Go to Shifang for autumn outings, camping, and barbecue!

Autumn Ignites Shifang｜Three days and two nights, encounter the most tranquil red maple secret realm in Western Sichuan, perfect time for barbecue and camping When the autumn breeze sweeps over the folds of the Longmen Mountains, the Red Maple Forest Ecological Park in Deyang Shifang quietly ignites the first deep red of autumn in Western Sichuan. Here, there are no noisy crowds, but thousands of acres of maple trees spread like clouds of color—the maples, ginkgoes, and dawn redwoods interweave into a painting, reflected in the winding streams, like an oil painting gilded by sunlight. Three days and two nights, a 1.5-hour self-drive from Chengdu, pitch a tent and light a charcoal fire in the mountains and fields for a luxurious camping trip dancing with autumn colors. Day 1: First encounter with the maple forest, barbecue fires warm the autumn chill Arrive in the afternoon at Shifang’s Red Maple Forest Ecological Park (entrance fee 60 RMB). You can self-serve barbecue inside the park (bring your own ingredients or rent barbecue equipment on site for about 80 RMB/set). Choose a waterside lawn, set up the grill, sausages sizzle with oil, corn smells charred and fragrant, paired with chilled beer, watch the sunset filtering through the maple leaves casting mottled shadows. Stay overnight in the park’s special wooden house or starry sky tent (about 380 RMB/night), open the window to see the starry river and forest shadows. After dinner, stroll along the forest paths, leaves rustle underfoot, breeze brushes your face, as if stepping into a fairy tale. Day 2: Explore Yinghua Mountain, hot springs to heal body and mind Early morning drive to Yinghua Mountain Scenic Area (entrance fee 50 RMB), climb high to admire colorful forests and sea of clouds, pass waterfalls and deep pools, where red maples and green pines intertwine in the primeval forest, the air crisp and pure. The Shenpugou Trail halfway up the mountain is gentle, suitable for family light hiking, every snapshot is an autumn masterpiece. Return to the foot of the mountain at dusk, soak in the Red Canyon Hot Springs (entrance fee 90 RMB), gaze at the starry sky in the steaming hot water, wash away fatigue, and heal your body and mind. Day 3: Pray at Luohan Temple, savor Shifang’s local flavors On the way back, visit the thousand-year-old Luohan Temple, its red walls and dark tiles hidden among autumn woods, full of Zen tranquility. Then head into Shifang city to check out authentic local food: a bowl of hot, spicy, and fresh Shifang smoked duck noodles, a crispy outside and tender inside Majing box oil cake, plus a plate of signature Yinghua tofu brain flower, spicy and fresh flavors hitting your taste buds, all for about 40 RMB per person, tasting the warmth of the old town. --- 💰Budget Reference (per person) - Transportation fuel + tolls (carpool shared): about 200 RMB - Accommodation (2 nights): about 760 RMB - Food + barbecue ingredients: about 200 RMB - Tickets + experiences: 200 RMB - Total: about 1360 RMB --- In Shifang’s autumn, you have raised a glass under the maple trees, laughter lighting up the dusk; you have watched clouds roll and unfold on the mountaintop, your heart moving with the scenery. For less than 1400 RMB, you can have a private memory of nature and fire— here are maples, fire, warmth, and you, in this season, unexpectedly meeting the gentleness of Western Sichuan. 🔥This autumn, go to Shifang Red Maple Forest, let a barbecue ignite the romance of the whole mountain forest.