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The Naizigou Colorful Forest is located between the main roads from Heishui to Ma'erkang and is connected to the Hongyuan Grassland. It is one of the largest and most spectacular red leaf scenic areas currently developed and opened in my country. It is the largest 80-li natural colorful forest in Asia and enjoys the reputation of the 80-li Art Gallery.
Heishui County has a monsoon plateau climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons, abundant sunshine, minimal annual temperature fluctuations, and larger daily temperature ranges, which vary significantly with altitude. The average annual temperature difference between the mountains and the valleys reaches 20°C, while the average temperature in Luhua, the county seat, is 9°C. The annual extreme high is 33.5°C and the extreme low is -14.4°C. Rainfall is unevenly distributed throughout the county, concentrated in summer and continuous in autumn. The average annual rainfall is 620.06 mm, and the frost-free period averages 166.1 days. Influenced by the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate, natural disasters such as droughts, heavy rains, hail, floods, mudslides, and frost are common.
The 80-mile-long canyon, which starts 5 kilometers away from the county seat and ends at Lakouxia Mountain, is covered with broad-leaved forests, secondary forests and shrubs. The main tree species include yew, blue locust, Japanese larch, maple, sea buckthorn, poplar, etc.
In the golden autumn season, the mountains and forests are all dyed with colors; there are bright red, purple red, red, glutinous red, pink, golden yellow, light yellow, grass green, dark green, coffee color, and brown leaves, and there are strings of bright red and golden wild fruits. Various colors jump between the mountains, and converge into a colorful world of purple and red, like a colorful sleeve painting presented in front of your eyes. It is difficult for any painter to draw such a dazzling and intoxicating world of colors, and any linguist's description seems so pale and powerless in front of it.
free
All day
Naizigou Colorful Forest is a natural scenic area in Sichuan known for its vibrant autumn colors, unique ecological system, and cultural significance to the local Tibetan and Qiang communities. It attracts visitors for nature appreciation and cultural experiences.
Located in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, it is accessible by car or local buses from nearby towns like Songpan or Jiuzhaigou. Walking is necessary within the forest area; taxis or private transfers are recommended for reaching the entrance.
The park is generally open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time to visit is autumn (late September to October) when the foliage displays its full range of colors.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥80–120, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance or online through local tourism platforms.
Advance booking is recommended during peak autumn season, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead to secure access and transportation arrangements.
3–5 hours to walk the main trails and visit viewpoints; a full day if including nearby cultural villages and picnic stops.
Guided tours are occasionally available, mostly in Mandarin. Private guides may offer English tours; audio guides are not commonly provided.
Start at the main entrance, follow the loop trail through the forest, stop at viewpoints, visit the cultural village area, and return along the riverside paths.
Night visits are generally not available; the park operates during daylight. Seasonal cultural events may be held in nearby villages.
The forest is busiest during peak autumn foliage season on weekends. Least crowded times are weekdays in early September or late October.
Basic facilities include toilets, small snack stalls, picnic areas, and souvenir shops at the entrance or main viewpoints. Limited water fountains are available; carry bottled water.
Some trails are moderate and suitable for children and elderly with reasonable mobility. Wheelchair access is limited on uneven paths.
Cash is preferred, but major mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) may be accepted at ticket counters and some shops.
Local eateries and small cafes near the entrance or along the road offer Tibetan and Qiang cuisine. Options include simple meals like noodles, dumplings, and yak-based dishes.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants. Vegan and halal options are limited; it is advisable to bring your own food if required.
Souvenirs include local handicrafts, Tibetan textiles, traditional jewelry, and postcards featuring forest landscapes.
