The Fiery Wonderland of Autumn in the Qinling Mountains! The Colorful Forest Feast at Zhuque National Forest Park

As a travel blogger who has explored all over China, I can confidently say that the autumn colors of Zhuque National Forest Park are definitely an underrated secret in the Northwest region! From mid-October to early November, a visual feast lasting only 20 days is unfolding here.

Must-visit Highlights:
The Ice Crystal Peak at 3,015 meters elevation, where sea of clouds and colorful forests intertwine like a painting; by the Hanging Sky Waterfall, red leaves blaze like fire, beautifully contrasting with the water; the thousand-meter stone sea glows with a bronze sheen under the autumn sun, like a mysterious totem of nature.

Exclusive Route Recommendation:
Take the cable car up and hike through Longtanzi—Hanging Sky Waterfall—Longnü Pool—Alpine Meadows, about 4 hours in total. This route saves energy while capturing the core autumn scenery all at once.

Photography Tips:
The best time to shoot is from early morning to noon, when sunlight filters through the forest and the layers of colorful trees are fully revealed. It’s recommended to wear white or light-colored clothing to stand out against the golden background.

Practical Tips:
There are daily direct shuttle buses from Xi’an city to the park, and driving takes about 1.5 hours. The average price for guesthouses at the mountain base is around 200 yuan; staying overnight is recommended to experience the different forest light and shadows at dawn and dusk.

This autumn, wouldn’t it be a shame to miss out on the most intense colors of the Qinling Mountains at Zhuque? Follow me to unlock more hidden autumn color secrets!

Post by GaneshChaturthiOm | Oct 26, 2025