A hidden secret in northern Sichuan! Pingwu colorful forests + ancient villages + waterfalls, 5 days to cover deep autumn romance

Who would have thought! In Pingwu, Mianyang, Sichuan, there is a secret place where God spilled his palette—here you’ll find more niche colorful forests than western Sichuan, more rustic Qiang villages than Gannan, and a "Forbidden City" and healing waterfalls hidden deep in the mountains. The best part is it’s uncrowded, perfect for a deep autumn trip! Key points before departure: The best travel time is from late October to mid-November, when the colorful forests of Baima Snow Mountain and Hujia Valley reach their peak. Maple leaves, birch trees, and pines layer upon layer, glowing red, bright yellow, and deep green. Every snapshot looks like wallpaper. Driving is recommended (about 4.5 hours from Chengdu), with good road conditions along the way; some mountain roads have many curves, so remember to slow down. For public transport, take the high-speed train to Mianyang, then transfer to a bus to Pingwu County, and finally carpool or charter a car to the attractions. Day 1 heads straight to Baima Baxijia Village, a Baima Tibetan ancient village hidden in the colorful forest that is absolutely stunning! Blue-tiled wooden houses are built along the mountain, and the elderly in the village wear traditional embroidered costumes and unique “Shaga hats,” greeting you warmly on the road. Stay overnight in a homestay in the village, sit around the fire pit drinking butter tea and eating roasted potatoes, listen to local ancient legends, and at night, enjoy the starry sky—this is what travel should be like. Day 2 covers two colorful forest secrets: In the morning, visit Baima Hujia Valley, where the colorful forest feels more serene. Stroll along the creek trail, with soft fallen leaves underfoot, babbling water beside you, and a canopy of multicolored leaves overhead. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows, as if stepping into a fairy tale. In the afternoon, rush to Baima Snow Mountain’s colorful forest. Drive windingly up the mountain, with scenery improving all along the way. From the viewing platform, overlook the colorful forest stretching for dozens of miles, contrasting beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains. No phone can capture even a fraction of this beauty. Day 3 unlocks a double surprise of culture and nature: In the morning, explore the deep mountain Forbidden City, Bao’en Temple, a Ming Dynasty ancient architectural complex hidden among the mountains. The wood carvings, stone carvings, and paintings inside are masterpieces, especially the Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue, crafted so exquisitely it amazes visitors. After touring, it feels like traveling back a hundred years. In the afternoon, visit the Seabuckthorn Valley Waterfall. A 20-minute hike along a forest path leads to the waterfall cascading down the cliff, splashing water everywhere. The area is covered with bright red seabuckthorn berries, and the air is filled with fresh herbal scents. When tired, sit on a rock and listen to the waterfall’s sound—pure healing. Day 4 can add a lesser-known secret spot—Pingwu Laohougou. Here, colorful forests combined with streams and meadows are quieter and more peaceful, perfect for those who enjoy slow travel. You might even spot squirrels and golden pheasants (observe from a distance, no feeding). Return to Pingwu County in the evening and try local specialties like Baima Zaji wine, cured pig’s trotters, and potato glutinous cakes—each bite is authentic northern Sichuan flavor. Travel tips: 1. Large temperature differences in the mountains during late autumn, remember to bring thick jackets, scarves, gloves, and wear non-slip sports shoes; 2. Most colorful forest areas are natural reserves with some trails lacking signal, so download offline maps in advance; 3. Bao’en Temple requires a ticket (about 40 RMB per person), other natural attractions are mostly free; 4. Respect Baima Tibetan customs, do not take photos of locals’ privacy without permission, and do not touch religious objects when entering the village. This deep autumn secret hidden in northern Sichuan offers both natural grandeur and rich culture, without commercial noise, only pure beauty. If you’re tired of crowded popular spots and want an immersive deep autumn trip, Pingwu is definitely worth a visit! 🔥Follow me to unlock more niche travel destinations!