Nanjing, a Hidden Gem in Northern Sichuan: A Fantastic Journey to Encounter Red Leaves and Ancient Trails!

If you don't see all the mountains and rivers, you haven't truly visited Sichuan. This land, rated as one of "China's Top Ten Autumn Sceneries" by National Geographic China, holds many surprises. Nestled amidst the mountains of northeastern Sichuan lies an astonishing hidden gem – Nanjiang. Home to the World Geopark and the National 5A-rated tourist attraction Mount Guangwu, it boasts diverse beauty throughout the four seasons, awaiting every traveler eager to explore. Natural Wonders in All Four Seasons Mount Guangwu Scenic Area, Nanjiang's signature attraction, holds multiple honors including National Scenic Spot, National Forest Park, and World Geopark. Poet Gao Zeng once praised it: "See the water in Jiuzhai, see the mountains in Guangwu; if you don't see both mountains and water, you haven't truly visited Sichuan." Here, the scenery changes distinctly with the seasons: in spring, vibrant rhododendron seas bloom; in summer, emerald peaks and cascading waterfalls are refreshing; in autumn, the red leaves are top-tier (most spectacular in late October); in winter, ice formations resembling jade trees and crystal flowers create a fairytale world. Micang Mountain National Forest Park boasts over 80% forest coverage, making it a true natural oxygen bar. The Heixionggou Plank Road within the park is a popular photo spot, where streams, unique rocks, and red leaves intertwine to form a stunning secret realm. The sea of clouds and sunrise at Xianglu Mountain is an unmissable spectacle, worth waking up at 5 AM for. Shibayue Tan (Eighteen Moon Pools) is hailed by tourists as "Jiuzhaigou of Northeastern Sichuan." Pools, waterfalls, rocks, and fallen leaves complement each other, creating a serene and beautiful landscape. Within the approximately 3.5-kilometer-long Zhenzhugou (Pearl Valley), there are 18 enchanting pools, with clear water, unique rocks, and picturesque scenery. The Natural Gallery is a must-visit in autumn, with red leaves covering the mountains and forests, immersing visitors in a dreamlike, ethereal experience. Cultural Imprints: The Millennium-Old Micang Ancient Trail Nanjiang boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Micang Ancient Trail, originating in the Xia and Shang dynasties and flourishing during the Qin and Han dynasties, traverses the entire Nanjiang region and is China's earliest "national highway." This millennium-old trail has witnessed countless historical events: Jiexian Post on the Hanxi River banks preserves the thousand-year-old legend of Xiao He pursuing Han Xin under the moonlight; Mouyang City at the foot of Micang Mountain resonates with the Three Kingdoms era, where Zhuge Liang reviewed his troops in autumn. Nanjiang is also an old revolutionary base, where red culture has left a profound mark. Revolutionary battle sites such as the Bashan Guerrilla Memorial Hall, Hongsimen, and Zhongkuishan bear witness to the arduous years when revolutionary predecessors like Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian fought valiantly. Eighteen national and provincial intangible cultural heritage protections, including "Bashan Back-Carrier Song," "Bashan Maoshan Song," and Bashan wedding customs, showcase the diverse and splendid culture of Nanjiang. Nanjiang on the Tip of Your Tongue: Unmissable Culinary Experiences Nanjiang Yellow Goat is a must-try specialty, renowned as "China's No. 1 Goat." The Yellow Goat Soup uses local Nanjiang yellow goat as the main ingredient. The soup is milky white and bright, fresh and not gamey, with tender meat that's not stringy, offering a unique flavor. Zhengzhi Dasurou (Fried Pork Slices) has a history of over a thousand years as a specialty of Zhengzhi Town in Nanjiang County. Made from the most exquisite parts of local pork, combined with homemade starch from high-mountain potatoes and free-range chicken eggs, it tastes exceptionally delicious, tender, crispy, fragrant, and not greasy. Changchi Mabing, also known as "Hollow Sesame Cake," is famous far and wide for its unique hollow shape, thin crust, crispiness, pure sweetness, and affordability. Guangwu Mountain Sour Water Tofu has a spicy, sour, salty, and fresh flavor. The tofu is delicate and tender, the toppings are crispy and fragrant, and the taste is rich and piping hot, offering a distinctive charm. Travel Guide: Embark on Your Nanjiang Journey Best Travel Season: Nanjiang has unique characteristics throughout the year. The red leaf season (mid-October to mid-November) is the most popular travel period. Summer (June-August) is an ideal summer retreat. Transportation: From Chengdu or Chongqing, you can take a direct long-distance bus (approximately 4 hours) or choose to drive; the mountain road scenery along the way is stunning. Accommodation Recommendations: You can choose to experience guesthouses like Guangwu Mountain Yunduan Xiaozhu, or opt for county town accommodations like Nanjiang Grand Hotel, which offer great value. On Xianglu Mountain in the early morning, a sea of clouds rolls, and the first rays of sunlight sprinkle over the mountains covered in red leaves; as night falls, on that millennium-old Micang Ancient Trail, one can almost hear the hoofbeats of past merchants. Nanjiang, this hidden gem in northern Sichuan, welcomes every traveler with its ever-changing seasonal beauty and millennium-spanning cultural heritage.