Guangwu Mountain: Autumn Exclusive · A Magical Journey to China’s No.1 Red Leaf Mountain

When the first autumn breeze sweeps across the foot of Micang Mountain at the Sichuan-Shaanxi border, Guangwu Mountain quietly dons a colorful robe of clouds. This place is not only certified by "Chinese National Geography" as "China’s No.1 Red Leaf Mountain," but also a natural secret realm combining karst wonders, primeval forests, and ancient Shu Road culture. From mid-October to mid-November, 680 square kilometers of red leaves spread like flames, creating a spectacular scene known as "Asia’s Longest Natural Red Carpet." ------ Red Leaf Feast: Asia’s Longest Natural Red Carpet 1. Natural Gallery Asia’s longest natural fallen leaf carpet, a 3.5-kilometer colorful forest trail covered by over 40 species of red leaves including water oak and maple trees. Shades of red, gold, and orange intertwine like a flowing oil painting. When the autumn wind blows, red leaves fall like rain, and the streams beside the boardwalk reflect the colorful light and shadows—every snapshot is a masterpiece. 2. Black Bear Gully A stunning encounter of red leaves and streams! On the wooden bridge by the creek, look up to see layers of red leaves cascading like a waterfall, and look down to see the clear water reflecting colorful tree shadows. Morning mist adds a fairy-tale atmosphere. Photography enthusiasts must linger here to capture the lively moments of "red leaves playing in the water." 3. Xianglu Mountain Climb to the main peak at 2,507 meters elevation or take the cable car to overlook the rolling sea of clouds and hidden peaks. Red leaves entwined with mist create a fairyland like Penglai. At sunrise, golden light pierces through the clouds onto the colorful forest, as if stepping into a mythical world. ------ Secret Realm Exploration: Karst Landforms and Primeval Forests • Micang Ancient Road Walk through the 2,300-year-old ancient Shu Road, where horse hoofprints remain on the stone slabs. Along the way, you can hear the echoes of Bashan’s "Second Brother’s" calls in the mountains. At Jiexian Post Station, feel the tragic legend of Xiao He chasing Han Xin under the moonlight and touch the millennium-old cliff inscriptions. • Eighteen Moon Pools Eighteen waterfalls and deep pools linked in a chain, with water as clear as a mirror and red leaves floating like scattered gold. In the autumn mist, the ancient trees and twisted branches reflected by the pools create a picturesque scene, known as the "Moon Pools rivaling Jiuzhaigou." • Swallow Ridge On the sheer cliffs, Swallow Cave is home to tens of thousands of rock swallows. Walking among the karst peaks, watch the mist rise from the stone forest crevices, as if entering the alien world of "Avatar." ------ In-Depth Experience: Classic Routes and Unique Activities One-Day Highlights Visitor Center → Natural Gallery (2h) → Xianglu Mountain Cable Car (1.5h) → Black Bear Gully (1h) → Return, about 6 hours total, suitable for a compact visit. Two-Day Deep Tour • Day 1: Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area (Natural Gallery + Xianglu Mountain) → Stay at a hot spring hotel to soak in selenium-rich springs and relieve fatigue. • Day 2: Eighteen Moon Pools (morning mist photography) → Micang Ancient Road (hiking exploration), return in the evening. Special Experiences • Drone Aerial Photography: Capture the vast red leaf-covered mountains and cloud seas from above, the same perspective as CCTV cameras. • Intangible Cultural Heritage: Listen to the melodious "Bashan Second Brother Song" and experience the desolate charm of this national intangible cultural heritage. ------ Practical Guide: Transportation, Accommodation, and Food 🚗 Transportation • Self-drive: Chengdu → Chengba Expressway → Bazhong → Nanjiang (about 4.5 hours), ample parking at the scenic area. • High-speed Rail + Bus: Chengdu East Station → Hanzhong Station → transfer to direct scenic area shuttle bus (about 2 hours). 🏨 Accommodation • Premium Choice: Guangwu Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (includes private hot springs, relieves hiking fatigue, rating 4.7/5). • Unique Homestay: Yunzhongju Homestay (Northern Sichuan residential style, red leaves visible from the window, rating 4.6/5). 🍲 Food • Nanjiang Yellow Goat Soup: Tender meat, fresh and rich broth, warms and dispels cold. • Smoked Bacon Stir-fried Bamboo Shoots: Smoked bacon paired with crisp bamboo shoots, full of Northern Sichuan flavor. • Wild Vegetable Pancakes: Filled with bracken and bamboo leaf vegetables, crispy and fragrant. ------ Notes • Best Time: Late October to early November is peak red leaf season; avoid weekend crowds. • Clothing Suggestions: Large temperature differences in the mountains; bring windproof jackets and non-slip shoes; carry a lightweight raincoat on rainy days. • Ticket Tips: Buy tickets in advance on official platforms; combo tickets with shuttle bus are more cost-effective (peak season 180 RMB/person). ------ From the stunning red leaves on the cover of "National Geographic" to the millennia-old echoes of Micang Ancient Road, Guangwu Mountain offers a feast for the eyes and soul, embodying the ultimate romance of autumn. Whether strolling hand in hand through colorful forests with your loved one or seeking solitude on a high peak, this place always heals every nature-loving heart with the most passionate autumn colors. 📍 Check-in location: Guangwu Mountain Town, Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province 📅 Best Season: October 20 - November 10, 2025 🎫 Ticket Reference: Peak season 120 RMB/person (including shuttle bus) Tips: Some sections in the scenic area require hiking; it is recommended to travel in groups and bring snacks and drinking water.