A Niche Ancient Village Autumn Quest

Starting from Chengdu, the highway toll is only 9 yuan (until the end of the year), and it takes 1.5-2 hours to reach the "niche colorful forest secret realm." The clear waters of Tianmu Lake reflect the colorful forest, with multiple viewing platforms offering different angles of the lake’s autumn scenery; Baxijia Village is hidden in the mountains and forests, where ancient stone houses blend with red and yellow leaves. With fewer people and pure scenery, it is a perfect autumn alternative to Jiuzhaigou without the crowds. You can unlock full autumn vibes with self-driving and light hiking. Itinerary Planning (1-2 days optional, choose as needed) 1-Day Quick Tour (focused on efficient autumn viewing, suitable for weekend warriors) - Morning: Head straight to Tianmu Lake and check in at the main viewing platform - Navigation: Chengdu → Mupi Expressway Exit (about 100 km in total, toll 9 yuan, good road conditions), after exiting the highway, follow the "Tianmu Lake" signs for 15 minutes to reach the lakeside. - Viewing platform options: - "Lakeside Main Viewing Platform" (closest to the highway exit, 2-minute walk): Facing the panoramic view of Tianmu Lake, the water is deep blue, with layers of trees on the shore, including red maples, poplars, and firs intertwined. Great for shooting distant views and lake reflections. - "Peninsula Viewing Platform" (5-minute drive along the lake): Deep into the lake bay, offering a niche perspective of the "colorful forest surrounding the peninsula," fewer people, ideal for tripod slow shutter or portrait photography. - Activities: Light hiking 2-3 km along the lakeside trail, casually capturing colorful forests and lake water in the same frame. When tired, sit on the lakeside bench to bask in the sun and enjoy the peaceful autumn atmosphere. - Afternoon: Explore Baxijia Village, an ancient village autumn quest - Navigation: Tianmu Lake → Baxijia Village (10-minute drive, gentle rural road, accessible by regular cars). - Highlights: The ancient village retains traditional stone and wood houses, alleys covered with fallen leaves, an old pear tree at the village entrance, and the forest behind the village are excellent autumn viewing spots. Climb the small hill behind the village to overlook the ancient village and distant colorful forests. The yellow earth walls, red persimmons (fruiting in autumn), and colorful leaves create a unique scene. - Food: There are a few farmhouse restaurants in the village where you can taste local cured meat, potato cakes, and corn cakes. The ingredients are fresh and cost-effective. - Evening: Return to Chengdu - Depart before 4:00 PM to avoid poor visibility in the mountain area at dusk. The whole trip takes about 2 hours, easily ending a one-day itinerary. 2-Day Leisure Version (deep experience, fall asleep with autumn vibes) - Day 1: Chengdu → Tianmu Lake → Lakeside camping/homestay - Morning: Same as the 1-day version, after exiting the highway, first go to the Tianmu Lake Peninsula Viewing Platform to shoot the soft morning light, when the colorful forest colors are more vivid. - Afternoon: Drive around the lake road (about 20 km in total), passing several unnamed small viewing platforms along the way. Stop anytime to explore and encounter the surprise of "one lake, one autumn scene." - Accommodation: Choose lakeside homestays (mostly converted farmhouses with courtyards, some with lake views, priced 100-200 yuan/night); or bring your own gear to designated camping areas (there are flat grassy areas by the lake, free to use, bring your own water and cooking utensils, and practice leave-no-trace camping). - Night: The lakeside starry sky is brilliant. Listen to the wind and insects, experiencing the tranquility of the wilderness. - Day 2: Baxijia Village → Niche wild trail → Return trip - Morning: Get up early to shoot the sunrise at Tianmu Lake (the east side of the lake has the best view; at sunrise, the lake surface glows golden, and the colorful forest is bathed in warm tones). Then head to Baxijia Village to avoid crowds and stroll slowly, taking photos combining culture and autumn scenery in the village alleys. - Afternoon: Walk a 1-hour easy wild trail from the back mountain of Baxijia Village (flat and easy path), passing through the depths of the colorful forest. Along the way, you can see wild red leaf forests and experience the feeling of "walking in a painting." - Afternoon: Return after 3:00 PM, ending a leisurely autumn trip. Practical Tips 1. Best time: Mid to late October to early November is the peak season for colorful forests. Both sides of Tianmu Lake have red and yellow trees interwoven, and Baxijia Village is also surrounded by colorful leaves. Missing it means waiting a whole year. 2. Transportation details: After exiting the Mupi Expressway, the roads to Tianmu Lake and the ancient village are all cement roads without steep slopes or sharp turns, easy for beginners to drive; the highway toll discount lasts until the end of the year. It is recommended to travel off-peak (weekends are slightly busier, weekdays are almost private). 3. Equipment suggestions: Wear comfortable sports shoes (convenient for hiking and exploring the ancient village), bring enough drinking water and snacks (few supply points along the way, only a small shop in Baxijia Village); autumn mountain areas have large temperature differences between day and night, bring a light jacket or windbreaker. 4. Photography tips: Shoot Tianmu Lake in the morning with front light (lake surface is bluer, colorful forest more vivid), shoot in the evening with backlight (maximizing atmosphere); at Baxijia Village, shoot three classic angles: "stone houses + red leaves," "alley fallen leaves," and "hilltop overlooking the ancient village." 5. Notes: Mountain areas have weak signals, download offline maps in advance; respect local customs when entering the ancient village, do not enter villagers’ private homes casually; autumn is dry, strictly prohibit open fires outdoors, and practice leave-no-trace tourism.