Avoid the crowds and see the stunning autumn scenery, National Geographic calls it "growing in the forest"!

Today, I’m here to share my love for Nyingchi with everyone~ Nyingchi, known as the "South of the Yangtze River in Tibet," was described by National Geographic as: "This city seems to grow in the forest." If you drive the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, the scenery is even more breathtaking. Take a trip in autumn, and it will truly move you to tears! Honestly, I’ve been recommending Nyingchi for a long time. Why do I keep suggesting everyone go? Because here you’ll find natural landscapes comparable to Switzerland, plus surprising culinary delights. Why choose to visit Nyingchi in autumn Autumn in Nyingchi is like nature’s palette. From mid-October to early November is the most beautiful time. The mountains are covered with colorful forests—golden yellow, orange-red, deep green... layered like an oil painting. Plus, there are fewer tourists than during the spring peach blossom season, so you can quietly enjoy the tranquility of autumn. The weather is also very comfortable, with just the right temperature during the day and a slight chill at night. Just remember to bring a jacket! Hidden breathtaking spots in the forest Lulang Forest 📍Location: Lulang Town, Bayi District, Nyingchi City ⏰Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November 🎫Admission: Free Lulang means "Dragon King Valley" in Tibetan. Standing at the Sejila Mountain Pass and looking down, the entire Lulang Forest Sea spreads out like a huge painting. Spruce and fir trees are dense, dotted with scattered Tibetan-style houses. This is exactly the place National Geographic called "growing in the forest"! Autumn in Lulang is unbelievably beautiful. Golden pine forests, lush green meadows, and the distant Namcha Barwa Peak faintly visible. Basongcuo Lake 📍Location: Gongbujiangda County, Nyingchi City ⏰Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🎫Admission: 120 RMB Basongcuo is known as the "green tear." The lake water is emerald green like a gem, surrounded by pristine forest. In autumn, the colorful forests by the lake reflect in the water—simply stunning! There is a small island in the middle of the lake with the Cuozong Gongba Monastery. Taking a boat there feels like being the protagonist in a fairy tale. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon 📍Location: Paizhen, Milin County, Nyingchi City ⏰Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM 🎫Admission: 150 RMB The world’s largest canyon! That name alone is enough to attract people. Both sides of the canyon are covered with primeval forest, and in autumn, the colors are dazzlingly rich. From the viewing platform, you can see the Yarlung Tsangpo River winding through the canyon, with fiery-colored forests on both banks. The most breathtaking view is the full view of Namcha Barwa Peak. If you’re lucky, you might even see the golden sunlight on the mountain! Hidden culinary treasures in the deep mountains When it comes to Nyingchi’s food, many people might think of just tsampa and butter tea. But Nyingchi’s cuisine is far richer than you imagine! Stone Pot Chicken 📍Recommended: Various Tibetan restaurants in Lulang Town 💰Price: 180-220 RMB per pot Coming to Nyingchi and not trying stone pot chicken is like not coming at all! Tibetan fragrant chicken stewed in Motuo stone pots has a broth so delicious it brings tears to your eyes. The stone pot itself is rich in minerals, making the soup especially fragrant and sweet. The chicken is tender and smooth, the broth clear, paired with local delicacies like matsutake mushrooms and hand-shaped ginseng—each bite is full of plateau flavor. Motuo Stone Pot 📍Recommended: Major restaurants in Bayi Town 💰Price: 68-88 RMB per pot Motuo stone pots are naturally formed and add a special aroma to dishes. Besides stone pot chicken, there are stone pot beef and stone pot lamb. The beef comes from locally raised Tibetan cattle, with firm meat and no gamey taste. Paired with barley wine, it’s a divine combination! Nyingchi Peach Blossom Wine 📍Recommended: Local specialty stores 💰Price: 35-50 RMB per bottle Peach blossom wine is a specialty of Nyingchi. Made from wild peach blossoms, it has a low alcohol content and a sweet taste. Girls especially love it, and the pink color is very pretty. Buying a few bottles as gifts is a great idea! Sour Radish Yak Soup 📍Recommended: Tibetan restaurants in Bayi District 💰Price: 58 RMB per serving This soup is a delightful surprise! Fresh yak meat combined with locally pickled sour radish is sour, spicy, and appetizing. Drinking this soup on the plateau instantly gives you strength. Accommodation recommendations: Lulang International Tourism Town: Amazing environment, surrounded by forest. You can stargaze at night and open your window to colorful forests in the morning. Prices range from 200-400 RMB. Bayi Town Downtown: Convenient transportation, easy access to food and shopping. Best value for money, comfortable stays for 100-200 RMB. Practical tips: ✅ Best photo times: • Sunrise: 7:00-8:00 AM • Sunset: 6:00-7:00 PM • Blue hour: 7:00-8:00 PM ⚠️ Notes: • Bring warm clothes, as there is a big temperature difference between morning and night • Sunscreen is important, as UV rays are strong on the plateau • Carry some glucose to prevent altitude sickness • Respect local culture and customs 🚗 Transportation suggestions: • Flights: Direct flights from major cities • Self-driving: The Sichuan-Tibet Highway has stunning scenery but requires high-altitude driving experience • Car hire: The most worry-free option, costing 500-800 RMB per day Honestly, every time I visit Nyingchi, I discover something new. Forests, lakes, snow mountains, food... nothing is missing! Most importantly, compared to other popular Tibetan areas, commercialization here is still not too high. It retains that original purity and beauty. Autumn in Nyingchi is truly worth a special trip!