Tanxi Mountain Autumn One-Day Tour with Kids - Essential Guide

A red leaf secret spot just 1 hour drive from Jinan! The high-altitude rafting and glass plank road here are super family-friendly for parents and kids～ Last week I took my 5-year-old to test it out and put together this easy guide for a stress-free outing with kids! 💡 Ticket combo tip: Recommend the 169 RMB package (includes rafting + glass plank road + Legend of the Star Cave). The shuttle bus is a must for 30 RMB one way! Free anti-slip shoe covers for kids are available at the glass plank road entrance. The Legend of the Star Cave indoor attraction is perfect for a mid-visit rest and warming up. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly route: Head straight to the glass plank road in the morning (fewer people and better light) → hike down the "Dragon Phoenix Terrace - Beauty Cave - Sky Bridge" route (all downhill, easy on the legs) → lunch at Longji Peak (hot water and instant noodles available) → 2:00 PM rafting (perfect midday temperature) → after finishing, drive 10 minutes to Tanxi Mountain Hotel for pear soup. 📸 Photo hotspots: The red maple corridor on the Crocodile Ridge cliff (best light in the afternoon), the heart-shaped red maple cluster near Dragon Phoenix Terrace, and the lake reflections at the rafting endpoint. Dress your kids in off-white or red for amazing photos! 🚗 Travel and accommodation tips: With the Jinan-Weifang Expressway open, it’s a quick drive from Jinan! Families from Qingdao can combine this with a two-day trip to Zhoucun Ancient Mall. The cliffside hotel in the park has floor heating, but for families with babies, the Tanxi Mountain Resort at the foot of the mountain (with a kids’ play area) is recommended. ⚠️ Key timing: Last year, peak red leaves were on October 21! Currently, 30% of the mid-mountain area is colored, and the best viewing period is expected to last until early November. The shuttle bus stops running at 5:00 PM, so after watching the sunset, you’ll need to hike down (the stone path is lit).