chongqing Opening Hours & How to Get There
During my visit to Furong Cave in Chongqing, I found it helpful to know the opening hours and the best ways to get there. This information made planning the trip much easier and more enjoyable.
| Category | Details |
| Opening Hours | Summer: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Winter: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| How to Get There | By car: ~2 hours from central Chongqing. By high-speed train: Arrive at Wulong Station, then take a 30-minute shuttle to the cave. |
Safety and Emergency Tips for Furong Cave in Chongqing
- Wear non-slip shoes and be cautious on steep paths or steps.
- Emergency contacts and visitor center numbers are available, some with English support. Nearby hospitals provide additional help if needed.
Photography Tips for Furong Cave in Chongqing
- Tripod is a must: Dim cave lighting needs slow shutters—no blur!
- Camera with manual controls: Use ISO 800–1600 (avoid over 3200 for less noise).
- Wide-angle lens: Captures big chambers like “Splendid Hall” or large formations.
- Spare batteries: Cold, damp air drains power fast—pack extras.
- Lens cloth: Wipe fog from humidity (especially in summer).
Beyond the Furong Cave: Exploring the Wulong Karst Landscape
Furong Cave is just one gem within the larger Wulong Karst National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region offers a wealth of natural attractions, making it ideal for multi-day explorations.
Classic One-Day Route:
- Furong Cave – ~2 hours
- Furong River Boat Cruise – ~1.5 hours
- Three Natural Bridges (Tian Sheng Three Bridges) – ~3 hours
Experience underground wonders and stunning stone bridges above ground.
Summer Cool Escape Route:
- Fairy Mountain Grassland – Hiking, horse riding, grass sledding
- Longshuixia Fissure Gorge – Explore dramatic geological formations
- Furong Cave Nighttime Light Show – Average summer temperatures ~22°C
| Attraction Name | Description | Key Activities |
| Furong River | A picturesque river flowing through the karst landscape, offering serene views. | Relaxing boat rides, riverside strolls, drifting. |
| Three Natural Bridges | Spectacular natural stone arches forming immense bridges created by geological erosion. | Hiking through the arches, marveling at the scale. |
| Fairy Mountain Grassland | Vast grasslands known for their scenic beauty, especially at sunrise and sunset. | Hiking, horse riding, grass skiing (winter). |
| Longshuixia Fissure Gorge | A deep, narrow gorge offering a dramatic geological experience. | Exploring the fissure, observing unique rock formations. |
Furong Cave in Chongqing is one of China’s most stunning natural treasures. Its world-class karst formations, UNESCO recognition, and comfortable visiting conditions make it a must-see attraction. A visit here is more than sightseeing—it’s an unforgettable journey into Earth’s hidden wonders.