Ziwuling Autumn Photography Guide
Ziwuling Autumn Travel Guide: Encounter the Golden Secret of the Loess Plateau
Ziwuling, spanning Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, is a rare original secondary forest area on the Loess Plateau. Every autumn, the forests are dyed in layers of color, with red leaves like fire and yellow leaves like gold, resembling a natural oil painting. If you plan to visit this secret place in autumn, this guide will help you enjoy the most beautiful autumn scenery of Ziwuling!
📅 Best Time to Enjoy Autumn
Mid-October to early November (depending on the climate each year). During this period, the deciduous broadleaf forests of Ziwuling (such as birch, maple, and oak) reach their peak viewing time, with vibrant colors and rich autumn atmosphere.
🚗 Recommended Itinerary (2-3 days)
🌄 Day 1: Zhengning Diaolingguan Forest Park (Qin Straight Road Hiking + Autumn Photography)
Morning: Arrive at Diaolingguan Forest Park, the core scenic area of Ziwuling, where the autumn colors are most spectacular.
Afternoon: Hike the Qin Straight Road (an ancient military route), where golden birch forests, fiery red maples, and lush pines intertwine—every shot is a masterpiece.
Evening: Stay at a forest homestay or return to Zhengning County town to enjoy local farmhouse dishes (recommended: Longdong native chicken, buckwheat noodles).
🏞 Day 2: Huachi Shuangta Forest Park (Ancient Tower Autumn Charm + Forest Walk)
Morning: Head to Shuangta Forest Park to explore the Song Dynasty stone twin towers. Climb up for a panoramic view of Ziwuling’s autumn scenery.
Afternoon: Stroll along forest trails and immerse yourself in the poetic scene of “every tree is autumn-colored, every mountain bathed in sunset glow.”
Evening: Return or venture deeper into Ziwuling’s heartland (such as Lianjiabian or Wutingzi Village).
⛺ Day 3 (Optional): Camping and Stargazing at Ziwuling Main Peak
If time permits, camp at Ziwuling’s main peak to enjoy the highland starry sky at night and watch the sea of clouds sunrise in the morning.
📸 Must-Visit Autumn Spots
Diaolingguan Qin Straight Road — Golden birch forests alongside the ancient road blend history with autumn colors.
Shuangta Autumn Charm — Song Dynasty ancient towers nestled among red leaves, full of ancient style.
Wutingzi Village — A primitive village where you can experience farmhouse autumn drying (corn, chili peppers, etc.) during harvest season.
Lianjiabian Forest Farm — Less crowded and beautiful scenery, perfect for deep hiking.
🍁 Autumn Travel Tips
✅ Clothing Guide: Around 10-15℃, with large temperature differences between morning and evening. It is recommended to wear a windproof jacket plus warm inner layers.
✅ Photography Tips: Early morning and dusk light are best; drone aerial shots are even more stunning.
✅ Transportation:
Self-driving (recommended): About 4-5 hours from Lanzhou or Xi’an.
Public transport: Take a bus to Zhengning or Huachi, then charter a car to the scenic spots.
✅ Accommodation: Forest homestays near Diaolingguan, county hotels in Zhengning or Huachi.
✅ Food Recommendations: Longdong hot pot, buckwheat noodles, wild vegetables, native honey.
🎯 Nearby Autumn Excursions
Qingyang Beishiku Temple (World Cultural Heritage, autumn colors complement the grottoes)
Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall (red tourism + autumn scenery)
Zhouzu Mausoleum Forest Park (Qingyang’s “Little Huashan,” pleasant autumn colors)
📌 Conclusion
Autumn in Ziwuling is the most splendid season on the Loess Plateau. Whether hiking ancient roads, photographing autumn colors, or experiencing farmhouse life, here you can escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature’s gifts.
🍂 This autumn, let’s go to Ziwuling and encounter the most beautiful golden secret!