Guangwu Mountain Red Leaf Photography Guide: 680 Square Kilometers of Red Carpet, Off-Peak Spots + Lighting
by Ivy654~King
Oct 19, 2025
📍Address: Northern Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province (Southern foothills of Micangshan Mountain)
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✨ Scenic Spot Highlights
🏞️ Natural Ecological Treasure Trove:
Micangshan National Forest Park is located on the southern foothills of Micangshan Mountain in the Qinba Mountains (Qinling-Daba Mountains). It covers an area of 40,155 hectares with a forest coverage rate as high as 97.3%, making it a veritable natural oxygen bar. It boasts 88 scenic spots, including 74 natural landscapes and 14 cultural landscapes, combining the beauty of Huangshan, the strangeness of Wuling, the elegance of Emei, the tranquility of Qingcheng, and the grandeur of Jianmen.
🍁 Autumn Red Leaf Spectacle:
Micangshan is known as the "Kingdom of Red Leaves," with the most striking feature being its Fagus lucida (Chinese Beech) primeval forest, covering approximately 4,000 hectares, making it the largest preserved primeval Fagus lucida forest in the world. There are over 400 species of red-leaf trees here. Mid-October to mid-November each year is the best time to admire the red leaves, when the mountains are ablaze with color and the forests are dyed crimson, presenting a magnificent sight.
🗺️ Three Major Scenic Area Features:
1️⃣Mouyangcheng Scenic Area: Vast forests, where you can admire thousands of acres of red leaves and rare plants; aerial zipline across Lianli Peak, and rafting on Jiaojia River.
2️⃣Shibayue Tan Scenic Area: Rich water bodies, cascading waterfalls and pools, rising rainbows, known as the "Hundred-Mile Gallery."
3️⃣Wanzishan Scenic Area: Primitive and rustic, with countless ravines; explore Shilingou and traverse Luosigu.
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🗓️ Best Visiting Season
Season | Featured Landscape | Recommended Activities
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Spring | Wildflowers in full bloom | Flower viewing, hiking
Summer | Cool retreat | Landscape sightseeing, waterfall viewing
Autumn | Mountains ablaze with red🍁 | Red leaf viewing, photography
Winter | Rime and snow scenery | Snow viewing, rime appreciation
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🚗 Transportation Guide
📍 Geographical Location:
· East and North: Borders Nanjiang County, Shaanxi Province
· South: Borders Shaba Township, Guanba Township, Zhaipo Township, and Yangba Town in Nanjiang County
· West: Borders Wangcang County, Guangyuan City
🚗 Self-driving Routes:
· North Route: Enter from Hanzhong City via Tieluba Mountain Gate, approximately 60 kilometers.
· South Route: Enter from Bazhong City via Chenjiashan, approximately 136 kilometers.
· West Route: Enter from Guangyuan City via Chenjiashan, approximately 216 kilometers.
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🗺️ Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Essential Tour:
South Gate → Mouyangcheng Scenic Area (admire red leaves, view rare plants) → Shibayue Tan (enjoy waterfall and pool landscapes) → Return
Two-Day In-depth Tour:
· Day 1: Mouyangcheng Scenic Area → Shibayue Tan Scenic Area (stay overnight near the scenic area)
· Day 2: Wanzishan Scenic Area → Micang Ancient Road (experience historical culture) → Return
Red Leaf Special Tour:
Wangcang Yanjinghe Grand Canyon → Longtan Gorge → Qili Gorge (admire red leaf landscapes covering an area of 66.7 square kilometers)
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🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours
🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day
🎫 Ticket Information: Please check the official website or authorized platforms for specific ticket prices.
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🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
· Accommodation within the scenic area: Simple accommodation facilities are available near each scenic spot.
· Wangcang County Town: More hotel options with complete facilities.
· Specialty B&Bs: Wangcang County has developed over 40 specialty B&Bs.
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🍜 Food Recommendations
· Local farm dishes: Taste authentic Northeastern Sichuan flavors.
· Mountain specialties: Seasonal wild vegetables and delicacies.
· Wangcang specialty snacks: Local characteristic foods worth trying.
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📸 Photography Guide
1️⃣ Best Time: Late October to early November, with the best light in the early morning and late afternoon.
2️⃣ Classic Photo Spots:
· Gucheng Mountain: Two cylindrical mountains, resembling a pair of giant heavenly drums emerging from a vast forest.
· Shibayue Tan: The sound of flowing waterfalls emanates from Pearl Gully, where the "Eighteen Pools of the Moon" are located, often described as "people only know Jiuzhaigou, but not the eighteen moon-like pools."
· Qili Gorge: Cascading waterfalls are connected throughout the gorge, with rare plants like Fagus lucida and Taxus chinensis growing all over the mountains.
3️⃣ Equipment Suggestions: Wide-angle lens, tripod, polarizing filter.
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💫 Travel Tips
1️⃣ Best Season: Autumn (mid-October to mid-November) is the most beautiful season in Micangshan.
2️⃣ Pre-trip Preparation:
· Mountain weather is changeable, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing and rain gear.
· Wear non-slip shoes, as some trails are quite steep.
· Prepare enough water and snacks.
3️⃣ Special Festivals:
· Wangcang Red Leaf Season: Held annually from late October to mid-November.
· Activities include Red Leaf Culture Week, photographer excursions, and hiking adventures.
4️⃣ Nearby Attractions:
· Guangwu Mountain: Echoes Micangshan National Forest Park.
· China Red Army City: A red tourism attraction in Wangcang.
· Micangshan Grand Canyon: A natural masterpiece carved by nature.
5️⃣ Photography Tips:
· Service and support mechanisms have been established at red leaf viewing spots, with photographers stationed to provide follow-up shooting services.
· Easily capture wonderful moments.
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Micangshan National Forest Park, this beautiful place known as the "Kingdom of Red Leaves," awaits you to climb high, admire the autumn leaves, and experience the perfect blend of nature and culture! 🌟 Quickly save this guide and start your autumn journey to Micangshan! ✨
Post by Oliver.Hughes@73 | Oct 24, 2025
















