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Fall Viewing Attractions
Top 50 Fall Viewing Attractions near Shayang [2025]
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Mount Yuelu
4.6
/5
5151 reviews
7.9
Based on 504 reviews
Yuelu Mountain/Meixi Lake Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86073188825011
Address: Changsha Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Leaves turn from green to yellow in park
The ancient architecture of the millennium-old academy is well-preserved
Saved by 547 users1729 positive reviews
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Yuelu Mountain is not very high, so hiking enthusiasts can choose to hike to the summit. It's best to ascend through the East Gate and exit through the South Gate. If traveling by car, remember to buy a round-trip ticket, East Gate to South Gate. From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Orange Island, the Xiangjiang River, and Changsha's central business district. The South Gate is close to the Aiwan Pavilion and Yuelu Academy. Just outside the South Gate, you'll find the Hunan University snack street and the open-air campus, both well worth a visit.
The most beautiful scenery requires the right time and the right place.
1. Golden Time Selection:
· Best Season: Late Autumn (late October to early December). This is when Yuelu Mountain peaks its beauty. The maple leaves around the Aiwan Pavilion are a vibrant crimson, adorning the forest floor with a breathtaking beauty. The next best time is Spring (March to April), when the mountains burst into vibrant greenery and azaleas bloom, bringing life to the area.
· Best Time of Day:
· Early Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Crowds are sparse, the air is fresh, and you can hear birdsong and the chime of bells, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains and forests. You may also have the opportunity to witness a sea of clouds.
· Evening (4:00 PM - sunset): This is the most recommended time. Looking west from the summit, you can witness a stunning sunset over the city, the afterglow of the sunset, the Xiang River, and the vibrant lights of Changsha intertwined, offering a panoramic view of both daytime and nighttime scenery. 2. Highlights Route Planning: Two optimized routes are recommended based on your physical fitness and interests:
· [Classic Cultural and Scenic Tour] (approximately 3 hours)
· Route: East Gate (Main Gate) → Yuelu Academy (ticket required, highly recommended) → Aiwan Pavilion → Ascend the mountain along the stone steps → Gulushan Temple → Cai E's Tomb → Huang Xing's Tomb → Sightseeing Corridor (key viewing platform) → Descend via East Gate by sightseeing bus or on foot.
· Advantages: This route connects the most important cultural and natural attractions, providing the most enriching experience.
· [Easy Ascent and Scenic Tour] (approximately 2 hours)
· Route: Enter via East Gate or South Gate → Take a sightseeing bus (20 yuan/person) directly up the mountain to the summit viewing corridor → Take your time to explore the summit attractions (viewing platform, radar station, love locks, etc.) → Descend at a leisurely pace, visiting optional attractions along the way → Exit via East Gate. Advantages: Saves energy and allows you to get straight to the point of enjoying the panoramic view. Ideal for travelers with limited time or those traveling with elderly or children.
II. Optimized Viewing Locations: Beyond the Summit
Don't just focus on the summit; these locations are also excellent for photography and are less crowded:
1. Aiwan Pavilion: Not only is its name beautiful, but the pavilion itself, along with the surrounding stream and maple forest, creates a picture-perfect scene. The best camera position is on the small bridge across from the pavilion.
2. Sightseeing Corridor: This spot offers the widest views, offering unobstructed panoramic views of Changsha City, the Xiangjiang River, and Orange Island. It's the perfect spot for watching the sunset and night view.
3. Yunlu Palace: Located on the top of the mountain, it has an observation deck with views slightly higher than the sightseeing corridor, offering a more tranquil experience. The towering ancient trees create a unique charm.
4. Chuanshipo Lake: Located on the mountainside, this tranquil lake reflects the mountains and forests. With few people and beautiful scenery, it's perfect for those who enjoy quiet time and photography. 5. Side Paths: Don't always stick to the main roads; occasionally explore a secluded stone stairway to discover unexpected, secluded views and photo opportunities.
III. Experience Optimization: Make Your Journey More Experiential
· Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 from Hunan University Station, Exit 2, and enter from the South Gate; or from Xuanwan Town Station, Exit 3, and enter from the East Gate. While convenient, driving is not recommended, as parking is extremely limited during holidays.
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Shennongjia Tourism Area
4.6
/5
4228 reviews
7.8
From HK$ 64.20
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864009942333
Address: Shennongjia, Hubei, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Highlights:
Autumn osmanthus & romantic vibes
Cable car & autumn foliage views
3525 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Shennongjia is still worth visiting. Don't join a tour group. Drive by yourself or charter a car to travel freely. You can adjust the itinerary according to the weather. For example, on our first day in Shennong Valley and Shennongding, it was raining and foggy and we couldn't see anything. So we went down the mountain to Dajiu Lake and saw Dajiu Lake on a clear day. We stayed at the entrance of Dajiu Lake Scenic Area. We got up early the next day to see the morning fog and then returned to Shennongding and Shennongding. When the weather cleared, we could see everything.
