Live Your Best Lives
"Since ancient times, people have felt sad and lonely when autumn comes. I say autumn is better than spring." - Liu Yuxi
"The autumn wind rises and the white clouds fly, the grass and trees turn yellow and the wild geese fly south" - Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che
"I stop my car and sit to enjoy the maple forest in the evening, the frosted leaves are redder than the flowers in February" - Du Mu
"The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together; the autumn water and the sky are the same color" - Wang Bo
"Picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, leisurely seeing the southern mountains" - Tao Yuanming
What does autumn look like to you? It might be gloomy and depressing, or bountiful and busy. You see, ten thousand people may see autumn in ten thousand different ways, each with its own unique flavor, depending on their personality and mood. Perhaps it's the changing times, or perhaps it's the diversity of life, but people don't seem to have as much emotion and reflection on the changing seasons. While we still feel a sense of admiration when we see the enchanting autumn colors, there's always a lack of charm.
Suddenly, I feel that autumn in ancient times was truly blissful. It brought joy to farmers and was beloved by poets, quietly displaying itself, waiting for its destined arrival. Don't say you have eyes for autumn's colors, but simply lack the time to appreciate them. If you love it enough, you'll always find a place for it in your leisure plans. Today, give yourself a few minutes and join me as I journey through the most beautiful autumn foliage.
Beishan Village, Sigu Town, Dawu County
Autumn is the most beautiful time of year in Dawu. The crimson leaves here are mostly represented by tallow trees, maples, red sandalwood trees, and oxthorn trees, with tallow trees dominating the scene. Song Dynasty scholar Lu You praised the scene, saying, "Tallow trees are crimsoner than maples, in the gardens in September." Clusters of tallow trees, turning from green to yellow and then yellow to red, resemble slowly burning charcoal, spreading from the foot of the mountain to the mountainside, from the plains to the hills, interspersed among the verdant pines and cypresses. The interplay of red and green is particularly captivating.
There's been debate about the exact number of Chinese tallow trees, but estimates vary, ranging from 120 million to 80 million. In my opinion, this doesn't really make sense. Chinese tallow trees are naturally growing, their seeds flying off the trees to form a forest. Their unique ability to "burn in wildfires, spring breezes bring them back to life" is a key feature of their vibrant vitality, making them a spectacular sight and a stunning autumn scene in the mountains.
But if you think that Dawu is only red, you are wrong. In fact, among the Chinese tallow trees and red sandalwood trees, there are also many yellow leaves and rich colors such as orange-red and bright yellow. These distinct colors will gradually deepen with the cold weather, and they show the autumn colors of Dawu with different rhythms. In late autumn, the red leaves of Dawu dress the mountains and rivers in a gorgeous coat. How can you miss such a good place for taking pictures?
The best time to visit Dawu to enjoy the red leaves is from late October to mid-November, but the best viewing period varies from year to year, generally falling in mid-to-early November, around November 10th. At this time, the leaves are at their most vibrant and vibrant, and this state of mind persists until the Minor Snow solar term, when the temperature drops and the leaves quickly wither.
There are Chinese tallow trees throughout Dawu County, especially in Xincheng, Pengdian, Sigu, Xiadian, Fengdian, Liuji and other towns. If you want to choose the best destination for viewing red leaves, it is roughly in the eastern part of Dawu. The best places to enjoy red leaves in Dawu are:
1. Luotian Village to the east of Pengdian Reservoir in Pengdian, Qingsongling Tea Plantation to the north, Yong'an Village and Qingshan Village to the west.
2. Laoshan, Dingwan, Yanhe, Maoji, Zhuwan and Changling in Xincheng Town;
3. Along the road from Chaoyang Village in Xiadian Town to Yuhe River.
4. The red leaves of Jingu and Diangang in Liuji Town.
Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Xiaogan North Station and take a taxi to Beishan Village.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Beishan Village, Dawu County"
Tips: 1. It is best to arrange two days to enjoy the red leaves in Daigu, either by self-driving or chartering a car. One day is also possible, but it may be a bit rushed.
2. When driving by yourself, it is recommended to travel in a small and dispersed manner. Too many vehicles in the group will cause inconvenience in driving, parking, turning around, etc.
Shicheng Village, Gutan Township, Northwest Wuyuan County
Wuyuan in Jiangxi Province is known as "China's Most Beautiful Village," boasting the most intact collection of ancient Hui-style architecture and breathtaking red foliage shrouded in mist. Therefore, every late autumn marks China-TravelNote's annual Wuyuan Stone City Autumn Scenery Tour. Under the setting sun, the ancient Hui-style villages glow a fiery crimson, truly living up to East China's renowned reputation for autumn colors.
