Vientiane | The Winter Song of Guangyuan

When the wind from the Qinling Mountains sweeps across the mighty Jianmen Pass, and the Jialing River carries the lake's light as it flows, the mountains of Guangyuan shed their green and don the splendid attire of autumn and winter. Thus, the mountains and waters begin a new song. Every year from October to November, the hills are covered with red leaves like rosy clouds and blazing fire, turning northern Sichuan into a moving oil painting, inviting guests from all directions to a romantic rendezvous. Colorful Tree Species Paint an Ecological Picture The unique mountain climate and altitude differences have nurtured Guangyuan’s rich red leaf resources. Over 400 species of trees such as water oak, maple, Chinese tallow, and lacquer tree grow in staggered layers, forming a sea of colors with clear layers: high-altitude red leaves first dye the peaks, like a spilled rouge box; mid-mountain slopes blend orange-red, bright red, and deep red, resembling Danxia landforms cascading over the mountains; walking through the mountains, soft fallen leaves cover the ground, accompanied by red leaves, under a clear blue sky, with autumn sunlight filtering through branches casting mottled shadows, and the air filled with the sweet scent of pine needles and wild fruits. The red leaves complement cultural landscapes: beside the Jianmen Shu Road, red leaves reflect ancient cypresses, as if echoing the sound of Zhuge Liang’s northern expedition horses; outside Qingxi Ancient Town, red leaves surround Ming and Qing dynasty residences, with Hanfu-clad visitors strolling between blue tiles and white walls, as if traveling through a thousand years; in the Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, golden monkeys and takins occasionally appear among the red leaves, showcasing the harmony between humans and nature. The ancient verse "Frost leaves are redder than the flowers of February" vividly describes this place. Red Leaves as a Medium to Activate Cultural Tourism and Increase Income As an important ecological barrier in the upper Yangtze River, Guangyuan adheres to ecological priority and green development, making the red leaf scenery even more magnificent. In recent years, counties and districts have used red leaves as a medium to create cultural tourism brands such as the Tangjiahe Red Leaf Season and "Red Wanchang, Colorful Micang," improving transportation and accommodation facilities to bring the "hidden red leaves" to the public. Every autumn and winter, self-driving tourists enjoy red leaves carpeting the winding mountain roads, hikers climb high to take in the "forests dyed in layers," and photographers capture the charm of red leaves in morning dew and evening glow. Red leaves attract visitors, and industries promote income growth. "When the Tangjiahe red leaves turn red, the rooms at farm stays are fully booked early, busy from morning till night!" said Zhong Yuanhui, owner of a farm stay in Yinping Village, Qingxi Town, Qingchuan County, with a smile. Currently, Tangjiahe has driven more than 20,000 people in five surrounding townships to engage in tourism and agricultural product supply, with over 5,000 Qingxi Town residents benefiting from the "tourism bowl." After the red leaves in Wanchang Micang Mountain reach their peak, daily visitor numbers have exceeded 23,000, with over 500,000 visitors cumulatively, surrounding businesses’ revenue increasing 2 to 3 times, local specialty sales rising by more than 50%, over 2,000 villagers employed nearby, and average household income increasing by more than 5,000 yuan. "A single red leaf" has turned into "a string of gold and silver." The Entire Region’s Red Charm Unfolds the Splendid Shu Road Scenery Today in Guangyuan, red leaf scenery blooms throughout the region: Wanchang Yanjinghe Canyon, Qingchuan Tangjiahe, Cangxi Sanxikou National Forest Park, Jiange Jianmen Seventy-two Peaks, Lizhou Yueba Near Yue Lake, Zhaohua Niutoushan, Chaotian Zengjiashan, and other places are ablaze with red leaves. Guangyuan’s red leaves are a masterpiece of nature, a vivid carrier of historical culture, and a lively witness to ecological development. This passionate, profound, and hopeful red decorates the autumn colors of the Shu Road and ignites the people’s yearning for a better life. Take advantage of the perfect time to visit Guangyuan to admire the red leaves, tour the mountains and waters, and experience the unique autumn charm and style of northern Sichuan.