The Ultimate Secret Spot for Autumn Maple Viewing | Mid-October to Mid-November is the Golden Season for Fall Foliage

In-Depth Travel Guide to Micang Mountain National Forest Park

Micang Mountain National Forest Park, as the core scenic area of Guangwu Mountain, is famous for being the "largest red leaf viewing area in Asia." The 680-square-kilometer colorful forest intertwined with unique peaks and sea of clouds offers a visual feast exclusive to autumn. This guide helps you precisely unlock the secret landscapes and practical tips.

1. Core Information at a Glance
Best Travel Time
- Peak Foliage Period: October 25 to November 10, when the red leaves reach the "layered forest dyed" stage, with red, yellow, orange, and green blending into a stunning painting.
- Viewing Period Coverage: From mid-October to mid-November, lasting 30 days, you can experience three stages of scenery: "colorful brilliance - layered forest dyed - falling leaves."
Tickets and Transportation
- Ticket Info: Entrance fee is 90 RMB per person, sightseeing bus 60 RMB per person (must buy, as attractions are scattered), Xianglu Mountain cable car 150 RMB per person; combo ticket 260 RMB includes entrance, cable car, and sightseeing bus, offering better value.

2. Transportation Guide
Self-Driving
- From Chengdu: Take the Chengba Expressway, 4-6 hours direct, navigate to "Micang Mountain National Forest Park Visitor Center."
- From Xi’an: About 4.5 hours by car via Yinkun Expressway.
- From Chongqing: A 2.5-day trip can include a rest in Bazhong, then head directly to the scenic area the next day.
Public Transport
- High-speed train + bus: Chengdu/Xi’an → Hanzhong Station → transfer to direct scenic area shuttle bus (2 hours) to the park.
- Bus: From Chengdu North Gate Bus Station → Nanjiang Bus Station (5 hours), then transfer to a shuttle bus to Guangwu Mountain Town (1.5 hours), finally take a taxi to the park entrance (under 10 RMB).

3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Xianglu Mountain
The highest point in the park; after taking the cable car to the top, you can overlook the vast colorful forest. Early morning often offers a fairyland scene of "red leaves + sea of clouds" in one frame. The summit is windy with large temperature differences, so bring a thick jacket. The viewing platform is an excellent spot for photography.
2. Heixiong Valley
A hiking-friendly spot where the babbling creek reflects fiery autumn leaves. The small bridge by the creek is a perfect photo prop. When sunlight filters through the branches, the water sparkles, ideal for atmospheric photos and slow-motion videos.
3. Natural Gallery
Straight colorful forests block the sky, with sunlight creating dappled shadows. Walking inside feels like stepping into a real-life oil painting, a must-visit for photo shoots.
4. Lesser-Known Secret Spots
- Mouyang Ancient City: Ruins hidden among red leaves, combining historical atmosphere with autumn scenery, perfect for photos in Hanfu (traditional clothing).
- Daxiao Lan Valley: Few people and dense red leaves, with a strong primitive forest vibe, ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying the beauty alone.
- Daba Forest Farm: Golden larch leaves paired with red maples create a fairy tale world; even casual roadside shots are wallpaper-worthy.

4. Accommodation Recommendations
Inside the Park
- Advantages: Close to attractions, saves commuting time, red leaves visible from the window.
- Recommended: Red Leaf Hotel (convenient but pricier), Micang Mountain homestays in Tieluba Village/Daba Forest Farm (with courtyards, 5-minute walk to the park shuttle stop, 200-400 RMB/night).
Outside the Park
- Guangwu Mountain Town: Many hotel options with good value (150-250 RMB/night), night markets and barbecue available in the evening, 10-minute drive to the park entrance.
- Nanjiang County Town: Recommended Nanjiang Golden Goose Hotel (3-star, 200+ RMB/night), Guangwu Mountain Taoyuan Hotel (well-equipped), suitable for budget travelers or those preferring urban amenities.

5. Must-Try Foods
- Nanjiang Yellow Goat Soup Hotpot: The top choice to warm up in autumn and winter, tender and fresh goat meat without gamey taste, dipped in special chili sauce for excellent flavor, about 60 RMB per person for a full meal.
- Wild Mushroom Hotpot: Fresh ingredients, delicious broth, showcasing mountain forest flavors.
- Specialty Meat Dishes: Salted vegetables with pork belly, cured ribs, sausages, braised wild duck, homemade farmhouse flavors; cured meat can be vacuum-packed as souvenirs.
- Homestyle Flavors: Stir-fried bamboo shoots with meat (crisp and tender), radish pickles (farmhouse side dish), wild vegetable cakes (5 RMB for 2, sweet or savory options, great as snacks).