Red Leaves Valleyหุบเขาใบไม้แดง เมือง Jinan

Red Leaves Valley #Jinan #RedLeafValley(AAAA) (22/10/2015)
🍁This mountainous area is home to a large number of wild Cotinus trees. During autumn, the leaves of these trees turn a vibrant red, turning the entire mountain red.
Beautiful (mid-October to late October)

Get there: Bus No. 65, 29, or 88
Travel time: Bus No. 65 takes approximately 2 hours
(Bus No. 29 or 88 requires walking or taking a taxi from the bus stop to the mountain entrance.) Personally, I don't recommend taking the bus. The area is quite rural, and language barriers can be difficult. (But the people are lovely and kind and tried their best to help us. ❤️)
We went as a couple, a husband and wife. We took a taxi there for 74 yuan. On the way back, the taxi driver advised us to use "Diti" to reserve a pick-up time so we wouldn't have to pay too much. (If you call at the tourist attraction, the return trip will cost around 300-400 yuan.)
🍁We had 2 hours (I recommend 4-5 hours, as it's very pleasant and full of activities). However, the two of us had to go to Qingtongshan Canyon Scenic-Plank, which is about 10 kilometers further in. We quickly bought tickets for 100 yuan per person and decided to purchase the cable car for an additional 40 yuan per person (due to limited time).
🍁A must-see attraction is to climb up the pagoda tower, which offers 360-degree views.
🍁On the way down, we can ride the water slide down, which is a real thrill. (I've attached a photo.)
🍁There's a tulip field (the flowers change seasonally) and a cherry blossom viewing spot. We didn't stop there because we were afraid we wouldn't make it in time.
🍁There's boating, a lake tour, and much more. Too many to list.
🍁I've attached a photo of the helpful and friendly ticket seller at the entrance. My sister recommended a taxi for us to take us back.
🍁 We arrived at 10:00 AM with an appointment at 12:00 PM. Upon arrival, we showed up at the ticket booth and she quickly walked out to give us some advice.
🍁 We agreed on a taxi at the ticket booth, and the staff member gave us excellent advice. Even though we used Google Maps to communicate, it took about 30 minutes to understand each other. 😅
But the staff were lovely and tried their best to help us.
In the end, we paid 240 yuan for a taxi from the first stop, #RedLeafValley, to the second stop, Qingtongshan Canyon Scenic Area, where they waited for us for another 3 hours. Each stop closed around 5:00 PM. We found a taxi at 4:30 PM, and they drove us right to our hotel in Jinan. 🗓️ Trip Planning: It was a great value for us. 🥰 #Jinan #TravelChina