Tongluoshan Mine Park Yubei Guide | Chongqing's Little Maldives

Chongqing is known for its spicy hotpot, towering skyscrapers, and misty mountain landscapes. But a short drive northeast of the city center, a former limestone mining site has been reborn into one of the region’s most visually striking attractions.

Tongluoshan National Mine Park (铜锣山国家矿山公园) in Yubei District — often nicknamed “Chongqing’s Little Maldives” or “Chongqing’s Jiuzhaigou” — offers a series of vividly colored quarry lakes set against sheer rock cliffs. This guide covers everything you need to know to decide if this park fits your travel style, how to get there, and what to expect when you arrive.

From Industrial Scar to Turquoise Wonder: An Overview

For decades, the Tongluoshan mountain range supplied crushed stone for construction, leaving behind 41 massive open-pit mines. After mining ended due to environmental regulations, rainwater and underground springs gradually filled the pits.

The mineral composition of the limestone — particularly calcium carbonate and trace amounts of other elements — reacted with the water, producing surreal shades of emerald, turquoise, and sapphire. Today, the park is a prime example of ecological restoration, where former “earth scars” have become a geo-heritage attraction.

The park covers a large area in Shichuan Town, Yubei District. The core scenic zone currently features several developed pits, commonly referred to by numbers such as Pit 7, Pit 11, Pit 12, and Pit 13. Each pit has a distinct water color and rock formation, making a full tour feel like a gallery of natural art.

Wooden boardwalks and paved paths lead visitors around the edges of the pits, offering panoramic viewpoints. An on-site mini-train (painted in bright colors) connects the main viewing platforms, providing a relaxed way to cover ground.

Elevation: Approximately 420 meters (1,378 feet) above sea level — no altitude concerns for most visitors.

Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and clear skies. Sunny days are essential for the water to display its full range of colors.

The Colorful Mineral Lakes: What Makes Them So Blue?

The water color in each pit depends on the depth, the mineral content of the surrounding rock, and the amount of suspended sediment. Deeper pits with higher concentrations of dissolved calcium carbonate and magnesium tend to appear a deeper turquoise or blue.

Shallow pits or those with more runoff may show lighter shades of green. Sunlight angle and cloud cover also affect the perceived color, which is why midday on a clear day gives the most dazzling results.

• Pit 7 (the most photographed): A large, kidney-shaped lake with a vivid turquoise hue. A viewing platform at the northern end provides a classic photo angle.
• Pit 11: Small but intensely blue, often compared to the lagoons of the South Pacific.
• Pit 12: Deeper emerald tones, surrounded by steep cliffs.
• Pit 13: Broad and shallow, with a mix of blue and green depending on the time of day.

Tip: The water itself is drinkable after treatment, but swimming is strictly prohibited. The mines are extremely deep (some over 100 meters), and the water remains cold year-round. Steep cliffs make any accidental fall extremely dangerous.

Exploring the Pits: Which Ones to Visit

While the park contains dozens of pits, the developed area focuses on a loop of about 4–6 accessible pits. The mini-train makes stops at the most popular ones, and walking paths allow you to explore less crowded viewpoints. If you have limited time, prioritize Pits 7, 11, and 13. Pit 12 is worth the extra walk if you prefer fewer people.

Mini-Train Experience
The sightseeing train is a hit with families and photographers. It follows a single track that loops around the main cluster of pits, with several stops for photo breaks. The train itself is brightly colored (often red or yellow), adding a playful contrast to the natural landscape. However, it does not run on a fixed schedule — wait times can vary, especially on weekends or public holidays. If you prefer a faster tour, consider walking between the closer pits (Pit 7 to Pit 11 is about 15 minutes on foot).

Walking Trails
A wooden boardwalk system hugs the edges of the pits, offering views from multiple angles. Some sections have stairs leading down to water level (but no access to the water itself). The total walking distance for the entire developed area is roughly 5–7 kilometers, depending on how many side trails you take. Allow 2–3 hours if you walk; 1–1.5 hours if you use the train for most of the route.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Location

Tongluoshan National Mine Park is situated in Shichuan Town (石船镇), Yubei District, Chongqing Municipality. The coordinates are approximately 29.38°N, 105.48°E.

Getting There

By Car/Taxi (most convenient)
From downtown Chongqing (Jiefangbei area), the drive takes roughly 40–60 minutes via the G65 Baomao Expressway or local roads, depending on traffic. Taxis from Yubei city center cost around 80–120 RMB one way. Rideshare apps (Didi) are widely used. The park entrance has a parking area.

