The Hongyan Mountain Range is like a fairy tale world, so dreamy! Plus, here’s a full guide to avoid pitfalls and get the best shots

Everyone! Who knows about this! I originally went to the Hongyan Mountain Range aiming for a “less crowded hiking spot,” but ended up stepping right into a real-life crossover of Frozen and The Hobbit! The pinkish-red rock piles paired with the hills full of milky white little flowers, even the wind feels like it’s wrapped in sugar. This trip was so worth it that I want to apply for a residence permit right here! 📍Key point first: This place is not a “photoshop trick”! Before going, I saw photos and my mom said, “That’s definitely maxed out filters.” But when I got there—sorry mom! My perspective was too small! The red rocks aren’t just a single shade of red; they have a gradient that glows with an orange-pink sheen under the sunset. Combined with the staggered wooden boardwalks and dome-shaped cabins in the mountains, every few steps I wanted to pinch myself: isn’t this a Disney set? 🚗 Transportation & Tickets (practical info to save) - Tickets: 35 RMB per person (student tickets half price! Don’t forget your student ID, the money saved can buy a milk tea) - Transportation: Self-driving is recommended! Navigate to “Hongyan Mountain Range Visitor Center.” The last 10 km is a winding mountain road that’s super soothing, but new drivers be careful (lots of curves, slow down when passing other cars). Public transport: there’s a city tourist shuttle with 3 trips daily. Check the schedule in advance on the “Hongyan Tourism” WeChat official account so you don’t miss the last bus! - Parking: Visitor center parking lot is 10 RMB/day, very close to the entrance, no extra walking needed 📸 Top 3 photo spots (tested, no bad shots) 1. Hongyan Viewing Platform: Go between 3-5 PM! The sunlight slants on the rocks, even phone cameras look like they have a soft light filter. Wear light-colored dresses (white, pale blue), stand sideways by the boardwalk, with red rocks and green grass in the background, the fairy tale vibe is instantly maxed out. 2. Cabin Coffee House: There’s a small garden at the entrance with white rattan chairs and fresh flowers. Order a latte and sit there, have a friend shoot from the front side, hold the coffee cup near your face pretending to look at the view, instantly turning into the heroine of a fairy tale book. 3. Stream Shallow Beach: At the foot of the mountain is a shallow beach with super clear water where you can see the pebbles. In summer, you can step in the water! Wear shorts and squat down for photos, let the sunlight fall on your hair, add a “creamy skin” filter in post-editing, who wouldn’t say “so stunning” after seeing it? ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance Guide (learned the hard way) - Don’t wear high heels! The boardwalk has steps and sometimes loose stones. My bestie wore leather shoes and ended up walking barefoot (don’t laugh, she laughed at herself too). - Bring some snacks! There’s only one coffee house on the mountain and prices are a bit high. Bring some biscuits and fruit to stave off hunger, and you can even feed the squirrels by the roadside (super tame, won’t bite). - Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The red rocks reflect a lot of light. Last time I didn’t put on sunscreen and came home two shades darker. Even my mom asked, “Did you go coal mining or what?” 💭 Personal feelings This place is really perfect for relaxing! No crowds like popular tourist spots, walking in the mountains listening to birdsong, watching the clash of red rocks and green vegetation, even your mood brightens. I sat on the viewing platform for almost an hour that day, watching clouds slowly drift by, feeling all my stress blown away by the wind—if you want a place that “heals your mood,” trust me, Hongyan Mountain Range is definitely the right choice! Tag your photo buddy and rush there this weekend! Don’t forget to come back and share your photos in the comments~