Wunv Mountain in Autumn: Red Leaves and Sea of Clouds, a Hidden Gem in Liaodong

Wunv Mountain Autumn Scenery: A Red Leaf and Sea of Clouds Wonderland in Liaodong’s Hidden Gem

This autumn, avoid the crowds and encounter Liaodong’s most dazzling palette.

Starting in October, autumn in Northeast China is like a spilled palette, and in Benxi, Liaoning, Wunv Mountain is an underrated "maple leaf paradise." It’s not as famous as Kanas nor as crowded as Changbai Mountain, but it boasts fiery red maple leaves, golden birch forests, and rolling seas of clouds. Walking through the woods feels like being gently wrapped in intense autumn colors.

Wunv Mountain is not only a World Cultural Heritage site and the birthplace of Goguryeo but also dons its most magnificent attire in autumn. At the summit, 821 meters above sea level, the sea of clouds and maple leaves come together in a picturesque scene, where historical relics and natural wonders complement each other, creating an irreplaceable autumn spectacle in Liaodong.

🗓️ Trip Highlights

D1｜Gather in Shenyang Depart from all over the country and arrive in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province. This historic and cultural city is the ideal starting point for your autumn journey. After settling in, try authentic Northeast Chinese cuisine to fuel up for tomorrow’s hike.

D2｜Shenyang—Wunv Mountain—Huanren (Hiking about 3-4 hours) Depart from Shenyang and drive about 3 hours to Wunv Mountain Scenic Area. It’s recommended to buy a package ticket that includes the sightseeing bus, which travels 8 kilometers along the mountain road to the hiking starting point.

There are two hiking routes: 999 steps and Shibapan (Eighteen Bends). The 999 steps route is recommended; although steeper, the red leaf scenery along the way is more spectacular. If you have enough energy, you can choose to pass through "Yifu Pass" — a narrow passage between two giant rocks — for a unique hiking experience.

At the summit, standing on the Commanding Platform, you can take in the breathtaking view of the sea of clouds rolling and the mountains covered in red leaves, as if you are in a fairyland. After descending in the evening, head to Huanren County for accommodation. It’s recommended to try the local specialties like lamb soup and iron pot stewed fish to relieve the day’s fatigue.

D3｜Huanren—Maple Forest Ancient Trail—Huanlong Lake (Hiking about 2-3 hours) In the early morning, visit the Wunv Mountain Maple Forest Ancient Trail, an excellent spot for shooting ancient-style photos. The stone path is flanked by red maples, and walking through it, the rustling fallen leaves underfoot feel like stepping to the rhythm of autumn.

In the afternoon, take a boat on Huanlong Lake to admire the red leaves on both shores from the water, offering a unique charm. The lake’s scenery combined with the colorful forest is a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts.

D4｜Huanren—Laobian Valley—Shenyang (Hiking about 2 hours) Head to Laobian Valley for a light hike. This is another prime spot for maple viewing in Benxi, where the red leaves and stone steps complement each other, creating a layered, painting-like beauty. Return to Shenyang in the afternoon to conclude your perfect autumn trip.

📍 Best Time to Enjoy Autumn Colors

Mid-October to early November is the best period to view the red leaves at Wunv Mountain. At this time, over 80% of the leaves are red, with colors gradually deepening from the foot to the summit, presenting the richest autumn hues in Liaodong.

🌄 Must-Experience Activities

· Sea of Clouds Sunrise: Autumn is the best season to watch the sea of clouds at Wunv Mountain. The first rays of sunlight pierce through the mist, creating an unforgettable scene where the sea of clouds and red leaves intertwine. It’s recommended to start hiking at 4 a.m.; entering before 6 a.m. grants free admission.
· Ancient-Style Photography: Wearing Hanfu on the Maple Forest Ancient Trail offers a high success rate for stunning shots blending ancient style and autumn colors. The stone wall at the Commanding Platform with the sea of clouds in the background is a hidden gem for photos—remember to secure your spot early.
· Hot Springs Relaxation: After hiking, soak in a private hot spring at Wunv Mountain Hot Spring Hotel to relieve fatigue—a perfect way to experience autumn romance.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations

· Huanren Mangu Resort Town: European-style villas with balconies facing the maple forest, but book at least half a month in advance during peak season.
· Wunv Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: Rooms with private hot springs, perfect for relaxing after hiking, though the decor is somewhat dated.
· Hotels in Huanren County: Such as Huanren Oriental Garden Hotel or Atour Hotel, offering good value and diverse dining options.

💡 Practical Tips

1. Clothing Guide: The temperature difference at the summit is large, with daytime around 15°C and nighttime dropping to 0°C. Be sure to bring a down jacket and thermal underwear.
2. Hiking Gear: Wear non-slip shoes as some sections are steep and stone paths can be slippery after rain. Hiking poles can be rented at the entrance (5 yuan each).
3. Best Photography Times: Early morning for the sea of clouds, and 3-4 p.m. for the best light for portraits.
4. Avoid Peak Times: Weekend hotel prices rise about 30%, so try to travel off-peak. Some hotels offer shuttle services during the red leaf season; inquire before booking.

🌟 Trip Summary

Best Time: Mid-October to early November, when the red leaves are most vibrant and layered Hiking Difficulty: Beginner, suitable for those who want to experience hiking without overexertion Scenic Highlights: Red maple leaves + white sea of clouds + historical relics, with rich autumn layers Recommended Because: Less crowded and more beautiful than Changbai Mountain and Kanas, perfectly blending history and nature

Autumn colors are always fleeting; red leaves will fall with the wind and rain. But the meaning of hiking is not just the scenery, but the companionship and stories along the way. May you, in Wunv Mountain’s red leaf season, not only see the colorful forests but also gain the purest autumn joy.💛

The red leaves of Wunv Mountain are the messengers of autumn, announcing the arrival of the season with their brilliant colors.