10 Hidden Autumn Secrets Around Chongqing, Few People and Stunning Scenery, Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
Who gets it! You don’t need to squeeze into the city in Chongqing during autumn! These nearby spots take “autumn vibes” to the extreme. Karst landscapes wrapped in red leaves, thousand-year-old towns filled with osmanthus fragrance, alpine meadows covered in gold—best of all, just a 2-3 hour drive away. So few people you can enjoy the entire autumn scene alone, and every photo looks like a cinematic masterpiece! This guide digs deep into the “routes + photo spots + pitfalls” so even beginners can have an amazing time✨
Top 10 Autumn Scenery Spots Around Chongqing (with detailed tips)
1. Nanchuan · Jinfo Mountain (Red Leaves + Sea of Clouds, Chongqing’s Autumn Crown)
- Highlights: From October to November, the mountains are dyed red with maple leaves on karst cliffs, and in the morning you can see clouds rolling over the peaks. The “Red Leaf Trail” beside the Ancient Buddha Cave features red maples and unique stones, with a new view at every step.
- Details: 2.5-hour drive from downtown, or take a bus from Nanping Bus Station to Nanchuan, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle. Entrance fee 180 RMB/person, cable car recommended. Must-visit spots: West Slope Cliff Walkway, Ancient Buddha Cave, Jinfo Temple. Tips: Don’t wear white shoes, bring a light jacket.
2. Wulong · Fairy Mountain (Alpine Meadows + Autumn Forest, Ultimate Healing Spot)
- Highlights: Starting in October, alpine meadows turn golden, dawn redwoods begin to yellow, and sunlight filters through the branches onto the grass, like a Nordic fairy tale.
- Details: 3-hour drive from downtown, or take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station, then transfer to the scenic bus. Entrance fee 50 RMB/person, scenic train 25 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Great Prairie, Dawn Redwood Forest, creek beside the horse racing field. Hidden gem: Camp at Fairy Mountain Base at dusk to watch sunset and stars.
3. Jiangjin · Simian Mountain (Waterfalls + Red Leaves, Stunning Mountain and Water Autumn)
- Highlights: From October to November, red leaves cover the hills near Wangxiangtai Waterfall, with waterfalls cascading down and red maples contrasting the clear water. The Danxia landform at Tudi Rock paired with red leaves creates a strong color impact.
- Details: 2.5-hour drive from downtown, or take a bus from Chenjiaping Bus Station to Jiangjin, then transfer to the scenic shuttle. Entrance fee 90 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 40 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Wangxiangtai Waterfall, Tudi Rock, Pearl Lake.
4. Youyang · Gongtan Ancient Town (Thousand-Year-Old Town + Osmanthus, Slow Life Paradise)
- Highlights: In October, osmanthus fragrance fills the streets of the ancient town, petals fall on the bluestone roads, and stilted buildings reflect on the Wu River. The Wu River Gallery’s autumn scenery at dusk is breathtaking, with the sunset turning the river red.
- Details: 4.5-hour drive from downtown, or take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Youyang Station, then transfer to a bus. The ancient town is free to enter; Wu River Gallery boat ride costs 80 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Ancient Town Main Street, Xiqin Guild Hall, Wu River Viewing Platform.
5. Chengkou · Kang Valley (Daba Mountain Red Leaves + Streams, Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret)
- Highlights: November is peak season for Daba Mountain red leaves. Streams wind through red leaf forests, and walking the Kang Valley Trail lets you enjoy the entire autumn scene alone. The red leaves at Qinglong Gorge with the canyon are stunning.
- Details: 4-hour drive from downtown. Free entrance. Must-visit spots: Kang Valley Trail, Qinglong Gorge, Walnut Flat Camping Site. Tips: Few restaurants in the scenic area, bring your own snacks.
