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An autumn breeze blew, opening the door to a fairytale world. Fiery red, dazzling gold, and pure dark green greeted us, as if we had entered a vast kingdom of color. Multicolored leaves and emerald waters slowly stretched from the distant foothills to our very eyes. Words could only exclaim in astonishment.
Autumn has quietly arrived, and with it comes the rush of autumn. It's time to pack your bags and prepare for a fall immersion trip! But deciding where to go next can be challenging. To alleviate your concerns, we've compiled a special feature on autumn scenery in central China, showcasing some of the most beautiful spots to visit this autumn. Take a look!
When talking about Guangwu Mountain, what is it? Perhaps images of crimson leaves or a mountain shrouded in mist flash through your mind. So, what is your impression of Guangwu Mountain?
Bazhong Guangwu Mountain is located in Guangwushan Town, Nanjiang County, Bazhong, Sichuan Province, in the northern part of Bazhong City, bordering Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province to the north. It is 390 kilometers away from Chengdu, 370 kilometers away from Chongqing, and 72 kilometers away from Hanzhong. There is a provincial road running through the entire park. There are roads leading to the park from Hanzhong, Guangyuan, Wanyuan, Dazhou, and Nanchong. You can go north to Xi'an via Hanzhong, south to Chongqing via Nanchong or Dazhou, southwest to Chengdu via Nanchong, and west to Chengdu via Guangyuan and Mianyang.
Located in the north-south climatic dividing zone of China, Guangwu Mountain generally has a subtropical humid monsoon climate. It enjoys a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and distinct four seasons. A continental climate prevails in winter, with low rainfall accounting for only 2.7% of the annual total. Summer is characterized by a warm oceanic climate, with precipitation accounting for 41.6% of the total. The low temperature, high humidity, and abundant rainfall, coupled with severe spring cold and autumn frost, contribute to Guangwu Mountain's perennial fog. Temperatures decrease with increasing altitude from south to north, with an average annual temperature below 13°C and precipitation around 1,500 mm.
The terrain here is complex, with overlapping peaks, beautiful peaks and forests, and deep caves. It is home to numerous mountain springs, swirling clouds and mist, and vast forests, offering numerous scenic spots. It is known as the best mountain for red leaves in China.
You Xiaojun observed the night sky and found that the best time to view the red leaves this year will be in mid-to-late October. To fully appreciate the red leaves of Guangwu Mountain, there are five main characteristics of Guangwu Mountain's red leaves:
Large area, magnificent momentum
The scenic area covers 830 square kilometers, of which 580 square kilometers are red leaf landscapes.
Rich and colorful
Generally, red leaves are mainly red, but the colors of the red leaves in Guangwu Mountain change in steps, mainly blue, green, yellow, orange and red, which is incomparable to other red leaf viewing areas.
Long cycle, distinct scenery
The time for viewing red leaves is as long as one month. In the first stage, you can see the colorful red leaves, in the second stage, you can see the red leaves dyeing the forest, and in the third stage, you can see the red leaves floating in the air.
Wide variety and rich content
The red leaves of Guangwu Mountain include more than 40 varieties, including beech, maple, linden, and Rosaceae. There are more than 20 shapes, including palm-shaped, feather-shaped, boat-shaped, and needle-shaped, and more than 10 colors, including fiery red, magenta, wine red, chu red, rose red, purple red, and golden red.
High taste, from a prominent family
After visits by plant experts from Britain, Germany, France, Canada and the United States, the Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area was named the "Golden District" and the red leaves of Guangwu Mountain were named "Golden Leaves".
Guangwu Mountain boasts a wealth of scenic spots and breathtaking autumn colors. The scenic area is truly vast! You don't need to check in at every location; simply explore the Dam Scenic Area and Eighteen Moon Lake. As for the Taoyuan Scenic Area, consider visiting it if you have more time.
Natural Gallery
This place is like a stunning gallery, akin to stepping into an oil painting. The staggered branches of the trees echo the yellow leaves, and beneath the slender trunks, dozens of meters high, a wooden plank road quietly stretches forward. The breathtaking beauty of this colorful painting is breathtaking.
Black Bear Valley
The ravine is dotted with rocks, and coupled with the beauty of the water, it suddenly becomes lively, active and passionate. A wooden plank road meanders along the ravine. We move forward along the plank road, and see waterfalls, clear pools, and almost ten scenes in one step. It is hard to believe that such wonderful colors on the screen come from the real world.
