Summit of the Three Gorges Hiking｜The whole mountain is covered in red during the red leaf season, stunning and super healing

Kuimen stands majestically swallowing the Yangtze River, autumn and winter red leaves dye the Chijia Mountain red all over. From the summit, you can overlook the gorge dyed with layers of forest and the winding river, hiding the shock of "striving to reach the peak." As the physical high point of the Three Gorges, the Summit of the Three Gorges suits hikers of different skill levels, with clearly defined route difficulties. During the red leaf season, the red maples along the way are like fire, and checking in at the internet-famous 66 switchbacks is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. ✨ Core Highlights of the Red Leaf Season The best panoramic viewing spot of Kuimen featured on the 10 RMB note. From October to December in autumn and winter, the red leaves bloom profusely, with red maples covering the mountains against the blue water. In the morning, watch the sea of clouds surge reflecting the red leaves; in the evening, enjoy the sunset melting gold dyeing the gorge. Along the way, check in at Du Fu Thatched Cottage and the Beacon Tower ruins, pass the popular 66 switchbacks where red leaves densely line both sides of the bends, and visit fun check-in points like 211 and 520. Hiking to enjoy the maples while appreciating cultural heritage brings a full sense of accomplishment. 🥾 Three graded hiking routes (including passing spots + red leaf highlights) 1️⃣ Easy Beginner Route (3km, 1.5h, no climbing) 📍 Route: Visitor Center → Cable Car Station → Chijia Tower → Kuimen Viewing Platform → Du Fu Thatched Cottage → Visitor Center 💥 Highlights: Take the cable car directly to the core area with no climbing needed. Red leaves cluster around Chijia Tower, and the Kuimen Viewing Platform offers spectacular shots of red leaves with river views. Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage to admire red maples reflecting ancient architecture. Suitable for families, elderly, and first-time hikers with no pressure throughout. 2️⃣ Intermediate Leisure Route (6km, 3h, mainly gentle slopes) 📍 Route: Visitor Center → Sightseeing Bus Station → Aokou → Shuijing Bay → 66 Switchbacks → 985 Check-in Point → Kuimen Viewing Platform → Cable Car Station → Visitor Center 💥 Highlights: Take the sightseeing bus to the starting point. Shuijing Bay has dense red leaves, and the 66 switchbacks form a corridor of red leaves. The hike is super healing with gentle slopes that are not tiring, balancing experience and maple viewing needs. Suitable for hikers with light experience. 3️⃣ Hardcore Challenge Route (10km, 4.5h, includes steep slopes) 📍 Route: Visitor Center → Baidi City → Chijia Tower → 211 Check-in Point → Jiguliang → 520 Check-in Point → 66 Switchbacks → Qingshanrenjia → 1314 Check-in Point → Main Viewing Platform of the Summit of the Three Gorges → Beacon Tower → Visitor Center 💥 Highlights: Covers the entire core red leaf area. Jiguliang and 66 switchbacks have the most abundant red leaves. From the main viewing platform at the summit, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the red leaves covering the mountains and the great bend of the Yangtze River. Receive an exclusive medal upon completion. Suitable for experienced hiking enthusiasts. 💡 Practical Tips + Pitfall Warnings for the Red Leaf Season 1. Tickets: Scenic area ticket 20 RMB, round-trip sightseeing bus 30 RMB, round-trip cable car 80 RMB; Baidi City combined ticket 100 RMB. Book one day in advance via the mini program. Long queues during the red leaf season; avoid peak times by entering before 9 AM. 2. Transportation: ① Self-driving navigation to "Summit of the Three Gorges Visitor Center," 1 hour direct from Fengjie County town; ② Tourist shuttle bus from the county bus station, 30 RMB/person, 1 hour, one trip per hour, last bus returns at 16:30. 3. Pitfalls: The 66 switchbacks are prone to congestion during the red leaf season; prioritize walking on the side trails. Prices rise on the mountain during the red leaf season; bring 1L water and energy bars. Wear non-slip shoes as trails are slippery after morning dew. 4. Gear: Wear lightweight quick-dry clothes and bring a windbreaker (large temperature difference at the summit). For intermediate/hardcore routes, bring trekking poles and knee pads. Wear dark-colored clothes for better photos with red leaves. 5. Prohibitions: Do not pick red leaves or stray from the trails. Monkeys at Chijia Tower may snatch bags; keep snacks hidden. No sightseeing buses after 6 PM; plan your time reasonably to avoid being stranded. The Summit of the Three Gorges during the red leaf season, with red maples reflecting Kuimen, is super healing. Different difficulty routes suit all kinds of players. Chase the maples and enjoy the scenery on foot, making the most of the beautiful autumn and winter landscapes🌄