In the early morning of autumn, the morning mist and the smoke from cooking are perfectly blended, and a few red maple leaves are scattered across the village, layer upon layer, forming a dreamlike fairyland. Thus, a beautiful picture of the morning light in the autumn mountain villa is created.
In fact, I don’t have any special feelings for the Hui-style architecture in the ancient town, but with the autumn light, it seems to have a unique flavor.
In the rest room, looking out the window, it feels like being in an art exhibition, learning about the Hui style impressionist landscape paintings.
Based on past experience and this year's conditions, November is the best time to view the maple leaves. If there's not much rain in late October or early November and there are plenty of sunny days, the leaves in Wuyuan will appear vibrant red and yellow and resist falling, a condition that persists until early December.
1. Changxi Village with stunning autumn scenery (sunset, red maples, pastoral scenery, etc.)
2. Huangling, an ancient village dedicated to autumn sun drying (sun drying autumn leaves, red leaves, ancient villages, ancient houses, rural scenery, etc.)
Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Wuyuan Station and take a taxi to Shicheng.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Shicheng, Wuyuan County"
Tips: It is recommended to visit for 2-3 days and hiking is the best way to see the scenery.
Red leaves in Wu Gorge, Wushan County, Chongqing
The Three Gorges, the epitome of Yangtze River scenery, possesses a majestic grandeur and awe. Its mountains, rivers, landscapes, and objects are picturesque, captivating countless visitors. But what's the most exciting thing about the Three Gorges in late autumn? Naturally, the stunning crimson leaves of Wushan Mountain, a unique sight among the nation's renowned red foliage scenic spots.
Wushan's temperatures create the perfect conditions for the growth and formation of crimson leaves, creating a spectacular display across the Yangtze River's Three Gorges. Located in the heart of the Three Gorges, Wushan boasts the largest concentration of crimson leaves in the region, creating a breathtaking spectacle of mountains blanketed in crimson and forests ablaze with color. Entering Wushan is like stepping into a magnificent canvas of crimson leaves.
It is colorful in mid-autumn, the forest is dyed with colors in late autumn, and it is a sea of red in early winter.
Due to the unique variety of Wushan's red leaves and its unique climate, the viewing period lasts approximately three months. The best viewing times are from the highest altitude to the lowest: November 3rd to 16th at 2,000 meters; November 17th to December 10th at 1,500 to 1,800 meters; and December 1st to 30th at 820 meters.
1. Boat tour
2. Water and Land Viewing
3. Hiking
4. Self-driving tour
Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Shizhu County Railway Station and then take a taxi to Wushan County.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Wushan County, Chongqing"
Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve
With its overlapping peaks and winding valleys, it boasts a captivating name, an ancient geological history, and a complex ecological environment. Its every curve, every scene, every rock, every pond, every painting, is truly breathtaking, and it can be described as "an uncut jade."
"Ten-mile Gallery in the mist and rain, a fairyland on earth comes into dreams" is a beautiful reputation for the Ten-mile Gallery Scenic Area. Fortunately, this deep mountain canyon with a total length of more than ten miles has not yet been developed.
What you enjoy is definitely the most original autumn colors. Walking on the path covered with red leaves, the rustling echoes accompanied by the beating of the river, the autumn music is really a wonderful chapter.
If the autumn scenery in the canyon is not enough to satisfy your vision, then the Duozhijian Peak at an altitude of 1,750 meters will surely make you scream. After all, I once climbed to the top and was amazed by it in early October, not to mention the late autumn when the red leaves are in full bloom.
In the jungle of the mountain with many branches, there is no road, only the joy of "cutting through the thorns". If you are tired, you might as well stop and take a rest, because the autumn colors around you are fascinating.
Mid-October to mid-November
Ten-mile Peach Blossom Creek, Duozhijian, Red Maple Valley, Seven-Colored Mountain, Xiaoqiling, the former site of the 28th Red Army, Zhang Tixue Memorial, Ten-mile Gallery, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon,
Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Jiujiang Station, transfer to Tianzhushan Railway Station, and then take a taxi to Yaoluoping.
Driving: Navigate to "Yaoluoping"
The Dabie Mountains cover a vast area, and the aforementioned Yaoluoping is also part of the main section of the watershed between the main peaks of the Dabie Mountains. So what is there to introduce here? I went deep into the Dabie Mountains to select the area with the most intense autumn colors - Tiantangzhai/Mazongling.
Tiantangzhai
Mazongling
Tiantangzhai, located in Luotian, is a breathtaking mountain with a breathtakingly majestic landscape. From above, it is bathed in autumn colors. This area is also a former revolutionary base, offering panoramic views of the Central Plains to the north and Jingchu to the south, encompassing the towering mountains.
