Miss it and wait a whole year! The 3-day 2-night self-driving guide for the Miyaluo Red Leaf Season is here
by Penelope_Bennett14
Oct 19, 2025
Autumn Colors in Miyaluo|Four Days and Three Nights, Enter the Most Spectacular Red Leaf Secret Realm in Western Sichuan
When the autumn wind ignites the mountains along the upper Min River, Miyaluo in Lixian becomes China’s largest red leaf scenic area—3,000 square kilometers of forest appear set ablaze by heavenly fire, with layers of red, orange, yellow, and green spreading out, reflected in the clear streams, as if the entire autumn palette has been spilled. This is a kingdom of colorful forests more tranquil than Jiuzhaigou and more magnificent than Xiangshan, a visual feast exclusively for self-driving travelers quietly unfolding under the golden sun of the plateau.
Day 1: Chengdu → Lixian (Stay in Lixian County Town)  
Head north along the Du-Wen Expressway, driving through the gorge where maple and birch trees gradually change color on both sides. Arrive in Lixian by evening and check into a Tibetan-style hotel (about 300 RMB/night). For dinner, be sure to try Qiang-style cured meat stir-fried with wild vegetables and sour cabbage potato soup—smoky and rich, warming to the heart.
Day 2: Miyaluo Core Scenic Area → Eagle Beak Rock Viewing Platform (Stay in Miyaluo Town)  
Explore the [Miyaluo Red Leaf Scenic Area] (entrance fee 60 RMB), stroll along the boardwalk through the red clouds, with babbling streams and rustling fallen leaves. Climb [Eagle Beak Rock] to overlook the Zagunao River winding like a jade belt through the forest, with mountains on both sides burning like flames—every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy scenery. Stay overnight in the town, sip a bowl of steaming butter tea, and fall asleep to the mountain breeze.
Day 3: Bipenggou Light Hiking → Gergou Hot Springs Healing  
Early morning visit to the “Little Jiuzhaigou” [Bipenggou] (entrance + shuttle bus 145 RMB), pass through primeval forest, see snow-capped mountains reflected in lakes, and colorful forests like brocade on Panyang Ridge. In the evening, head to [Gergou Hot Springs] (entrance fee 120 RMB), soak in the steaming hot water under the starry sky to wash away fatigue, and stay at a specialty hot spring hotel (about 380 RMB/night).
Day 4: Return to Chengdu, Stop by Taoping Qiang Village for Exploration  
On the way, visit the thousand-year-old [Taoping Qiang Village], with its maze-like stone house alleys and ancient water supply system, telling the wisdom and resilience of the Qiang people. Return to Chengdu in the afternoon, full of autumn memories.
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💰 Budget Reference (Per Person)  
- Transportation fuel + tolls: about 600 RMB (carpooling saves more)  
- Accommodation (3 nights): about 1060 RMB  
- Meals (80 RMB/day × 4): 320 RMB  
- Entrance fees + hot springs: 325 RMB  
- Total: about 2300 RMB
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In Miyaluo’s autumn,  
you stand on the mountaintop, watching the entire valley rise like blazing flames;  
you walk along leaf-carpeted paths, hearing the heartbeat of nature.
For less than 3,000 RMB,  
you can have a dream about color and freedom—  
here is the soul of the mountains, the spirit of autumn,  
and you, in this season,  
deeply embraced by Western Sichuan.
🔥 This autumn, don’t wait for the red leaves to fall,  
set off for Miyaluo and live a golden dream.
Post by Flavors Abound | Oct 23, 2025














