Live Your Best Lives
Of all the seasons, I like autumn best.
Autumn is the season of red leaves, with curling mountains and forests, layers of forests dyed in red, and maples in full bloom. 🍁
"You don't hear the rustling sound, the fallen leaves dance slowly", people always say "one falling leaf heralds the arrival of autumn", in every golden October, nature will show you the most gorgeous colors in the world in a grand manner.
Over 300 kilometers from Xi'an, at the junction of Sichuan and Shaanxi, lies a magical land called Guangwu Mountain. Here, you'll find unique mountains, peculiar rock formations, secluded valleys, picturesque waters, treacherous peaks, and deep forests. Every October, from the towering peaks to the tree-lined paths beneath the feet of tourists, everything is painted a vibrant orange-red by maple trees, earning it the nickname "China's No. 1 Mountain for Red Leaves."
Guangwu Mountain, named for its perennial mist, is known as the Guangwu Mountain Nuoshui River National Geopark. Its unique karst landscapes, pristine vegetation and ecosystems, picturesque canyons and streams, and the dazzling crimson foliage that blankets the mountains in October are all reasons to travel thousands of miles, even if it's just to witness the breathtaking autumn scenery.
This autumn, I want to strongly recommend this rare and stunning autumn scenery in China to you. Take you on a romantic date with nature.
Guangwushan Nuoshuihe National Geopark is located in the north of Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, bordering Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province to the north. It is 390 kilometers away from Chengdu and 72 kilometers away from Hanzhong.
The entire geological park is divided into five parts: Taoyuan Scenic Area, Dam Scenic Area, Eighteen Moon Lake Scenic Area, Shenmen Cave Scenic Area, and Xiaowu Gorge Scenic Area.
Each scenic spot has its own unique scenery, and there are differences in the travel experience between different scenic spots. So if you plan to visit Guangwu Mountain, you can choose your favorite destination after reading this guide.
Guangwushan, the highest peak in the scenic area, stands at 2,507 meters above sea level. The mountain boasts deep canyons and a significant elevation difference, with a vegetation coverage rate exceeding 97%. Located on the north-south climatic dividing line between China's north and south, the area enjoys a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and distinct four seasons.
In late autumn, the air is moist and cool, which is a good place for us who often live in the city to relax and unwind. With every breath, we absorb plenty of fresh oxygen and instantly become full of vitality and energy.
It is precisely because of the abundant rainfall and humid climate that Guangwu Mountain is characterized by "perennial fog". This feature also attracts tourists from all over the world to come and enjoy the unique scenery of clouds and mist.
"The maple leaves are in full bloom, adorning the city like brocade, competing with the spring flowers for brilliance." Guangwu Mountain is known as "China's No. 1 Mountain for Red Leaves" because its red leaves naturally have advantages that cannot be matched elsewhere.
Today, I will sort out and summarize the [biggest features of the red leaves in Guangwu Mountain] summarized by tourists over the years. Maybe after reading it, you will find that if you miss Guangwu Mountain, you will really miss the whole autumn.
Advantage 1: Large area, magnificent momentum
The Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area covers an area of 830 square kilometers, of which 580 square kilometers are red leaf landscapes.
Advantage 2 [Rich colors, colorful]
The red leaves in most scenic spots are mainly red, while the red leaves in Guangwu Mountain change in color in steps, mainly blue, green, yellow, orange and red.
Advantage 3: Long cycle and distinct scenery
The viewing period for the red leaves in Guangwu Mountain lasts for two months each year. The scenery changes from scattered spots of colorful leaves to a continuous red.
Advantage 4: Wide variety and rich content
The red leaves of Guangwu Mountain include more than 40 varieties, including beech, maple, linden, and Rosaceae, with more than 10 colors including fiery red, magenta, wine red, chu red, rose red, purple red, and golden red.
Advantage 5 [High taste, famous family background]
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".