Leisure hiking, afternoon scenery, of course you have to eat the most distinctive hanging pot rice when you come to Luotian, and enjoy the food in the beautiful scenery. Just thinking about such a life makes me feel infinitely happy.
In late autumn, at Mazongling, not far from Tiantangzhai, the distant mountains and nearby waters are colorful and blurred. As the sun sets, the mountain mist and jungle are covered in red and yellow, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Driving on the winding road, I wonder if the scenery outside the window will distract you?
The autumn scenery of the sea of clouds is not common and is too deeply affected by weather factors, but if you are lucky enough, you may be able to feast your eyes on it.
Tiantangzhai
Self-driving: Navigate to "Tiantangzhai, Luotian County"
bus:
Anhui Tiantangzhai - Hefei (80/person) Departs from the Tiantangzhai scenic area gate at 5:00 am and 12:00 pm
Hefei - Tiantangzhai (80 yuan/person) Departs from Hefei Tourist Bus Station at 7:20 am and 12:30 pm
Tiantangzhai - Lu'an (45 yuan/person) 5:00--9:30 12:00-16:00 Departure location: Tiantangzhai scenic area gate
Lu'an - Tiantangzhai (45 yuan/person) 7:30-11:30 12:30-16:30 Departure location: Lu'an South Station
Meishan-Tiantangzhai 120km (5:30am, 12:30pm)
Mazongling
Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Jinzhai Railway Station and then take a taxi to Mazongling.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Mazongling, Jinzhai County, Lu'an City"
Tips:
Tiantangzhai:
Tickets:
Anhui Tiantangzhai ticket price: 100 yuan per person (National AAAAA-level tourist attraction)
This combined ticket includes admission to Tiantangzhai Waterfalls, Baima Grand Canyon, the Baima Peak Plank Road, and the former headquarters site of Liu Bei and Deng Xiaoping's army during their Thousand Mile Leap into the Dabie Mountains. The ticket is valid for two days.
Tiantangzhai Cableway: One-way up 70 yuan/person, one-way down 60 yuan/person.
Golden Triangle Rafting: 148 yuan/person, Tianshuijian Rafting: 138 yuan/person
①Opening hours: All day
②Entry voucher: SMS confirmation of successful booking
③Preferential policies:
A. Free policy: Children under 1.2 meters are free of charge; seniors over 70 years old are free of charge with valid ID
B. Preferential policy: Children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters can enjoy half-price tickets; senior citizens aged 60 to 69, students, and soldiers can enjoy half-price tickets with relevant certificates
Kind tips:
Visitors need to take the scenic area's small transportation at the scenic area gate to enter the scenic area. The small transportation costs 28 yuan per person. The details need to be arranged according to the scenic area!
Shengrentang Village, Jiuzihe Town, Luotian County
The autumn mornings in the Dabie Mountains are as tranquil as a landscape painting. The mountainside, the stream, the houses, the harvested rice stubble, the faint purple mist on the ridges, the birdsong, the tallow trees on the roadside, the gray brick shrine... all are painted with rich ink and color. Shengrentang Village hangs high against the clear sky. Hundreds of miles of green mountains stretch out, thousands of years of white clouds return, and we plunge into the autumn colors, seeking a place that belongs only to us, to enjoy the beauty this earth has gifted us.
The terraced fields in the mountains, the flowing water, the distant mountains, and the small bridges in the countryside are all dazzling. It seems that the most beautiful rural scenery is just this.
Rows of century-old tallow trees line the ridges of the fields. In late autumn, their leaves turn from green to red, even more fiery than the red leaves of maple trees. At this time, the crimson leaves spread across the fields, layer upon layer, creating a spectacular spectacle, a sea of dancing red.
There is also the "magic" in the pond. The colorful leaves are reflected in the water mirror, and combined with the distant mountains and mist, it is like a dream.
If you know all this, then you must not know that the best time to view the red leaves in Shengrentang Village is only about twenty days. If you miss it, you can only wait until next year.
Early November to November 20th every year is the best time to view the red leaves in Shengrentang Village.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Shengrentang Village, Luotian County"
Tips:
The origins of the "Sage Hall" village lie deep within this area, dating back to the 11th year of the Zhizheng reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1351 AD). An emperor named Tianwan was "born" here. Although he and his new dynasty were "established" for less than a decade, the "red sun" once rose over the Jiuzi River, and this "sage"'s forces swept across the southern provinces and most of China.
"After the rain in the empty mountains, autumn comes late." In this low-key season of autumn, let yourself no longer be low-key, go out and look for the "luxury and connotation" of autumn. I can't wait to catch its unruly soul. Are you still hesitating?
