Fuling

Fuling is a hidden-gem small city whose reputation has been somewhat overshadowed by zhacai pickles. It has not only world-class cultural wonders, but also spectacular natural gorges and plenty of affordable food. Here is a 2-day, 1-night highlights guide for you to follow directly.

Core Attractions

• Baiheliang Underwater Museum: The world’s first underwater museum. Take a 91-meter escalator down 40 meters beneath the Yangtze River, then view Tang-dynasty stone fish and thousand-year-old hydrological inscriptions through pressure-resistant glass. It is truly impressive. A guided explanation is recommended. Closed on Mondays.
• 816 Project Scenic Area: The largest known man-made cave structure in the world, once a top-secret nuclear base buried deep in the mountains. The interior is as tall as an 18-story building, and when the lights come on, it feels intensely sci-fi. The cave stays at a constant 18°C, so be sure to bring a light jacket.
• Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley: A newly designated 5A scenic area and a karst wonder formed by crustal movement 250 million years ago. Don’t miss Qingtian Gorge’s ground fissure and the Tianmen Cave suspension bridge hanging 300 meters in the air. The negative oxygen ions are abundant; wear non-slip shoes.
• Dianyi Garden: The birthplace of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, where Cheng Yi of the Northern Song dynasty annotated the *Book of Changes*. Climb Guanlan Pavilion for views over the confluence of two rivers. It is quiet and uncrowded, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Must-Eat Food List

Recommended Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Culture + Food): Have a bowl of spicy hulake wontons in the morning → head to the 816 Project to explore the underground cave complex → eat casserole rice noodles for lunch → visit Baiheliang Underwater Museum in the afternoon → take a walk along Binjiang Road in the evening or ride the Fuzhou Painted Boat for a night cruise on the two rivers.
• Two-Day Trip (In-Depth + Nature):
  • Day 1: Visit the 816 Project in the morning, Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley in the afternoon, then return to the city in the evening for tofu pudding rice and teppanyaki.
  • Day 2: Overlook the two rivers from Dianyi Garden in the morning, go to Mexin Red Wine Town in the afternoon for photos and a cable car ride, then buy some zhacai specialties before heading back.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Getting There: From central Chongqing to Fuling, high-speed rail is the best choice (Chongqing North → Fuling North, about 40 minutes, 20+ yuan). Driving takes about 1.5 hours, with expressway tolls of around 50 yuan.
• Getting Around: Taxis and ride-hailing are convenient in the urban area. To reach the 816 Project, take the Nuclear Engineering special bus (10 yuan) or a taxi (50 yuan). For Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley, taking a taxi is recommended (about 1 hour), or you can join a one-day tour.
• Where to Stay: Staying near Gaosuntang or Binjiang Road is recommended. Dining is convenient, attractions are also close the next day, and the value for money is high.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Reservation Reminder: During holidays, be sure to reserve Baiheliang and the 816 Project in advance through the mini program, or you may not be able to enter.
• What to Wear: The rift valley involves a lot of hiking, so wear non-slip athletic shoes. The 816 cave is cool inside, so bring a jacket even in summer. Be cautious about taking primitive hiking routes on rainy days.
• Buying Local Specialties: For zhacai pickles, it is better to buy them at urban supermarkets. Prices in scenic areas tend to be higher, and brands such as Wujiang are very authentic.