Babes! Discovering hidden gems around Chengdu, this time I really found a treasure!

Babes! As an outdoor enthusiast who has been exploring hidden scenic spots around Chengdu for years, this time I truly struck gold! I kept seeing everyone crowding at Xiangshan to see the red leaves, but I didn’t believe it. So, I drove 4 hours on a weekend to Zengjiashan in Guangyuan, and as soon as I entered the forest, I was speechless from the beauty — the mountains covered in red leaves looked like God had spilled a palette of colors, little wooden cabins hidden in pine forests, morning mist swirling around the branches, it was like a Nordic fairy tale world! The best part? No entrance fee! Today I’m sharing my 2-day itinerary + photography tips with you all, don’t miss out this autumn~ Who would’ve thought! When I first saw the red leaves at Zengjiashan, I pressed the shutter 100 times Before leaving, I was worried “Will it really be that beautiful?” But as soon as the car turned onto the winding road of Zengjiashan, the scenery outside the window started to change — first a few maple trees glowing bright red, then deeper in, the whole forest was dyed red and yellow, sunlight filtering through the leaves onto the ground, light spots dancing with every step, and even the wind carried the fresh scent of pine needles. The biggest surprise was Yuanyangchi Forest Park! Walking up the trail, every step brought a new view: some places had dense red leaves so thick you couldn’t see the sky, only layers of red; other spots showed karst rock formations paired with red leaves, like an ink painting; when I reached the Longshenge Cloud Sea Viewing Platform, the morning mist hadn’t lifted yet, the red leaves appeared faintly through the fog, I stood there taking photos for 20 minutes, my phone storage was almost full! And the little wooden cabins at Lijia Forest Farm! Hidden in the pine forest, with old wooden chairs outside, red leaves fallen on the roof. I sat on a chair and took a photo of my back, my friend said “It looks like a vacation abroad.” There were very few people here, only the sound of wind rustling leaves, occasionally birdsong — that quiet and healing feeling was more relaxing than staying in the city for a week~ 2-Day Itinerary Guide: No detours, check off all the beautiful spots I specially planned a two-day weekend trip, with a relaxed pace, so you can enjoy the red leaves and local food. Babes, you can just copy this plan~ Day 1: Chengdu → Zhaohua Ancient Town → Niutou Village → Lijia Forest Farm Morning: Depart from Chengdu, head straight to Zhaohua Ancient Town I left Chengdu at 7 AM, took the Jingkun Expressway, and arrived at Zhaohua Ancient Town around 11 AM. The ancient town is full of bluestone paths, flanked by quaint old houses. Just pick any restaurant for lunch, I recommend trying the local tofu feast! I ordered Huaitai tofu and tofu pudding, the texture was tender and smooth, completely different from Chengdu tofu~ Afternoon: Niutou Village Persimmon Ancient Tree Park, shoot “Red Persimmons Hanging on Branches” After lunch, I drove to Niutou Village, only about 20 minutes away. The persimmon trees here are amazing! Many are over 400 years old, with gnarled branches like lines in an ink painting, and the branches are full of bright red persimmons. Some persimmons are so ripe they shine, swaying in the wind, creating a strong autumn vibe. Key point! By mid-November, the persimmon leaves will fall off, leaving only red persimmons on the trees, making photos even more stunning! When I went, there were still a few leaves left, so the photos had a “red and green mix,” which was also very beautiful~ I suggest wearing light-colored clothes, stand under the persimmon tree, and have a friend shoot from a low angle to capture the ancient tree, red persimmons, and blue sky all in one frame~ Evening: Stay at a guesthouse near Lijia Forest Farm It’s about a 1-hour drive from Niutou Village to Lijia Forest Farm. I booked a guesthouse near the forest farm in advance. Opening the window, you see pine forests. Sitting in the guesthouse yard at night, you can see stars and smell the scent of firewood — super cozy~ Day 2: Lijia Forest Farm → Yuanyangchi Forest Park → Hanwang Old Street → Chengdu Morning: Yuanyangchi Forest Park, hike to enjoy red leaves You must get up early! I arrived at the park at 8 AM, the morning mist hadn’t lifted yet, and the red leaves looked especially magical in the fog. I recommend the “Red Leaf Premium Route”: start from Yuanyangchi, pass through Linjiaba Lawn, Mirror Lake Villa, and finally reach the Longshenge Cloud Sea Viewing Platform. The whole route takes about 2 hours, not difficult, suitable for all babes~ Linjiaba Lawn is perfect for photos! There are a few solitary red leaf trees on the lawn; standing in the middle of the lawn for photos gives the feeling of “walking in a painting.” Next to Mirror Lake Villa is a small lake, with red leaves reflected in the water — every snap is a masterpiece~ Noon: Have lunch at Hanwang Old Street, stroll through the hidden old street After leaving the forest park, it’s a 20-minute drive to Hanwang Old Street. The street is quiet, with no commercial shops, only locals sunbathing and doing crafts at their doorsteps. I had a bowl of walnut cake there — crispy on the outside, filled with walnut pieces, sweet but not greasy. I also bought two bags to take home as souvenirs~ Afternoon: Return to Chengdu After lunch around 1 PM, I drove back to Chengdu and arrived around 4 PM, just in time for dinner~ These little details make your red leaf trip even more perfect Outfit tips: Wear light-colored clothes! White, beige, light coffee all go well with red leaves. Avoid red or dark colors, which blend in with the leaves and don’t look good in photos~ I wore a white trench coat, and my friend said it made me look very fair~ Gear tips: Bring a small backpack with water and snacks to recharge during hikes; if you want to shoot the morning mist, bring a tripod — even phone shots will be steadier; wear comfortable hiking shoes, the mountain paths can be slippery~ Food recommendations: Besides the tofu feast and walnut cake, try Guangyuan’s cold noodles! Different from Chengdu’s, Guangyuan’s are chewier, topped with chili oil and vinegar, super appetizing~ Bonus tip: If you have extra time, visit Jianmen Pass on the way back! The “First Pass Under Heaven” lives up to its name, and you can experience the “Bird Path” and “Ape Path,” but reserve half a day for it~ Babes, Zengjiashan is seriously an underrated red leaf treasure! No need to squeeze into high-speed trains, no entrance fees, just a 2-day weekend escape from the city to see mountains covered in red leaves and enjoy local food. Who else understands this kind of happiness! Where do you most want to see red leaves this autumn? Or do you have any hidden scenic spots to recommend? Share with me in the comments, let’s unlock more great outdoor places together~