Autumn Scenery in Nanjiang 3-Day Guide

Secret Autumn Scenery in Nanjiang, Sichuan · 3 Days 2 Nights Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Guide (Budget 1500 RMB/person)
1. Why Choose Nanjiang in Autumn?
✔️ Asia's Largest Red Leaf Scenic Belt (Guangwu Mountain red leaf area reaches 580 square kilometers)
✔️ Rated as one of "China's Top Ten Autumn Sceneries" by China National Geography
✔️ A less crowded autumn viewing spot just 4 hours from Chengdu (avoid the crowds)
✔️ Best viewing period from late October to early November (golden autumn colorful forest + sea of clouds in one frame)
2. Itinerary Design
🚗 Recommended Transportation: Direct bus from Chengdu North Gate Station (98 RMB/person) or self-driving (fuel cost about 300 RMB)
Day 1: Enter the Red Leaf Fairy Tale World
• 07:00 Depart from Chengdu (recommended to choose the left window seat, excellent scenery along the way)
• 12:00 Arrive at Nanjiang County, lunch recommended at "Huangyang Renjia" for sour soup yellow sheep meat (about 50 RMB/person)
• 14:00 Head to Guangwu Mountain [Micang Mountain Scenic Area] (ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus 60 RMB)
• Must-visit spots: Natural Gallery (corridor of red and yellow maple leaves), Xianglu Mountain Sea of Clouds Viewing Platform
• 18:30 Check in at "Guangwu Mountain Homestay" inside the scenic area (200 RMB/night, red leaves visible from the window)
Day 2: Secret Realm Hiking Day
• 06:30 Early morning shoot of Shibayue Pool morning mist (additional 50 RMB ticket required)
• 09:00 Easy hike at Heixiong Valley (5km wooden plank trail, streams and red leaves along the way)
• 12:00 Farmhouse meal experience with firewood rice (recommended smoked meat stir-fried with bamboo shoots + wild vegetable soup)
• 14:00 Explore Xiaowuxia Gorge (60 RMB ticket, boat ride through the red leaf canyon)
• 17:00 Return to the county town to soak in "Guangwu Mountain Hot Springs" (88 RMB/person to relax)
Day 3: Cultural Wrap-up
• 08:00 Visit Nanjiang morning market (buy wild kiwifruit, hickory nuts)
• 09:30 Visit the "Bashan Guerrilla Memorial Hall" (free)
• 11:00 Return trip (can stop by Enyang Ancient Town to eat sesame cakes)
3. Budget Details (based on 2 people traveling together)
💰 Total Cost: about 3000 RMB (1500 RMB per person)

Transportation: Bus 196 RMB + local carpool 200 RMB
Accommodation: 400 RMB (2 nights farmhouse inn)
Meals: 600 RMB (including 3 specialty meals)
Tickets: 490 RMB (all attractions included)
Others: 200 RMB (hot springs + local specialties)

4. Insider Tips
1️⃣ Photography advice: Bring a 70-200mm telephoto lens, best to shoot before 10 AM
2️⃣ Clothing guide: Sweatshirt + jacket during the day, thin down jacket needed in early morning and evening
3️⃣ Hidden activity: Ask the homestay owner to take you to pick wild chestnuts (October only)
4️⃣ Pitfall warning: Be cautious buying so-called "wild honey" in scenic spots, most are sugar water mixes
5. Alternative Plans
◾ If time allows, add 1 day to visit "Nuoshui River Caves" (1.5 hours drive from Nanjiang)
◾ Food lovers recommended to try "Changchi Sesame Cakes" and "Zhengzhi Crispy Pork"
Autumn Color Rating:
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁 (5 stars full score, comparable to Kanas)
This version highlights Nanjiang as a photography paradise, includes local life experiences and practical pitfall warnings, while keeping the budget reasonable.