As autumn deepens, the South Chinese beech leaves across Guangwu Mountain are transforming into shades of crimson, heralding the arrival of the annual Red Leaf Festival. The 23rd Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival has recently opened, centered around the theme "Guests from Afar, AI Meets Guangwu Red". The festival launched the global "Send the Red Leaf to You" relay campaign, extending an invitation to domestic and international travelers.

At the inaugural relay event, ten torchbearers carried a unique torch modeled after the iconic beech leaves of Guangwu Mountain. The bearers included native Bazhong representatives from various sectors and laborers who have made outstanding contributions to the city's development. According to reports, the red leaf torch will subsequently travel to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Anji in Zhejiang Province, and Dingzhou in Hebei Province. The torch will, by means of this relay, illuminate the Red Leaf Festival as a cultural tourism landmark.

As the "Premier Red Leaf Mountain of China", the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area boasts a 680-square-kilometer crimson corridor, acclaimed as Asia's largest red-leaf viewing destination. This year, the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area has introduced new recreational activities and integrated technological applications, adding fresh dimensions to the classic red-leaf experience.

From Ground to Sky: New Thrills at Every Level

"It was so thrilling to ride through the red leaves!" exclaimed Zeng Wei, a tourist from Dazhou, after experiencing the "Red Leaf Coaster" at Guangwu Mountain Sports Theme Park. Still eager for more, he immediately joined the queue for the "Red Leaf River Drift" ride.

"To transform the single-dimensional experience of only viewing red leaves in Guangwu Mountain, we have introduced a range of new recreational projects," stated a person in charge of the Sichuan Guangwu Mountain Nuoshui River Tourism Development Co., Ltd. The executive highlighted that the Guangwu Mountain Sports Theme Park officially opened this year, which features newly constructed attractions such as a mountain coaster and a glass water slide, alongside numerous photo-worthy spots, including the Sky Mirror, Cupid's Arrow, and the Wind Chime Corridor. Since its opening, the park has had over 3,000 daily visitor entries on average.

The previously somewhat monotonous mountain trail for leaf viewing has been infused with new energy through the launch of the Guangwu Mountain Hiking Challenge.

"We have designed three challenge routes, including two 6.5-kilometer beginner trails and one 11-kilometer advanced trail," said Fu Liqiong, deputy general manager of the Bazhong Cultural Tourism Development Group. She explained that the hiking routes connect major scenic spots within the scenic area. Participants who complete the challenge not only receive a daily limited-edition Guangwu Mountain commemorative medal but can also accumulate points by taking photos at designated checkpoints to redeem customized cultural and creative products. "Additionally, the top ten performers on the advanced route each month will receive corresponding cash prizes and awards."

While ground activities continue to innovate, the aerial sightseeing experience has also been upgraded: visitors can now board helicopters from the helipad in Micang Mountain Scenic Area, soaring at 300 meters to overlook a breathtaking 680-square-kilometer sea of red foliage. Furthermore, the project has launched a "helicopter + drone" collaborative photography service specifically for photography enthusiasts. This integrated approach captures stunning moments where the sea of clouds merges with the red-leaf landscape, significantly enhancing the overall tourist experience.

Easier Access, Effortless Fun: Tired of Climbing? Try the "Tech-Enabled Ascents"

On the morning of October 21, the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area issued its daily foliage report: "The Xianglu Mountain summit and cable car route, the Yanzi Ridge loop, and the Natural Gallery have all reached Level III on the Maple Leaf Index, while Heixiong Gully is at Level II. The Da-Xiao Lan Gully and Shibayue Ponds remain below Level I as their colors continue to develop." The announcement included supporting real-time photos and videos from each location.

Since October, the official social media accounts of the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area have been providing daily real-time updates on the progression of the autumn foliage across its scenic spots. "We leverage big data analytics combined with on-site observations to accurately forecast the foliage conditions and promptly issue the Maple Leaf Index, ensuring visitors don't miss the vibrant colors," said Wang Liangjie, deputy secretary of the Bazhong Guangwu Mountain-Nuoshui River Cultural Tourism Integration Development Demonstration Zone Working Committee. He added that supporting services such as transportation, dining, and accommodation are also updated in real-time on the scenic area's social media accounts.

This year's Red Leaf Festival also incorporates substantial technological elements to enhance the tourist experience.

