The best season of golden autumn in Jinzhai, Anhui has arrived

Jinzhai County is located in the heart of the Dabie Mountains. Within the county, an 800-li "China Hongling Highway" connects various mountain and water scenic spots in this mountainous county. The autumn foliage is stunning, making it a perfect time for a self-driving tour. Here is a two-day, one-night itinerary for you to check out.

📍Recommended route:
Day 1: Lianhua Mountain Viewing Platform, Lu’an West Tea Valley Theme Park, West Tea Valley Boat Tour, Swallow River Grand Canyon.
Day 2: Tiantangzhai Scenic Area, "China Hongling Highway" Mazongling section, Martin Waterfall Qinglong Pool.

1️⃣ Lianhua Mountain: One of the highlights of the "China Hongling Highway," the winding mountain roads look especially spectacular from an aerial perspective. You can also go skiing here in winter.
2️⃣ Lu’an West Tea Valley Theme Park: This is a large tea plantation of Lu’an Guapian tea by the water, with wooden boardwalks suitable for light hiking. There is now a trendy coffee shop called Anxiang Momo Tea, blending tea and coffee, perfect for photos and social media check-ins.
3️⃣ West Tea Valley Boat Dock: A newly developed boat route where you can enjoy the mountain and water scenery along the way from the boat. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes and is an excellent choice for relaxation.
4⃣️ Swallow River Grand Canyon: The canyon is about 4.8 km long. The first half features river valley scenery, and the second half offers beautiful waterfall views. Breathe fresh air and immerse yourself in the mountains and waters—an ideal spot for autumn hiking.
5⃣️ Tiantangzhai: One of the main peaks of the Dabie Mountains, with the highest peak at 1,729.13 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take the cable car to the top first. On clear days, you can see the sea of clouds, surrounding peaks, and endless primeval forest.
For the return trip, you can get off at the middle station and hike down the mountain, passing waterfalls with drops ranging from 30 to 80 meters.
6⃣️ "China Hongling Highway" Mazongling section: Another highlight checkpoint on this highway. The vast red leaves in autumn are spectacular. There is a parking area nearby for sightseeing during your self-driving trip.
7⃣️ Martin Waterfall Qinglong Pool: A newly popular scenic spot on the Martin section of the "China Hongling Highway." This large waterfall has a high drop and strong water flow. There is also a viewing platform and photo spot nearby, making it a great place to rest and enjoy during your self-driving tour.

🏨 Accommodation recommendation: Xiaqing Jinzhuwan
This boutique guesthouse consists of wooden villas with great privacy, blending perfectly with the valley streams and ancient trees. Not only is it comfortable to stay in, but hiking in the nearby mountains is also excellent. The rooms are equipped with DS hairdryers, and the toiletries are of high standard.

Post by ANNA RAY | Oct 23, 2025