Shennongjia's most iconic beauty is Shennongding, where the sea of clouds is truly breathtaking. The spectacular views and pristine forests are breathtaking. The alpine wetland lakes of Dajiu Lake are like a fairyland, especially enchanting in the morning mist. There's also the Guanmen Mountain wildlife observation point, where you can spot rare animals like golden snub-nosed monkeys.
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Dahong Mountain Scenic Spot
4.4
/5
649 reviews
4.8
From HK$ 103.75
93.2 km from downtown
Phone +8607224833333
Address: West of Changling Road, Sui County, Suizhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Autumn osmanthus & chrysanthemum fragrance
Autumn foliage: maples & ginkgos
254 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
We came here during the Spring Festival. The mountain road winds up, the mountains are high and steep, and the trees are lush. In spring and summer, the scenery is lush and green, and it should be more beautiful. Private cars can drive all the way to the foot of Jinding, and then walk 5 kilometers up the mountain road, or take a ten-yuan one-way battery car to the top of the mountain. There is a group of antique buildings on the top of the mountain, which is extraordinary. Climbing up Jinding, you can see all the mountains, and your mind will be broadened. You can also drive private cars to other attractions, such as Zhuangyuantai and Liangwangdong, which can be reached by self-driving in more than ten minutes.
Overall, it's not bad. But it feels like imitating Wudang Mountain, but it doesn't have the beautiful scenery of Wudang Mountain, and the historical heritage is also insufficient.
The scenic spot is quite large and can be visited all year round.
Because there are not only ginkgo trees here, but also Golden Summit, Zhuangyuan Terrace, and Dacien Temple. In summer, there are also waterfalls and Liangwang Cave.
No.
4
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Wushan Shennv Scenic Area
4.4
/5
169 reviews
6.3
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8602385524123
Address: 重庆市巫山县黄岩旅游公路
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Autumn leaves & misty mountains
Autumn osmanthus: visual & olfactory feast
Saved by 117 users143 positive reviews
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We went during the off-season, so there were relatively few people. The scenery was stunning. Since the scenic spot is striving to become a 5A-rated tourist destination, the staff were incredibly dedicated and responsible. The only downside was that the small crowds meant the scenic area's sightseeing buses had to be packed up and wait for everyone on the way, which slowed down the entire trip. We arrived at 10:00 AM and were supposed to leave at 1:30 AM, but because we were constantly waiting for other guests, we didn't reach the scenic area entrance until 3:00 AM. We had to take a taxi back to catch our other tours.
I went up from the scenic area bus of Wushan Visitor Center (ticket price: 10 yuan). I bought the sightseeing bus + cable car package (75) at the Shennv Scenic Area Visitor Center. The sightseeing bus will stop and wait for tourists at each check-in point. Overall, it feels good.
No.
5
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The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan
4.5
/5
2177 reviews
7.4
From HK$ 123.37
Based on 264 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8602357756666
Address: Daning River Estuary,Wuxia Town
Recommended sightseeing time: 4 hours
Highlights:
Monkeys & birds in autumn
4-hour boat ride & views
Saved by 675 users1393 positive reviews
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Now is the off-season, the price is relatively cheap, the total tour time is 3.5 hours, the scenery is pleasant, although there are no red leaves, but the mountains and rivers, embrace nature, feel the magic of nature. You can come again when the mountains are covered with red leaves.
The whole journey takes 4 hours, so you need to plan ahead. The scenery of Xiao Sanxia is very good, the water is very clean, and the tour guide introduced it in detail. I recommend buying chicken jerky on the return trip, which tastes good. It is still a bit hot to visit during the summer vacation. It is recommended to come in late autumn and early winter, when you can see the red leaves all over the mountain.
No.
6
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Orange Island
4.6
/5
12654 reviews
8.7
Based on 434 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86073188882152
Address: Orange Island Beach Park, Yuelu District, Changsha City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Autumn stroll & golden osmanthus
Sculpture surrounded by chrysanthemums
Saved by 940 users6057 positive reviews
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The service attitude is not good. I booked it on Ctrip.com and it took a long time to confirm the boarding. The service provider said that they had never received orders from third-party platforms and complained why I couldn't buy it on the spot.
My visit to Orange Island was a bit disappointing, as I didn't enter until 10 p.m., so I missed many of the attractions. However, cruising the Xiang River at night was quite unique. The river breeze was pleasant, and the stroll was relaxing. I also saw Chairman Mao's statue, which made up for the small regret and left me with a unique memory of my night out.
