The Ultimate 2-Day Fuling Adventure from Chongqing: A Local's Guide for Foreign Travelers
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 14, 2025
- 7 min read
When it comes to natural and historical trips from Chongqing, most foreign tourists first think of Wulong. Few know about Fuling (涪陵，a district in Chongqing Municipality) – a place that blends dramatic canyons, a secret Cold War-era underground project, and the world’s only underwater stone museum. Its significance in China’s modern history and unique landscapes far outweigh its low international profile.
As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve visited Fuling dozens of times. Last year, my Canadian friend, Emily Carter, almost skipped it for Wulong. After I took her there, she said, “Fuling’s mix of nature and history is unbeatable – it’s the most surprising part of my China trip!” This guide will show you how to travel from Chongqing to Fuling in 2 days, cover must-see spots, and share DolphinUnion’s exclusive resources to solve language, payment, and navigation issues.
Fuling: A Blend of Natural Wonders and Hidden History
Historical Value: The Secret Underground Project
Why is Fuling stand out among Chongqing’s day trip destinations? It’s home to Project 816 (816 工程，816 Gongcheng) – a top-secret underground nuclear factory built in the 1960s. This massive structure took 18 years to build and was never used. It’s a rare window into China’s Cold War history.
During one visit, the guide told me Project 816 has 13 floors (9 underground) and covers 100,000 square meters. It was designed to withstand a nuclear attack. I checked historical records later and confirmed this fact – it made me realize how important this hidden site is.
Don’t miss the control room and reactor hall in Project 816. They still have original equipment. These spaces tell the story of thousands of workers who lived in secrecy here.
（Chongqing to Fuling 2-day travel guide for foreign tourists）
Natural Value: Canyons with Gentle Trails
Wuling Mountain Grand Rift Valley (武陵山大裂谷，Wuling Shan Dali Gu) is Fuling’s natural star. Unlike Wulong’s Tiankeng Three Bridges, its main loop is mostly flat – perfect for families or seniors. It has unique karst landscapes, with cliffs and streams that feel like a fairyland.
I took Emily to the valley last spring. She was shocked by the cable car that runs like a bus, connecting different parts of the canyon. “I’m not good at hiking, but this loop was easy and beautiful,” she said. The valley’s scenery is just as impressive as Wulong’s, but with far fewer crowds.
Fuling Must-See Attractions: 3 Unmissable Spots
1. Wuling Mountain Grand Rift Valley (Wuling Shan Dali Gu)
This natural scenic spot is 90km from Chongqing, with towering cliffs and clear streams. The main loop is 6km long and takes 3.5 hours to finish – all flat paths. Skip the small loop: it costs extra for a cable car and misses the iconic suspension bridge.
Emily and I watched a traditional performance at Lover’s Valley Service Area (情人谷服务区，Qingren Gu Fuwu Qu) at 2 PM. It featured local music and dance, and it’s free with your ticket. Trust me, the performance adds a nice cultural touch to the nature trip.
Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be on your feet for hours. Bring a water bottle too, as the valley’s shops are limited.
2. Project 816 (816 Gongcheng)
This historic site is a decommissioned underground nuclear factory in Baitao Town (白涛镇，Baitao Zhen). It’s eerie and fascinating, with labyrinthine tunnels and large halls. The guided tour (included in the ticket) lasts 1 hour and explains the project’s history in simple English.
Emily said, “It’s creepy but amazing – I can’t imagine working here for years.” Visit before 10 AM to avoid crowds. The site gets busy on weekends, and the dark tunnels feel more intense with fewer people.
3. Baiheliang Underwater Museum (白鹤梁博物馆，Baiheliang Bowuguan)
This museum preserves a 1,200-year-old stone ridge that records water levels of the Yangtze River. It’s underwater, so you view it through glass tunnels – a unique experience. The guided tour (1 hour) explains the ridge’s scientific and historical value.
After the museum, walk to Jinxiu Square (锦绣广场，Jinxiu Guangchang) to see the confluence of the Wujiang and Yangtze Rivers. It looks like a Yin-Yang symbol – perfect for photos.
Fuling Travel Planning: Smooth Trip from Chongqing
Transportation from Chongqing to Fuling
What’s the best way to get to Fuling from Chongqing? Avoid buses at all costs. My British friend, James Wilson, tried taking a bus once. He got lost because he couldn’t read Chinese signs. He finally arrived 2 hours late.
Take the high-speed train (gaotie) – it’s fast and reliable. Trains run every 30 minutes from Chongqing North Station (重庆北站，Chongqing Bei Zhan) to Fuling North Station (涪陵北站，Fuling Bei Zhan). The journey takes 40 minutes and costs ¥25 one-way.
From Fuling North Station:
Take the free shuttle bus to Wuling Mountain Grand Rift Valley. Book it via the “Hao Wan Wuling Shan” WeChat mini-program by 4:30 PM the day before. It stops only at Project 816 on the way.
Taxis cost ¥100 from the station to Baitao Town, where Project 816 is located.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Wuling Mountain Grand Rift Valley: ¥100/person. Get the ticket at here.