Time passes slowly, and in about a month, you will find that Guangwu Mountain is completely wrapped in the most beautiful autumn colors as if overnight, and transformed into a fairy tale world of dreams.
A different color every day, a different scene every step. So, how should you enjoy the Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area?
The name of the attraction, "Natural Gallery," is truly captivating. Walking through the forest, the mountains and plains are carpeted with fallen red leaves. It's hard to believe such vibrant colors could actually come from nature.
This 680-square-kilometer carpet is known as "Asia's longest natural carpet." Walking along the wooden plank road in the mountains, the sun shines on your cheeks through the trees, the autumn wind blows, the fallen leaves sway, and the melodious chirping of various birds fills your ears. This feeling can only be described in one word: beautiful.
Daba Forest Park is one of the best places to enjoy the crimson leaves in Guangwu Mountain. Visiting Daba Forest Park is all about experiencing the vibrant colors of the leaves. Along the way, you'll find attractions worth visiting, including Tieluba Ecological Tourist Park, Jiaguo Mountain, the Natural Gallery, Mouyang Ancient City, the Temperate Rare Plant Garden, Black Bear Valley, Xianglu Mountain, and the Xiaolan Valley and Dalan Valley.
When visiting Guangwu Mountain to admire the red leaves, Black Bear Valley is a must-see. While its name might sound a bit domineering, Black Bear Valley embodies the exquisite beauty and refinement of Bazhong's landscape. It captures the essence of Guangwu Mountain and is truly worth a visit.
A walking path winds along the ravine, offering countless waterfalls and clear pools, practically a staggering ten sights per step. Fagus sylvatica trees, vibrant in their vibrant shades of dark red, orange, and green, line both sides of the river.
Black Bear Valley stretches only two kilometers, flanked by forests and rivers. In autumn, the crimson foliage is a truly captivating spectacle. The vibrant hues of the leaves, ranging from dark red to orange-red to green and yellow, create a seamless, natural transition, creating a fairytale-like scene.
Walking along the edge of the woods, with the winding river gurgling by, every step is a lingering scenery that amazes and amazes all the tourists passing by.
To fully appreciate the scenery of the entire Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area, the best option is to climb Xianglu Mountain. Standing at an altitude of 2,330 meters, Xianglu Mountain stands atop a mountain, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
In the golden autumn, the mountains are covered with a layer of golden and red colors. In addition to slowly enjoying the climbing process of returning to nature, the surrounding scenery is so attractive that people can't take their eyes off it.
The most beautiful time is sunrise, when the morning glow dyes the sky, accompanied by the unique mist and vast sea of clouds of Guangwu Mountain. The red leaves on the mountain are clearly visible, and suddenly even the magnificent mountains seem to become "fresh and clean".
Autumn is a glorious time to visit the Eighteen Moon Pools, a vibrant red blanket covering the mountains. Within the Pearl Valley of Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area, 18 stunning waterfalls and pools are scattered across the area. These pools are shaped like bright moons, each with its own distinct shape, hence the name "Eighteen Moon Pools."
Someone once said: Shibayuetan is the "Jiuzhaigou" of northeastern Sichuan, with waterfalls resembling Jiuzhaigou and red leaves that are unparalleled in the world.
Upon entering the scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is the "Wedding Veil" Waterfall. Rising over 50 meters, the waterfall resembles a pristine white wedding gown from afar, its waters crystal clear. Surrounding it are lush green trees, dazzling crimson leaves, and azaleas lining the mountainside. Rare birds and animals frolic and sing here, their voices carefree. It all depends on your luck to stumble upon one!