Xianglu Mountain
Xianglu Mountain, at 2,300 meters above sea level, forms one of the border mountains between Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. If you encounter a sea of clouds, you're in luck. Between the rolling clouds, you'll witness the most magnificent scenery, a perfect spot for both photographers and photographers alike to snap away!
Known as the "Jiuzhaigou of Northern Sichuan," the 3.5-kilometer-long Pearl Valley is dotted with 18 waterfalls and pools, framed by crimson leaves that gradually fade from light to deep red. The melody of "mountains and flowing water" playing here is simply breathtakingly beautiful.
Tips:
1. The most beautiful scenery is located in the upper half of the Shibayuetan Scenic Area. There are wooden plank roads along the entire route, so hiking shoes are essential.
The 15th Guangwushan Red Leaf Festival, held from October 16th to December 16th, will last for two full months. Enjoy the stunning autumn scenery of Guangwushan and various special events. We welcome everyone to join us!
3. The expressway from Nanjiang to Guanba Town has been opened to traffic. At that time, a convenient passage will be added to the Guangwushan Dam Scenic Area, and the entire line will be open to traffic by the end of 2018.
4. With the opening of the Xi'an-Chengdu high-speed railway, there are now high-speed trains running frequently from Hanzhong to Xi'an or Chengdu. For tourists with limited time, we can choose to meet up in Hanzhong, avoiding long journeys and leaving plenty of time for sightseeing.
Depart from Chengdu
Chengdu - Nanchong - Peng'an - Yilong - Bazhong - Nanjiang - Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area
Chengdu-Guangyuan-Ningqiang-Nanzheng-Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area
Chengdu-Guangyuan-Wangcang-Nanjiang-Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area
Depart from Chongqing
Chongqing - Nanchong - Peng'an - Yilong - Bazhong - Nanjiang - Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area
Chongqing-Nanchong-Guangyuan-Ningqiang-Nanzheng-Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area
Depart from Xi'an
Xi'an - Zhouzhi - Yangxian - Chenggu - Hanzhong - Nanzheng - Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area
Depart from Bazhong
Bazhong City - S101 - Baiyuntai Street - Jiangbei Avenue - S101 - Guangwushan Avenue Linzhong Section - Micangshan Avenue Duanqu Section - S101 - Chayuan Road - Guangwushan Scenic Area
Depart from Nanjiang
There are buses directly to Guangwushan from Nanjiang Bus Station (Taoyuan is now called Guangwushan Town).
Depart from Bazhong
After exiting the train station, you can take bus No. 6 directly to the Education Bureau, then take bus No. 1 towards Dafo Temple. You will see a van station. Take the van to Nanjiang and you can go to Guangwu Mountain.
Depart from Chengdu
The easiest route:
Chengdu North Station (Liangjiaxiang Station) - Bazhong Jiangbei Bus Station - Guangwu Mountain, because there are direct buses, although it takes a little more time, it is relatively simple and convenient, and the buses from North Station to Bazhong run almost every half an hour, which saves trouble and gives you more time to enjoy the scenery on the road. It is the most recommended.
Time-saving route:
Chengdu North Railway Station/Terminal Station - Nanjiang County - Guangwu Mountain. Buses depart from both stations at 8:30 am and run every two hours. It is relatively convenient and fast.
Southern Shaanxi in late autumn is like dreaming a dream from which you can’t wake up. In the beautiful dream, you can see the beautiful scenery of nature, the wildness of Xiaohua Mountain, alpine meadows, the sea of clouds at Daling, and the Antelope Valley. The autumn charm is so strong that it is like wandering in a series of autumn oil paintings, making people intoxicated and not wanting to wake up!
Pacific Highway
One of the ten most beautiful autumn avenues in Shaanxi, the charming autumn colors spread from afar, the beauty is breathtaking
Dajiangou
The Qinling Mountains' crimson leaves are best seen in Dajiangou, known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou." With virtually no tourists, the scenic area retains its pristine natural beauty. We'll follow the plank roads and streams in search of the most beautiful, hidden gems of crimson leaves. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the national treasure, the giant panda. Please don't disturb them.
Walnut Ping primeval forest scene
We crossed the primitive suspension bridge and ancient pavilion and walked along the mountain path. The road was like a fairy tale world, with colorful streams, red and yellow leaves...all kinds of colors intertwined together, so beautiful that people could hardly believe their eyes.
