Asia's largest red leaf scenic area is hidden in Sichuan! Not many people know about it

If you're looking for a place that will captivate you at first sight for autumn viewing, Guangwu Mountain must be on your list! Although it's not a fairy tale world, it's even more enchanting than one—as the "Asia's longest natural red carpet," 680 square kilometers of red leaf forests cover the mountains and fields, so beautiful that even CCTV recommends it!

📷 In a nutshell: Jiuzhaigou is famous for its water, Guangwu for its mountains. If you haven't seen both these mountain and water wonders, you haven't truly been to Sichuan!

✨ Why must you visit Guangwu Mountain?

- 🍁 It is Asia's largest red leaf viewing area, nearly half the size of Beijing, with a breathtaking scale!

- 🕒 The red leaf viewing period lasts 30 days (mid-October to mid-November), giving you plenty of time to catch the best scenery.

- 🌈 The red leaf forest layers red, yellow, orange, and green like someone spilled a palette 🎨; every photo you take can be a wallpaper-worthy masterpiece!

- 🚗 Very convenient transportation: about 6 hours driving from Chengdu, only 4.5 hours from Xi’an; if you don’t want to drive, you can take the high-speed train and then transfer to a bus easily~

🌳 Guangwu Mountain’s three major scenic areas guide

⚠️ Important reminder: Tickets for the three scenic areas must be purchased separately, and they are visited independently. Don’t mix them up!

1️⃣ Micang Mountain National Forest Park｜🌟 Must-visit TOP1! The core essence of the scenic area

- 🎫 Tickets: 90 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 60 RMB/person, cable car 150 RMB/person (buying combo tickets offers better value)

- ✨ Core attractions checklist:

- 🖼️ Natural Gallery: Step into a real-life oil painting! Straight colorful forests block the sky, and when sunlight filters through the leaves, it feels like entering a fairyland 🌫️, perfect for stunning photos 📸.

- 🐻 Black Bear Gully: The stream flows gently, red leaves reflect in the water, creating an immersive atmosphere! Standing on the bridge for photos is absolutely beautiful, perfect for autumn masterpieces 📷.

- 🌄 Xianglu Mountain: Take the cable car up to overlook the entire red leaf-covered forest; the layered colors are spectacular! If lucky, you might see a sea of clouds rolling, like being in a fairyland ☁️.

- 🚗 Recommended route: Take the sightseeing bus into the park → photo at the Natural Gallery → stroll through Black Bear Gully → take the cable car up Xianglu Mountain (depending on the weather)

- ⏰ Plan a full day! For an immersive autumn experience, this is the top choice!

2️⃣ Guangwu Mountain Tourist Area (Taoyuan Scenic Area)｜🧗‍♀️ For hiking adventure lovers

- 🎫 Peak season ticket: 108 RMB/person (includes sightseeing bus)

- ✨ Highlights:

- Here you’ll find karst peaks decorated with red leaves; scenic spots like Sandao Pass, Qinv Peak, and Swallow Ridge have steep terrain and are often shrouded in mist, resembling a mysterious martial arts movie setting!

- The red leaves intertwine with strange rocks and canyons, creating a mysterious and deep atmosphere, perfect for exploration.

- 📌 Tips:

- Requires good physical fitness due to many mountain trails, suitable for hiking enthusiasts.

- If your schedule is tight (only 1-2 days), prioritize Micang Mountain and skip this area!

3️⃣ Shibayue Pool｜💧 A perfect blend of poetic water scenery and red leaves

- 🎫 Tickets: 55 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 10 RMB/person

- ✨ Highlights:

- In a 3.5 km long valley, there are 18 emerald pools, each surrounded by red leaves, like emeralds set in autumn forests 💎, fresh and poetic scenery.

- The route goes downhill from top to bottom, making it easy and effortless to walk, ideal for families with children or “lazy” tourists who don’t want to get too tired!

- 🚗 Note⚠️: Shibayue Pool is about 1 hour’s drive from Micang Mountain and requires a separate half-day visit.

📅 Best autumn viewing time: mid-late October to early-mid November