Collection | A comprehensive guide to the best autumn destinations in Hunan and Hubei provinces

The scorching heat is being swept away while cool autumn starts to show. Where and when can we go to enjoy the autumn? Here are recommended autumn destinations in Hunan and Hubei!

Yuelu Mountain: First Admire the Ginkgo, Then the Maple

In early autumn, the leaves of Yuelu Mountain gradually change color, but have not yet reached the peak of red foliage, which usually occurs at the end of November. However, this gradual change in color, with its diverse hues, creates a vibrant and picturesque scene. The maple leaves on Yuelu Mountain turn red later, so visitors can first admire the ginkgo trees. The ginkgo trees near Yuelu Academy are particularly stunning, standing gracefully and swaying with golden leaves, highlighting the elegant and leisurely atmosphere of this thousand-year-old academy.

Shiyan Lake Yue Mountain Water

Shiyan Lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains and waters. Autumn is the perfect time to go boating on Shiyan Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. Alternatively, you can stroll along the Sky Corridor Bridge, experiencing the thrill of walking in the air and enjoying the continuous autumn scenery. The cool and crisp autumn weather is also the best time for physical activities. Shiyan Lake is renowned for its team-building training programs, making it an ideal time for a team-building event.

Shiniu Village Danxia Landform Viewing

In autumn, visiting Shiniu Village, you can witness the spectacular sight of ten miles of cliffs and hundreds of miles of Danxia landform. Shiniu Village boasts the first glass bridge in China. Walking on it, you can see the gradually changing colors of the forest, contrasting beautifully with the white Danxia, creating a magnificent scene. Near the glass bridge, there is also a newly introduced cliff swing this year. Swinging in the wind, with a bottomless abyss beneath your feet, it is truly thrilling.

Enshi Grand Canyon Spectacular

Visit Enshi Grand Canyon in autumn to see the autumn colors adorning the mountain peaks and spreading through the canyon, creating a breathtaking view. The Enshi Grand Canyon features diverse mountain formations, with the most unique scenery being the karst landscape. This karst landscape combines sheer cliffs and peak clusters, making it rich and unique. Five major wonders are recommended: Qingjiang Rising Clouds, Cliff-surrounded Peak Clusters, Bridge-connected Cave Groups, Ground Fissure with Waterfalls, and Underground River with Sinkholes.

Dawu Sapium Sebiferum Viewing

To appreciate the beauty of Sapium Sebiferum, one must visit Dawu County, known as the 'Hometown of Sapium Sebiferum'. The entire county is dotted with these trees. In late autumn, the Sapium Sebiferum trees sway in the wind, creating waves of yellow and red that are dazzlingly beautiful. The best places to view Sapium Sebiferum in Dawu are: Liuji, Sigu, Xiadian, Xincheng, Pengdian, and Gaodian.

Xianning Pin Guixiang

Autumn is also the season when osmanthus flowers bloom. Xianning is the only place named 'Hometown of Osmanthus' by the National Forestry Department. Strolling through the osmanthus forest, you can see more than 30 varieties of osmanthus in full bloom, with a rich and sweet fragrance that fills the air with a sweet aroma, making it hard to leave. The best place to enjoy osmanthus in Xianning is at Osmanthus Source on Qianshan Mountain.

Ginkgo Viewing in Suizhou, Hubei

If you want to see the most flourishing ginkgo trees, I recommend the Millennium Ginkgo Valley in Suizhou, China. Here, the ginkgo trees form a golden sea, vibrant and captivating like an oil painting. In this place, you can see the most concentrated group of 3000-year-old ancient ginkgo trees, which have withstood the test of time, adding endless charm.