Southern autumn foliage tours gradually go on sale while northern snow-viewing trips enter their prime
The red leaves of autumn may be winding down in the north and west, but they are at their peak in the south. With recent weather turning colder, the red foliage in the south—especially in Guangdong—is gradually lighting up the mountains. Autumn foliage tours within the province are being launched one after another.
Meanwhile, the northern snow-viewing tours introduced earlier are becoming increasingly popular. Travel agencies remind tourists that prices for related routes will rise by about 20% in mid-to-early December. Those planning to head north to see the snow soon are advised to prepare in advance.
Cooler weather brings red leaves in the south
Recently, reporters visited some travel agencies in Zhongshan, such as China Travel Service (Zhongshan), Jucheng Holidays, and Happy Travel, as well as related scenic spots. They learned that the booking situation for southern autumn foliage tours is improving. It is reported that currently, the popular autumn tour routes offered by major travel agencies in Zhongshan mostly feature nearby southern attractions, such as Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, Haiyang Township in Lingchuan, Guangxi, Zhangjiajie and Mangshan National Forest Park in Hunan. Meanwhile, some autumn foliage routes within the province have also been launched and are gradually entering the best period for viewing red leaves. These include Shimentai National Forest Park in Conghua, Maofeng in Nanxiong, Shaoguan, Yeqiugou Scenic Area in Heyuan, Nanling National Forest Park, and Yunji Mountain Scenic Area in Xinfeng, among others.
It is reported that from mid-November to early December each year, is the season when the ginkgo trees in Nanxiong City, known as the "hometown of ginkgo," mature and turn golden. During this season, the entire city of Nanxiong is "dressed in golden armor."
In Conghua's Shimentai National Forest Park, which boasts the largest area of red leaves in Guangdong, from mid-to-late November to January of the following year, the park’s over 3,000 acres of maple, sweet gum, and maple-like trees form a forest of red leaves that dye the mountains in brilliant hues, reflecting the clouds and presenting visitors with the most beautiful and moving autumn spectacle.
Soaking in hot springs and skiing in the north for winter
Meanwhile, according to news from major travel agencies, the northern snow-viewing tours introduced earlier are becoming increasingly popular. According to Ou Hongzhi, head of Jucheng Holidays, their current main promotion is the "Changdong Tour" project, with the focus being on northern snow-viewing routes. So far, they have sent out nearly 10 snow-viewing groups, with more than 300 participants, which is better than last year’s figures.
In terms of pricing, Ou Hongzhi revealed that current northern snow-viewing routes are quite cost-effective. For example, a recent group flying on an A380 to Beijing with five-star hotel accommodations throughout costs 2,899 yuan, and there is also a special offer group at 1,599 yuan. Groups departing at the end of this month and early next month for skiing in the northeast are also priced at around 3,000 yuan. However, he estimates that after next month, as northern snow-viewing tours become more popular—especially as the northeast routes enter their peak season—the overall prices for northern snow-viewing trips will rise. "It is estimated that skiing routes in Shenyang, Changchun, and Harbin will see prices increase by more than 20% during the peak season."