Xiangshan Park in Beijing
Xiangshan Park, or Fragrant Hills at the foot of the Xishan Mountain in Beijing, covers an area of 1.6 square kilometers and consists of a natural pine-cypress forest, hills with maple trees, smoke trees and persimmon trees, as well as landscaped areas with traditional architecture and cultural relics.
The park is recognized as one of the major tourist attractions in Beijing. Its scenery is at its most spectacular in autumn, with fiery red smoke tree leaves covering the mountain side.
Smoke trees turn a brilliant red at this time of year and change shade in the space of a day. The first few shimmers of early morning frost turn their leaves a sandy color, but as the frost fades the leaves become more and more scarlet.
Tourists can walk up the mountain on the east side, but should take care because the steps are very steep. The zigzag west side trail is easier. When tourists reach the top of the mountain, clouds often float around them and one gets the feeling of walking in the sky.
Transport: Fly to Beijing from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, then take a bus to Xiangshan Park.
Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Beijing.
Cuisine: Try Beijing roast duck, hot and sour soup, sweet and sour spareribs, noodles and dumplings.
Red Leaves Valley in Jilin
At the west foot of Changbai Mountain in Jiaohe City, Jilin Province, lies Red Leaves Valley. At this time of year, large areas of red leaves are turning golden creating a spectacular scene.
The valley is filled with majestic mountains, flowing streams and sporadic villages. In the lush woods along the valley grows a variety of trees, such as maple, birch, larch and gingko trees.
During autumn the leaves gradually turn from cardinal red to gorgeous golden. When the wind blows across the valley, the vegetation can look like massive waves rolling across a great sea.
The gingko trees are especially beautiful. During autumn their leaves turn bright gold and as they fall on the forest floor, they create yellow paths for visitors to follow. A visitor can “follow the yellow brick road.” Local people call the valley “colorized mountain.”
Transport: Fly to Changchun City in Jilin Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, then take a bus to Jiaohe.
Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Jiaohe.
Cuisine: Try smoked pork, dumplings, and steamed fish.
Miyaluo in Sichuan
Miyaluo in Lixian County, Sichuan Province, has the largest area of autumn leaves in China, covering almost 3,700 square kilometers, making it 180 times more than Xiangshan Park in Beijing.
In the Tibetan language Miyaluo means “a place with breathtaking scenery.” The place is hidden in Zagunao Valley and inhabited by the Tibetan and Qiang ethnic minorities.
Maples, birch trees, pines and larches add seasonal richness to the forests of Zagunao Valley. As autumn comes, the mountains are covered in a blaze of red and gold.
Visitors can also enjoy the stone castles built in ancient times and join in the traditional guozhuang dance, one of three Tibetan dances in which people dance hand in hand to songs whose lyrics consist of questions and answers. One can easily feel the passion of the dance that resembles a religious ritual.
Transport: Fly to Chengdu in Sichuan Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, then take a bus to Miyaluo.
Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hostels and inns in Miyaluo. Or stay with the locals.
Cuisine: Sichuan hotpot is a must-have. Rice steamed in bamboo tube and rice wine fermented by the local people are recommended. (Jane Lai)
