Fuling

Fuling is humid and hot in summer, so spring and autumn are more comfortable times to visit.

Fuling is about more than just pickled mustard tubers. Here you can see Yangtze River hydrological relics, large underground engineering works, canyon landforms, and affordable local food. Below is a 2-day, 1-night itinerary for reference.

Key Attractions

• Baiheliang Underwater Museum: This is the world’s first underwater museum. You can take a 91-meter escalator down to 40 meters below the surface of the Yangtze River and view Tang-dynasty stone fish and hydrological inscriptions from different eras through pressure-resistant glass. A guided explanation is recommended. Closed on Mondays.
• 816 Project Scenic Area: The largest known man-made cave complex in the world, it was once a top-secret nuclear base hidden deep in the mountains. The interior space is equivalent to an 18-story building, and when the lights are turned on, it has a strong industrial and sci-fi atmosphere. The cave stays around 18°C year-round, so bring a light jacket.
• Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley: A newly designated 5A-rated scenic area, its karst landscape was formed by crustal movement about 250 million years ago. The Qingtian Gorge ground fissure and the Tianmen Cave suspension bridge, hanging 300 meters above the valley, are the main highlights. There is a lot of walking inside the scenic area, so non-slip shoes are recommended.
• Dianyi Garden: This site has deep ties to Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism and is where Cheng Yi of the Northern Song dynasty annotated the *I Ching*. From Guanlan Pavilion, you can look out over the confluence of the two rivers. The environment is relatively quiet and suits a slow-paced visit.

Food Recommendations

Recommended Itineraries

• One-day trip (culture + food): Start the morning with a bowl of spicy wontons with chili-pepper shells → visit the 816 Project to explore the underground cave complex → have casserole rice noodles for lunch → tour Baiheliang Underwater Museum in the afternoon → take an evening walk along Binjiang Road, or take 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, go to Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley in the afternoon, and return to the city in the evening for tofu pudding rice and teppanyaki.
  • Day 2: Visit Dianyi Garden in the morning for views of the two rivers, then go to Mexin Red Wine Town in the afternoon for photos and a cable car ride. Buy pickled mustard tuber specialties before heading back.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Getting there: From central Chongqing to Fuling, the high-speed train is the first choice (Chongqing North → Fuling North, about 40 minutes, 20+ yuan). Driving takes about 1.5 hours, with expressway tolls of about 50 yuan.
• Getting around: Taxis and ride-hailing are convenient within the urban area. To reach the 816 Project, you can take the Nuclear Engineering Special Line bus (10 yuan) or take a taxi (50 yuan). For Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley, taking a taxi (about 1 hour) or joining a one-day tour is recommended.
• Where to stay: Consider staying near Gaosuntang or Binjiang Road. Dining options are concentrated there, and it is relatively convenient for visiting attractions the next day. Overall, the value for money is good.

Practical Tips

• Reservation reminder: During holidays, Baiheliang and the 816 Project are best booked in advance through mini programs; otherwise, you may not be able to enter.
• What to wear: Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley involves a lot of walking, so wear non-slip athletic shoes. The 816 Project is cool inside, so bring a jacket even in summer. Original eco-style hiking routes are not recommended on rainy days.
• Buying local specialties: For pickled mustard tubers, city supermarkets are a good choice. Prices are usually higher at scenic areas, and brands such as Wujiang are common.