The "Maple Leaf Secret Realm" Hidden in Liaodong, Laobiangou's Autumn Reds Enchant Time

Driving with my spouse from Shenyang, it took just three hours to plunge headfirst into the autumn atmosphere of Laobiangou in Liaodong. When we set off, the morning mist outside the car window still carried a chill, but after winding through several mountain bends, the colors before us looked like a spilled palette—so intense that it was impossible to look away. At first, there were scattered reds along the mountain road, like rouge on a young woman's temple, quietly blending into the deep green oak forest. The deeper we went into the mountains, the more vibrant the reds became. When we reached the mountainside clearing, the entire hill was covered with layers upon layers of maple trees, their reds passionate and vivid. The light red resembled rosy clouds, the scarlet like crimson clouds, and the deepest red was as hot as molten gold at sunset. It felt as if the rainbow from the horizon had been cut down and adorned the branches. When the wind blew, the whole tree’s "glow" gently swayed, warming the heart. We stopped the car and walked into the forest. Thick layers of maple leaves covered the ground, crunching crisply underfoot with a "crack" sound. Accompanied by the rustling of leaves in the wind, it became the most beautiful symphony of autumn. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground. Red leaves, golden light, and a few small wildflowers dotted here and there—every step was a moving painting. Holding my spouse’s hand, we walked slowly, watching maple leaves twirl down onto our shoulders. Suddenly, I remembered chasing falling leaves with friends as a child, and the laughter seemed to drift back on the wind. Now, beside me was the person I’ve held hands with for half a lifetime, looking at the same maple scene. The excitement of those days had deepened into a gentle warmth. As the sun set, the evening glow and maple leaves reflected each other, bathing the entire mountain in a warm red halo. This short self-drive trip from Shenyang had no crowded crowds, only mountains of autumn reds and peaceful moments. It turns out the most captivating autumn scenery doesn’t need to be far away—it’s hidden in Liaodong’s Laobiangou, waiting for you and your loved one to come and enjoy a romantic rendezvous with the red maples. Travel Tips 1. Best time to see the maples: Early to mid-October each year is ideal, when over 80% of the maple leaves turn red, and the leaves are full and bright. If you visit 1-2 days after the first frost, the red maples combined with white frost create an even more unique scene. 2. Self-drive route from Shenyang: Recommended route is "Shenyang Ring Expressway → Shenji Expressway → Yongling Interchange exit → along Mutong Line → Benhuan Road → Laobiangou Scenic Area." The total distance is about 220 kilometers, taking around 3 hours. The Benhuan Road section is lined with maple scenery, allowing for stops to briefly enjoy the view. 3. Photo spots: The core spot is the "Maple King Scenic Point," featuring a century-old maple tree with thick branches and lush red leaves, perfect for panoramic shots. The "Stream Reflecting Maples Area" offers scenes of maple leaves reflected in clear stream water; using a slow shutter speed can capture the soft blend of flowing water and red leaves. Hiking up the mountain trail to the mid-mountain viewing platform provides a sweeping view of the layered red maples, ideal for portraits combined with landscape shots.