Having a blast at Guangwu Mountain with three kids! Red leaves + flying car + fun family activities, parents relax and still get great photos

Anyone who’s traveled with kids knows it can be exhausting for parents, especially when you have three like us—the oldest is 12, the little one is 6. Wouldn’t you be overwhelmed? But this time at Guangwu Mountain, I thought I’d be worn out, yet I ended up having more fun than the kids—picking red leaves on the "longest red carpet in Asia," riding the 1888-meter flying car, taking family photos. The 3-day itinerary was just right—kids had a blast, parents stayed relaxed. Follow this plan and the whole family will fall in love with autumn! 1. Pick the right time: Catch the “peak red leaf season” and avoid crowds To show the kids the most stunning red leaves, plan for late October to early November! At this time, Guangwu Mountain is “painted in layers,” with reds like fire and yellows like gold. Every photo the kids take looks like wallpaper, plus you avoid the National Day crowds and don’t have to wait in long lines for attractions. Visit the three scenic areas in order of “easy → fun → light hiking,” perfectly matching the kids’ energy: First, rush to Micang Mountain Scenic Area (Oct 15–Nov 15): densest red leaves, flat routes, kids can run freely; Then head to Shibayue Pool Scenic Area (Oct 20–Nov 18): downhill paths + water views, super healing to collect fallen leaves with kids; Finally, explore Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area (Oct 8–Oct 25): see unique peaks and red leaves, and teach kids about “karst landforms.” 2. 3-day, 2-night family adventure plan: fun without rushing Day 1: Drive straight to Micang Mountain! Let the kids run wild in the “natural gallery” - Transportation: Driving from Chengdu or Xi’an is best! Fill the trunk with kids’ snacks, portable board games (quiet during traffic jams), folding stools (for resting anytime). About 5 hours to Guangwu Mountain town, stay at a guesthouse near the scenic area entrance (choose one with family rooms, like “Guangwu Mountain Family Inn,” 5-minute walk to Micang Mountain entrance). Afternoon at Micang Mountain (ticket 90 RMB/person, free for kids under 1.2m, sightseeing bus 60 RMB must-buy to save energy!): 1. Natural Gallery: Right at the entrance, the colorful forest amazes! Red, yellow, and green leaves form a “tunnel.” With three kids, pick different shaped red leaves, compete for the reddest leaf, and shoot a “family red leaf rain” video (throwing leaves and capturing the moment). The kids can’t stop laughing; 2. Black Bear Valley: Walk along the wooden plank road, the creek reflects the red leaves like a “colorful mirror.” Have the kids squat by the bridge to take photos holding red leaves over the water. Rest on stone benches with cookies when tired. The whole walk takes 1.5 hours, easy for kids; 3. Xianglu Mountain Cable Car (150 RMB/person): If the kids have energy, definitely ride! At the top, see “red leaves covering the mountains to the horizon.” If lucky, catch the sea of clouds. Kids will shout “It’s like being on clouds!” Perfect for family photos with great atmosphere. Evening: Back in town, enjoy Nanjiang yellow goat hotpot, cook some noodles and veggies for the kids. After dinner, stroll the old street and buy red leaf bookmarks. The kids will be happy all night. Day 2: Collect fallen leaves at Shibayue Pool + check in at the “flying car slide” Morning at Shibayue Pool (ticket 55 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 10 RMB must-buy, enter from the “upper entrance,” all downhill!): The 3.5 km valley hides 18 pools. Take the kids to Peacock Pool (water looks like a peacock’s tail, have kids count how many colors are around the pool), Five-Color Pool (red leaves reflected in the water, perfect for “red leaf in water” hand photos). Let kids scoop fallen leaves with small nets (but no fishing for fish or shrimp!). Play until they don’t want to leave. The whole trip takes 2.5 hours, parents won’t be tired. Afternoon at the sports park: Focus on the 1888-meter red leaf flying car (kids 6+ can ride, parents can accompany). The car speeds through red leaves, the wind smells like autumn. Kids scream “One more round!” Then try the Guinness glass water slide (wear raincoats, no splashing, kids team up, staff supervise, parents can relax). When tired, snack on walnut cakes and corn porridge to recharge. Evening: If the kids still have energy, watch “Dreamscape Guangwu Mountain” night tour (recommended for 8+). The naked-eye 3D is super cool. Kids will ask “How did the red leaves get on the wall?” and you can teach them about “light and shadow technology.” Day 3: See the unique peaks at Guangwu Mountain + head home Morning at Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area (ticket 108 RMB/person, includes sightseeing bus): 1. Micang Ancient Trail: Walk the gentle path, tell kids “ancient people used this to transport goods,” look at old stone inscriptions, teach kids to recognize “ancient characters”; 2. Seven Maidens Peak Viewing Platform: See karst peaks with red leaves, let kids imagine “Does this peak look like a rabbit or a castle?” Take “family pointing at peaks” photos. Finish before noon, no rush. Lunch: Eat tomato scrambled eggs and steamed egg custard (kids love these home-style flavors). After lunch, pack up and head home. Kids will say “Let’s come again next time!” 3. Family travel tips: Don’t forget these details 1. Clothing: Big temperature difference between morning/evening (0–15°C). Dress kids in “onion layers” (underwear + sweater + thin down jacket) for easy on/off. Wear non-slip sneakers (trails have fallen leaves, prevent slipping). Bring an extra set of underwear (change after sweating during activities). 2. Gear: Bring a thermos (with hot water), common kids’ medicine (cold medicine, band-aids), red leaf craft materials (glue + colored paper, for making red leaf collages with kids at night), mosquito repellent patches (lots of bugs in the scenic areas). 3. Safety: Hold kids’ hands, don’t let them run off alone. Check safety instructions before activities, follow staff guidance. Dress kids in bright colors so they’re easy to spot in crowds. Taking three kids to Guangwu Mountain doesn’t mean you have to visit every spot. As long as the kids can run wild among the red leaves and parents can take beautiful photos, it’s a perfect trip! If you go, would you want to start with the flying car or collecting fallen leaves? Need me to prepare a “kids’ red leaf craft tutorial” to make your family time even more fun at night?