No.
7
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East Lake Scenic Area
4.6
/5
7194 reviews
7.8
Based on 755 reviews
Wuhan Railway Station/Qingshan Industrial Zone | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8602786793760
Address: No. 16 Yanhu Avenue, Wuchang District, Wuhan
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Autumn chrysanthemums & colorful lake
Biking or walking along the greenway
Saved by 398 users4215 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Wuhan's East Lake Scenic Area does not charge admission, but the area is vast, encompassing Wuhan University, the Provincial Museum, and Liyuan Hospital. However, electric vehicles, boat tours, and balloon launches within the area are subject to additional fees. The scenic area primarily encompasses the Liyuan District, Moshan District, Luoyan District, Tingtao District, and Chuidi District. Distances between these areas are long, so electric shuttles are available. Shared bicycles and electric vehicles are available for rental within the area, but these vehicles are not interchangeable between the various districts.
Of course, you have to take a boat tour of East Lake, and there's also a zoo on the lake's island. Both are fantastic. If you have time, take a bike ride along the lake. Bird World and the circus are also great, perfect for kids. It was my first time at Bird World, and I was able to get up close and personal with the birds, including sika deer, parrots, cormorants, and more.
The botanical garden is also in this scenic area, but on the easternmost side. I haven't been to the Chui Di and Luo Yan scenic areas yet, but I'd love to visit someday.
No.
8
Jiefang Park
4.7
/5
310 reviews
4.1
Based on 12 reviews
The Mixc/Zhongshan Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone +862782421760
Address: No.42 Jiefang Gongyuan Road, Jiang'an District, Wuhan 430010, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
112 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Summer in Wuhan Jiefang Park is a season of dense shade, clear water, lotus blossoms, and vibrant life. The highlight is the visual delight and ultimate coolness brought by the vast expanse of blooming lotuses and the pervasive, dense green shade. It's not only a great place to admire natural beauty (especially the lotus blossoms), but also a prime spot for residents seeking a refreshing oasis and diverse leisure activities amidst the scorching summer heat. Strolling through the park, one can experience the poetic beauty of "the lotus blossoms glowing in the sun" and enjoy the comfort of "resting under the shade of a majestic tree."
Dense shade, cool and comfortable:
Towering trees: The park boasts numerous tall trees, such as sycamore, camphor, metasequoia, pond cypress, and ginkgo. These age-old trees, lush and leafy, form a continuous green dome.
Natural Sunshade: The dense canopy effectively blocks the intense summer sun, creating vast shady areas along forest trails, benches, and lawns. The perceived temperature is significantly lower than outside the park, making it a perfect place for residents to escape the summer heat. A stroll through the park brings a cool breeze, instantly relieving the summer heat.
Elegant Waterscapes and the Fragrant Lotus:
Surrounded by a water system: The park boasts numerous lakes, ponds, and winding rivers (such as the "Deep Willows and Sparse Reeds" scenic area that runs through the park), encompassing a vast expanse of water.
Blooming Lotuses (One of the Highlights): Summer is the peak season for viewing the lotus blossoms at Jiefang Park. Vast expanses of lotus blossoms cover the park's waterways, particularly near Gates 2 and 3 and in the central lake area. Vast expanses of lotus leaves blanket the water's surface, while graceful pink and white lotuses bloom in a myriad of shapes and colors, exuding a delicate fragrance that creates a truly iconic summer scene.
Waterfront Landscapes: The water's surface is dotted with small bridges, pavilions, and plank roads (such as the "Flowing Shadow Slope"). Aquatic plants such as weeping willows and reeds are planted along the water's edge, creating swaying reflections and adding a lively and poetic touch. Waterfowl such as wild ducks and egrets play amidst the water, adding to the wild charm.
Lush Greenery and Colorful Scenery:
Lush Lawns: In summer, expansive lawns (such as those near Pigeon Square and the central lawn) radiate a vibrant emerald green, making them popular spots for leisure, picnics, and kite flying.
Flower Borders: The park's meticulously arranged flower beds and borders display a variety of seasonal flowers (such as summer pansies, zinnias, globe amaranths, cannas, and crape myrtles) in vibrant bloom throughout the summer, creating vibrant embellishments between the greenery and waterscape.
Featured Plants: In addition to lotus flowers, summer also features blooming crape myrtles ("crape myrtles"), magnolias (large, white flowers), and albizzia (velvety flowers).
Jiefang Park is a popular summer destination for family outings (including pigeon releases, a children's playground, and lotus viewing). It's also an ideal spot for both tourists and residents to exercise and escape the summer heat.
