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Fall Viewing Attractions
Top 20 Fall Viewing Attractions near Datong [2025]
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Qilian Mountains Binggou River Scenic Area
4.4
/5
371 reviews
7.1
96 km from downtown
Phone +8609355817777
Address: Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Wuwei City, Gansu Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
313 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The scenery is pleasant and the temperature is moderate, making it a summer resort with clear streams, dense forests, leisurely cattle and sheep, and cute little animals. Walking on the grassland is very healing.
Binggou River Hiking Challenge, enjoying the autumn scenery, waiting for Tianchi, from the bright sunshine to the fog, and then to the hailstorm, different exquisiteness, but the mood is really good
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Zhangye National Wetland Park
4.7
/5
173 reviews
4.7
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609368865994
Address: 312 National Highway, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Boardwalk views of autumn wetlands
Autumn colorful chrysanthemums bloom
46% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Wetland ecological environment protection and development have set a good example. Spend an hour cycling through the scenery, the cool breeze highlighting the summer's vitality. The unique natural atmosphere of the wetland park washes over you, and humans and nature coexist harmoniously. Spend another hour in the museum, a fascinating blend of discovery and reflection, a collision of tradition and technology. Gaining an understanding of the unfamiliar biological and geographical aspects of nature is of unique significance to the study of ancient cultural history and contemporary social history. It relaxes the mind while enhancing academic insights.
Zhangye National Wetland Park is located in the northern suburbs of Ganzhou District, Zhangye City. It is very large and a free attraction in the city. Starting from the city, head north all the way to get there. A light snow in early spring, the wetland park is covered in white, the lake is still frozen, and there are many black swans, white swans and other birds living there, which is also spectacular and special. There is also a wetland museum in the wetland park
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6536 reviews
7.9
From CAD 13.98
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609747553999
Address: Qinghai Lake, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Lake & mountain views await
Autumn canola & lake grass
Saved by 184 users3493 positive reviews
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The boarding point is at the passenger center. After entering the main waiting room, go straight inside and there is a separate room. The bus booked on Ctrip is the same as the official bus. You need to ask the staff for your seat number. The tour lasts 3 hours, arriving at Qinghai Lake at 11:20 and returning at 2:30.
Qinghai Lake offers beautiful scenery and fresh air. Despite its high altitude, altitude sickness is minimal. The driveway along the lake is beautifully constructed. The Erlangjian Scenic Area is less interesting, with its man-made landscapes that feel out of harmony with the natural environment.
No.
4
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Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area
4.7
/5
3312 reviews
7.1
Based on 23 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609708679114
Address: Behind the central square of Babao Town, Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
Cable car to summit views
Red sandstone & green grassland
1848 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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You need to take the scenic shuttle bus to the foot of the mountain, there are two lines A and B. Be careful not to take the wrong bus on the return trip. The mountain scenery is beautiful, with the snow-capped Niuxin Mountain opposite and sheep herds on the grassland at the foot of the mountain. The altitude is slightly high, so be careful of altitude sickness.
Zhuoer Mountain is a hilly grassland, opposite to Amidongso, with nice scenery. In addition, the scenic area is also very mature. There is an extra-long elevator going up the mountain and a water slide going down the mountain, which is also very interesting. Overall, it is not very tiring and is suitable for traveling with children.
No.
5
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Laji Mountain
4.7
/5
114 reviews
5.8
68.3 km from downtown
Address: Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
30% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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It's beautiful, refreshing, and amazing. A mountain pass you'll return to again, a place you'll never forget, a place destined to empty yourself and then recharge. A hike up Laji Mountain is a surefire way to escape the hustle and bustle of the mountains. You won't be fooled, and you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and grandeur.
🍎We went to Ta'er Monastery first after getting off the plane. The second stop was Laji Mountain. It had just snowed before May Day, and the snow covered the dry and yellow mountains, which was very beautiful;
🍎The mountain road was winding and the altitude rose quickly, so the child had slight altitude sickness and vomited. Fortunately, the driver had oxygen tanks in the car
🍎It was beautiful to fly a drone on the mountain, magnificent and majestic
No.
