After the Cold Dew, it's time to go out and enjoy the autumn scenery.

Cold Dew, or "Hanlu", marks the 17th of China's 24 solar terms and the shift into late autumn.

The China Meteorological Administration recently released the 2026 national autumn scenery guide and a golden autumn sunrise and sunset viewing map, with two Hunan locations named among the recommended autumn viewing areas. Among them, Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie stood out for its unique scenery of autumn foliage set against the mountain peaks.

In late autumn, red maples, ginkgo trees, and metasequoia trees are scattered among the quartz sandstone peaks. Steep stone peaks, deep gorges, and colorful autumn leaves complement each other, with seas of clouds drifting through—making every snapshot a wallpaper-worthy scene.

Before enjoying the autumn scenery, let's look at some figures. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has an average annual temperature of 17.6°C. Although autumn is short, lasting only two months from October to November, the weather is very pleasant. The long-term average temperature is 18.5°C, with an average relative humidity of around 75%, and a wind speed of about one meter per second. The autumn breeze is gentle and mild—it's so comfortable that you can happily head out wearing just a light jacket.

Even more remarkable is the air quality. The proportion of days with good or excellent air quality throughout the year is 99.1%, and the average concentration of negative oxygen ions exceeds 3,000 per cubic centimeter. Strolling through the valley and taking a breath of fresh air instantly makes you feel lighter.

It's actually no surprise at all that Wulingyuan was singled out by the authorities. When you take a stroll along the Golden Whip Stream, the autumn wind sweeps through the metasequoias and maples, and the leaves are gradually changing color.

Yuanjiajie is a must-visit destination, the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. On clear autumn days, the stone pillars rise straight from the valley, creating a stunning sense of depth. Wait for the sunset at Mihun Platform, where the evening glow casts a warm golden light over the quartz sandstone peaks—the view is absolutely breathtaking.

Yangjiajie's peak walls take on a special charm in autumn. After an autumn rain, mist rises, and waves of clouds surge through the gorges. Stone peaks pierce the sea of clouds, while crimson maple leaves contrast beautifully with the verdant forests, like an ink-wash scroll slowly unfolding. With midsummer's bustle giving way to a cool, tranquil stillness, it is a must-visit spot in autumn. 

The Ten-mile Gallery is one of the most beautiful valleys in Zhangjiajie and a great place for autumn hiking. Here, you can enjoy the stunning scenery along the way, including unique peaks and rock formations, babbling streams, and red maples and yellow ginkgo leaves. Take a ride on a sightseeing train through the valley to experience the grandeur and mystery of nature.

If autumn at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is about stepping into a painting of peaks and forests, then autumn at Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is about rising above the painting itself. Taking the high-altitude passenger cable car from the downtown area, you ascend more than 1,000 meters in 30 minutes. The 99-turn mountain road below is adorned with forests of red, orange, and golden hues—a sight so magnificent that words fail to describe it.

Autumn sets the forests ablaze with color, and the ginkgo trees on Tianmen Mountain are turning yellow. In the morning, as the mist is just about to clear, golden light pours down through Tianmen Cave, penetrating the clouds and mist, as if the heavenly gate suddenly opens and divine light descends! Imagine this: with the mountain's autumn colors serving as a backdrop, a beam of light slants down from the cave's entrance, forming a golden pillar of light. When you witness such a scene, you'll realize that all the waiting was worth it.

In addition, the autumn colors at Huanglong Cave are rich and warm. Entering the square, the towering redwoods look as if draped in ochre-red robes, whispering softly in the autumn wind; ginkgo trees sway with branches laden with golden leaves, each leaf soaked in sunlight; and clusters of red maple trees blaze like flames, burning passionately beneath the clear autumn sky.

Autumn in Zhangjiajie is so vibrant—when is the best time for viewing?

According to the local meteorological bureau, the best viewing period for Zhangjiajie's autumn scenery is from mid-to-late October to mid-November.

As golden autumn arrives, crimson leaves blanket the dark-green peaks, and yellow ginkgo, red metasequoia, and green pine and cypress unfold layer by layer, complemented by rocky peaks soaring toward the sky—creating a scene resembling a vivid three-dimensional autumn oil painting.

Zhangjiajie offers different scenery in every season, but in autumn it takes on another appearance—as if it's put on a limited-edition skin. It is worth a special trip.

Spectacular peaks, seas of clouds, and colorful foliage—Zhangjiajie is at its absolute best this autumn. The meteorological bureau has even pinpointed the best time to visit; now it's up to you to decide when to go.

Photos were taken by Wu Yongbing, Deng Daoli and Deng Changyong

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunantoday