Autumn Travel Guide: 10 Fairyland Destinations + Pitfall Avoidance Tips, Every Photo Will Flood Your Social Media

1. Northern Exclusives: A Painted World of Layered Forests (1) Kanas, Xinjiang · God's Palette From mid-September to early October, Kanas offers the ultimate autumn romance. The Moon Bay boardwalk is a must-visit spot; early morning backlight shots capture mist winding around colorful forests and the azure lake, creating a fairyland scene. The Wolong Bay viewing platform is perfect for aerial shots, where the "Wolong" shaped bay paired with golden larch trees on the shore creates a naturally dynamic composition. Outfit recommendations include a white long dress or a black short jacket—the former contrasts fresh with the colorful forest, the latter looks sharp in the wild. When taking photos, pick some red and yellow fallen leaves for foreground blur to instantly add depth. Day and night temperature differences can reach 15°C here, so bring a windbreaker and a light down jacket. Accommodation inside the scenic area is tight; it’s recommended to book a guesthouse in Jiadenyu one month in advance, which offers much better value than hotels inside the park. (2) Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia · The Epic of Populus Euphratica From late September to early October, the Populus euphratica trees in Ejina Banner reach their peak. The symmetrical reflections by Erdaoqiao Lake and the backlit silhouettes at dusk are a golden photography combo. Wear a red dress to contrast vividly with the golden poplars and brighten your complexion; bring a scarf to capture dynamic shots for more lively images. Pitfall tips to remember: Choose the classic poplar forest area directly, from Yidaoqiao to Badaoqiao you can see all the poplar variations; the stunning light and shadow in the “Strange Forest” only appear from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, don’t miss it. During the National Day holiday, prices can increase tenfold—either travel off-peak or find a reliable local tour package. (3) Yichun, Heilongjiang · The Whisper of the Forest From mid-September to mid-October, Yichun’s red pine and white birch weave a tranquil world. The red pine corridor in Wuying National Forest Park is great for back shots, and Jinshan Deer Park lets you interact and capture moments with deer. Prepare deer feed in advance to avoid stiff posing; wear a light coffee-colored sweater with dark jeans to blend into the environment without stealing the spotlight. Self-driving is recommended, as many hidden viewing platforms line the Tangwang River. Stay in city hotels for better value than those near the scenic spots, all within an hour’s drive. 2. Southern Secrets: A Warm and Elegant Autumn Poem (1) Nyingchi, Tibet · Jiangnan under the Snow Mountains From mid-September to mid-October, Niyang River’s blue water and golden poplar forests in Nyingchi reflect each other, with glaciers in the distance as a backdrop—every shot looks like a masterpiece. On the meadows of Lulang Forest, sitting on the ground for photos highlights a relaxed vibe. Outfit suggestions include a dark blue long dress or a white windbreaker—the former echoes the landscape, the latter balances warmth and outdoor aesthetics. A wide-brimmed hat is essential for sun protection and keeping hair in place. Nyingchi’s lower altitude reduces the risk of altitude sickness, but sunglasses and sunscreen are still necessary. It’s recommended to stay in Bayi Town, which offers many dining options and convenient transport to attractions. (2) Tachuan, Anhui · Ink-Wash Ancient Village Scroll From late September to late October, Tachuan’s horse-head walls and Chinese tallow trees create classical beauty. The ancient bridge at the village entrance is most photogenic in the morning mist; use portrait mode to blur the background for a dreamy effect. Wear light-colored qipao or a khaki trench coat—the former suits the ancient village charm, the latter looks casual. Close-up shots of looking up while picking fallen leaves capture autumn’s liveliness. Tachuan is adjacent to Hongcun, so visiting both is recommended. Staying in Tachuan guesthouses allows early morning shoots of empty scenic spots. The farmhouse restaurant at the village entrance serves authentic stinky mandarin fish for about 50 RMB per person, offering great value. (3) Shangri-La, Yunnan · Autumn Colors in the Clouds The red wolf’s bane flowers and the blue waters of Pudacuo’s Shudu Lake create a fairyland scene when morning mist lingers. Songzanlin Monastery’s square is perfect for solemn grand shots; wear a dark blue Tibetan-style dress and pose with hands clasped in prayer for a devout look. In early October, the grasslands start to yellow, paired with distant snow-capped mountains, creating a vast and sacred scene. Shangri-La has large day-night temperature differences, so bring a fleece jacket. Yak meat hotpot in Dukezong Ancient Town is a must-try, paired with local butter tea to balance richness and keep warm. 3. Urban Surroundings: Joyful Short Escapes (1) Xiangshan, Beijing · Maple Scenery in the City From late September to late October, Xiangshan’s maple leaves gradually turn red. The Xianglu Peak viewing platform offers a panoramic view of Beijing and early red maples; the maple trees along the trails are great for half-body close-ups. A caramel-colored sweater paired with a black skirt blends perfectly with the autumn atmosphere. For close-up shots of maple leaves, focus on the veins close to the lens and blur the background for a refined look. Peak avoidance tips: Enter before 6 AM to avoid crowds after 9 AM; take the subway to Xiangshan Station and then ride a shared bike, saving 30 minutes compared to the bus. (2) Zhuozhengyuan Garden, Suzhou · Autumn Charm of the Garden Known as a “walking oil painting,” Zhuozhengyuan’s autumn framed views are exceptional. From the “With Whom to Sit Pavilion,” shoot through the fan-shaped window to capture the lake and mountain scenery. In the evening, stroll to Pingjiang Road, take a black-awning boat when lanterns light up, and listen to the soft Wu dialect for added charm. Wear a light apricot qipao to complement the garden’s classical architecture. Don’t miss the maple town noodles at Lu Changxing’s shop at the alley’s end; the clear broth and tender shrimp with ginger shreds make it a perfect autumn warming dish. 4. Ultimate Autumn Travel Tips (1) Outfit Formula - Mountains/Grasslands: Red/White + earth-tone jacket for contrast and harmony with nature - Ancient Towns/Gardens: Light-colored qipao/knitwear to highlight gentle temperament - Plateau/Cold Areas: Windbreaker + bright inner layers for warmth and photogenic looks (2) Pitfall Avoidance 1. Book tickets for popular scenic spots at least 7 days in advance; Ejina Banner and Kanas require ticket snatching 2. Carry enough cash in remote areas; some guesthouses don’t support mobile payments 3. Prepare snow chains for self-driving; northern mountains may see early snow in October 4. Choose local small eateries for meals; popular scenic area restaurants often overcharge and have average taste Autumn’s beauty is fleeting—Kanas’s colorful forests, Ejina’s poplars, Tachuan’s morning mist, each place is worth the journey. Follow this guide to plan your trip, avoid crowds and pitfalls, and capture stunning autumn photos that will flood your social media, making this autumn your most precious memory.