Who says the only autumn scenery in Northeast China is Changbai Mountain? The Wunv Mountain area in Benxi, Liaoning, turns into a “Little Jiangnan of the Northeast” in autumn! The maple leaves cover the mountains in red, the sea of clouds surges at sunrise, and there are magical views known as the “Little Huangshan of the Northeast” and the “Number One Taoist Mountain.” Best of all, there are fewer people and wild scenery, making it perfect for photos that will get you flooded with questions on social media! This straightforward, practical guide will help you fully enjoy Benxi’s autumn scenery!
🍁 Benxi’s top autumn viewing spots: Wunv Mountain + Guanmen Mountain + Tiecha Mountain
1. Wunv Mountain: A double hit of history and autumn scenery
As the birthplace of Goguryeo, Wunv Mountain’s autumn offers both magnificent colorful forests and a sense of history with ancient city ruins. From the mountaintop, you can overlook valleys covered in red and yellow maple leaves, with the sparkling Huanlong Lake below. Every snapshot looks like a National Geographic masterpiece!
2. Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park: The “Little Huangshan of the Northeast” is no exaggeration
With a forest coverage rate of 95%, this place is truly impressive! In autumn, the maple leaves glow bright red. Walking on the wooden boardwalk, the maple trees on both sides form a red tunnel. If you’re lucky to catch the sunrise sea of clouds, the mist rolls between the mountains, and the maple leaves appear faintly through the clouds—absolutely breathtaking!
3. Tiecha Mountain: The autumn fairy aura of a Taoist sacred mountain
As the origin of the Longmen sect of Taoism in Northeast China, Tiecha Mountain’s autumn scenery has a “cultivation” vibe. The five main peaks look even more majestic against the backdrop of red leaves. Taoist temples hidden in the maple forest offer a peaceful spot to rest and enjoy tea, making you feel completely serene.
📅 Best time to enjoy autumn + check-in tips
- Best time: Late September to mid-October (maple leaves turn red from the foot to the top of the mountain; go early to see the foot, later to see the summit, or mid-period to catch all the red maples).
- Check-in tips:
- Wunv Mountain sunrise: Check the sunrise time in advance, climb the mountain around 4 a.m., and wait for the sun to pop out from the sea of clouds and maple leaves—stunning!
- Guanmen Mountain maple photography: Don’t miss the “Maple King” tree in the park, with large, bright red leaves and a creek flowing beneath it—perfect for composition.
- Tiecha Mountain ancient trail: Walk up the ancient trail between the mountains, where maple trees form a canopy overhead, giving a strong sense of adventure.
🚗 Comprehensive transportation + accommodation + food guide
Transportation:
- Self-driving: From Shenyang, take the Danfu Expressway; it takes about 2 hours to reach Benxi city center, then another hour to Wunv Mountain. It’s also convenient to get from Benxi city center to Guanmen Mountain and Tiecha Mountain, with autumn scenery along the way.
- Public transport: There are buses from Benxi city center to Huanren (where Wunv Mountain is located). From Huanren, take a taxi to the scenic area. Guanmen Mountain and Tiecha Mountain are in Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, with direct buses from the city center.
Accommodation:
- For convenient sightseeing: Stay in hotels in Huanren County, such as the “Huanren Oriental Garden Hotel,” which offers good value and easy dining options.
- For immersive autumn viewing: Stay at guesthouses near Guanmen Mountain, like the “Benxi Maple Valley Hot Spring Resort Hotel,” where you can soak in hot springs while watching maple leaves—so comfortable you won’t want to leave.
Food:
- Must-try hearty Northeast dishes: Lamb soup (one sip warms your whole body), sauerkraut with pork and blood sausage (authentic sourness, tender stewed meat), and wild vegetable buns (filled with fresh wild vegetables, absolutely delicious).
- Specialty snacks: Huanren’s hickory nuts and wild berry dried fruits make perfect souvenirs.
🌟 Real visitor experience: “This autumn scenery rivals Jiangnan!”
One visitor said, “I thought Northeast autumn scenery would be rough, but Benxi’s maple leaves are delicate and red, and the sea of clouds is especially gentle. Watching the sunrise from Wunv Mountain felt like stepping into a painting, and my camera memory was full!”
Stop crowding the popular spots—Benxi’s autumn scenery is truly a hidden gem! Quickly book your tickets and accommodation on Trip.com, and enjoy a healing autumn trip in Northeast China while the maple leaves are at their reddest!
Post by AuroraChasers | Sep 13, 2025