"The Yanzi Ridge cable car, launched last year, has made it much easier for visitors to enjoy the red leaves and sea of clouds. However, we noted feedback from some guests who still found the climbing sections strenuous and physically demanding," said Du Xi, manager of the Management Department of Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area. To address this, the scenic area has introduced 50 units of assistive exoskeletons—cutting-edge gear designed to reduce climbing effort. By wearing this equipment, visitors can reduce their physical exertion by up to 70 percent during climbs. "This enables them to comfortably reach the summit of the Yanzi Ridge loop and fully appreciate the breathtaking red-leaf scenery," Du added.

Meanwhile, at Tieluba Plaza in the Micang Mountain Scenic Area, an interactive human-robot lifestyle market will operate through October 29. Visitors can not only enjoy beverages and desserts like coffee, milk tea, and ice cream prepared on-site by robots, but also interact with robotic dogs and robotic artists, experiencing firsthand the remarkable integration of technology and tourism.

Diverse Experiences: Where Crimson Foliage Meets Music and Hot Springs

"Business has been exceptionally busy recently, especially on weekends. You need to book weeks in advance to secure a room," said Yang Gu, the owner of the Red Leaf Mountain Villa homestay in Guangwu Mountain, frankly stating that he has been "running around in circles" with non-stop work.

The tourism boom stems from more than just the seasonal spectacle of the Red Leaf Festival. It is also driven by the local "159 Micang Homestay" initiative under the Bazhong Cultural and Tourism Demonstration Zone. This project promoted the renovation and construction of homestays along the Micang Avenue through various supporting policies. As a result, the Red Leaf Mountain Villa underwent a significant transformation, installing an elevator, renovating its exterior, and equipping every room with smart appliances, making it more appealing to guests.

To date, the Bazhong Cultural and Tourism Demonstration Zone has seen the completion of 16 homestays and the operational launch of 60 homestays, adding 808 new guest rooms and 1,482 beds to its capacity.

To encourage visitors to extend their stay after hiking, Bazhong has introduced a diverse range of new experiences designed to enhance visitor retention. The large-scale immersive night tour experience, "New · Dream Guangwu Mountain", has recently undergone a comprehensive upgrade. Complementing this, the scenic area now hosts weekly "Maple Leaf Concerts", paired with open-air cinema screenings and bonfire gatherings, crafting a uniquely romantic autumn experience for visitors.

Additionally, the scenic area has developed tailored itineraries for different visitor demographics. For instance, parent-child families can embark on a "Red Leaf Science Tour", where children learn to identify different tree species and create leaf-vein specimens. For wellness-seeking visitors, the "Forest Therapy Journey" combines hot spring therapy with herbal cuisine, offering a comprehensive package for physical and mental rejuvenation.

It is noteworthy that Bazhong City will link 31 scenic areas with 18 cultural and museum venues to launch a "one-ticket, multiple-attractions; one-reservation, three-day validity" ticketing policy. Concurrently, it will initiate reciprocal "ticket-stub economy" campaigns integrating performing arts, sporting events, and culinary offerings, fostering coordinated development of the area-wide consumption ecosystem.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

The Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area comprises three main scenic zones: Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area, Micang Mountain Scenic Area, and Shibayue Ponds (Eighteen Moon Ponds) Scenic Area.

For your convenience, we suggest the following touring routes:

Route 1: Peak-Cluster &Red-Leaf Journey (Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area)

Visitor Center → Wanhu Chaosheng (Myriad Peaks Pilgrimage) → Yuntian Feiyan (Cloud-Soaring Swallow) → Hongshan Cliff (Vermilion Cliff) → Yanzi Ridge (Swallow Ridge) → Qinv Peak (Seven Maidens Peak) → Return to Wanhu Chaosheng → Yanzi Ridge Cable Car Upper Station

Route 2: Romantic Red-Leaf Journey (Micang Mountain Scenic Area)

Jiaguo Mountain → Natural Gallery → Langou Bridge (Orchid Gully Bridge) → Heixiong Gully (Black Bear Gully) → Golden Corridor → Xianglu Mountain (Censer Mountain)

Route 3: Enchanted Ponds &Red-Leaf Journey (Shibayue Ponds Scenic Area)

Yunti Pond (Cloud Ladder Pond) → Zhenzhu Pond (Pearl Pond) → Qinglv Pond (Lovers' Pond) → Wucai Chi (Colorful Pond) → Hunsha Pubu (Bridal Veil Falls) → Xiannv Pond (Nymph's Pond)