Open 8:30 AM-5:00 PM.
Project 816: ¥70/person. Get the ticket at here.
Open 9:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Baiheliang Underwater Museum: ¥60/person. Book 6 days in advance via the here.
Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
James forgot to book Baiheliang tickets in advance. He had to wait 2 hours for a slot – don’t make the same mistake!
2-Day Recommended Itinerary
Day 1:
8:00 AM - Take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station
9:00 AM - Arrive Fuling North Station, find bus area
9:30 AM - Take free shuttle to Wuling Grand Canyon (book previous day at 4:30 PM via "Fun Wulingshan" WeChat mini-program)
11:00 AM - Arrive at scenic area, lunch at visitor center
12:00 PM - Start Wuling Grand Canyon big loop trail (mostly flat, perfect for families)
3:30 PM - Finish hiking, maybe catch performance at Lover's Valley service area
5:00 PM - Return shuttle, get off at 816 Project
5:30 PM - Take Bus 208 to Baitao Town (across Wujiang River from 816 Project)
Day 2:
9:00 AM - Take Bus 208 to 816 Project
9:30 AM - Tour 816 Project (1 hour with guide)
11:00 AM - Bus 208 to Fuling city center
1:30 PM - Visit Baiheliang Museum (1 hour with guide)
3:00 PM - Walk to Jinxiu Square to see Wujiang and Yangtze River meeting (looks like yin-yang symbol)
4:00 PM - Try local snacks: Liang Xia (sweet rice dessert) and Tian Gui Hot Oil Tofu Rice 5:00 PM - Bus to Fuling North Station for return trip
6:00 PM - Catch beautiful sunset from train
Solving Common Travel Problems in China
Language Barrier: Easy Communication Tips
Emily struggled with Chinese menus at first. She used the translation app recommended in DolphinUnion’s free guide – it scans menus and translates instantly. She also printed essential phrases from the guide, like “No spicy, please” and “Where is the bathroom?”
She said, “The translation app saved me from pointing at random pictures. I even ordered a local specialty I’d been wanting to try!” Download Google Translate with the offline Chinese pack before your trip.
Cashless Payment: Link Your Foreign Card to Alipay
James used to carry lots of cash. He got stuck at a snack stall that only accepted WeChat Pay. Then he followed DolphinUnion’s step-by-step guide to link his Visa card to Alipay:
Download Alipay and register with your foreign phone number.
Tap “Wallet” → “Add Card” → “International Card”.
Enter your card details and verify.
Now he pays with his phone everywhere – even small street stalls. “It makes me feel like a local,” he said. Bring ¥200 cash as a backup for small shops.
Navigation: Use Amap Instead of Google Maps
Google Maps doesn’t work in China. Use Amap (高德地图，Gaode Ditu) – it’s user-friendly and has English settings. DolphinUnion’s guide has pre-mapped links for Fuling’s attractions. Tap the link, and Amap opens with the exact route.
James tried finding Project 816 with Google Maps first – he got lost. Then he used the Amap link from DolphinUnion. “I arrived 15 minutes early. No more typing Chinese addresses!” he said.
Internet Connection: Stay Connected with eSIM & VPN
My French friend, Sophie Dubois, worried about being disconnected. She bought the eSIM card recommended in DolphinUnion’s guide (¥100 for 7 days) and set up the tested VPN.
During her trip, she used Google, made WhatsApp calls, and shared photos with family. “It gave me so much peace of mind,” she said. Buy the eSIM before arriving in China. Set up the VPN beforehand too.
Why Choose DolphinUnion? Trusted Tips + Exclusive Benefits
My Personal Endorsement
I’ve tested all the routes, tickets, and tools in this guide. I’ve compared many travel resources, and DolphinUnion’s guides stand out. They’re made for foreign travelers – with details like “how to book shuttle buses” and “English tour times” that other guides miss. You can trust this information to avoid pitfalls.
Exclusive DolphinUnion Benefits
As a DolphinUnion partner, I offer you these exclusive perks:
Free China Travel Guide: Click the here to get it (only 100 left!). It includes general China travel advice – like visa-free policies and weather preparation.
Premium Guide Discounts:
Buy the “Chongqing 144-Hour Citywalk Guide” ($9.99) for 45% off.
Buy 2 guides for 20% off, 6 for 55% off. These guides have hidden gems and in-depth itineraries.
Foreign Travelers’ Feedback
Emily (Canada): “DolphinUnion’s shuttle bus booking tip saved me. The Amap links and translation app recommendations made my trip smooth. Fuling was amazing!”
James (UK): “The payment guide helped me set up Alipay in 5 minutes. I didn’t carry cash once – it was so convenient.”
Sophie (France): “The eSIM and VPN worked perfectly. I stayed connected the whole time. The 2-day itinerary was well-planned – not rushed at all.”
Call to Action
Ready for a memorable 2-day trip from Chongqing to Fuling?
If you’re visiting other Chinese cities, check out DolphinUnion’s upcoming premium guides (like the “Chengdu Travel Tour” guide). Your unforgettable China adventure starts with one click!
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