BAZHONG, China - The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival will take place from October 1 to November 18 at the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China. The annual festival highlights the region's stunning autumn foliage, which covers 680 square kilometers and features over 40 tree species, including Fagus pashanica, maples, and lindens. With a forest coverage rate of 97%, Guangwu Mountain is often called a "natural oxygen bar" and has earned recognition as "Asia's longest natural red carpet."
The festival's significance extends beyond its visual appeal. It positions Guangwu Mountain as a top autumn destination for backpackers, photographers, and travelers seeking immersive cultural and nature experiences. As one of western China's signature autumn attractions, the event draws international visitors who prefer slower-paced, in-depth, off-the-beaten-path travel. The new Yanziling Loop Boardwalk, launched in May 2026, winds along mountain cliffs, offering views of a sea of clouds and brilliant foliage, creating the feeling of "stepping into a painting."
Guangwu Mountain also offers a wealth of outdoor attractions, including the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster and a glass water slide certified by Guinness World Record, combining thrilling experiences with natural scenery. The large-scale immersive production "New Dream of Guangwu Mountain" integrates cutting-edge light and visual technology with Bashan folklore and traditions, transforming the forest into an atmospheric nighttime experience. Visitors can also enjoy welcome performances and interactive robot activities, which offer more ways to discover the mountain's late-autumn charm.
A major highlight of this year's festival is the newly completed Micang Avenue. Stretching 85 kilometers, the route connects seven core scenic spots, including Guangwu Mountain, Micang Mountain, and Nuoshui River, reducing a four-hour drive to just one hour. Lined with continuous stretches of colorful forest and layered peaks, the avenue brings brand-new travel experiences for autumn foliage enthusiasts. This infrastructure improvement is expected to significantly boost tourism by making the region more accessible and allowing visitors to explore multiple attractions in a single trip.
The festival will also feature cultural, sports, and international exchange activities, including the third season of the "Sending You a Red Leaf" campaign, the China Micang Avenue International Road Cycling Race, and the "World Red Leaf Landmark" global collection campaign. In addition, 31 scenic attractions and 18 museums and cultural venues across Bazhong will provide special ticket offers and visitor benefits during the festival. These initiatives aim to engage a global audience and promote cross-cultural exchange, further establishing Guangwu Mountain as a must-visit autumn destination.
Across mountains and seas, Guangwu Mountain invites visitors from around the world to witness one of China's most vibrant red-and-gold autumn displays. The festival not only celebrates the natural beauty of the region but also underscores the growing importance of sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in southwest China. For more information, visit Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area.
