Autumn has finally arrived in Chongqing, and with it comes the much-anticipated season of vibrant red and golden leaves. For nature enthusiasts and photography lovers alike, this is the perfect time to explore some of the city’s most picturesque destinations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy the stunning maple leaves. From serene parks to mountainous retreats, Chongqing offers a diverse range of locations where you can witness the beauty of autumn in full bloom. In this guide, we’ve selected six of the best places for an unforgettable maple leaf viewing experience.
1. Banan Colorful Forest (巴南彩色森林)
Why You Should Visit: Banan Colorful Forest is the only national forest health and wellness base in Chongqing’s city center, making it a prime location for autumn leaf viewing.
Driving Route: From the city center, take the Inner Ring Expressway, then pass through Panlong Interchange, Cimu Mountain Tunnel, Hu-Yu South Line Expressway, exit at Fengsheng, and continue on to Youfang Village.
Public Transport: Take bus 497 to the “Fengsheng (丰盛)” station, then walk about 1 km to the destination.
Admission Fee: ¥49.9 per adult.
Best Viewing Time: Early to mid-November.
2. Chengkou Daba Mountain (城口大巴山)
Why You Should Visit: Chengkou Daba Mountain offers a blend of thousands of plant species, providing unique scenery at every turn. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Driving Route: From the city, head towards Dazhou (via Baomao Expressway), exit at Shitang, and continue to Chengkou and Daba Mountain.
Best Viewing Time: Late October to early November.
Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay in Heyu Township (河鱼乡) on the first day, then head to Huang’anba (黄安坝) and Daba Mountain for your next day’s adventure.
3. Nanchuan Wangshanping (南川王山坪)
Why You Should Visit: Famous for its karst landscape and ecological stone forest, Wangshanping offers a beautiful display of metasequoia and yew trees, which look especially striking in autumn.
Driving Route: Take the Yuxiang Expressway from Chongqing, exit at Shui Jiang, and continue to Shiwangping Eco Park.
Admission Fee: ¥60 per adult.
Best Viewing Time: November 10th to the end of November.
4. Youyang Banxi Town, Shanyang Village (酉阳板溪镇山羊村)
Why You Should Visit: Shanyang Village is known for its expansive 50-square-kilometer maple forest, the largest in southeastern Chongqing, making it an ideal destination for maple leaf lovers.
Driving Route: From the city center, take the Inner Ring Expressway and drive along the Yuxiang Expressway to the Banxi exit in Youyang.
Best Viewing Time: Late October to mid-November.
5. Shizhu Huangshui National Forest Park (石柱黄水国家森林公园)
Why You Should Visit: This park is the largest national forest park in Chongqing and is located in a region with a rich culture of the Tujia ethnic minority, offering both natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Public Transport: Take the Yuli Railway to Shizhu County, then transfer to a bus to Huangshui Town (黄水镇). From there, take a sightseeing bus or tourist vehicle to the park.
Admission Fee: ¥30 per adult.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Accommodation: Stay in Huangshui Town for a more convenient trip.
Best Viewing Time: Late November.
Additional Options: You can also visit Wanshou Mountain and Qianye Grassland in Shizhu, particularly in October to March when the firethorn berries are ripe, which is perfect for family visits.
6. Three Gorges (三峡)
Why You Should Visit: Whether by car, on foot, or by boat, the Three Gorges area offers a completely unique red leaf experience that differs from any other city in China. The best spots to witness the autumn leaves are found in the Wushan region, particularly around Wu Gorge, Goddess Peak Scenic Area, and the Small Three Gorges.
Best Viewing Time: Early November to late December.