AUTUMN is not just about red leaves and golden grasslands — there are even more impressive fall sights that can be seen across China. Here are more recommended spots for you.
Changbai Mountain is a mountain range that extends from Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces in Northeast China to North Korea.
The mountain is named so because its main peak, Baitou Mountain (White-head Mountain), is covered with white rocks and thick snow. Most of the peaks reach more than 2,000 meters.
Its high elevation means travelers can experience different environments and all four seasons while hiking from the bottom to the top of the peaks.
Changbai Mountain has played a very important economic role in past centuries because ginseng grows there. It also used to be an important route for trade between China, Russia and North Korea.
Many rare animals, including bears and Siberian tigers, live in these mountains. The Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province protects wild animals and rare plants such as Amur linden, Korean pine, maple and elm.
Changbai’s famous scenic spots include Jingjiang Great Valley, Tizi River, Qingshi Peak, Jingping Peak, Longmen Peak, Little Heaven Pool and Baishan Waterfall.
Transport: Fly to Changchun, capital of Jilin Province, and take a train to Baihe Township. Take a taxi to the mountain.
Nyingchi, Tibet
Nyingchi Prefecture in Tibet is known as Tibet’s Jiangnan (Jiangnan refers to the fertile and prosperous area to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). The climate is warm and wet, which results in abundant vegetation. It is a perfect summer resort with moderate temperatures, attractive lakeside views, forests, snow-covered mountains and flowers.
September-October is the best time to visit Nyingchi, with cozy temperatures, colorful mountains, crystal-clear rivers and a blue sky. The golden populous and flaming maple trees are highlights of a Nyingchi autumn.
The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, along the Yarlung Zangbo River in Nyingchi, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The canyon has a length of about 150 miles, which bends around Mount Namcha Barwa and cuts its way through the eastern Himalayan range. There are numerous waterfalls, too.
Nanyi Valley is another must-go place. It is considered China’s best “forest bathing resort” thanks to its scenery and variety of wildlife. Unlike many other tourist attractions in Nyingchi, Nanyi Valley is relatively undeveloped, which has left the place closer to nature with little pollution.
The area is about 3,100 meters above sea level on average, which makes it the lowest place in Tibet, so tourists do not need to worry about altitude sickness.
Transport: Fly tot Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from Shenzhen airport and take a flight to Nyingchi from Chengdu.
(Wang Yuanyuan)
