Melo Villareal
24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival to Highlight China’s Spectacular Autumn Colors
BAZHONG, CHINA – The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival will take place from October 1 to November 18, 2026, at the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China.
Sweeping red leaf scenery across Guangwu Mountain
The annual festival celebrates one of southwest China’s most impressive autumn landscapes, drawing travelers, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers to the mountains of Bazhong.
Guangwu Mountain features an expansive forested landscape with 97% forest cover, earning it a reputation as a natural oxygen bar. During autumn, approximately 680 square kilometers of forest transform into shades of red, orange, gold, and green.
More than 40 tree species contribute to the seasonal display, including Fagus pashanica, maple, and linden trees. Together, they create the dramatic scenery that has helped Guangwu Mountain gain recognition as “Asia’s longest natural red carpet.”
A Destination for Autumn Foliage and Nature Travel
Guangwu Mountain has become a popular destination for travelers looking for immersive nature experiences away from China’s major urban centers.
The tourism area caters to visitors interested in slower-paced travel, hiking, photography, cultural experiences, and scenic exploration. The combination of expansive forests, mountain peaks, valleys, and changing autumn colors provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and landscape photography.
One of the newest attractions is the Yanziling Loop Boardwalk, which opened in May 2026. The trail follows the mountain cliffs and offers elevated views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk above rolling clouds while autumn foliage stretches across the mountainsides.
The experience offers one of the festival’s most photogenic settings, particularly during peak foliage.
Outdoor Adventures Among the Autumn Colors
Visitors seeking more active experiences can explore several attractions throughout the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area.
Among the highlights is the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster, which combines an outdoor ride with panoramic views of the surrounding forest. A glass water slide, also promoted as a Guinness World Records-certified attraction, offers another option for visitors seeking a more adventurous way to experience the mountain scenery.
These attractions complement the region’s hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, giving travelers different ways to explore Guangwu Mountain beyond traditional sightseeing.
Experience Bashan Culture at Night
The autumn experience continues after sunset with “New Dream of Guangwu Mountain,” a large-scale immersive production that combines modern lighting and visual technology with Bashan folklore and cultural traditions.
The production transforms the natural surroundings into an atmospheric nighttime setting. Visitors can also experience welcome performances and interactive robot activities designed to add more entertainment options during their visit.
The combination of technology, storytelling, and local traditions offers visitors another perspective on the region’s cultural heritage.
Micang Avenue Opens New Routes Through Sichuan
Another major development for the 2026 festival is the completion of Micang Avenue, an 85-kilometer route connecting seven major scenic areas, including Guangwu Mountain, Micang Mountain, and Nuoshui River.
According to festival organizers, the new route reduces the journey from around four hours to approximately one hour.
The road passes through areas surrounded by colorful forests and mountain peaks, creating a scenic route for travelers exploring Bazhong in autumn.
For road-trippers and photography enthusiasts, Micang Avenue also provides access to more of the region’s landscapes and attractions within a single itinerary.
Festival Program Includes Sports and International Activities
The 2026 festival will feature a mix of cultural, sporting, tourism, and international exchange activities.
The program includes the third season of the “Sending You a Red Leaf” campaign, which highlights Guangwu Mountain’s autumn scenery and tourism experiences.
The China Micang Avenue International Road Cycling Race will also form part of the festival program, bringing cycling enthusiasts to the scenic route.
Another initiative, the “World Red Leaf Landmark” global collection campaign, will highlight autumn foliage destinations and encourage international interest in red-leaf landscapes.
These activities add a broader cultural and international dimension to the annual festival.
More Travel Deals Across Bazhong
Travelers visiting Bazhong during the festival can also take advantage of special offers across the destination.
A total of 31 scenic attractions and 18 museums and cultural venues across Bazhong will offer special ticket promotions and visitor benefits during the festival period.
This gives visitors an opportunity to combine a Guangwu Mountain trip with other attractions across Bazhong, creating a more extensive itinerary around Sichuan’s autumn landscapes, cultural sites, and outdoor destinations.
Plan an Autumn Trip to Guangwu Mountain
The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival offers travelers an opportunity to experience one of China’s most distinctive autumn landscapes from October through November.
From colorful mountain forests and cliffside boardwalks to outdoor attractions, cultural performances, cycling routes, and new scenic roads, the festival provides several ways to explore the region.
For travelers planning an autumn trip to China, Guangwu Mountain and Bazhong offer a combination of nature, adventure, culture, and seasonal scenery that extends beyond the country’s better-known tourist destinations.
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