/Guangwushan Town Self-driving Route
Tourist routes from Chengdu: Chengdu East - (High-speed rail) - Hanzhong - (coach) - Guangwushan Town
Tourist routes to Xi'an: Xi'an North - (High-speed rail) - Hanzhong - (coach) - Guangwushan Town
Tourist routes from Chongqing: Chongqing West - (High-speed rail) - Hanzhong - (coach) - Guangwushan Town
/Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area Tour Route
Route A: Sightseeing Bus Terminal (South Visitor Center) – Sandaoguan Transfer Point
Main attractions: Jiming Peak, Nantianmen, Qinu Peak, Wanhu Pilgrimage, Yuntian Feiyan
Route B: Sightseeing Bus Terminal (South Visitor Center) – Micang Ancient Road Transfer Point
Major attractions: Micang Ancient Road Ruins, Yingpan Pass, Jiexian Posthouse, Cherry River Valley
Route C: Sightseeing Bus Terminal (South Visitor Center) - Yanfang Village Transfer Point
Main attractions: Pegasus Love, Fairy Viewing, Bashan Sunrise, Fox Borrowing the Tiger's Power, Taiji Tiankeng, Feiyun Plank Road, Ganling Temple
Tips:
Morning departure time: 7:30 am Evening arrival time: 6:00 pm
/Micang Mountain Tourist Area
The Mi Cang Mountain Scenic Area implements a special sightseeing bus line transportation. Tourists can transfer and tour at various bus stops within the Tieluba-Mi Cang Mountain Tourist Scenic Area:
Route A: Scenic Area Gate (Tieluba Tourist Distribution Center) - Dam Transfer Center
Main attractions: Jiaguo Mountain, Natural Gallery
Route B: Daba Transfer Center - Xianglu Mountain
Main attractions: Botanical Garden, Black Bear Valley, Yingshui Dam, Golden Corridor, Xianglu Mountain
Route C: Daba Transfer Center - Langgou Bridge
/ Nanjiang Roasted Yellow Lamb /
Nanjiang Yellow Sheep, native to Nanjiang County, are said to be raised on a diet of Chinese herbs and mineral water. They are high in protein and low in fat, and while they can be cooked in a variety of ways, even stewed in a clear sauce, they are incredibly fresh and flavorful, leaving a lingering aroma.
*Recommended dishes*: Roasted yellow sheep, strange-tasting yellow sheep cubes, yellow sheep with wild leeks, hand-shredded yellow sheep meat, nourishing yellow sheep soup pot, etc.
/ Bazhong Camellia oleifera /
Youcha is a delicious snack that warms the stomach and fills the stomach. Flour is gently stir-fried until fragrant and slightly golden. Peppercorns, scallions, ginger, and salt are added and boiled until a paste forms. It can be enjoyed with peanuts, sesame seeds, and garlic sprouts. A bowl of this rich, fragrant dish is truly breathtaking on a refreshing autumn day.
/ Northern Sichuan Jelly /
When it comes to Bazhong delicacies, Sichuan Northern jelly is arguably the most famous snack! This seemingly simple dish, with its secret chili oil and sauce, will captivate your stomach! (As someone who can handle spicy food in northern China, I highly recommend trying the extra spicy Sichuan Northern jelly; it's incredibly satisfying!)
/ Sugar-coated sesame cakes /
Enyang Town's "Tang Sesame Cake" was once hailed as the best specialty at the Nanjiang Red Leaf Festival in Sichuan. With a history spanning over 500 years, this cake is meticulously crafted using eight ingredients: premium flour, glutinous rice, barley, brown sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and sesame oil. It's crispy and slightly sweet, making it a popular dessert among women.
"Jiuzhaigou is known for its water, Guangwu for its mountains." Jiuzhaigou's autumn scenery is universally known, but many are less aware of Guangwu Mountain, nestled amidst the mountains and waters of Bazhong. 🍁 It's known as "Asia's largest red leaf viewing area," "China's premier red leaf mountain," and "a city adorned with vibrant red maples." Its breathtaking autumn scenery stretches for hundreds of miles...
Every autumn, Guangwu Mountain reaches its peak viewing season, also the busiest and most dazzling season of the year. 680 square kilometers of colorful maple leaves quietly exude a beauty of both strength and softness, waiting for you to come and admire ~ Guangwu Mountain, a fairyland like a fairyland, are you ready to come and see it? 🍁
