Autumn Foliage Paradise Around Chengdu

🏃‍♀️ A hidden gem just a 2.5-hour drive from Chengdu — Longcanggou Gorge! From mid-October to mid-November every year, this place transforms into a palette spilled by the gods. Various shades of red, yellow, and green intertwine like a painting, composing an autumn symphony with streams and waterfalls that’s breathtakingly beautiful! 🍁 --- **🍂 Two Essential Hiking Routes to Choose From** Longcanggou Gorge mainly consists of two scenic areas: **Tianshengqiao (Natural Bridge)** and **Diecuixi (Layered Green Stream)**, each with a distinct style. You can choose based on your stamina and preference. **❶ Tianshengqiao (Signature Colorful Forest Trail)** * **Hiking Distance**: About 2 km (circular boardwalk) * **Features**: **Majestic and grand, the essence of colorful forests!** On clear days, you can even see Asia’s largest table mountain — China Table Mountain. The highlight of the route is the 30-meter-high Tianshengqiao Waterfall, next to the stone bridge that gives the spot its name. Following the stream upstream leads to the densest area of colorful forests, perfect for stunning photos! 📷 * **Shuttle Bus Tips**: Fewer trips on weekdays (10:30, 13:00), with more on weekends and holidays. **Highly recommend sitting on the right side going up and the left side coming back for the best views!** **❷ Diecuixi (Leisure Family Trail)** * **Hiking Distance**: About 7 km * **Features**: **Graceful and serene, easy and relaxing.** The boardwalk is relatively flat, with clear streams, deep pools, and waterfalls along the way, ideal for family outings or gentle hikes. This area also boasts tens of thousands of acres of Davidia involucrata (national first-class protected plant) 🌿, which looks like a fairyland when in bloom during spring. * **Hiking Tips**: It’s recommended to **take the shuttle bus first to the highest “Red Davidia” stop, then walk downhill all the way**, which saves a lot of effort. **🏃‍♀️ Advanced Challenge: Qilin in the Wild** * **Full Route**: 12 km, about 4.5 hours. Suitable for experienced hikers with good stamina. --- **📷 Top Photo Spots & Color Palette Ideas** **📍 Recommended Spots** * **Tianshengqiao**: Waterfall and stone bridge in one frame, colorful forest paths by the stream, viewing platform overlooking Table Mountain. * **Diecuixi**: Boardwalk along the stream, light and shadow under the Davidia forest. --- **🌟 Must-Know Tips for Your Visit** 1. **Top Choice for Autumn Viewing**: If time is limited, **definitely go to Tianshengqiao!** The density and visual impact of the colorful forest there can’t be matched by Diecuixi. 2. **Be Well-Equipped**: Mountain weather is changeable, so bring a **raincoat or waterproof jacket**. Be sure to wear **non-slip hiking shoes**, and trekking poles can be very helpful. 3. **Bring Enough Supplies**: There are **almost no supply points along the Tianshengqiao boardwalk**, so bring plenty of snacks and water! 4. **Exclusive Medals**: The park offers a hiking challenge with a cool **Longcanggou exclusive medal** upon completion. Couples or friends can get a double version, making for a meaningful souvenir! 5. **One-Day Tour Plan**: For those with good stamina, you can **explore Tianshengqiao in the morning and Diecuixi in the afternoon to experience two different vibes in one day.** --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** * **Self-Driving**: The most convenient way! Navigate directly to "**Longcanggou Diecuixi Scenic Area Visitor Center**," about 2.5 hours from Chengdu. * **High-Speed Rail + Bus**: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to **Yaan Station** → transfer to **Yingjing County** → take a local yellow taxi from Yingjing County directly to Longcanggou Gorge.