A Forgotten Autumn Wonderland by National Geographic! Compared to Jiuzhaigou, I love this sea of colorful forests even more

Hi, I’m Kaka, a travel blogger passionate about exploring lesser-known hidden gems. A few days ago, overwhelmed by work stress, I decisively took annual leave and flew to Sichuan, aiming for a place rarely mentioned in travel guides—Muni Valley. As autumn begins to sweep across the north, here unfolds an ultimate dream of colors and light and shadow. ​​"Itinerary Plan: 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Travel Guide"​​ My route is a typical unhurried, in-depth travel style. Day 1: Arrive at Songpan County at noon, enjoy authentic yak hotpot, then drive about an hour to check into a Tibetan-style guesthouse near the entrance of Muni Valley; in the afternoon, lightly explore Zaga Waterfall and feel the grandeur of the travertine waterfall set against autumn colors. Day 2: Spend the whole day at Erdao Lake, the essence of Muni Valley, strolling slowly along the boardwalk where each lake is scattered like a jewel in the forest. Day 3: In the morning, enjoy the peaceful morning mist and autumn light on the hillside near the guesthouse, then head back in the afternoon. ​​"Highlights Recommendation: Five-Star Autumn Color Check-in Spots"​​ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Erdao Lake Hiking Trail: This is a visual feast. Golden larches, fiery red maples, and evergreen firs reflect all their colors in the blue lakes, making every step feel like walking inside a painting. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Zaga Waterfall: The world’s largest travertine waterfall, still abundant with water in autumn, roaring loudly, creating a unique landscape of strength and softness with the surrounding colorful forest. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Secret Swan Lake: Requires a bit of a walk but absolutely worth it! The lake surface is as calm as a mirror, perfectly reflecting snow-capped mountains and colorful forests, a magical spot for stunning photos. ​​"Check-in Guide: Cinematic Photo Tips"​​ To capture travel photos without interruptions, timing and angles are key. The best times are before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m., when the light is soft and perfectly showcases the warm texture of autumn. Must-shoot spot 1: The wooden boardwalk corner between Erdao Lake and the head of Caohai, using a telephoto lens to compress space, capturing colorful forests, lakes, and distant mountains in one frame. Must-shoot spot 2: The viewing platform below Zaga Waterfall, shooting upward with a wide-angle lens to highlight the waterfall’s grandeur and the brilliance of the autumn forest. For outfits, choose white, beige, or warm-toned sweaters and long skirts to gently echo the environment, naturally adding a vintage film filter effect. ​​"Deep Experience: A Soulful Healing"​​ What impressed me most wasn’t the check-in at the viewing platform but a quiet clearing in the forest by Erdao Lake. I sat on a fallen deadwood, with only the sounds of wind, birdsong, and rustling leaves around me. Sunlight filtered through the colorful leaves, casting mottled light spots, and time seemed to slow down. At that moment, the anxiety and fatigue from the city were completely cleared away, and nature, in its most primal way, offered the deepest comfort. ​​"Practical Information: Tips and Essentials"​​ ✍🏻 Transportation: Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended; just navigate to "Muni Valley Scenic Area," the road conditions are good. ✍🏻 Tickets: Combined ticket for Zaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake is about 70 RMB, very cost-effective. ✍🏻 Accommodation: Strongly recommend staying at a guesthouse near the valley entrance to experience Tibetan hospitality and enter the park early the next day to avoid crowds. ✍🏻 Altitude: About 2800-3200 meters, be mindful of altitude sickness and move slowly. ⚠️ Pitfalls to avoid: Few supply points inside the scenic area, bring your own snacks and water; autumn temperature varies greatly, be sure to bring a thick jacket. This autumn, if you want to find a truly quiet and beautiful hidden gem to relax, Muni Valley will definitely surprise you beyond your imagination.