China's Number One Red Leaf Mountain, Sichuan Guangwu Mountain Travel Guide

2-day 1-night travel guide for Sichuan Guangwu Mountain, with a budget controlled within 2000 RMB, perfect for traveling during the red leaf season (mid-October to early November). It allows you to fully experience the autumn charm of the "Asian Red Carpet" here. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview · Best Season: This guide is especially suitable for autumn (mid-October to early November), which is the peak period for red leaves in Guangwu Mountain. · Core Experience: Within two days, you will visit the two main areas of Guangwu Mountain Tourist Area — Micang Mountain National Forest Park (Daba Scenic Area) and Guangwu Mountain Tourist Scenic Area (Taoyuan Scenic Area), enjoying the autumn scenery where mountains, colorful forests, streams, and mist intertwine. 🚌 Transportation Guide · Getting to Guangwu Mountain: · Self-driving: Depart from Chengdu, take the Chengba Expressway and Bashan Expressway, exit at Qiaoting, then proceed to Guangwu Mountain Tourist Area. The road conditions are good, taking about 4-5 hours. · High-speed Rail + Shuttle Bus: Take the high-speed train to Hanzhong Station (note: Hanzhong Station is closer to the scenic area than Bazhong Station), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus at Hanzhong Passenger Transport Hub. · Inside the Scenic Area: The area is large and attractions are scattered, so taking sightseeing buses is necessary. It is recommended to purchase combined tickets for entrance and sightseeing buses, which is the most cost-effective and convenient option. 🗺️ Itinerary Arrangement 🌟 Day 1: Highlights of Micang Mountain National Forest Park (Daba Scenic Area) · Morning: Arrive at Guangwu Mountain Tourist Town and check in, then head to Micang Mountain National Forest Park. Take the sightseeing bus directly to the Natural Gallery. This is one of the most beautiful viewing and photography spots in Sichuan, where vast ancient trees display colorful autumn hues, like a giant oil painting. · Afternoon: Visit Heixiong Valley. This is a spiritually rich valley featuring waterfalls, short cascades, and red leaf scenery. Walk along the plank road by the stream, where clear water and colorful trees on both sides create a charming scene. Depending on time and energy, you can also explore Daoxia Lan Valley to appreciate diverse plant communities. · Evening: Stay overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Guangwu Mountain Tourist Town. After dinner, you can optionally watch the large immersive night water show "Dream Guangwu Mountain," experiencing a magical journey through the ancient Micang Trail (cost about 168 RMB/person). 🌟 Day 2: Hiking Adventure in Guangwu Mountain Tourist Scenic Area (Taoyuan Scenic Area) · Morning: After breakfast, enter Guangwu Mountain Tourist Scenic Area. It is recommended to take the uphill route, riding the sightseeing bus with a stop at Sandao Pass, then start hiking the Swallow Ridge loop. This route is the essence of Guangwu Mountain, where you can enjoy unique peaks and stone forest landscapes such as Nantianmen, Qinv Peak, and Wanhuchao Pilgrimage. · Noon: Choose a suitable rest spot during the hike to enjoy your packed meals and snacks to replenish energy. · Afternoon: Arrive at the Yuntian Feiyan viewpoint on Swallow Ridge, an excellent spot to admire the sea of clouds. The magnificent view will make your trip worthwhile. Afterwards, depending on your condition, you can take the cable car or hike down. If time permits, you can stroll through Cherry Valley to feel the coolness and tranquility of the stream. The trip usually ends around 3 to 4 PM, then start heading back. 💰 Budget Planning (per person) · Transportation: · Round-trip bus or self-driving fuel and toll fees: about 300 RMB. · Mandatory sightseeing bus fees: 60 RMB (Micang Mountain) + 40 RMB (Guangwu Mountain) = 100 RMB. · Accommodation: Budget lodging in Guangwu Mountain Town for 1 night: about 200-300 RMB. · Entrance Fees: · Micang Mountain National Forest Park ticket: about 90 RMB. · Guangwu Mountain Tourist Scenic Area ticket: about 80 RMB. · Food and Drinks: 2 days of meals and snacks: about 150-200 RMB. · Others: "Dream Guangwu Mountain" night tour ticket (optional): 168 RMB. Estimated total: The core expenses above add up to about 980 to 1438 RMB, well within your 2000 RMB budget, leaving room to consider experiences like the Xianglu Mountain cable car (150 RMB/person). 💡 Travel Tips 1. Red Leaf Info: Autumn is peak season; be sure to check the "Red Leaf Index" through official channels before traveling to catch the best viewing period. 2. Clothing Preparation: Mountain areas have large temperature differences between morning and night. By late October, temperatures are low, so bring warm clothing like windbreakers and light down jackets. 3. Essential Gear: Wear non-slip, comfortable hiking shoes as some sections have many slippery steps. Also bring rain gear, power banks, and personal medications. 4. Avoid Peak Crowds: Weekends during red leaf season are very crowded. If possible, choose weekdays for a better experience. 5. Safety First: Watch your step while hiking, follow scenic area rules, and avoid undeveloped areas. This guide hopes to help you plan your trip easily. The autumn colors of Guangwu Mountain are brief yet brilliant, worth experiencing with your heart.