6
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Mati Grottoes Tourism Area
4.6
/5
2092 reviews
7.3
From CAD 10.10
Based on 49 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609368891646
Address: Dadu Ma Town, Sunan County, Zhangye City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Chrysanthemums & osmanthus blossoms view
Chrysanthemum fields evoke autumn vibes
Saved by 109 users1320 positive reviews
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The scenic area is beautiful and well worth a visit. The North Temple is quite far from the parking lot, and the walk is uphill, which was a bit strenuous for an elderly person. We also had to climb the Thirty-three Heavens Grottoes, which made us a bit breathless. King Gesar Temple and the Thousand Buddha Caves are right at the drop-off point, very close.
Zhangye Bus Station offers a convenient shuttle bus to Mati Temple. After arriving at Mati Temple, take a scenic bus to the central square. From there, walk over 800 meters uphill to the core scenic area, the Thirty-three Days Grottoes. While the grottoes are a bit steep and some sections are only accessible in one direction, the difficulty is manageable. From the central square, take a scenic bus to King Gesar's Hall. This attraction is quite ordinary, so if you're short on time, skip it. Return to the central square and take a scenic bus to the Thousand Buddha Caves. After visiting the caves, walk all the way to the scenic area's exit, a short 200-meter hike with plenty to see along the way.
No.
7
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Beishan National Forest Park
4.5
/5
98 reviews
4.7
Based on 7 reviews
76.1 km from downtown
Phone +8609728395149
Address: Huzhu, Haidong, Qinghai, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Chrysanthemum blooms: a visual feast
Autumn's stunning pine & birch
28% positive reviews
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🌄Jilin Beishan Secret Realm | 300 years of continuous incense! The first sacred mountain in Northeast China where nine dragons are entrenched (with night tour easter egg)
[Secret Realm Archives]
📍Location: No. 51, Desheng Road, Chuanying District, Jilin City
✨Title: The first of the eight scenic spots in Jilin/the first Buddhist mountain in Guandong/ancient temples built by the royal decree
🎫Tickets: Free and open all year round (cable car one-way 30 yuan)
🚌Transportation: Direct access to Beishan Park Station on Bus 8/809, self-driving navigation "Beishan Main Gate Square"
[Decoding of the Two-Yin Wonders]
🐉Legend of Jiulong Mountain:
Nine peaks are entrenched like giant dragons, the Lanpi Bridge lies across the mountain stream to form a natural Tai Chi diagram, Taoist temples and Buddhist temples are divided into Yin and Yang poles, forming the wonder of "Buddhism and Taoism on the same mountain"
🏯Ancient Building Group:
Jade Emperor Pavilion (Plaque inscribed by Emperor Qianlong)/Yaowang Temple (the largest medical temple in Northeast China)/Kanli Palace (effective in praying for children)/Guanyu Temple (stone lions guarding the gate in the Qing Dynasty)
❗Hidden gameplay: Find the century-old "swallow's nest" in Jade Emperor Pavilion, where the swallows return to their nests every year at the beginning of summer
[Seasonal limited skins]
🌸Spring: April temple fair (millions of pilgrims/intangible cultural heritage Yangko battle)
🌿Summer: Moonlight in the lotus pond (night tour of the ancient temple firefly secrets)
🍁Autumn: Lanyue Pavilion to see the colorful forest (UAV Tai Chi panoramic view)
❄️Winter: Ice and Snow World (100-meter ice slide + snow hot pot)
[Aboriginal private route]
🕗06:00-08:00 Morning light version
Main gate→Fanxuetang to take pictures of morning fog→Jiulong Pavilion Tai Chi view→Jade Emperor Pavilion morning class→Vegetarian restaurant tofu pudding
🌆17:00-19:00 Night Tour Version
Chasing the sunset at Lanpei Bridge → Night view of Yaowang Temple → Lotus Lake Plank Road (fluorescent trail lights up)
[Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls]
⚠️Be careful of "free tour guides": those who take the initiative to lead the temple worship are mostly incense sellers
⚠️Be careful when buying walnuts in the scenic area: most of them are from Hebei, not local wild walnuts
⚠️To take a panoramic view of Tai Chi, you need to go to the Meteorological Mountain Observation Deck, not in the scenic area
[Magical Filming Spot]
📸Nine Dragon Wall Sunset (Golden Frame Silhouette)
📸Lanyue Pavilion Star Tracks (Night Shooting Needs to Apply)
📸Lotus Lake Reflection (Limited to the early morning after rain)
👗Dressing Suggestions: Choose Ming Dynasty Taoist robes for Hanfu, and dark green/vermilion for modern clothes
When the morning bell breaks the mist in the mountains, the evening drum startles the eaves and the wild geese——
This sacred mountain that made Emperor Kangxi write poems three times hides a more vivid secret history of the Qing Palace than the Forbidden City.