Liping National Forest Park
This is a place of breathtaking beauty, with pristine forests, towering ancient trees, waterfalls, and flowing streams. Liping shares the same Migang Mountain Range with Sichuan's famous Guangwu Mountain, but is much quieter and less crowded than Guangwu Mountain, earning its nickname "Hanzhong's Backyard Garden."
Shennongjia is located in western Hubei Province, bordering Chongqing's Wushan Mountains to the west and the Bashan Mountains to the south. It is the only administrative region in China named "Forest Area." It is also one of the most underdeveloped primeval forest scenic areas. When autumn arrives, Shennongjia's stunning autumn colors begin to bloom. The rolling hills resemble a canvas, and the trees that blanket the landscape are like a paintbox accidentally overturned by nature. The evergreen vegetation blends with the vibrant colors of maples, tulip trees, sycamores, crabapples, walnuts, and chestnuts. The vibrant colors are truly breathtaking. This beauty can only be truly appreciated when you visit and see it for yourself.
Shennongjia Forest District is located in western Hubei Province, bordering Baokang County, Xiangyang City, Hubei Province to the east, Wushan County, Chongqing City to the west, Xingshan and Badong Mountains to the south, and the Yangtze River Three Gorges. It is nestled in Fang and Zhushan Counties, Shiyan City to the north, overlooking the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. Visitors to Shennongjia typically first arrive in Yichang, then take a bus or drive from Yichang to Muyu Town or Pingqian Ancient Town.
Dajiu Lake
Dajiu Lake is a plateau wetland lake, a rare flat expanse in Shennongjia known as Jiuhuping. It is also the largest alpine wetland in Central China. It boasts nine interconnected lakes of varying sizes. A full tour takes approximately three hours on foot, or two hours by car. This is the only place in Shennongjia where you can see a lake. If you tire of the majestic mountains, the sudden sight of these gentle waters is a refreshing relief. In autumn, Dajiu Lake resembles a girl draped in a veil of vibrant colors, a truly stunning sight.
Tips:
1. Scenic area train: The earliest one departs at 7:30 in the morning and the last one is at 6:30 in the evening, 60 yuan/person
2. You can choose to stay in Pingqian Ancient Town
Shennongding
Shennongding Scenic Area is the largest and most comprehensive of the Shennongjia scenic areas; we can see alpine meadows, karst stone forests, canyons, forests, etc., and various rare wild animals such as golden monkeys and black bears.
Shennongding Scenic Area is very large and is also the most fun place. There are many small attractions distributed along the scenic road. We can play while riding, but we must arrange our time reasonably and choose to visit according to our preferences.
Tips:
1. Shennongding is located at an altitude where it can be a bit chilly in some areas even in summer. Therefore, tourists with weak health are advised to bring a sun-protective jacket or similar.
2. The best time to visit Shennongding is in the morning. There is a high possibility of fog in the afternoon, which may slightly obstruct the view.
Tianyan Scenic Area
Tianyan Scenic Area is named for Yanziya Pass, located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, where National Highway 209 passes through the cliffs. The cliffs are covered in verdant pines and firs, and covered in red birch, offering endless mountain views. The scenic area's hiking trails are worth walking all the way to the end. Walking along the cliffs, you can occasionally see cars disappear into the canyon below, a truly magical experience. The entire trail takes about an hour and a half to complete. A connecting point between Yanjing and Yunzhan is Huixian Bridge, also known as the "Rainbow Bridge," which is known as the "Yuntian Feidu" (Cloud Sky Ferry). It offers a perfect vantage point for viewing the Tianyan sea of clouds and sunset glow.
Xiangxiyuan
Xiangxiyuan, the closest place to Muyu Town, is the source of the Xiangxi River, Shennongjia's main river, hence its name. Legend has it that Wang Zhaojun, one of the four great beauties of the time, once lived by the stream and often washed her hands in it, giving it a fragrant aroma. Others say the area got its name from the orchids that blanket the hills, creating a fragrant atmosphere, adding a touch of romance to the stream's beauty.
This autumn, let's meet up with China-TravelNote~
Tips:
1. During the peak season, the bus frequency between scenic spots will increase. During the off-season, the bus frequency will be every two hours. Generally, the bus will depart from Muyu Town on the hour.
