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The best activities at Guanmen Mountain Red Leaf Valley include hiking through the scenic trails, enjoying the vibrant fall foliage (especially in autumn), taking photographs of the beautiful landscape, and visiting the nearby temples for a cultural experience.
Guanmenshan Red Leaf Valley, located within Guanmenshan National Forest Park, is renowned for its maple leaves. Every autumn, the vibrant red maples here are so stunning they evoke a sense of wonderland, their crimson ablaze. The leaves, clustered one after another, resemble flames and fans, in a myriad of shapes and forms.
The maple leaves of Guanmen Mountain are not only beautiful, but the mountain is also majestic and the water is crystal clear. The water of Guanmen Mountain is also colorful. Sandwiched between two mountains, there is a colorful pool. It is called the Five-Color Pool because in autumn, there are many colorful maple leaves in the pool. When the sun shines on it, the water reflects the various colors, like a fairyland on earth, which is very beautiful.
temperate humid climate zone;
Late autumn is the best time to visit
It is recommended to play for 3 hours
Included in the Guanmenshan National Forest Park ticket: 90 yuan
06:00~17:30
Guanmen Mountain Red Leaf Valley is known for its natural beauty, particularly its stunning autumn leaves that attract visitors from around the region. It also has cultural significance due to nearby temples and traditional architecture.
The Red Leaf Valley is located in Benxi, Liaoning Province. It can be accessed by taxi from downtown Benxi, or via local buses. There is no metro service directly to the site.
The Red Leaf Valley is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the autumn months (September-November) when the leaves change color. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays or early in the morning.
The entrance fee typically ranges between 40-80 CNY depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local online travel platforms.
While booking in advance is not always necessary, it is recommended to book during peak seasons (autumn and public holidays) to avoid long lines.
A visit to the Guanmen Mountain Red Leaf Valley typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the pace of your hike and the amount of time you spend taking in the views.
The must-see highlights include the colorful forest trails, scenic viewpoints, and the Guanmen Temple located near the base of the mountain. The vibrant red leaves in autumn are a major attraction.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available with prior arrangement. Audio guides may also be offered in Mandarin.
The best viewpoints are at the summit of the mountain, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding landscape. The paths near Guanmen Temple also provide great photo opportunities.
Start at the base of the mountain and take the scenic trails up to the temple. After visiting the temple, continue along the upper trails for the best views of the valley. Plan to spend time along the way capturing the views and taking breaks in the rest areas.
Night visits and light shows are not offered at this location. It is primarily a daytime destination for hiking and nature walks.
The valley is particularly crowded during weekends in autumn when the red leaves are at their peak. The best time to visit for fewer crowds is on weekdays or early in the morning.
Basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and small food vendors are available at the entrance and along the hiking trails. There are no large shopping areas on-site.
The main trails may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to the hilly terrain. Children will enjoy the area, but it’s important to supervise them on the trails. Some paved paths are suitable for strollers.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
There are a few local restaurants and tea houses in the nearby town of Benxi offering traditional Chinese meals. For more options, visitors can head to the city center of Benxi.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in the local restaurants, though halal options may be limited outside of major cities.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels near the base of the mountain, but for a wider selection, it is best to stay in Benxi city where more accommodations are available.
Nearby attractions include the Benxi Water Cave and Benxi Yuntaishan Scenic Area. Both can be visited in a day trip from the Red Leaf Valley.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance, selling local handicrafts, postcards, and small trinkets related to the area’s natural beauty.
After visiting, taxis or local buses can take you back to Benxi or to other nearby attractions. Renting a car for a day trip is also a good option for further exploration of the region.
