Qinhe Canyon Self-Drive｜Enter the Autumn Gallery of Southeast Shanxi

Hidden gem alert! The Qinhe Grand Canyon in the Taihang Mountains of Southeast Shanxi is definitely the ultimate autumn wild charm spot treasured by self-driving enthusiasts! 🌄 Red rocks, clear water, colorful forests, ancient villages—80 kilometers of pristine natural scenery with zero entrance fee, so beautiful it leaves you speechless!

🔥 Must-see highlights along the way:
1️⃣ 🍁 Ten miles of blazing maple forest! In the Lizhai Township section of Zezhou, the cliffside road is lined with sumac and fiery red maple leaves! Park and step right into a free red leaf tunnel!
2️⃣ 💦 Emerald Gorge and Heilongtan! The emerald-green Qinhe River cuts through a hundred-meter red rock canyon, and around the bend you’ll find a jade-colored deep pool. Park and walk down to the water’s edge—absolutely stunning!
3️⃣ 🏡 Cliffside ancient village at the bottom of Qinhe! Near Motan Village in Yangcheng, a stone village clings to a steep cliff, with corn and chili peppers drying in the autumn sun. The rustic life vibe × wild beauty is a knockout!
4️⃣ 🌉 Thousand-year-old Tiku Ancient Trail! At the cliff of Nanyang Village in Qinshui, deep horse hoof prints from Qing Dynasty merchant caravans are embedded in the stone path. Step on history and listen to the autumn wind passing through~

Hardcore self-drive tips:
- 🧭 Route: Jincheng → Navigate to “Lizhai Township” (red leaves) → “Motan Village” (canyon + ancient village) → “Nanyang Village” (Tiku Ancient Trail) → Duanshi Town
- 🛣️ Road conditions: paved mountain roads + narrow dirt roads, SUV preferred! Some cliffside turns are sharp, beginners please be cautious!
- ⏰ Duration: 80 km total, 5-6 hours for sightseeing and photography
- 📆 Best time: Late October to mid-November! Forests ablaze with color, water crystal clear
- 🍗 Supplies: Bring your own snacks! Village shops are scarce
- ⚠️ Must know:
→ Download offline maps in advance! Signal is weak in the mountains
→ Protect the environment! Do not litter
→ Livestock roam freely in ancient villages, do not disturb villagers

💥 An autumn rhapsody on wheels! Few people, wild scenery, and free entry—Southeast Shanxi’s most hardcore self-drive route at full speed!