Miyaluo Autumn Leaves & Jiuzhaigou Blue Waters
A stunning 4-day self-drive loop through Sichuan's most spectacular autumn scenery. Experience the fiery red leaves of Miyaluo, the pristine blue waters of Jiuzhaigou, and the vast grasslands of Hongyuan and Ruoergai.
Highlights
Route Map
Explore all attractions along this 4-day itinerary
Why This Route?
This is the ultimate autumn photography route in Sichuan, combining the fiery red leaves of Miyaluo with the ethereal blue waters of Jiuzhaigou. Best experienced in mid-October to early November when autumn colors peak. The route offers incredible diversity - from alpine grasslands to deep valleys, from Tibetan culture to ancient Han Chinese towns. Book Jiuzhaigou tickets well in advance during peak season.
Driving Information
Route
Chengdu → G317 → Dujiangyan → Wenchuan → Lixian → Miyaluo → Zhegu Pass → Hongyuan (445km) → G248 → Ruoergai → Chuanzhusi → Songpan (210km) → Jiuzhaigou → S205 → Pingwu (235km) → G247 → Jiangyou → G5 Expressway → Chengdu (340km)
Road Conditions
The route combines national highways (G317, G248, G247, S205) with provincial roads. Road conditions are generally good with paved surfaces. The Zhegu Mountain Pass (4,120m) section may have ice in late autumn - check conditions before departure. Some winding mountain roads between Jiuzhaigou and Pingwu require careful driving. The Miyaluo to Hongyuan section has excellent road quality.
4-Day Itinerary
Chengdu to Hongyuan via Miyaluo
Depart Chengdu early, drive through Dujiangyan and Wenchuan along G317. Pass through Lixian County and enter the Miyaluo Scenic Area - China's largest red leaf viewing destination. The 127km stretch from Gucheng to Miyaluo is lined with spectacular autumn colors. Continue over the Zhegu Mountain Pass (4,120m) to reach Hongyuan on the grasslands.
Activities:
Hongyuan to Songpan via Ruoergai
Drive across the vast Hongyuan and Ruoergai grasslands along G248. Stop at the Flower Lake (Huahu) wetland, one of the most beautiful plateau marshes. Continue south through Chuanzhusi to the ancient town of Songpan, a historic trading post on the Tea Horse Road.
Activities:
Jiuzhaigou Valley Full Day
Early morning drive to Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Spend the full day exploring the three valleys: Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley. The autumn colors reflecting in the crystal-clear turquoise waters create unforgettable scenery.
Activities:
Pingwu to Chengdu via Jiangyou
Return to Chengdu via the eastern route through Pingwu and Jiangyou. Stop at Baima Temple or Wanglang Nature Reserve if time permits. Pass through Jiangyou, hometown of the poet Li Bai, and return to Chengdu via the expressway.
Activities:
Car Repair & Rescue Services
Local Cuisine
Tibetan Yak Meat Hot Pot
Fresh yak meat cooked in traditional Tibetan style, available in Hongyuan and Ruoergai. Rich and warming, perfect for the high altitude.
Zanba (Roasted Barley Flour)
Traditional Tibetan staple food, mixed with butter tea. Try it in any Tibetan restaurant along the grasslands.
Songpan Beef Noodles
Famous hand-pulled noodles in rich beef broth, a specialty of Songpan Ancient Town.
Jiuzhaigou Wild Vegetables
Fresh mountain vegetables and mushrooms from the Jiuzhaigou area, simply prepared to highlight natural flavors.
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