Wuhan Jiefang Park is an urban oasis full of vitality and humanistic atmosphere. The park is shaded by green trees and flowers bloom in four seasons, especially the tulip exhibition in spring and the chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn. The artificial lake is rippling with blue waves, where you can enjoy the scenery by boating, and the trail along the lake is suitable for walking or jogging. The park retains historical marks such as the Soviet Air Force Volunteer Team Monument, adding a sense of heaviness. Elderly people doing morning exercises, children playing and artists sketching form a harmonious picture, which is an ideal place for citizens to relax.
No.
9
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Hankou Beach
4.5
/5
1290 reviews
7.1
Yanjiang Avenue /Jianghan Road | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8602782774567
Address: No. 1, Jiangtan Avenue, Jiang'an District, Wuhan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Chrysanthemums & river view nostalgia
Viewing trestle with reeds & river views
Saved by 242 users711 positive reviews
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It's worth the experience. I went with my children. Adults are 120cm tall and children over 1.3cm tall are half price. After boarding the boat, there are many people on the deck and limited chairs. For a better experience, I upgraded the cabin and sat at the bow. There are free snacks and drinks. Adults are 88 and children are half price. The whole journey takes one hour.
I've been on the Two Rivers Night Cruise many times. Sitting on the top of the boat, feeling the gentle river breeze, is so refreshing! The night scene on both sides of the river is dazzling and colorful, it's really beautiful! I highly recommend it!
No.
10
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Yangtze River Three Gorges
4.8
/5
243 reviews
7.2
Based on 225 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8607176910001
Address: Yiling District, Yichang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Saved by 123 users200 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, this magnificent river with thousands of years of history and natural wonders, made me feel endless shock and emotion after I set foot on it. Last year, my husband and I set out from Yichang and started an unforgettable trip to the Three Gorges. Looking back, it is still vivid.
The first time I saw the Three Gorges Dam, I was shocked. Standing on the Tanziling Observation Deck, the "steel dragon" across the river in front of me is magnificent. It is not only a miracle of modern engineering, but also a symbol of national wisdom. During the tour guide's explanation, we learned how the dam tamed the Yangtze River with the design of flood discharge in the middle and power generation on both sides. Watching the cargo ship rise and fall step by step through the five-level ship locks is like witnessing a precise mechanical dance, which makes people sincerely admire the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Boarding the ship and entering the Three Gorges, the picture scrolls on both sides slowly unfolded. The majesty of Qutang Gorge is like axe-cut mountains, the beauty of Wu Gorge is like an ink fairyland, and the strange peaks and rocks of Xiling Gorge are like a natural sculpture museum. The boat sailed in the river, the clear water reflected the sky like a mirror, the clouds and mists lingered in the mountains, and the Wushan Goddess Peak loomed, like a fairy in the fairyland, which made people feel the poetic feeling of "the light boat has passed through thousands of mountains". In the depths of the canyon, the echo of the empty valley occasionally came, and it seemed that the cry of ancient apes had traveled through thousands of years. The beauty of nature was breathtaking.
The beauty of the Three Gorges lies not only in the mountains and rivers, but also in the humanities. In the Three Gorges Family, we deeply experienced the unique charm of Bachu culture. The stilt houses were built on the mountains, the fishing boats were swaying by the river, and the local residents showed traditional handicrafts and folk performances in the melodious mountain songs. A bowl of hot Xiajiang tea and a primitive mountain tune made people feel the integration of simple life and natural scenery.
Throughout the journey, nature and humanity blended like twin flowers. The majesty of the Three Gorges Dam contrasted sharply with the elegance of the canyon, while historical legends and folk customs injected soul into the mountains and rivers. Standing on the deck and looking into the distance, the river is surging, and the green mountains on both sides are like dark blue. In a trance, I seem to see the figure of Li Bai reciting poems and the echo of the boatman's call. The long river of history overlaps with the real scene in front of me, which makes people feel excited.
This trip to the Three Gorges made me deeply realize that "the mountains and rivers are so beautiful". The magnificence here is not only a visual feast, but also a baptism of the soul. Whether it is the shock of engineering miracles, the natural beauty, or the heavy cultural heritage, it makes me have a deeper love and awe for this land. The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are worthy of being the treasure of Chinese mountains and rivers, and it is worth every traveler to experience it in person.
If you want to find a secret place that can embrace nature and humanity at the same time, the Three Gorges is definitely a must-go place in this life. The beauty here will remain in your eyes and will be engraved in your heart. Five-star recommendation, looking forward to the next reunion!
Take a Yangtze River cruise and watch the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Straits. Listen to the apes and sing in your ears, enjoy the goddess, read the poet's good sentence, and smell humanities. Experience the excellent artistic conception of people walking in the painting, mountains and rivers at ease.
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