Geographical Location

Stone City (Museum Of Odd Stones) sits in a prime spot at the Wushan Town Visitor Center in Wulong District, Chongqing. Located on the lower first floor of the center, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it—but trust me, it’s worth seeking out! The museum is nestled in the Furnace Bay Area, near the famous Fairy Mountain National Park, so you can pair a visit here with a trip to the park’s stunning grasslands and forests.

How to Get There

To reach Stone City, most travelers start in Chongqing city. From there, you can:

  • Drive: Rent a car and take the G50 Expressway (about 2–3 hours). The roads are well-marked, and the scenery along the way is unforgettable—think rolling hills and winding rivers.
  • Bus: Take a direct bus from Chongqing South Station to Wulong District (around 3 hours). From there, a short taxi ride gets you to the visitor center.
  • Tour Group: Many Chongqing travel agencies offer day trips that include Stone City as a stop. Perfect if you prefer hassle-free travel!

Natural Wonders

The real star here is the odd stones themselves. These aren’t just random rocks—they’re thousand-year-old formations from China’s southern Karst region, including the Wu River and Furong River areas near Wulong. Some look like miniature mountains, others like abstract art, and a few even resemble animals or mythical creatures. The best part? Many pieces are touchable, so you can feel the texture of rocks shaped by water, wind, and time.

One highlight is the fossil section, where ancient coral and marine life remnants are preserved in stone. It’s like holding a piece of prehistoric history in your hands! For photography lovers, the museum’s lighting setup makes every rock a Instagram-worthy shot.

Cultural Treasures

Beyond natural beauty, Stone City showcases human creativity too. Local artisans carved some pieces into intricate sculptures, while others remain untouched to highlight nature’s artistry. The museum also displays mineral crystals, sparking like tiny jewels—a nod to the region’s mining heritage.

Did you know? Many of these stones were collected by local villagers over decades. Their passion for preserving these oddities adds a personal, almost storytelling layer to the exhibits.

Practical Tips

  • Tickets: Affordable! Adults pay around 50 RMB (~$7 USD), with discounts for students and seniors. Tickets include access to the entire visitor center complex.
  • Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.
  • Facilities: Clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a gift shop selling stone souvenirs (perfect for lightweight travel memorabilia!). There’s also a café upstairs if you need a coffee break.

What to Expect

Visiting Stone City feels like stepping into a hidden world. The dim lighting and gentle music create a calming atmosphere, letting you focus on each display. Kids love the interactive touchscreens that explain geological processes, while adults might spend hours comparing the strangest rocks.

A personal tip: Dedicate 1–2 hours to explore the museum. Then, head upstairs to plan your next adventure in Fairy Mountain or nearby Genting Town.

Why You Should Go

Stone City isn’t just a museum—it’s a window into Earth’s secrets. Whether you’re a rock nerd, a culture buff, or someone who loves quirky attractions, this spot has something for you. Plus, it’s less crowded than Chongqing’s other tourist hotspots, making it a peaceful escape.

So if you’re in Wulong, don’t skip this gem! As they say in Chinese, “Shí tou lǐ yě yǒu qiān jīng wèi” (Even stones hold a thousand flavors)—and here, that saying comes to life.