Countrywide autumn self-drive map released for National Day Holiday
As the first cool winds of autumn blow, nature begins to unfold its vibrant palette. Shades of green, yellow, orange and red spread gradually from north to south. So, instead of rushing through popular, crowded urban scenic spots, why not take a trip to discover stunning roadside views? With the National Day holiday approaching, check out this national self-drive map to plan your spectacular autumn journey.
From early September onwards, the birch trees along Genbai Road in the Greater Khingan Range of Inner Mongolia turn golden, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the birch forest scenery from the road until late September.
Golden birch trees line Genbai Road in the Greater Khingan Range of Inner Mongolia in autumn. (Photos: VCG)
Renowned as one of China’s most beautiful roads, the Grassland Sky Road in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, offers spectacular broad autumn vistas that combine grasslands, birch forests, rice terraces and windmills from late September through October.
The expansive autumn scenery of grasslands, birch woods, rice terraces and windmills are seen from the Zhangjiakou Grassland Sky Road.
The Populus Euphratica Scenic Drive in Shaya, Aksu, Xinjiang, runs through extensive old-growth poplar forests. Between mid-October and early November, motorists can immerse themselves in the rugged yet graceful desert poplar landscape.
Golden desert poplars line a scenic route in Shaya, Xinjiang.
Until early October, the ripening rice paddies at the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces in Honghe, Yunnan, blanket the hillsides like golden brocade. Visitors can stop at roadside viewing platforms, and take shuttle buses to access the central rice terraces.
Ripening rice turns the rolling Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces into a sea of gold in the fall.
There is a well-known road dedicated to red-leaf viewing in Benxi, Liaoning Province. From late September to early October, a striking stretch of road presents swathes of fiery maple leaves set against the backdrop of mountains and streams, making it ideal for roadside stops and photography.
Fiery red maple leaves dot the mountain slopes and streams along a highway in Benxi.
Autumn colors are slowly unfolding. Pick your favorite route and hit the road. Let autumn ride with you through the car window and feast your eyes on all the gorgeous scenery.