Autumn Deity Route Checklist! 2025 Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret Spots + Photo Tips

I. Southwest Colorful Forest Route: A Healing Journey of Red Leaves and Hot Springs (1) Western Sichuan Secret Spot Combo (Late October to Early November) Ya'an is the first delightful stop in autumn. In late October, the red leaves burst into full color, and high-speed train tickets are readily available, making it a cost-effective choice. Recommended stay: "Bifengxia Scenic Homestay," with an average cost of 200+ RMB per person including breakfast. New Trip.com users booking here get a free shuttle ticket to the Panda Base, saving transportation hassle. Must-try is the time-honored Liao Ji’s claypot Ya fish, only 78 RMB per serving, unlocking fresh and authentic flavors. The female owner thoughtfully serves warm osmanthus tea to soothe the stomach, full of thoughtful details. Late at night, relax at "Nanshuige Hot Springs." The women-only pool requires a 2-day advance reservation for a private and exclusive experience. From Chengdu, take an 18-minute high-speed train directly to Dujiangyan. In November, the Zipingpu Reservoir is in its emerald phase, with the lake reflecting the colorful forest like a painting. The newly popular "Zhongshuge" mirror space is a must-visit. Order a 49 RMB afternoon tea and take photos amid the interplay of light and shadow for a full atmospheric effect. Trip.com notes with the topic can receive a custom bookmark. The top accommodation choice is "Linran Hot Spring Hotel," where the women’s floor is equipped with makeup mirrors and Dyson hairdryers, catering perfectly to needs. (2) Sichuan-Yunnan-Tibet Borderline (Mid-September to Early October) Daocheng Yading’s autumn is like a fairyland. Near Pearl Lake, you can capture the perfect reflection of Mount Xiannairi’s snowy peak. Standing by the lake, posing with a hand shading your eyes as if gazing afar, every shot is a masterpiece. The meadows at Luorong Pasture have turned golden; sitting on the ground to capture snow-capped mountains, colorful forests, and yaks in one frame highlights the vastness and desolation. For outfits, choose a red fleece jacket to contrast sharply with the golden meadows and white peaks, creating a striking visual effect. Shangri-La’s Pudacuo National Park’s Shudu Lake holds autumn surprises. Walking along the lakeside boardwalk, red wolfberry flowers contrast beautifully with the blue lake, and the morning mist adds a fairy-tale atmosphere. At Songzanlin Monastery Square, the Tibetan-style temple and golden grasslands form a unique backdrop. Wearing a navy Tibetan dress on the steps, hands clasped in prayer while taking a side profile photo, looks both solemn and photogenic. II. North China Autumn Seeking Route: Self-Drive and Red Leaf Secret Exploration (1) Lesser-Known Autumn Viewing Spots in Beijing Suburbs (Mid-October to Early November) Langya Mountain’s Xifuling is this year’s hidden gem, open free to the public from October 23 to November 23. The yellow smoke tree and five-point maple are in full blaze, and the smooth wooden boardwalk is perfect for families or elderly companions. Take the cable car from the scenic area entrance to the summit, visit Qipantuo and the Five Heroes Memorial Tower in sequence, then descend from the west gate, enjoying both cultural and natural sights. The summit offers a broad view with overlapping red leaves and green trees, and walking on the boardwalk easily captures the autumn vibe. Yanqing’s Hundred-Mile Gallery’s Dishuihu hides the scenery of a "Little Jiuzhaigou." Valleys, streams, and caves form a natural painting. In October, red maples and ginkgo trees dye the forest in splendid colors. Few tourists visit here, allowing exclusive enjoyment of the entire autumn scene. The lake mirrors the colorful tree shadows, gentle breezes create ripples, and pavilions dot the landscape, resembling a southern water town hidden in northern mountains. The scenic area is small and can be leisurely toured in 1-2 hours, making it especially pleasant for photos and sightseeing. (2) Northern Shanxi Ancient Architecture Autumn Route (Late October to Early November) Taiyuan’s Jinci Museum holds autumn surprises. In early November, the ginkgo avenue turns fully yellow. Wearing a beige trench coat under the trees for photos perfectly blends classical and autumn atmospheres. Metro Line 3 now connects to the scenic area, with taxi starting fare only 8 RMB, making transportation very convenient. Stay in the Liuxiang business district at "Manxin Hotel," where smart rooms cost around 200+ RMB per person, offering excellent value. At night, visit the time-honored "Qinghe Yuan" for shaomai and mutton soup, warm and comforting. Avoid the National Day crowds at Pingyao Ancient City; visiting in late October offers a better experience. In 2025, tickets allow facial recognition three-day access, making it easy to explore all ancient buildings without pressure. The immersive play "See You Again Pingyao" adds female perspective sessions, with an 20% discount for booking on Trip.com three days in advance. Recommended stay is the "Yijintang" homestay, a century-old courtyard with rich ambiance. The terrace afternoon tea is perfect for photos, but be cautious of silver jewelry shops inside the scenic area to avoid overspending. III. Autumn Travel Pitfalls to Avoid and Practical Tips (1) Essential Travel Guide For transportation, Xichang will open a new intercity train in 2025, reaching destinations in 1.5 hours. The blue jacaranda around Qionghai blooms twice from October to November. Bike rentals for lake cycling support QR code payment with no deposit, making it easy and convenient. Wutai Mountain implements a self-drive reservation system; it is recommended to buy the direct shuttle bus from Taiyuan, costing only 60 RMB round trip, which is worry-free and safe. There are smart ways to save on tickets. Trip.com’s 2025 new feature allows real-time price comparison for scenic area combo tickets, saving 30% compared to buying separately on multiple Southwest and North China routes. Shanxi scenic areas offer double points for Trip.com members; remember to claim coupons before booking rooms and tickets. The Xichang Jianchang Ancient City light show (every night at 7:30 PM) can be redeemed with Trip.com points for a VR guided tour, enhancing the experience. (2) Safety and Outfit Guide For solo female travelers, it is recommended to purchase Trip.com’s "Safe Travel" insurance, which includes a 24-hour female hotline. When staying, prioritize accommodations with women-only floors or Zen-themed homestays, such as Wutai Mountain’s "Miaojixiang Zen Inn," which offers floor heating and vegetarian meals thoughtfully. Shanxi’s autumn and winter have large temperature differences; a thermos and heat packs are essential. For plateau areas, bring a white windbreaker, which protects against temperature changes and suits outdoor photography. Photo outfit tips: Ejina Banner’s poplar forest suits red dresses; the red and golden contrast brightens the complexion and tells a story. Pair with a scarf to capture dynamic moments more vividly. Benxi Maple Forest can be matched with an orange sweatshirt to echo the scenery or a white cropped top with a burgundy skirt for elegance without clashing. Use fallen leaves as foreground blur, shoot from low angles to include sky and forest—these small tricks can double photo quality. Autumn’s beauty is fleeting. Choose a favorite route and follow this guide to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos that will flood your social media, storing the romance of autumn in your memories.