Chongqing's Wulong Aims to Become a World-Class Tourist Destination

Chongqing - "Wulong is committed to transforming into a world-renowned tourist destination," said He Qing, Secretary of the Party Committee of Wulong District, at a press conference on November 1. He emphasized that tourism has been the district's strongest industry since the opening of Furong Cave in 1994, with continuous efforts from successive governments to realize a unified vision for its development.

Stalactites in the Furong Cave Scenic Area. (Photo/Wulong District)

Through perseverance and innovation, Wulong has earned prestigious accolades, including World Natural Heritage Site status, the UN Sustainable City Award, and recognition as one of the world's best tourism villages. It also boasts national designations such as a National Tourist Resort and a National All-Area Tourism Demonstration Zone.

Wulong Karst was successfully included on the World Heritage List and became the first "World Natural Heritage Site" in Chongqing. (Photo/Wulong District)

Three world-class name cards

Wulong is proud to hold three significant titles, including "World Natural Heritage Site," "UN Sustainable City Award," and "World's Best Tourism Village." In 2023, the tourism sector and related industries contributed 12.3% to the district's GDP, with one in four residents benefiting from tourism-related jobs.

Tourists fly kites on the vast grasslands of Chongqing Wulong Fairy Mountain. (Photo/Wulong District)

Wulong has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from an "isolated village" into a "paradise on earth."

The journey began in 1994 with the opening of Furong Cave, which set the foundation for tourism development and led to the district's first World Heritage designation. In 2008, Wulong initiated a second phase to boost visitor numbers and strengthen the tourism economy, ultimately establishing a comprehensive framework for tourism. By 2022, the district had set ambitious goals to enhance its reputation on the global stage and become a model for green development, focusing on ecological integrity and tourism leadership.

Actors perform at the real-scene show Impression Wulong in the Peach Garden Canyon in the Wulong District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Xinhua)

Over the past 30 years, Wulong has also established enduring events, such as the Chinese Mountain Outdoor Sports Open, held for 20 years, the Xianren Mountain Camping Music Festival, held for 15 years, and the 12-year-running performance of "Impression Wulong," which have driven improvements in tourism quality and transformation. 

Additionally, Wulong has established China's first women's polo club, the China Fairy Mountain 1003 Polo Club, making it the only venue in the country capable of hosting international polo events. 

On August 3, the 1003 World Polo Women’s Rose Cup finals were held in Fairy Mountain, Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)

International vision

With a fresh vision for the future, Wulong is making strides in innovation. From January to September this year, the district welcomed 124,000 international visitors, a remarkable 181.9% increase, marking a historic milestone.

Wulong is at the forefront of implementing tourism reforms, including comprehensive tourism law enforcement and a consumer complaint mechanism that ensures prompt tourist compensation. This initiative has significantly enhanced visitor satisfaction.

Additionally, Wulong has introduced convenience services for international tourists, including multiple foreign currency exchange points and ATMs that accept foreign cards, streamlining the visitor experience.

Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage Museum. (Photo/Wulong Tourism Industry Group)

As the city's only international tourism pilot district, Wulong plans to develop six key industry chains: education, sports, arts, health, wedding services, and hospitality. Each chain will focus on enhancing brand recognition, project development, and unique offerings.

Furong Cave has established sister park relationships with the Mammoth Cave in the USA and the Clams Cave in France, while Xianren Mountain has partnered with Switzerland’s Jungfrau region. The large-scale performance "Impression Wulong" and the intangible cultural heritage performance "Muyu Music" have showcased Wulong in over 130 promotional events across Europe and Asia.

Looking ahead, Wulong aims to accelerate the creation of national-level world-class tourist attractions and resorts, striving to become a leading cultural tourism hub in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. By 2027, Wulong aspires to become a "world-renowned tourist destination," targeting a total tourism revenue of 30 billion yuan (about 4.21 billion USD).