Autumn colors splash across the mountains and rivers, vibrant Henan awaits you｜5 must-visit legendary autumn spots

As the October winds rise, Henan paints the world with its richest colors—a landscape scroll that lasts an entire season, waiting for you to slowly unfold. If you ask me what color Henan’s autumn is, I would say it’s a spilled palette, flowing poetry, and every step a dive into a painting’s enchantment. 📍Yuntai Mountain · Red Maple Feast In mid to late October, Yuntai Mountain shines at its peak. Zhuyu Peak is covered in layers of colorful forest, with red maples, yellow sumacs, and green pines weaving a giant oil painting. From the cable car, the mountains look like burning flames; walking along the plank road, every turn is a rendezvous with autumn light. It’s best to visit early morning when the mist lingers, creating a fairyland. - Bonus tip: After descending, you can visit Hongshi Gorge nearby. Autumn sunlight penetrates the canyon, making the red rock walls even more vivid, perfectly echoing the red leaves atop the mountain in a stunning “two-tone” effect. - Transportation tip: The sightseeing buses run frequently within the park. It takes about 30 minutes by bus from Hongshi Gorge to the Zhuyu Peak cable car station. Plan your route in advance to avoid the midday crowds. 📍Song Mountain · Zen Autumn Charm The ancient ginkgo trees at Shaolin Temple shed golden leaves that have lasted a thousand years, contrasting beautifully with the temple’s blue tiles. The hiking trail from Sanhuang Village to Junji Peak features colorful autumn leaves and rugged rocks forming a unique landscape. On weekend mornings when it’s less crowded, you can truly feel the Zen spirit of “one leaf knows autumn.” - In-depth experience: Every Saturday and Sunday morning, there are martial arts performances inside Shaolin Temple. After the show, you can hike up the trail behind the temple, where fruit trees heavy with red persimmons line the path—perfect for capturing the essence of autumn life. - Ticket tip: The Song Mountain scenic area offers a combined ticket including Shaolin Temple and Sanhuang Village. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance on the official platform; you can enter by scanning your ID card, saving time from queuing. 📍Laojun Mountain · Cloudy Wonderland At over 2000 meters elevation, Laojun Mountain’s autumn arrives early and intensely. Climbing in October, you’ll see golden and crimson colors scattered among the rolling sea of clouds. It’s recommended to take the Zhongling cable car up and walk the ten-mile scenic trail, with every viewing platform offering a perfect photo frame. Remember to bring a down jacket as the temperature difference at the summit is significant. - Accommodation advice: If you want to capture the sunrise over the sea of clouds, consider staying at a mountaintop guesthouse. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Yuhuangding viewing platform in the early morning. The guesthouse provides hot water and thick coats for rent, so you don’t have to carry too much luggage. - Supplies preparation: Some mountain paths have steep steps, so it’s advisable to bring trekking poles (available for purchase at the foot of the mountain for 10-15 yuan each). Food and drinks inside the park are relatively expensive, so bring some chocolate or energy bars to replenish your energy. 📍Taihang Grand Canyon · Colorful Corridor Starting from Linzhou, drive along the Taihang Sky Road, where the cliffs on both sides are dressed in colorful autumn hues. The Wangxiang Rock’s sky ladder looks even more perilous amid the fall colors, and the streams in Peach Blossom Valley reflect the red leaves, making it perfect for an afternoon stroll. Local farmhouses serve pumpkin porridge and roasted sweet potatoes, the best autumn pairings. - Route recommendation: It’s best to drive or hire a car. Some sections of Taihang Sky Road are mountain roads with many viewing platforms where you can stop anytime for photos. If using public transport, Linzhou city offers a direct tourist shuttle to the scenic area, running hourly from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. - Nearby attractions: After visiting Taihang Grand Canyon, you can stop by the Hongqi Canal Memorial Hall to experience red history and enjoy the unique autumn scenery where the canal water and riverside trees reflect each other. 📍Yellow River Wetland · Reed Flower Snow At Zhengzhou Yellow River National Wetland Park, the reeds bloom like snow in October. In the afternoon sunlight, the golden glow of the reeds sways in the wind, creating a poetic scene with the Mother River. It’s perfect to bring a picnic mat and enjoy slow time under the warm autumn sun. - Tips for visiting: The wooden boardwalk winds through the reed beds. It’s recommended to wear light-colored clothes to contrast with the white reeds in photos. At dusk, the sunset reflecting on the Yellow River is the best time to capture the “long river sunset circle.” - Family fun: There is a family bike rental point at the park entrance, allowing you to cycle around the park. Migratory birds often stop here in autumn, so visitors with children can bring binoculars to observe egrets, grey cranes, and other birds. 🍂 Practical tips: - Best period: Mid-October to mid-November, with colors blooming from north to south - Clothing advice: Warm jackets + comfortable hiking shoes; bright colors look better in photos - Specialty foods: Dengfeng sesame seed cakes, Luoyang water banquet, Xinzheng jujubes—taste autumn with your palate - Travel reminders: Some mountain areas are rainy in autumn, so bring a folding umbrella or disposable raincoat; parking is tight during holidays, so check nearby parking or use public transport. This autumn, no need to travel far. In Henan’s mountains and rivers, collect a whole season of romance. Falling leaves, distant mountains, clear skies—all say welcome to the most beautiful autumn in Central China.