THERE’S a freshness in the air in recent days, which may give you the illusion that Guangdong is entering the autumn season. Most Shenzheners, however, are not deceived; they know that autumn basically doesn’t exist in the city. But the good news is that in Shaoguan, a city not far from Shenzhen, a fairytale of autumn is on show.

Shaoguan in autumn is like a splashed palette, presenting a picturesque landscape in a blaze of colors with gold, red, blue and green, making for sights that excite the senses. It also only takes a bit over one hour to reach from Shenzhen by high-speed train.

The little-known red desert

Hidden among mountains, a red desert still remains pristine and nearly untouched. The two beacon towers dotting the desert add a historic feel to the land. Due to a lack of human influence on this site, the desert looks and feels desolate.

Walking here might give you a feeling of walking in the Gobi Desert in Xinjiang. It is perfect solitude with only the sky, the red land and yourself.

Add: Between Huangtian Village and Lian’e Village, Mashi Town, Shixing County, Shaoguan 韶关市始兴县马市镇黄田村和联俄村之间

Tickets: 20 yuan

Xinfeng Yunji Mountain

As the only mountain in Guangdong covered with red leaves in autumn, Yunji Mountain is the sensation of the south. Through curvy little paths, you can reach the top of the mountain in a slow and relaxing manner while enjoying the nice view and breathing in the fresh air.

Trekking along the “Shangri-La in Guangdong,” you will encounter strange-shaped stones at your feet here and there, see flame-like maple leaves when you raise your head, and hear the bubbling water sound in the streams running through the forest.

Add: Yunji Mountain Natural Reserve, Xinfeng County, Shaoguan 韶关市新丰县云髻山自然保护区

Tickets: 30 yuan

Renhua Lingxi River

Forest Park

Lingxi River in autumn turns into a vivid painting. Only when you walk inside the park can you feel the shocking beauty of nature. In a sunny afternoon, the enchanting trees, the silent mountain, and two or three log cabins hidden among the red leaves all form part of the painting.

Add: Lingxi River Forest Park, Zhoutian Town, Renhua County 韶关市仁化县周田镇

Tickets: 5 yuan

Guangdong No.1 Peak

Nicknamed “Himalaya in Guangdong,” Guangdong No.1 Peak is the highest peak in the province at an altitude of 1,902 meters. Far away from the bustling city, the night skies here offer a spectacular view thanks to the lack of light pollution.

The peak is situated in Nanling National Nature Reserve, at the intersection of Yizhang County of Hunan Province, Yangshan County of Qing-yuan and Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County of Shaoguan. There are different routes to climb the mountain from the three counties.

Add: Guangdong No.1 Peak, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan 韶关市乳源瑶族自治县第一峰景区

Tickets: 98 yuan

Shixing Shendushui

Shixing, home to Shendushui, “the Jiuzhai Valley in Guangdong,” enjoys the reputation of “the most beautiful city in China.” The self-driving route to Shendushui is also the most beautiful of its kind in Guangdong.

The slow-flowing water in the Qinghua River, the lush forest in yellow or green, and the layer after layer of maple leaves reflected in the green water surface all together forms an oil painting with rich colors.

Add: Shendushui, Shixing County, Shaoguan 韶关市始兴县

Free entrance.

(Chen Xiaochun)