2. There are shuttle buses from Muyu Town to various scenic spots. There will be detailed introductions at the ticket window or each accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
The Three Gorges Scenic Area stretches from Baidicheng in Fengjie in the west to Yichang in the east. Stunning peaks and steep cliffs stand out on both sides of the gorge. From west to east, they are Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Each of these three gorges offers unique and distinctive scenery. In autumn, the color red dominates the Three Gorges. In autumn, the entire Yangtze River basin is blanketed in crimson foliage. Entering the mountains along the Three Gorges is like stepping into a magnificent painting of crimson leaves. The crimson leaves in the Three Gorges arrive last, but they also bloom the latest and last the longest. At the height of autumn, the banks of the gorge are ablaze with crimson, creating a spectacular spectacle.
The Three Gorges Basin, also known as the Gorges or the Great Three Gorges, lies on the main stream of the Yangtze River within the boundaries of Chongqing, Enshi Prefecture, and Yichang, China. It stretches 193 kilometers from Baidicheng in Fengjie County, Chongqing, through Enshi, and east to Nanjinguan in Yichang, Hubei Province. A common tour begins in Yichang and progresses through Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge, in that order, with stops in Badong County, Wushan County, and Baidi Town. Alternatively, you can reverse the tour order or choose nearby accommodations along the way.
Large viewing area
In autumn, the entire Three Gorges Basin is dotted with crimson foliage. Over 200 plant species, primarily sumac, Chinese tallow trees, and maples, transform into vibrant red. The crimson foliage in Wushan County is particularly striking, boasting over 100,000 mu (approximately 10,000 hectares) of crimson leaves, covering scenic areas such as the Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge, the Little Three Gorges, the Miniature Three Gorges, and Goddess Peak. Walking through these areas in autumn feels like stepping into a painting.
Long viewing period
The mountains along the Three Gorges vary in height and altitude, so the leaves turn red at different times. This results in a three-month viewing period for the Three Gorges' red leaves, from November to January. Early autumn offers a vibrant display of colors, late autumn a blanket of color, and finally a fiery crimson. Each season has its own unique charm and a distinct flavor.
Xiling Gorge-Three Gorges People
To fully experience the unique flavor of the Three Gorges' autumn scenery, it's crucial to appreciate the local customs and people. Three Gorges Homes, a scenic spot in the middle section of Xiling Gorge, is the only remaining area in the Three Gorges basin that retains its pristine Three Gorges landscape. It boasts numerous photo spots, including Bawangzhai, Longjin Creek, Dengying Rock, Huanglong Waterfall, Macaque Mountain, and Mingyue Bay. From here, you can enjoy the autumn scenery of Xiling Gorge and the rare cultural landscape of the Three Gorges region.
Wu Gorge - Damian Mountain
Wu Gorge is often said to be the longest of the Three Gorges in Badong, and renowned for its beauty. Its deep canyons, towering peaks, and shrouded in mist and clouds are the most striking. Damian Mountain offers one of the best viewing spots for Wu Gorge. Ascending to its highest point, we gazed upon the boats sailing through the Three Gorges, the lush green waters, and the crimson foliage, creating a breathtaking spectacle. From the mountain's various photo spots, we overlooked Wu Gorge, enjoying the stunning autumn scenery against the backdrop of crimson foliage.
Wuxia-Wuxia Gallery
The Wu Gorge Gallery, located near Liuping Village, opposite Shennv Peak, offers another excellent viewing point for the gorge. Gazing down at the Wu Gorge below, we can deeply appreciate its craggy peaks and jagged rocks, making it the most beautiful section of the Three Gorges. In late autumn, crimson leaves blanket the mountains, and boats of all sizes ply the canyon. We wander the Wu Gorge Gallery, stopping and starting as we move through the scenery, absorbing the gorge's beauty and romance along the way.
Qutang Gorge-Baidi City
Baidi City is where Liu Bei entrusted his son to the care of others. It is also the observation point of Kuimen, the filming location of the fifth edition of the 10-yuan RMB. Here we can see the majestic appearance of Kuimen, the sunset and evening glow of the Three Gorges, and we may also encounter monkeys and experience the artistic conception of the story of the monkey crying three times and weeping.
Time flies by, and autumn is drawing ever closer. This autumn, let's pack our bags and experience its beauty. Whether it's the beauty of Guangwu Mountain, the grace of the Qinling Mountains, the mystery of Shennongjia, or the enchanting wonders of the Three Gorges, they're all captivating. So what are you waiting for? Grab a few like-minded friends and set off now, while autumn has just arrived!
