Wuyuan's Famous Autumn Scene: Encounter the Poetry and Fireworks of China's Most Beautiful Countryside

🍁Morning mist lingers, red maples blaze like fire, and the white walls and black tiles are dotted with the colors of harvest.

🎨It is said that autumn in Wuyuan is like a spilled palette. Only when you stand in front of the village where morning mist and red leaves intertwine will you understand what a "painting-like countryside" truly means.

🍂Shicheng Red Maples
💰Tickets: Single attraction ticket 60 RMB, or purchase the Wuyuan Scenic Area 11-attraction 5-day pass for adults at 180 RMB
⏰Best time: Early November to early December, mid to late November is the peak period
✨Highlights: Early morning mist and cooking smoke intertwine, over a hundred century-old maple trees tower into the clouds, sunlight passes through the fog creating a stunning Tyndall effect. Cheng Village and Dai Village are key spots for photography.
💡Tip: Arrive at the viewing platform before 6 AM to secure a spot, bring a telephoto lens to capture details.

🌶️Huangling Autumn Drying
💰Tickets: Ticket + round-trip cable car for adults 139 RMB
⏰Best time: Autumn drying (early August to mid-December), maple leaves (early November to mid-December)
✨Highlights: Year-round autumn drying scenes, the red of chili peppers, yellow of corn, and orange of pumpkins spread out among Hui-style architecture. Recommended spots include the drying workshop and Wugui Hall viewing platform.
💡Tip: Avoid weekend crowds; night tours offer the "Legend of the Flower Goddess" performance.

🍁Changxi Village
💰Tickets: Free
⏰Best time: Mid to late November
✨Highlights: A more pristine ancient village, the hillside behind the village offers panoramic views of red maples blending with Hui-style buildings, perfect for visitors who enjoy tranquility.
💡Tip: You can carpool or hike from Shicheng to Changxi; hiking takes about 3-4 hours, partly on stone paths.

📅Itinerary
🌅Day 1: Huangling Autumn Drying + Nearby Ancient Villages
- Morning: Huangling Drying Workshop, Leixin Bridge
- Afternoon: Choose between Qingyuan Ancient Village (free) or Likeng (ticket 60 RMB)

🌄Day 2: Shicheng Red Maples + Changxi Village
- Early morning: Photograph morning mist and red leaves at Shicheng
- Afternoon: Head to Changxi Village, stroll through ancient village alleys

🧳Practical Tips
🚗Transportation: Attractions are scattered; chartering a car is most convenient. The "Wuyuan Tourist Bus" from the high-speed rail station to Huangling costs about 15 RMB per person.
🏡Accommodation: Choose Huangling Autumn Drying boutique stays (including cable car tickets) or Shicheng village homestays (convenient for photographing morning mist).
🍽️Food: Must-try dishes include fermented tofu, steamed pork with rice flour, Qingming rice cakes, and steamed cakes. Restaurants in the county town offer better value than those in scenic areas.
⚠️Avoid: Be cautious with "farmhouse restaurants" at scenic area entrances, do not buy tea in the scenic areas. A guide is not necessarily needed for hiking from Shicheng to Changxi.