Autumn Cuihua Must-Visit Guide

One-Day Autumn Tour of Cuihua Mountain: Encounter the Most Beautiful Season of Qinling 📍 Destination: Xi'an Cuihua Mountain (Zhongnan Mountain National Geopark) ⏰ Best Time: Mid-October to early November (peak red leaf viewing period) 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving/tourist shuttle/bus (about 1 hour from Xi'an city center) 🎫 Tickets: 65 RMB/person (peak season), half price for students 🌄 Itinerary: Enjoy the autumn scenery in one day 🌅 Morning: Explore the mountain gate, stroll through a golden world 🕘 8:30-9:00 | Arrive at the scenic area, feel the autumn mountain gate The ginkgo avenue at the entrance is golden and brilliant, perfect for photos and check-ins. Recommended to take photos in front of the "Zhongnan Yuxiu" archway, especially beautiful in the slanting morning light. 🕙 9:00-10:30 | By Tianchi Lake, admire the autumn reflections Walk or take the sightseeing bus (20 RMB/person) to Tianchi. Along the way, red leaves dot the mountains. Tianchi is a landslide-formed dammed lake with blue water, surrounded by colorful forests, and the reflections are picturesque. Tips: There is a tea house by the lake where you can rest and enjoy tea, feeling the tranquility of the mountains. 🌄 Noon: Climb high and explore unique landforms 🕚 11:00-12:30 | Challenge the Wind Cave & Ice Cave About a 20-minute walk from Tianchi to the Wind Cave, where cool wind whistles at the entrance, like "stones singing." The Ice Cave has ice all year round; even in autumn, you can see sparkling icicles, mysterious and stunning. Tips: The cave floor is slippery; it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and bring a flashlight or phone light. 🕛 12:30-13:30 | Lunch at the summit, overlook the sea of clouds Climb to the top of Cuihua Peak (altitude 2132 meters) with a broad view, overlooking the Qinling mountain range. Recommended to bring your own simple meal (sandwiches, fruit) or buy hot drinks at the summit kiosk to warm up. 🍁 Afternoon: Red leaves cover the mountain, enjoy the return journey 🕑 14:00-15:30 | Stroll along the maple forest trail Descend via another route passing through "Red Leaf Valley," where maples and smoke trees weave a fiery red tapestry. If time permits, visit the "Taiyi Zhenren" stone statue and listen to local elders tell mythological stories. 🕓 16:00-17:00 | Farmhouse dinner, savor mountain flavors Recommended farmhouse dishes at the foot of the mountain: Stewed native chicken with mushrooms (fresh and nourishing) Buckwheat noodles (Shaanxi specialty) Hawthorn wine (sweet and sour, perfect for autumn) 📌 Travel Tips ✅ Clothing advice: Around 10-15℃, recommend wearing a windproof jacket + comfortable hiking shoes. ✅ Must-bring items: Power bank, thermos, sunscreen, camera (the autumn scenery is stunning!). ✅ Suitable for: Couples, families, photography enthusiasts, hiking beginners. ✨ Why must you visit Cuihua Mountain in autumn? ✔ A feast of colors — ginkgo, maple, and smoke trees blend into the "Qinling palette." ✔ Geological wonders — Wind Cave, Ice Cave, Tianchi, experience nature’s craftsmanship. ✔ Cultural heritage — Taiyi Mountain legends, Tang dynasty stone carvings, a blend of history and nature. 📸 Best photo spots: Tianchi reflections, Wind Cave entrance, summit sea of clouds, Red Leaf Valley. Autumn at Cuihua Mountain is one of the most beautiful seasons in Qinling. This one-day trip lets you climb high for distant views, stroll among red leaves, and savor mountain delicacies. If you are in Xi'an, don’t miss this colorful feast this autumn! 📢 Have you planned your autumn trip? Let’s go! 🍂🏞️