Facts
Area Code: 023
Postal Code: 408000 - 408121
Area: 2,941.46 square kilometers (961.96 square miles)
Population: 1.14 million (2010 statistics)
Nationalities: Han, Tujia, Hui, Miao
Neighboring Areas: Fengdu County, Wulong County
Location: Located in the central area of Chongqing, where the Wujiang River merges with the Yangtze River, Fuling District has long been a major river traffic hub in the southwest Sichuan area and the largest distributing center in the Wujiang River area. Its longitude is between 106°56′- 107°43′E and latitude between 29°21′- 30°01′N.
Physical Features: Fuling District lies in the transitional zone between the Sichuan Basin and Wushan Mountain. With a height of 200 - 800 meters (656 - 2,625 feet), the district is mostly covered by hills and platforms. The highest point is on the main peak of Wuling Mountain, which is 2,033 meters (6,669.9 feet) above sea level, while the lowest point is only 138 meters (452.8 feet) above sea level. In general, the terrain of Fuling features low valleys and hills in the northwest and higher hills and mountains in the southeast.
History: "Fu" was the ancient name of Wujiang River; "Ling" refers to Ling Mu (tomb in English), as many emperors of the ancient Ba Kingdom were buried here. About 2,000 years ago, Fuling was the capital of the ancient Ba Kingdom and was named Zhi County during the Qin (221BC - 207BC), Han (206 BC - 220 AD) and Jin (265 - 420) Dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), it was renamed Fu Autonomous Prefecture. It was designated as Fuling County between 1912 and 1949 and became a district of Chongqing Municipality in 1998.
Attractions: White Crane Ridge
Once the capital of the ancient Ba Kingdom, Fuling has a history of almost 3,000 years. Many precious cultural relics were discovered here. The most famous one is the White Crane Ridge, which is a natural stone ridge on the Yangtze River, worked as a hydrometric station in ancient times and now an underwater museum. In addition, the Xiaotianxi Graves, about 20 km (12.4 miles) from the downtown, are believed to be the tombs of kings of the ancient Ba Kingdom during the late Warring States Period (476BC - 221BC). Large quantities of cultural relics excavated here reveal the mysterious culture of the ancient Ba Kingdom. Fuling is also bestowed with charming natural scenery, such as the Wujiang River, Wuling Mountain National Forest Park and Shijia Valley.
Weather:
Fuling has a subtropical humid climate, which features four distinct seasons with ample heat and precipitation, and is greatly influenced by monsoons. It has an early but cold spring, long and hot summer, short but cool autumn, and late but warm and dry winter. The highest temperature is in July or August, with an average of 28.6°C (83.5°F), whilst the lowest is 7.1°C (44.8°F), in January.
Transportation:
By Train: Visitors going to Fuling can take a train from Chongqing North Railway Station. There are 21 trains from Chongqing to Fuling daily. The travel time is about one hour.
By Bus: Buses to Fuling depart from Chongqing Chaotianmen Long-distance Bus Station and Jiangbei Hongqigou Long-distance Bus Station. It takes two hours one way.
Dining and Shopping:
Fuling is known as the hometown of pickles in China, so you are recommended to have a taste of the Fuling Pickle. In addition, Fried Fermented Glutinous Rice and pickled carrots are also famous local snacks.
Shopping malls and stores in Fuling are mostly located near Yijiaba Square, such as the New Century Department Store in Xinghua Middle Road and the Wanda and Chongqing Department Stores in Guangchang Road. You can also find many restaurants near the square.
More Yangtze River Attractions
Chongqing → Fuling → Fengdu → Precious Stone Fortress (Shibaozhai) → Wanzhou → Yunyang
→ Fengjie → Qutang Gorge → Wushan → Wu Gorge → Zigui → Xiling Gorge → Yichang
