Xi'an in Autumn - A self-drive tour of the best places to enjoy fall foliage

When I think of coming to Xi'an in Shaanxi, China, the first things that come to mind are the Terracotta Warriors and the Shaanxi History Museum, which showcase the rich history and cultural relics of over 5,000 years. However, the natural landscapes of Xi'an also leave me in awe. Not only because of the precious treasure of the Qinling Mountains, but also because each season has its own unique charm. Spring and winter are beautiful, but my favorite is autumn. During this time, there is no scorching heat of summer, no gloomy sky of winter, and no lingering drizzle of the short spring season. Instead, there is clear and warm weather, like the bold and cheerful nature of the people in the northwest of China. The mountains are vibrant with colors, like a painting. Let's take a look at some of the places around Xi'an to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Guangwu Mountain

1. Large area, magnificent momentum - Two-thirds of the scenic area is covered with spectacular red leaf landscapes. 2. Rich colors, bright hues - From scattered spots, you can see colorful red leaves, with hues as vivid as an oil painting, eventually forming a sea of crimson. 3. Diverse species, rich content - Over 40 species including Fagus, Maple, Linden, and Rosaceae, with more than 10 colors such as pink, burgundy, dark red, rose red, and golden red. 4. High quality, prestigious origin - After being surveyed by botanical experts from the UK, Germany, France, Canada, and the USA, Guangwu Mountain was dubbed the 'Golden Area' and its red leaves were called 'Golden Leaves'.

Huangbaiyuan Township

The mountains are layered and undulating, with streams winding through the valleys and waterfalls reflecting in the pools. Various stones come in all shapes and sizes, and the fallen red leaves add a particularly colorful touch. A small bridge hangs over the river, retaining an ancient charm, evoking a pastoral feeling as one walks on it. The area is rich in ecological resources such as giant pandas, fine-scaled salmon, takins, and chestnuts.

Xuefeng Township

Address: Xuefeng Township, Hancheng City. Due to the narrow road surface of the village-level road leading to Xiangshan, it is only suitable for small cars to drive by themselves. Large vehicles must change to local minibuses at the foot of the mountain. It is a 3.5-hour drive from Xi'an. As everyone knows, there is a Xiangshan in Beijing, and there is also one in Hancheng. When the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi lived here, he loved the beautiful 'Xiangshan Hermit'. Every autumn, the red leaves all over the mountains are as red as flames, and after the frost, they turn deep purplish-red. Around mid-October, the entire Xiangshan becomes a sea of fiery red, with interlaced colors and layers of dyed forests. This not only inspires poetic enthusiasm but also, after the frost, the red leaves slowly turn deep purplish-red, adding a touch of deep red charm.

Hanzhong Liping National Forest Park

Address: Liping National Forest Park, Hanli Road, Nanzheng District, Hanzhong City, 2.5 hours drive from Hanzhong. Located at the border of Shaanxi and Sichuan, Liping combines the essence of the Qinling and Micang Mountain ranges. It boasts the grandeur of the north and the gracefulness of the south. The unique geological features of Zhonghua Longshan and the idyllic characteristics of Hongchen Gorge allow visitors to enjoy the red leaves of both provinces. The Maple Bridge in the scenic area has now been upgraded to a 5D glass bridge, which simulates a breaking effect when stepped on, adding a unique fun element. It is a colorful giant fun maze covering more than 2,000 square meters, composed of various elements such as windmills, red leaves, wisteria, rattan weaving, wind chimes, bamboo hats, and mirrors, attracting countless people to enjoy the autumn.

Gaojiang Road

Address: Gaoqiaopu Section, National Highway 316, Mian County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, 4.5 hours drive from Xi'an. The trees on both sides are large and cover the sky, turning golden. Along the way, you can enjoy pastoral scenery, trickling streams, farmhouse courtyards, ginkgo forests, and the sounds of birds and flowers. It feels like being in another world, and it has been called 'China's most beautiful rural tourism route' by netizens.