6. Wansheng · Heishan Valley (Canyon Autumn Forest + Waterfalls, Refreshing Autumn Scenery)
- Highlights: In October, dawn redwoods and sweetgum trees in the canyon start to yellow. Walking on the floating bridge surrounded by autumn forest with babbling streams is refreshing. The red leaves near Flying Fish Waterfall are especially vibrant.
- Details: 1.5-hour drive from downtown, or take a bus from Nanping Bus Station to Wansheng, then transfer to the scenic shuttle. Entrance fee 85 RMB/person, sightseeing bus + cable car 60 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Floating Bridge, Flying Fish Waterfall, Nine-Bend Painted Screen. Hidden gem: Experience rafting in Heishan Valley before mid-October.
7. Fuling · Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon (Cliff Autumn Scenery + Earth Fissure, Stunning)
- Highlights: From October to November, red leaves sprout from cracks on the cliffs on both sides of Qingtian Gorge Earth Fissure. The “one-line sky + red leaves” view is breathtaking. The copper and iron-like rock walls paired with autumn forest look like a movie scene.
- Details: 2-hour drive from downtown, or take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Fuling North Station, then transfer to the scenic bus. Entrance fee 195 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Qingtian Gorge Earth Fissure, Copper-Iron Wall, Yunmeng Creek. Tips: Wear non-slip shoes and bring a jacket.
8. Wushan · Shennv Stream (Three Gorges Autumn Scenery + Red Leaves, Boat Ride to Enjoy Autumn)
- Highlights: In November, red leaves dye the canyon on both sides of Shennv Stream. Taking a boat through it feels like entering the “Three Gorges Red Leaf Gallery.” Shennv Peak looks even more majestic against the red leaves.
- Details: 5-hour drive from downtown, or take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Wushan Station, then transfer to the scenic bus. Boat ticket 120 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Shennv Stream Boat Ride, Shennv Peak Viewing Platform, Xikou Ancient Town.
9. Pengshui · Ayi River (Autumn Rafting + Bamboo Forest, Cool and Offbeat)
- Highlights: In October, rafting on Ayi River is neither too hot nor cold. Sitting in a kayak, you can admire autumn forests on both banks. The bamboo forest in Qinglong Valley starts to yellow, perfect for shooting the “Autumn Bamboo Secret Spot.”
- Details: 3-hour drive from downtown, or take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Pengshui Station, then transfer to the scenic bus. Entrance fee 90 RMB/person, rafting 120 RMB/person. Must-visit spots: Ayi River Rafting, Qinglong Valley, Niujiao Village. Hidden gem: Join the bonfire party at Niujiao Village at night.
10. Dazu · Xiangguo Park (City Outskirts, Autumn Flower Viewing)
- Highlights: In October, osmanthus and chrysanthemums bloom simultaneously in Xiangguo Park. Osmanthus Avenue is fragrant, and the chrysanthemum garden boasts vibrant colors.
- Details: 1-hour drive from downtown, or take high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Dazu South Station, then transfer by bus. Free entrance. Must-visit spots: Osmanthus Avenue, Chrysanthemum Garden, Xiangguo Tower. Bonus: After the park, visit the Dazu Rock Carvings.
Exclusive Autumn Tips Around Chongqing (Avoid Detours)
1. Best time: Mid to late October through mid-November.
2. Transportation: Prefer self-driving; if no car, form a carpool.
3. Photography tips: For red leaves, use “Xingtu - Filter - Golden Autumn” (+50); for meadows/cloud sea, use wide-angle lens and shoot from a low angle; for ancient towns/osmanthus, use “vintage filter” (Xingtu - Carmel +30).
4. What to bring: Wear caramel, khaki, or light gray clothes; bring sunscreen, sunglasses, power bank; for offbeat spots, bring snacks and water.
Autumn in Chongqing is never mediocre! These nearby secret spots blend red, yellow, gold, and green into the most beautiful autumn palette. You can enjoy this autumn romance in just two days over the weekend—no need to squeeze into high-speed trains or spend a fortune. Quickly grab your travel buddy and head out for this autumn date!