(Follow us to unlock the hidden gameplay: How to find the "Puzzle Poetry Stele" bestowed by Emperor Qianlong🗿)
The Qilian Mountains cover a wide area, stretching 800 kilometers at the junction of Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Because there is a place called Qilian County, it is generally regarded as the Qilian Mountains. In fact, the surrounding areas of Qinghai Lake, including the surrounding areas of Xining City, such as Riyue Mountain and Laji Mountain, are part of the Qilian Mountains. Each peak has its own name and its own legend.
There is a mountain in the north and south of Xining City. Locals call them "Nanshan" and "Beishan". Nanshan is almost in the city, and more people go there. Beishan is a little far away, and almost no tourists go there. It is the citizens of Xining who come here to relax and have a picnic on weekends with their families and food.
The natural scenery of Beishan is very beautiful. Almost all the most typical scenery of Qilian Mountains can be found here. The altitude is not high, especially on the sunny slopes, where the vegetation is very lush. You don’t need to buy tickets to enter the scenic spot. You can drive around the mountain as the locals please, walk slowly and look around all the way. When you see a place with particularly beautiful scenery, you can stay for a while. It is really comfortable!
No.
8
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Ami Dongsuo Scenic Spot
4.1
/5
166 reviews
5.1
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609708877888
Address: Xiaodongsuo Tourism Hwy, Qilian County, Haibei, Qinghai, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Autumn alpine flowers & grasslands
Autumn foliage in dense woods
51% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The 5A scenic spot feels a bit small, the natural scenery, the cost performance is OK, it's good to have fewer tourists, I don't want to go to crowded scenic spots, it's good to come here. The staff service is very good, the scenic spot is well equipped, it would be better if you can drive in by car.
We drove from Xining and enjoyed the picturesque scenery. After arriving at the scenic spot, the staff allowed us to drive in because the mountain was about to be closed and there were few tourists. We were so happy! There were almost no tourists in the scenic area, only a few construction workers and aboriginals. There were cattle and sheep everywhere. It was so beautiful against the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped mountains! It is worthy of being a 5A scenic spot and it is worthy of being on the National Geographic Magazine of China. Beautiful China! Qinghai is so beautiful!
No.
9
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Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
4.3
/5
1246 reviews
6.7
From CAD 11.65
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609778246666
Address: East of Chaka Salt Lake, Wulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
1031 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The hotel does not have a navigation system, so it is best to ask the hotel staff before going. The staff was very attentive and even upgraded us to a larger RV for free, which was very nice (｡•̀ᴗ-)
Weather is crucial! The scenery in Chaka is dramatically different on sunny and cloudy days. Check the weather forecast carefully; if it's cloudy or rainy, don't hesitate!
When taking photos at the salt lake, wear shoe covers. 1. Bring your own or rent them at the scenic area. The shoe covers you bring shouldn't be too short; ideally, they should be above the knee.
Also, bring sunglasses, sun protection clothing, and a sun hat. Ultraviolet rays are very strong, making it difficult to keep your eyes open when taking photos.
No.
10
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Kanbula Global Geopark
4.3
/5
467 reviews
5.9
Based on 40 reviews
89.2 km from downtown
Phone +8609737702108
Address: Jainca, Huangnan, Qinghai, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
179 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Kanbula, a place of serene beauty, serene waters, and hidden temples on the plateau, is a secret place. Lijia Gorge's emerald lake reflects the Buddha's image; a thousand-foot-high red cliff evokes the fluttering of prayer flags. Morning mist shrouds the dark mountains, revealing yaks; sunset paints the cliffs crimson, and the sound of bells fades away. Visitors to this place find their minds emptied of worldly desires, only the pine trees and Buddhist chants resonate in their hearts.
It is very close to Guide National Geopark, but there is no one selling tickets at the entrance there. I drove more than 20 kilometers along the mountain road to Xiaoyaochi, only to find out that I had to enter from another entrance. It was a pity, so I just took a few photos around and left. However, the scenery along the winding mountain road was very beautiful, with the mountains and deep forests moving slowly around, which made my heart skip a beat.
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