Chongqing Wulipo was approved by the State Council as a national nature reserve in June 2013. Located in northeastern Wushan County, the reserve borders Dajiuhu in Shennongjia National Park, Hubei Province to the north, and Chongqing Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve to the west. It is a forest ecosystem nature reserve.

The reserve covers a total area of 35,276.6 hectares, including 7,894.667 hectares of state-owned forest. It consists of a core area of 17,323.1 hectares, a buffer zone of 6,555.8 hectares, and an experimental zone of 11,397.7 hectares. Its administrative scope includes Wulipo State-owned Forest Farm and 21 villages in five townships: Guanyang, Dangyang, Pinghe, Zhuxian, and Luoping.

The reserve contains 3,000 hectares of primary forest, 300 hectares of native subalpine meadow, a 26.6-hectare community of Amentotaxus argotaenia, and other forest ecosystems. A total of 3,001 species of vascular plants have been recorded, including 79 species of national Class I and Class II protected wild plants, such as dove tree, Chinese yew, and Dendrobium flexicaule. The reserve is also home to 447 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including 80 species of national Class I and Class II protected wild animals, such as the golden eagle, forest musk deer, leopard cat, Chinese goral, and Asiatic black bear.

Wulipo is the source area of the Dangyang River and the Miaotang River, two important tributaries of the Daning River. As an important source of high-quality water resources, it plays a significant role in ecological conservation in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, as well as in the safe operation and long-term functioning of the Three Gorges Project.

On July 28, 2021, Chongqing Wulipo National Nature Reserve became part of the World Natural Heritage Site through a minor boundary modification to the Hubei Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site.

Wulipo Grand Canyon

Pinghe Tourist Town, reached from Wushan County via Xiazhuang Village, is located in Pinghe Township, Wushan County, 77 kilometers from the county seat. It lies at the starting point of the Golden Tourist Route of the Lesser Three Gorges and Mini Three Gorges. A riverside-style street has now taken shape, and the town is being developed into a distinctive tourist destination.

The Pinghe section of Wulipo Grand Canyon brings together canyon scenery, streams, waterfalls, caves, and other natural landscapes. The area is known for its clear waters, green mountains, distinctive scenery, deep and narrow gorges, and striking peaks on both sides.

Daxia Village

Daxia Rockside Homestays are located in Daxia Village, Pinghe Township. Built around the growing demand for higher-quality rural tourism, they focus on holiday experiences and draw on market needs, the original village setting, and the surrounding mountains, waters, and forests to create a secluded rural retreat.

Wulipo Natural Heritage Conservation Area

Wulipo Grand Canyon is located in northeastern Wushan County, on the border between Chongqing and Hubei Province. It connects with Badong County and Shennongjia Forestry District in Hubei to the east and west. The area ranges in elevation from 175 meters to 2,680 meters and covers 35,276.6 hectares.

With complex terrain, dense gullies, rolling mountains, and dramatic elevation differences, Wulipo is rich in wild animal and plant resources. It is home to 447 species of terrestrial wild vertebrates and 3,001 species of vascular plants, including 2,790 seed plants and 211 fern species. Among them are 16 species of national Class I protected wild plants and 17 species of national Class I protected wild animals.

On July 28, 2021, the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee approved the boundary modification of the Shennongjia World Natural Heritage Site, adding Chongqing Wulipo as part of the World Natural Heritage Site, with an area of 5,782 hectares.

Going forward, study-tour routes centered on Wulipo will be developed

to help more visitors understand, protect, and appreciate this heritage site. The route spans Chongqing Municipality and Hubei Province, covering two World Natural Heritage Sites and three national 5A-level tourist attractions. It links Wushan Lesser Three Gorges, Wulipo Grand Canyon, Shennongjia Dajiuhu Wetland Park, and the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area.

Wulipo Wildlife Photo Collection

Daozhongping is located in Yuling Village, Dangyang Township. Its name comes from a local legend about a divine bell falling from the sky and landing upside down. The village has more than 400 mu, or about 26.7 hectares, of farmland; more than 1,000 mu, or about 66.7 hectares, of mountain forest; a one-kilometer river valley; and 60 residential houses.

Daozhongping is set against a symmetrical, boat-shaped cliff landscape. A mountain stream pours down from the cliff opening. Scenic spots nearby include Zhong’an Temple, Yangfan Water, Jiaozi Rock, and Ganlong Cave. The area within the park is gently sloping, with clearly layered terraces and winding asphalt roads. Houses are clustered across the landscape, with smoke rising from cooking fires. Surrounded by dense forest, the area has fresh air, clear water at the foot of the mountain, a deep and beautiful river valley, and fast-flowing rapids, giving it a strong rural and pastoral character.

Hongcao Sunbeams

Hongcao Village is located in Dangyang Township, adjacent to Yuling Village. Its name comes from hidden stones beneath the soil that are said to resemble a dragon. The village has more than 500 mu, or about 33.3 hectares, of farmland; over 10,000 mu, or about 666.7 hectares, of mountain forest; a 0.5-kilometer stream; and 76 residential houses.

The hidden stone dragon of Yuling Village and the rock steps of Gaoping Village form a pair of symmetrical, boat-shaped cliffs facing each other across the valley. From the cliffs, visitors can overlook scenic spots such as Zhong’an Temple, Yangfan Water, and Jiaozi Rock.

Dangyang Grand Canyon

Dangyang Riverside Town is located in Dangyang Township, Wushan County. It is 21 kilometers from Pinghe Township and 98 kilometers from Wushan County seat. Situated in northeastern Wushan County, it borders Dajiuhu Township in Hubei Province to the east, Pinghe Township to the southeast, Guanyang Town to the southwest, and Lanying Township of Wuxi County to the north.

A riverside-style street has now taken shape in the town, with supporting facilities for dining, accommodation, and transport.

Tour Route 1: Wushan County Seat — Pinghe Township — Wulipo Grand Canyon — Dangyang Township — Lihe Village (Renziping) — Qizhi Mountain

Tour Route 2: Wushan County Seat — Chuyang Expressway Exit — Zhuxian Township — Xiazhuang Village — Houxi River