Autumn at Shengtang Mountain is the closest colorful scroll to the sky

While other parts of Guangxi are just beginning to feel autumn, Shengtang Mountain in Jinxiu has already welcomed its most brilliant season. Hi, I’m Yunfeng, a hiking enthusiast. This place is known as the "Huangshan of Guangxi," and in autumn, Shengtang Mountain’s rich colors and spectacular sea of clouds offer a unique southern charm and mystery beyond Huangshan. At an elevation of 1,979 meters, this is the roof of Guangxi, where autumn arrives earlier and more intensely.

【“X days Y nights” detailed itinerary (hiking and sea of clouds viewing)】
Day 1: Arrive at Jinxiu County at noon, check in and acclimate to the altitude. In the afternoon, take a leisurely tour of Lotus Flower Mountain as a warm-up, experiencing Yao ethnic culture and the primeval forest. Rest early in the evening to reserve energy for the next day’s hike.
Day 2: The highlight day at Shengtang Mountain! Depart early morning and drive to the mountain gate. It’s recommended to take the cable car to the mid-mountain to save energy and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the autumn colors below. Then hike to the summit area to explore the sea of clouds, strange pines, and unique rocks. If you have the stamina and time, try to reach the top of Ma’an Peak. Descend in the afternoon and return to Jinxiu County.
Day 3: If you’re not ready to leave, visit Yinsan Park to see the world’s rare “living fossil” plant, the silver fir, before heading back.

【Autumn hiking highlights】
✅ Alpine multicolored forest: Due to the large altitude difference, the vertical vegetation zones are distinct. In autumn, colors transition from green at the foot to yellow, red, and brown at the summit, creating a strong layered effect like a 3D painting.
✅ Ever-changing sea of clouds: Autumn is the best season to admire the sea of clouds. Standing on the summit, watch the waves of clouds surge, with peaks appearing and disappearing, creating a dreamlike and spectacular scene.
✅ Unique stone peaks and strange rocks: Surrounded by thousand-year-old rhododendron forests, the stone peaks take on various shapes, such as the “Mountain Character Rock” and “Stone River,” which look even more majestic and peculiar with autumn colors.

【In-depth experience: walking above the sea of clouds】
Take the cable car slowly up as the world below shrinks, and the autumn colors in the valley look like a spilled palette. Step out of the cable car station and walk along the cliffside plank road, beside ancient twisted rhododendron trees whose leaves turn deep red and purple under the autumn frost. The most breathtaking moment comes when you reach a viewing platform, facing an endless sea of clouds, with white waves rolling beneath your feet and distant peaks like islands in the ocean. Sunlight pierces through the clouds, creating a sacred “Tyndall effect.” Walking along the plank road feels like strolling in the clouds. The air is crisp, scented with pine needles and autumn leaves, and every breath feels cleansing. This grandeur of being between heaven and earth is a unique gift of Shengtang Mountain in autumn.

【Practical tips】
✍🏻 The summit temperature is very low and windy; bring down jackets or thick outerwear.
✍🏻 Hiking consumes a lot of energy; bring enough high-calorie food and hot water. Supplies on the mountain are scarce and expensive.
✍🏻 Weather changes rapidly; fog can roll in instantly, reducing visibility to a few meters. Follow the route closely and stay safe.
✍🏻 Protect the fragile alpine environment; do not pick flowers or plants, and carry all trash down.
✍🏻 The best viewing period is from late October to late November.

This autumn, if you crave a self-challenging hiking trip with ultimate scenery, Shengtang Mountain will not disappoint you.