Autumn Scenery in Nanjiang 3-Day Guide

Secret Autumn Scenery in Nanjiang, Sichuan · 3 Days 2 Nights Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Guide (Budget 1500 RMB/person) 1. Why Choose Nanjiang in Autumn? ✔️ Asia's Largest Red Leaf Scenic Belt (Guangwu Mountain red leaf area reaches 580 square kilometers) ✔️ Rated as one of "China's Top Ten Autumn Sceneries" by China National Geography ✔️ A less crowded autumn viewing spot just 4 hours from Chengdu (avoid the crowds) ✔️ Best viewing period from late October to early November (golden autumn colorful forest + sea of clouds in one frame) 2. Itinerary Design 🚗 Recommended Transportation: Direct bus from Chengdu North Gate Station (98 RMB/person) or self-driving (fuel cost about 300 RMB) Day 1: Enter the Red Leaf Fairy Tale World • 07:00 Depart from Chengdu (recommended to choose the left window seat, excellent scenery along the way) • 12:00 Arrive at Nanjiang County, lunch recommended at "Huangyang Renjia" for sour soup yellow sheep meat (about 50 RMB/person) • 14:00 Head to Guangwu Mountain [Micang Mountain Scenic Area] (ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus 60 RMB) • Must-visit spots: Natural Gallery (corridor of red and yellow maple leaves), Xianglu Mountain Sea of Clouds Viewing Platform • 18:30 Check in at "Guangwu Mountain Homestay" inside the scenic area (200 RMB/night, red leaves visible from the window) Day 2: Secret Realm Hiking Day • 06:30 Early morning shoot of Shibayue Pool morning mist (additional 50 RMB ticket required) • 09:00 Easy hike at Heixiong Valley (5km wooden plank trail, streams and red leaves along the way) • 12:00 Farmhouse meal experience with firewood rice (recommended smoked meat stir-fried with bamboo shoots + wild vegetable soup) • 14:00 Explore Xiaowuxia Gorge (60 RMB ticket, boat ride through the red leaf canyon) • 17:00 Return to the county town to soak in "Guangwu Mountain Hot Springs" (88 RMB/person to relax) Day 3: Cultural Wrap-up • 08:00 Visit Nanjiang morning market (buy wild kiwifruit, hickory nuts) • 09:30 Visit the "Bashan Guerrilla Memorial Hall" (free) • 11:00 Return trip (can stop by Enyang Ancient Town to eat sesame cakes) 3. Budget Details (based on 2 people traveling together) 💰 Total Cost: about 3000 RMB (1500 RMB per person) Transportation: Bus 196 RMB + local carpool 200 RMB Accommodation: 400 RMB (2 nights farmhouse inn) Meals: 600 RMB (including 3 specialty meals) Tickets: 490 RMB (all attractions included) Others: 200 RMB (hot springs + local specialties) 4. Insider Tips 1️⃣ Photography advice: Bring a 70-200mm telephoto lens, best to shoot before 10 AM 2️⃣ Clothing guide: Sweatshirt + jacket during the day, thin down jacket needed in early morning and evening 3️⃣ Hidden activity: Ask the homestay owner to take you to pick wild chestnuts (October only) 4️⃣ Pitfall warning: Be cautious buying so-called "wild honey" in scenic spots, most are sugar water mixes 5. Alternative Plans ◾ If time allows, add 1 day to visit "Nuoshui River Caves" (1.5 hours drive from Nanjiang) ◾ Food lovers recommended to try "Changchi Sesame Cakes" and "Zhengzhi Crispy Pork" Autumn Color Rating: 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁 (5 stars full score, comparable to Kanas) This version highlights Nanjiang as a photography paradise, includes local life experiences and practical pitfall warnings, while keeping the budget reasonable.