Location & How to Get There
Wansheng Fantasy Ordovician Theme Park - West Gate Visitor Center sits in the heart of Chongqing’s Qijiang District, nestled near the town of Shiming. If you’re coming from downtown Chongqing, it’s about a 90-minute drive southeast. The park is part of the Black Valley (Heishan Gu) scenic area, so you’ll pass lush green mountains and winding rivers along the way.
By Train: Take the bullet train to Wansheng Station, then hop on a local bus (Bus 487) or grab a taxi—it’s only 10 minutes to the park.
By Car: Punch in “Shuiyuntai, Wansheng” into your GPS. The roads are well-marked, but Chongqing’s terrain is hilly, so expect some twists and turns!
Pro Tip: The West Gate is less crowded than the main entrance, perfect for avoiding long lines.
Natural Landscape: A Rocky Wonderland
The park’s name, Ordovician, hints at its ancient roots—this place looks like it’s straight out of a 450-million-year-old geology textbook! Towering cliffs, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls dominate the scenery. One minute you’re walking through a forest, the next you’re staring down a sheer drop with a river far below.
The Cliffside Coaster is the star attraction: it zooms through the air perched on the edge of a mountain, giving you bird’s-eye views of the valley. For something calmer, hike the Suspended Plank Path—a narrow walkway carved into the rock face where you can peek into ravines. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the Glass Sky Bridge, a crystal platform that makes you feel like you’re floating over the trees.
Human-Made Thrills: Adventure in Every Corner
While nature does most of the heavy lifting, the park adds extra doses of excitement. Themed rides mix paleontology with pulse-pounding fun: imagine riding a dinosaur-themed rollercoaster or stepping into a mock cave filled with fossil replicas. Even the toilets are shaped like rocks!
At the West Gate Visitor Center, you’ll find maps, guides, and quirky exhibits that explain the Ordovician era using kid-friendly animations. It’s a great spot to plan your day while learning why the park’s rocks are so special.
Practical Stuff: Food, Rest, and Souvenirs
After all that exploring, head to the visitor center’s cafeteria for dumplings, noodles, or spicy Chongqing hotpot. There’s also a gift shop stocked with kitschy souvenirs—think dinosaur keychains and “I Survived the Cliff Coaster” t-shirts.
If you’re spending the night, check out the park’s eco-lodges (book ahead!), or stay in nearby villages. Locals rent out cozy rooms and serve up home-cooked meals. Pro tip: Try the cold noodle salad sold by street vendors outside the park—it’s a summertime favorite.
What to Expect: Fun for Daredevils & Sightseers
This isn’t your grandma’s theme park. If you love adrenaline, prepare to scream on rides that hang off cliffs. If you’re more into scenery, stick to the hiking trails and photo spots. Families with kids should hit the Dinosaur Valley, where life-sized sculptures let little ones pretend they’re paleontologists.
Wear comfy shoes! The park sprawls across hills, so expect some climbing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Tickets start at ¥200, but combo passes (with nearby Black Valley) save money.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Trip!
Wansheng Fantasy Ordovician isn’t just a park—it’s a chance to step back 450 million years while getting your heart racing. Whether you’re here for the epic views, the crazy rides, or just to say you walked on a glass bridge over a Chinese gorge, the West Gate Visitor Center is your best bet for skipping the crowds. Just don’t blame us if your photos make everyone back home jealous!