Catch the Last Tail of Autumn and Rush to Xiaoxing'an Mountains for 3 Days and 2 Nights of Breathtaking Red Pine Forests
Who understands! At the end of October, Xiaoxing'an Mountains push autumn romance to the extreme✨ The mountains are covered with red pines layered with golden larches, streams reflect the colorful forests, morning mist wraps the forest sea like light gauze, no crowds, only autumn scenery that heals to the bone. This nanny-level guide is perfect for rushing before the leaves fall!
🌟3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Itinerary (Leisurely travel without rushing, unlocking the core autumn scenery)
Day 1: Arrive in Yichun → Wuying National Forest Park (First Experience of the Red Pine Kingdom)
- Transportation: Fly to Yichun Lindu Airport, take a taxi 1.5 hours to Wuying (about 150 RMB), or carpool (50 RMB/person). Early flights perfectly catch the afternoon to visit the park.
- Afternoon: Explore Wuying National Forest Park (Asia’s largest original red pine forest). Hike along "Shao Qi Road," towering red pines stand straight and tall, sunlight filters through the branches casting golden spots🌞 Check in at "Guantao Tower," climb to the top to overlook the rolling forest sea, where red, yellow, and green weave a natural palette; "Tianci Lake" has a mirror-like surface reflecting the colorful trees on the shore, perfect for reflection photos.
- Evening: Stay at a guesthouse near the park (recommended Wuying Red Pine Forest Guesthouse, wooden structure with great atmosphere). The courtyard is covered with fallen leaves that rustle underfoot, every snapshot oozes autumn vibes.
- Night: Eat iron pot stewed goose (reserve 2 hours in advance), wrapped with a ring of corn cakes, simmered until tender and flavorful, paired with local blueberry juice, warming to the heart; after dinner, stargaze in the yard, the forest sky is exceptionally clear.
Day 2: Tangwang River Forest Sea and Strange Stone Scenic Area → Shangganling Creek National Forest Park
- Morning: Drive 1 hour to Tangwang River Forest Sea and Strange Stone Scenic Area (core landmark of Xiaoxing'an Mountains). Granite strange stones stand tall, formations like "One Line Sky" and "Dragon and Phoenix Auspiciousness" are vivid, surrounded by colorful forests, like entering a magical stone forest🌲 Walk along the wooden plank road, every step offers a perfect shot of "strange stones + colorful forest" together. For the fit, rush to the "Forest Sea Guanyin" viewing platform for a wide view.
- Noon: Eat wild vegetable stir-fried free-range eggs and forest stew near the scenic area, all ingredients freshly picked locally, taste sweet and fresh.
- Afternoon: Drive 40 minutes to Shangganling Creek National Forest Park, where the "Eighteen Bends of the Creek" is the essence of autumn scenery! The creek winds through colorful forests, the plank road built along the creek makes you feel like walking inside a painting; "Drunken Butterfly Flower Valley," though named for flowers, is covered with golden fallen leaves in autumn, perfect for photos with full atmosphere.
- Evening: Stay at a guesthouse beside the creek park, open the window to see the forest sea, watch the sunset dye the mountains golden red, super healing.
- Night: Eat roasted whole lamb (reserve in advance), crispy outside and tender inside dipped in dry spices, paired with local forest liquor, experience the hearty northeast style; after dinner, gather around the stove roasting sweet potatoes, cracking sunflower seeds, listening to the owner’s forest stories.
Day 3: Jiayin Maolangou → Return Trip (Autumn Limited Secret Spot)
- Morning: Early drive 2 hours to Jiayin Maolangou National Forest Park (known as "Northern Little Jiuzhaigou"), deep canyon, babbling streams, "Fairy Pool" and "Maolan Waterfall" surrounded by colorful forests, water splashes on rocks creating mist, rainbows may appear under sunlight🌈 Hike through the canyon, listen to birds and insects, breathe air rich in negative oxygen ions, super relaxing.
- Noon: Eat river fish feast in Jiayin County, fresh fish caught and cooked on site from Heilongjiang River, braised or clear stew both super fresh, paired with corn grits porridge, nourishing and refreshing.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the riverbank in Jiayin County, see Russian scenery across the Heilongjiang River, buy dried blueberries, pine nuts, and hickory nuts as souvenirs (half the price of scenic spots); then drive back to Yichun Airport, ending the autumn healing trip.
- Optional: If time allows, add 1 day to visit Jinshan Deer Park, feed the deer in the colorful forest, deer roam among red pines, great for photos.
🍜 Must-Try Food List (Forest Area Specialties + Northeast Flavors)
- Main dishes: Iron pot stewed goose, roasted whole lamb, forest stew, river fish feast, wild vegetable stir-fried free-range eggs
- Snacks: Roasted sweet potatoes, corn cakes, Northeast sticky bean buns, frozen pears, frozen persimmons (great for cutting grease in autumn)
- Dry goods specialties: Dried blueberries, pine nuts, hickory nuts, hazel mushrooms, yuan mushrooms (great for cooking at home)
- Drinks: Blueberry juice, local forest liquor, Northeast sauerkraut soup
- Restaurant recommendations: Wuying forest guesthouse home cooking, stew restaurants near Tangwang River Strange Stone Scenic Area, Jiayin river fish restaurant
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations (Choose according to needs to avoid pitfalls)
- Forest experience: Wuying Red Pine Forest Guesthouse, forest sea guesthouse beside Creek Park (window views of forest, quiet and healing)
- Economical and convenient: Hotels in Yichun city (recommended Yichun Baoyulonghua Hotel, well-equipped, near business district)
- Unique experience: Guesthouses around Jinshan Deer Park (close contact with deer, suitable for families/couples)
- High-end comfort: Tangwang River Forest Sea Strange Stone Scenic Area Resort Hotel (good facilities, rich breakfast)
📌 Practical Tips (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
1. Best time: Mid to late October to early November (limited to late autumn, most vibrant colorful forests, fallen leaves cover the ground)
2. Transportation: Recommend carpool or charter from city to attractions (about 300 RMB/day), mainly hiking inside scenic spots, some have sightseeing vehicles
3. Clothing: Large temperature difference day and night (up to 15℃), wear down jackets/thick outdoor jackets + sweaters + thermal underwear, wear non-slip sports shoes for hiking, bring scarf, gloves, hat (very cold early morning and evening)
4. Sun protection: Strong UV in forest area plus reflection from water surfaces, sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses are must-bring
5. Pitfalls: Prices inside scenic spots are high, bring your own thermos and snacks; buy specialties outside scenic spots, county prices are much cheaper
6. Note: Do not leave the plank road when hiking to protect forest vegetation; some sections are slippery with fallen leaves, walk slowly
At the end of October, Xiaoxing'an Mountains offer the last romantic feast of autumn, the passion of red pines, the clarity of streams, the fantasy of strange stones, every spot unforgettable~ Save this guide, quickly gather friends and set off, don’t wait until the leaves have all fallen to regret!