Final Countdown for Autumn Colors: Crossing the Southern Anhui "Sichuan-Tibet Highway" — A Spontaneous Dream of Mountains and Water

Meta Description: Discover the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway, a 120-km autumn road trip through crimson redwood forests, misty mountain passes, and the famous Taoling Seventy-Two Turns. Perfect weekend escape from Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou.

Introduction: The Five-Minute Decision That Created a Lifetime Memory

Have you ever had a moment when a thought strikes, and without hesitation, you pack your bags and go? For me, the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway was exactly that kind of lightning-fast trip. From first hearing about this route to stepping on the gas pedal? No more than five minutes.

This wasn't impulsiveness—it was intuition telling me: some scenery, if you miss it, you'll wait another year.

In early November 2018, I grabbed my camera and a heart desperate to escape the city. Together with my companion Miss Ye, we drove onto this road known as the "Jiangnan Skyway"—the Southern Anhui version of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Over three days, covering 120 kilometers of the most scenic section, we navigated through mist and crimson leaves. It was a dual test of visual beauty and driving skill.

This article is your complete guide to planning your own Southern Anhui autumn road trip, covering everything from the best time to visit, must-see attractions, driving tips, and why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

What Is the Southern Anhui "Sichuan-Tibet Highway"? A Marketing-Born Hidden Gem

Let's be honest: the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway isn't a naturally occurring wonder. It's essentially a county road that the local government carefully packaged to boost tourism. They named a mountain route from Qinglong Township in Ningguo City to Caicun Town in Jing County after the legendary Sichuan-Tibet Highway, leveraging location branding. From a marketing standpoint, it's a clever move.

Objectively speaking, compared to the real National Highway 318 Sichuan-Tibet route, there's a significant gap in both the grandeur of the scenery and the challenge of the road conditions. But for travelers from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, this route is an absolutely perfect weekend getaway.

Unlike the real Sichuan-Tibet Highway, which requires two weeks of preparation and a "ready-to-die" mindset, this one lets you experience winding mountain roads and layered autumn colors in just two days.

Key route details: - Total length: Approximately 120 kilometers - Start point: Ningguo City, Anhui Province - End point: Xuancheng City area - Driving time: 2–4 hours (depending on stops and traffic)

Major highlights along the way: - Chujiatan (photographer's paradise) - Qinglong Bay - Redwood Forest (落羽杉) - Banqiao Natural Scenic Area - Taoling Seventy-Two Turns - Shuimo Tingxi - Moon Bay

Why Is This Route Both "Simple" and "Extremely Difficult"?

Simple: One Road, No Confusion

If you've ever been frustrated by scattered attractions across the vast landscapes of Northwest China, then planning a trip on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway is practically elementary school level. There's only one main road—from Ningguo to Xuancheng, winding along the mountain path with almost no forks.

You can start from Ningguo, complete the entire route, and return the same way. Or drive all the way to Xuancheng City and hop on the expressway for an easy ride home. For those with no sense of direction, this is a godsend.

Pro tip: [Link: GPS navigation tips for mountain driving] Use offline maps like Gaode or Baidu Maps before entering areas with weak signals.

Extremely Difficult: Roads So Narrow They'll Make You Doubt Life

But don't get too excited yet. The "difficulty" isn't about complex navigation—it's about the road conditions themselves.

Picture this: a two-lane road just wide enough for two cars to squeeze past each other. You round a sharp bend, and suddenly an SUV appears from the opposite direction. Both of you stop, stare at each other, and then carefully inch your vehicles forward like dancing a tango, slowly maneuvering past. This scene repeats itself every few minutes on the Taoling Seventy-Two Turns section.

Essential driving tips: - Honk at every blind curve to alert oncoming traffic - Absolutely do not drive at night, especially from the Redwood Forest to Shuimo Tingxi - Use high beams on open stretches, but switch to low beams promptly when oncoming traffic approaches - Avoid oversized vehicles—large SUVs and pickup trucks become "road hogs" on these narrow passes

When to Go? Two Dimensions, Two Ways to Play

Dimension One: Season

Autumn/Winter (Early November to December) — Redwood Forest at Its Peak

I set out on November 10th, with my main target being the famous Redwood Forest (落羽杉). This sprawling forest of over 2,000 mu (about 330 acres) of swamp cypress transforms in late autumn from green to light red, deep red, and golden red, eventually becoming a blazing sea of fire. Reflected in the clear waters, the beauty is beyond words.

Peak viewing window: Early November to December (just over a month) Best time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for golden light

Summer — Rafting and Forest Bathing Paradise

Unlike the drizzly weather I encountered, summer on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a completely different scene. Sunny days dominate, with abundant sunshine. The entire area is covered by blue skies, white clouds, and dense forests. The air is so fresh it feels like a massive natural oxygen bar. Rivers are full, and rafting opportunities are everywhere—you don't even need a guide; just park wherever you see water and have a blast.

Summer activities: - River rafting - Forest hiking - Photography of green landscapes - Camping near Moon Bay

Dimension Two: Trip Length

1 to 2 Days (Most Recommended)

Start from Ningguo City, passing through Chujiatan, Qinglong Bay, the Redwood Forest, Banqiao Natural Scenic Area, and finally reaching the Taoling Seventy-Two Turns. Then turn around and head back to Ningguo. If you're short on time, you can do it in one day. Want to take it slow? Split it into two days—totally doable.

