China’s Dazzling Autumn Foliage: Jiuzhaigou, Miyaluo, and Xinjiang’s Kanas Lake Are Among the Most Enchanting

▲ Sichuan’s Miyaluo has become a hotspot for autumn foliage viewing in recent years (Photo/CFP)

Reported by Travel Center / Comprehensive Coverage

In the past, the top destinations for overseas maple leaf viewing were Canada, Japan, or the United States. However, with the increase in cross-strait flights and improved accessibility, maple-viewing spots in northeastern, eastern, and even southern China have also caught attention. Among these, the vibrant red foliage of Sichuan’s Miyaluo and Jiuzhaigou, Xinjiang’s Kanas Lake, the banks of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges, and Guizhou’s Hongfeng Lake are particularly celebrated. Notably, Miyaluo’s crimson leaves have gained increasing recognition in recent years, even ranking among the “Top 10 Autumn Sceneries in China.”

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Due to latitude and climate factors, from northeastern China down to areas south of Sichuan, maple leaves can be found everywhere in autumn. Currently, the most popular maple-viewing spots are the Miyaluo and Jiuzhaigou regions in Sichuan. Among them, Miyaluo, being at a higher latitude than Jiuzhaigou, sees its leaves turn red earlier. At an altitude of 2,700 meters, Miyaluo means “the best canyon under heaven” in Tibetan. It is located in Li County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, about 263 kilometers from Chengdu. Travelers can enjoy the distinct layers of red foliage along the road from Miyaluo to Gulu Gully to Taoping Qiang Village. Huanglong and Shennv Pool, not far from Jiuzhaigou, are also excellent maple-viewing spots along this route. The optimal time for leaf-peeping is from mid-October to early November.

The autumn foliage along the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges is equally captivating, with Wushan’s red leaves being the most talked about and offering the longest viewing period. Visitors can admire the foliage from cruise ships, taking in both riverbanks—a unique experience compared to other maple-viewing spots. Here, the feeling is one of “myriad mountains ablaze with color and forests dyed layer upon layer.” The best time to visit is from late October to mid-December. Additionally, Shennü Peak and the Lesser Three Gorges also offer great walking opportunities for leaf-viewing. Recently, many travel experts have also recommended Shennongjia as one of the top maple-viewing destinations.

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Kanas Lake, located in the Altay region of northern Xinjiang, is a stunning destination that combines beautiful lake views, mountain scenery, and fiery autumn foliage. As Kanas Lake is remote with well-preserved surrounding vegetation, every autumn, the hillsides are ablaze with fiery red poplar leaves and golden birch trees. Gazing at Moon Bay and Little Kanas Lake, the colorful red foliage reflected on the lake surface is truly intoxicating. The maple-viewing season runs from mid-September to late October. Travelers can transfer to Kanas Lake after arriving in Altay to enjoy the breathtaking views.

▲ The beautiful maple leaves of Xinjiang’s Kanas Lake. (Photo/CFP)

Hongfeng Lake is located in Qingzhen and Pingba districts of Guizhou, about 3.3 kilometers from Guiyang. The surrounding area is characterized by karst landforms and is a national scenic area in China. Built in 1958, Hongfeng Lake is bordered by Hongfeng Ridge, surrounded by fragrant maple trees. In late autumn, the crimson leaves set against the blue waters create a spectacular sight. The lake is just 25 kilometers from downtown Guiyang, and visitors can take a special tourist bus from Hebin Park in Guiyang, arriving in just 20 minutes. The best time for leaf-peeping is from October to November.

Experts advise that when viewing maple leaves, people should seek out spots where the trees are “exposed to the north wind,” such as cliffs or large open areas. They recommend avoiding maple trees located in valleys or low-lying areas, as these spots, being lower in elevation, are less exposed to the north wind. Often, the leaves here may fall before they even turn fully red.

[Top Maple-Viewing Spots in Mainland China]

1. Sichuan’s Jiuzhaigou and Miyaluo Regions

2. Northeastern and Inner Mongolian Regions

3. Four Famous Maple-Viewing Mountains: “Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area (Lu Shan Section) in Changsha,” “Tianping Mountain Scenic Area in Suzhou,” “Qixia Mountain Scenic Area in Nanjing,” and “Fragrant Hills Park in Beijing”

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