Adventure ToursBuried in Wulong’s riverine and mountainous rolling crests is a geological miracle forged over the passage of millions of years. As one enters this secret world, nature’s breathtaking craftsmanship transforms. Wulong Tiankeng Three Bridges, just like massive dragons traversing centuries. And meanwhile, two sheer cenotes stare upwards, like the piercing eyes of the earth. This place is not only a natural museum of karst rocks, but it’s a two-pronged journey that impresses the eyes and the soul. Let’s walk into this must-visit attraction of Sichuan tourism.
I. Geological miracle
The Tiankeng Three Bridges stand in the southern Fairy Mountain of Wulong District. They are the typical masterpieces of karst landforms. In the past, day-and-night underground streams ran intensely through limestone, eroding the rock layer persistently. Gradually, the cave roof collapsed step by step. After myriad crustal movements and rain baptisms, it finally developed into today’s beautiful scenery of “three bridges and two pits”. This unique geological formation is extremely rare in the world and can be considered a geological wonder of nature.
II. Three bridges stand side by side
1. Tianlong Bridge
Tianlong Bridge, towering 235 meters above the ground, is staunchly listed as number one of the three bridges. Its bridge body is thick and wide, stable and firm, just like a dragon sleeping to seal off the canyon. The magical cave below the bridge at the foot is full of mystery, and the structure of the high and low holes is just like a maze carefully laid by nature. When you walk through it, sometimes you will see the light all of a sudden, sometimes you will turn around, and every step is a surprise.
2. Qinglong Bridge
Among the three stone bridges, Qinglong Bridge is the highest, with its bridge deck standing at an elevation of 281 meters. This amazing work of architecture is the world’s highest karst natural bridge. After a rain shower, a waterfall cascades down from the bridge deck, creating a beautiful water curtain. When sunbeams are filtered through the mist, there is a lovely rainbow that looks like a green dragon is passing over the clouds. This wonderful moment brings a touch of fantasy to the otherwise awe-inspiring stone bridge. When a person stands below the bridge and looks up, the massive archway reaches toward the heavens. The collapsed cross-section of the cave roof, in horizontal arcs, graphically illustrates the evolution and course of development of the cenote and the natural bridge.
3. Heilong Bridge
Heilong Bridge is named after its dark, deep arch. Not the tallest of the three bridges, it boasts the widest, with a bridge deck of 193 meters. Four hanging springs — Fog Spring, Pearl Spring, Yixian Spring, and Sandie Spring — on the north side of the cave wall each reveal a different charm. The sweet music of the spring water tinkles a soft melody in the darkened arch, filling it with mystery and calm. Dissolution features such as nests, cavities, and sky pots along the side walls and ceiling of the cave all speak the tale of time in quiet.
III. Humanistic imprints
Surrounded by the three stone bridges, there are two deep cenotes, Tianlong Cenote and Shenying Cenote. They like giant eyes sunk into the ground. Standing at the base of the cenotes, one is hemmed in by knife-edge cliffs that reach towards the heavens. Light pouring down from a hundred meters high creates beautiful light and dark designs on the rock walls.
Beneath Tianlong Cenote lies Tianfuguanyi, a veteran post station constructed during the second year of Wude’s reign in the Tang Dynasty. The post station was formerly a key node for transmitting official information. It features the architectural theme of blue tiles, gray walls, and beautifully turned-up eaves. The architecture harmoniously blends with the natural scenery. Having served as a site for the movie filming of Curse of the Golden Flower, this beautiful post station has gained a mystical and legendary status. Walking along its corridors, one cannot help but feel that echoes of horse hooves and camel bells of past times still hang in the air.
Conclusion
The Tiankeng Three Bridges is a natural treasure gifted to the world and a perfect destination where the past and present eras meet. All the mountains, waterfalls, and monuments here speak about the charm of the earth. As long as you stand on the ground, you can appreciate nature’s grand power and wisdom. Whether you are a geology lover, a professional photography specialist, or even an average traveler eager to escape from turmoil, the Tiankeng Three Bridges will bring you an experience with the exceptional beauty it beholds. Being a veteran Chinese travel agency, we have specifically arranged a unique trip route for the Tiankeng Three Bridges. Our professional tour guides will introduce the whole trip so you can thoroughly appreciate the natural landscape there.