Sample 2-day itinerary: - Day 1: Ningguo → Chujiatan → Qinglong Bay → Redwood Forest (overnight near Banqiao) - Day 2: Banqiao → Taoling Seventy-Two Turns → Return to Ningguo

3 to 4 Days (In-Depth Experience)

Start from Ningguo, visit Chujiatan, Qinglong Bay, the Redwood Forest, and the Taoling Seventy-Two Turns. Then continue to Shuimo Tingxi and Moon Bay. Finally, arrive in Xuancheng City, spend half a day exploring Zhaji Ancient Town (查济古镇), and then head home.

Sample 3-day itinerary: - Day 1: Ningguo → Chujiatan → Qinglong Bay → Redwood Forest (overnight near Banqiao) - Day 2: Taoling Seventy-Two Turns → Shuimo Tingxi → Moon Bay (overnight near Moon Bay) - Day 3: Moon Bay → Zhaji Ancient Town → Xuancheng → Home

In-Depth Look at Must-See Attractions

Chujiatan: A Photographer's Morning Mist Paradise

Known as a "photographer's base," Chujiatan lives up to its reputation. The lake is often as still as a mirror, and in the early morning, a thin mist rises from the water's surface. Paired with the distant mountains and nearby trees, it creates a natural ink-wash painting. I arrived at noon, missing the morning mist, but I was still captivated by the tranquil beauty before me.

Photography tips: - Arrive before sunrise for the best mist effects - Use a telephoto lens to capture distant mountains - Bring a tripod for long exposure shots

The Redwood Forest: The Soul of This Trip

The entire meaning of this journey was almost entirely contained within this redwood forest.

After navigating to "Redwood Forest Scenic Area" (红杉林景区), you can park and take a boat to admire the crimson forest from the water. But an even better viewpoint is a nearby high ground—standing there, you can overlook the entire forest, watching it burn like flames on the water. For just 30 yuan, you can also venture into the forest trails and get up close with those towering, straight trunks.

Pro tip: [Link: Best photography spots in Anhui] The high ground viewpoint is unmarked—ask locals or follow the trail behind the main parking area.

During our return trip on the second day, we passed the Redwood Forest again, but it was already dark and starting to rain. The scenery was significantly diminished, so we pulled out colored smoke bombs and sparklers and got creative with photography in the rain. Sometimes, unexpected weather brings unexpected fun.

Taoling Seventy-Two Turns: So Many Turns You'll Question Your Sanity

This section is the "devil's stage" of the entire Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Endless sharp turns, one after another, as if they'll never stop. I had my drone, the Mavic Air, ready to fly up and capture a panoramic shot, but a thick fog rolled in without mercy. By the time the fog cleared a bit, I managed to fly up less than 5 meters before hitting another layer of mist.

But honestly, when you finally stand at the top and look back at the winding road you just conquered, the sense of achievement is unmatched.

Important safety notes: - Keep your speed below 20 km/h on sharp turns - Use engine braking (low gear) to avoid brake fade - Watch for cyclists and motorcycles on weekends

Practical Tips for Your Southern Anhui Autumn Road Trip

What to Pack

Best Time of Day for Photography

• Sunrise (5:30–7:00 AM): Chujiatan mist, golden light on redwoods
• Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Warm light on Taoling Seventy-Two Turns
• Overcast days: Even lighting for forest photography

Accommodation Recommendations

• Near Banqiao: Budget guesthouses and farm stays (book in advance during peak autumn)
• Near Moon Bay: Riverside homestays with mountain views
• Xuancheng City: Full-service hotels for comfort

FAQ: Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway

Q1: Is the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway suitable for beginner drivers?

A: Not recommended for complete beginners. The narrow roads, sharp turns, and occasional oncoming traffic require confidence and experience. If you're a new driver, consider going with an experienced companion.

Q2: Can I visit the Redwood Forest without a car?

A: Public transportation is limited. The most practical options are driving yourself or joining a guided tour from Ningguo or Xuancheng. Some local taxis may offer round-trip service, but availability is inconsistent.

Q3: What's the best month for autumn colors?

A: Mid-November is the absolute peak for redwood colors. Early November sees the first hints of red, while late November to early December offers deep crimson and golden hues. By mid-December, most leaves have fallen.

Q4: Are there entrance fees for the attractions?

A: Most scenic spots are free to access. The Redwood Forest Scenic Area charges approximately 30 yuan for boat rides and forest trails. Some parking areas may charge a small fee (5–10 yuan).

Q5: Is the route safe for families with children?

A: Yes, with caution. Keep children seated and buckled at all times. Plan frequent stops at scenic viewpoints to stretch legs. Avoid the Taoling Seventy-Two Turns section if anyone in the car is prone to motion sickness.

Conclusion: Your Dream of Mountains and Water Awaits

The Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway is more than a road—it's a journey through some of China's most stunning autumn landscapes, compressed into a manageable weekend escape. From the misty mornings at Chujiatan to the fiery redwood forests and the heart-pounding Taoling Seventy-Two Turns, every kilometer offers something unforgettable.

Whether you're a photographer chasing the perfect autumn shot, a driver seeking a thrilling mountain road, or simply someone who needs to escape the city for a few days, this route delivers.

Don't wait for the perfect moment. Pack your camera, fill up the gas tank, and set your GPS to Ningguo. The autumn colors are waiting, and they won't last forever.

Ready to plan your trip? [Link: Best autumn road trips in China] Start with our comprehensive guide to the top scenic drives across the country.

Last updated: November 2025. Route conditions and operating hours may change. Always check local weather and road conditions before departure.