Location & Transportation

Monk Rock sits in the southern foothills of Fairy Mountain (Xian Nü Shan) within the Wulong District of Chongqing. The exact address is Monk Rock, Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, Xian Nü Town, Wulong District. To get there, you can take a high-speed train from Chongqing’s main city to Wulong Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi (about 40 minutes). If you’re driving, follow the signs to Fairy Mountain National Forest Park—Monk Rock is near Qingshui Village inside the park.

Natural Landscape: A Living Monk-Shaped Wonder

Monk Rock is a 3-kilometer-long cliff that towers over the forest below. From far away, it looks like a giant stone monk standing tall, with a round belly, wide smile, and robes flowing naturally. Up close, the 500-meter-high cliff feels even more dramatic—its sheer walls drop straight down, carved by wind and rain into a perfect “monk” shape. The middle part of the cliff is 200 meters wide, and no matter if you view it from the front, side, or bottom, it always reminds people of a laughing, Buddha-like figure. At sunrise or sunset, the golden light makes the rock glow, adding a magical touch to this natural sculpture.

Cultural Stories: Why a Monk?

Local legends say a kind monk once lived here, meditating and helping villagers. When he passed away, his spirit turned into the rock, forever watching over the land. While you won’t find temples or statues here, the shape of Monk Rock itself tells a story of peace and kindness. Some guides joke that if you look closely, you’ll even see the monk’s “smiling face” and “folded hands”!

Accessibility & Facilities

The park has well-marked trails leading to Monk Rock, with wooden platforms and railings for safe viewing. There’s a visitor center near the entrance where you can grab maps, snacks, or rent binoculars to spot wildlife. For easier access, try the scenic shuttle bus that stops at key viewpoints. If you get tired, plenty of rest areas offer benches and shade. Nearby Qingshui Village also has local restaurants serving spicy Chongqing dishes like hotpot or grilled river fish.

Photo Tips & Experiences

For the best shots of Monk Rock, visit early morning when the light highlights the cliff’s details. Use a zoom lens to capture the full 3-kilometer stretch or focus on the monk’s “face” from the designated viewpoint. Adventurous hikers can walk down to the base for a close-up view, but be careful—the terrain is steep! Many visitors say seeing Monk Rock feels like meeting a gentle giant guarding the mountains. Combine this stop with nearby attractions like Fairy Mountain Grassland or Tianfu Cave for a full day of exploration.

Whether you’re into nature, photography, or quirky landmarks, Monk Rock offers something unique. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, stay hydrated, and keep an eye out for monkeys—they sometimes appear near the cliff!