By Public Transport
Public transit options exist but require transfers. One common route: take Chongqing Metro Line 3 to Guanyinqiao or Shuanglong stations, then transfer to a local bus bound for Shichuan Town (e.g., route 980 or 981). From the bus stop, you may need a short taxi ride (about 10 minutes) to the park gate. This method can take 1.5–2 hours one way, so plan accordingly.

Note: No direct shuttle service from the city is currently operated by the park. Private day tours often include round-trip transport — a good option for travelers without their own vehicle.

Tickets and Fees

According to publicly available information, the park entrance itself has been free since its opening. Internal transportation — the mini-train or shuttle bus — charges a fee. Recent traveler reports cite around 30–50 RMB per person for the train, but this is subject to change. There is no advance online booking for individual visitors; tickets are purchased at the site. Group tours may have different arrangements.

Opening Hours

The park is open daily, but exact hours are not consistently published. Most visitors report the park opening around 8:30 AM and closing at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM (last entry earlier). It is always wise to check the most current information on a travel app or call the Yubei District tourism office before going.

Best Time to Visit and Photography Tips

Sunlight is the key to seeing the lakes in their full glory. A clear, sunny day from late morning to early afternoon (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) gives the most vivid colors. Overcast skies cause the water to appear dull gray-green.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F–77°F). Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, often with afternoon thunderstorms that muddy the water. Winter is chilly (5–10°C) but occasionally sunny, though the water colors are less brilliant.

Photography advice:

• Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance water color.
• A wide-angle lens (16–24mm) helps capture the scale of the cliffs.
• Drones are not officially allowed without a permit (the area is near a military zone in parts of Yubei). Check current rules before flying.
• The mini-train makes a good foreground element for composition.

Who Should Visit (and Who Should Skip)

Ideal for:

• Photography enthusiasts — the striking color contrast and unusual landscapes offer many creative opportunities.
• Families with children — the mini-train, open space, and easy walking paths are kid-friendly.
• Hikers and nature lovers — the ecological transformation story is inspiring, and the surrounding hills have short trails.
• Budget travelers — free entrance keeps costs low; you can skip the train and walk.

Skip if:

• You have limited mobility — some paths involve stairs, and the train stops are not always close to each other. Wheelchair access is limited.
• You dislike crowds — weekends and Chinese public holidays can draw large numbers, especially in spring and autumn.
• You are looking for a full-day adventure — the park is compact and can be seen in half a day unless you picnic or take slow photos.
• Bad weather is forecast — a rainy or overcast day will severely diminish the visual payoff.

Safety and Environmental Notes

• Swimming is strictly prohibited. The water is deep, cold, and the cliffs are unstable. No lifeguards are present.
• Stay on marked paths. Some cliff edges are unfenced. Signs warn of collapse danger in former mining areas.
• Sun protection is important. The park has limited shade; bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
• No food vendors inside the park (as of recent reports). Bring snacks and water, or eat at restaurants near the gate.
• Pets are generally not allowed on the mini-train, but you can walk with them on the trails (check at entrance).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tongluoshan Mine Park located?
It is located in Shichuan Town (石船镇), Yubei District, Chongqing Municipality.

Is there an entrance fee?
The park entrance itself is often free, but there are fees for the sightseeing shuttle bus or mini-train inside the park. (Policies may change; checking latest info is recommended.)

How do I get there?
The most convenient way is by car or taxi. Public transport is available but involves transfers (e.g., metro to Yubei then a local bus).

Can I swim in the lakes?
No. Swimming is strictly prohibited due to depth, cold water, and steep cliffs.

What is the best time to visit?
Sunny days are best — sunlight makes the water colors more vibrant. Spring and autumn offer the best weather.

How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours, including walking and train rides. Half a day is plenty.

Are there restrooms and food?
Basic restrooms are near the entrance and at some train stops. Food options are very limited; eat before you go or bring a picnic.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Trip?

Tongluoshan National Mine Park delivers a visual impact that few urban parks can match. The transformation from industrial quarry to turquoise lake system is a powerful reminder that natural beauty can emerge even from heavy human activity.

For travelers who are already in Chongqing for a few days, this park offers a refreshing change from the city’s neon and smog. Just time your visit to a sunny day, manage your expectations about transport, and you will leave with photos that surprise even seasoned travelers.

If you prefer a guided experience, consider booking a half-day tour from downtown that includes transport and a local lunch — it removes the hassle of navigating public buses in Yubei. For independent travelers, renting a car or taking a taxi gives you the most flexibility.

Check the latest travel advisories and opening hours before your trip, as policies can change without notice.