2025 Autumn Travel Guide: 5 Treasure Routes + Pitfall Avoidance Tips, with Photo Secrets

1. Northern Red Leaf Secret Spots: Less Crowds, Beautiful Scenery, Perfect for Photos (1) Hidden Gems Around Beijing The autumn colors at Gubei Water Town have reached their peak viewing period. The red leaves at Simatai Great Wall framed with the sea of clouds create a stunning autumn-exclusive scene. We recommend heading straight to Yinghua Academy’s ginkgo path early in the morning, where sunlight filters through the leaves casting dappled shadows—perfect for atmospheric photos. In the evening, visit Yangui Pier to capture the ancient town’s reflection; when the lights come on, it feels like traveling back a thousand years. Stay at Duanjia Courtyard Hot Spring B&B, with a Ctrip package for 799 RMB including breakfast for two and hot spring tickets to unwind after a day of exploring. Transportation is more convenient now, with a direct line from Dongzhimen taking 1.5 hours, and the newly added night bus for the red leaf season running until 9 PM, so night owls don’t have to rush. Wuling Mountain hides the “Little Switzerland” scenery of Beijing’s suburbs. Take the cable car to the summit at 2,118 meters elevation, where the forest dyed in autumn colors stretches to the horizon. If lucky, you might catch the rolling sea of clouds. At the foot of the mountain, the Deer Park lets you feed the deer and capture close-up interaction shots, full of healing vibes. Don’t miss the reservoir fish at Wuling Mountain Villa, and try the new chestnut chicken potstickers introduced in 2025. The cloud tents halfway up the mountain cost around 300 RMB per person; you can watch the sunrise lying down at 4 AM—perfect for the lazy traveler. (2) Lesser-Known Great Wall Alternatives To avoid the crowds at Badaling, Jinshanling Great Wall is an excellent choice. The section from Shalingkou to Houchuanlou is the most photogenic, with the afternoon sun casting beautiful layered shadows on the brick walls at 3 PM. This area is also drone-friendly, allowing you to capture breathtaking views surrounded by a sea of red leaves. Stay at the Hualougou guesthouse cluster, where for about 200 RMB per person you can enjoy private hot spring courtyards and soak under the stars at night. Don’t forget to buy a Great Wall maple leaf-themed cultural ice cream for both a snack and a photo op. 2. East China Healing Route: The Poetry of Ancient Towns and Springs (1) Off-Peak Trip to Shandong Autumn in Jinan is perfect for off-peak travel, with a 30% drop in visitors in October. Baotu Spring’s water level is the highest in five years, crystal clear like sapphire. Visit Baotu Spring Park between 7 and 9 AM for soft light and fewer people, then head to nearby Qushuiting Street for a big bowl of tea and crosstalk performances to experience old Jinan’s slow life. In the evening, check in at Lao She’s former residence to see the golden ginkgo wall; pair it with a dark coat for a full vintage vibe. Stay at Yinquan Boutique Hotel by Daming Lake, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake and morning mist. Qingzhou is a newly discovered hidden gem on Ctrip. In November, the maple leaves at Ouyuan turn fully red, and wearing Hanfu for photos feels like traveling back in time. Don’t miss the honey three-knives pastry from Longsheng Bakery, a famous old brand featured on CCTV; the Dongguan Street night market offers filling meals for just 30 RMB per person. Transportation is super convenient: a 40-minute high-speed train from Jinan to Qingzhou North Station, then a 10 RMB taxi to the ancient town. A tip: the ancient town’s stone slab roads are better navigated in chunky-heeled boots rather than flats—both stylish and stable. (2) Zaozhuang Taierzhuang Night The autumn nights at Taierzhuang Ancient Town hold surprises. The upgraded night cruise light show in 2025 has boosted Ctrip ratings to 4.9. Stay at the Waterhouse Peninsula Inn, where you can see rowboats passing by right outside your window and fall asleep to the sound of water. Early morning, visit Weishan Lake’s red lotus wetlands to see the snowy reeds; solo female travelers can book a free guide at the scenic area for safety and peace of mind. The corner tower of the West Gate city wall is a secret photo spot, offering panoramic shots without crowds—perfect for magazine-quality photos. 3. Southwest Secret Spots: The Clash of Colorful Forests and Snowy Mountains (1) Slow Life in Tengchong, Yunnan Tengchong offers niche experiences popular with young travelers. In this hot spring town surrounded by 99 volcanoes, you can stay in a private villa with a hot spring for about 70 RMB per person. The ginkgo village turns golden in October; in the early morning, scatter leaves under ancient trees for candid shots or stand under eaves to capture slow-motion falling leaves, creating a rich atmosphere. Outfit suggestions include a beige knit cardigan with a white inner layer, harmonizing with the ginkgo tones, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and style. (2) Limited Autumn at Daocheng Yading, Sichuan Autumn at Daocheng Yading is like a fairy tale. By Pearl Lake, you can photograph the reflection of Mount Xiannairi’s snowy peak; the most natural pose is standing sideways with your hand raised, gazing into the distance. On the meadows of Luorong Pasture, yaks dot the golden and snowy landscape, and wide-angle shots highlight the vastness. Outfit recommendations include a red fleece jacket for a striking contrast with the meadow and snow, making you stand out in photos; a light gray outdoor jacket is more practical for the plateau environment, keeping your look neat and not bulky. Remember to bring a thermos and heat packs, as the temperature difference between morning and night can reach 15°C. 4. Essential Autumn Travel Tips (1) Outfit Formulas and Photo Tips The Maillard color palette is the universal code for autumn outfits: brown + light coffee, red-brown + khaki are fail-safe choices. In northern red leaf areas, light-colored sweaters paired with red scarves are recommended; in southern ancient towns, light-colored qipaos or khaki trench coats work well. When photographing maple leaves, pick a fallen leaf for foreground blur; for portraits, use a low angle to include the sky and colorful forest, emphasizing the feeling of “walking in a painting.” (2) Pitfall Avoidance and Money-Saving Tips Remember the new autumn travel rules for 2025: some scenic spots in Beijing and Shandong require advance electronic ticket reservations on Ctrip, recommended 3 days ahead. Search “Shandong Autumn Colors” on the Ctrip app to get limited-time hotel coupons, tested to save 20%; members booking Shanxi scenic tickets can earn double points. Large temperature differences are common in autumn; layering a thin down jacket with a knit skirt keeps you warm without compromising photo aesthetics. (3) Best Time Reference The best viewing period for northern red leaf areas (Beijing, Jinshanling) is October 20 to November 5; Shandong ancient towns (Jinan, Qingzhou) are good from October to November; southwest secret spots (Tengchong, Daocheng) have peak autumn colors from mid-September to early October. Avoid weekends for a better experience and more affordable accommodation. Autumn’s beauty is fleeting—keep this guide handy, pick a destination, and set off. Whether it’s the grandeur of the red leaf Great Wall or the gentle charm of ancient towns and springs, these will be hits on your social feed. Remember to stock up on packages on Ctrip before you go, bring your camera and good mood, and enjoy this autumn rendezvous.