Red maples paired with cooking smoke! The autumn and winter morning fog in Shicheng, the exclusive scroll of this lesser-known ancient village is absolutely stunning

If you love red maples, you definitely can't miss Shicheng, Jiangxi in November! This hidden ancient village deep in the mountains becomes poetically beautiful in autumn and winter. Just after 5 a.m., the village is shrouded in morning fog, tall red maples stretch out their branches, red leaves faintly visible through the mist, white walls and black tiles of the ancient village peek out, and cooking smoke curls up from rooftops, like a flowing ink painting. Walking up the hillside beside the village is the best viewing spot, where you can take in the entire beauty of Shicheng—red maples, ancient village, morning fog, and cooking smoke form a unique autumn and winter scene. When the sun rises and the fog clears, the red maples’ colors become even more vivid, villagers carrying bamboo baskets walk beneath the maples, full of everyday life atmosphere. There are few tourists here, so you can leisurely stroll through the ancient village, photograph the red maples, and experience the tranquility and beauty of late autumn in Jiangnan. 【Quick Guide】 Transportation: After taking the high-speed train to Wuyuan Station, transfer to the Wuyuan-Shicheng minibus (about 1.5 hours). The viewing platform requires a 10-minute climb up stone steps; Best Experience: Arrive at the viewing platform before 5:30 a.m. to secure a spot (for photographing morning fog and red maples), then spend the morning exploring the ancient village and chatting with villagers; Practical Tips: The best time for red maples is mid-November to early December. It’s colder in the early morning (5~10℃), so bring a thick jacket. There are simple guesthouses in the village, and you can try stuffed red carp and steamed pork with rice flour.