The Most Beautiful Autumn Scenery in Southeast Shanxi

Shanxi Changzhi's early autumn cool guide🍁, the small city in September is unbelievably beautiful! This 2-day travel guide helps you avoid the crowds and enjoy a 20℃ wellness holiday~

🛤️DAY 1: Mountain and Water Secret Healing Route
📍[Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon] (Qiaoshang Township, Huguan County)
The canyon is covered with colorful forests in early autumn. It is recommended to enter the park before 8 a.m. to avoid crowds. The most stunning spot is the "Baquan Gorge" with its emerald green pools, which look like a jade necklace from an aerial view!

📍[Hongdou Gorge] (Qiaoshang Township, Huguan County)
A romantic gorge reachable by a 15-minute walk. September is the wild red bean ripening season, and the quiet mountain path is only accompanied by the rustling sound of wind blowing through the leaves~

🏡 Recommended overnight stay: Canyon cliff guesthouse "Yunqi Inn," with panoramic glass rooms where you can lie down and watch the stars. Remember to book at least one week in advance!

🛤️DAY 2: Ancient Architecture and Cultural Leisure Route
📍[Faxing Temple] (Danzhu Town, Changzi County)
A little-known Tang Dynasty ancient temple almost exclusively reserved for visitors. The Song Dynasty colored sculptures in the Yuanjue Hall are breathtaking. The caretaker will enthusiastically explain the stories behind the statues.

📍[Chongqing Temple] (Ziyun Mountain, Changzi County)
A Northern Song Dynasty national treasure temple hidden deep in the mountains. Remember to bring a telephoto lens! The micro-expressions of the Eighteen Arhats, including their eyelashes, are clearly visible.

🍜 Must-try surprises:
• Wild shiitake mushroom stewed with native chicken at the canyon farmhouse
• "Zheng Ji Donkey Meat Pancake" in Changzi County, freshly baked pancakes rolled with donkey meat
• "Luzhou Banquet" in Changzhi city, featuring Taihang Mountain delicacies

💡 Tips:
1️⃣ Big temperature difference in September, bring a windproof jacket
2️⃣ Ancient temples require cash for tickets (10-20 RMB)
3️⃣ The grand canyon combo ticket includes a sightseeing bus for easier travel

This underrated small city in Shanxi hides ancient architecture more tranquil than Wutai Mountain and mountain waters more vibrant than Jiuzhaigou~