Cross the cliff-hanging road and encounter the most splendid autumn colors in the Qinba deep mountains

🍁 The secret realm in the Qinba deep mountains—Ningqiang Caohuazi. This 2-day, 1-night self-driving loop starting from Guangyuan combines the thrill of the cliff-hanging road, the brilliance of colorful forests, and the mystery of the stone forest, making it a golden route for autumn self-driving trips. 🚗 Trip Overview 🌅 Day 1: Guangyuan → Xifanggou Cliff-Hanging Road → Caohuazi (meadow + canyon) → Stay in Caohuazi 🌄 Day 2: Jiuding Mountain morning mist colorful forest → Ink Stone Forest → Return to Guangyuan 📅 Detailed Itinerary 🏞️ DAY 1: Road wonder and first view of colorful forest 🌅 Morning: Depart early from Guangyuan, navigate to "Xifanggou Cliff-Hanging Road," about 1.5 hours by car. This free cliff-hanging road is a miracle built by villagers through self-reliance, winding along the cliff. Standing on the viewing platform to photograph vehicles weaving through the "Z"-shaped bends is full of tension and beauty. A 30-minute stop is enough for great shots. 🍜 Noon: You can taste local specialties near Maobaha Town or the scenic area, such as walnut cakes, spicy chicken, or farmhouse stewed cured meat. 🌳 Afternoon: Head to the core area of Caohuazi. First, visit the alpine meadow surrounded by red maples and golden apricots, an excellent spot for panoramic shots of the colorful forest; then walk through the health-preserving canyon, stepping on thick fallen leaves that crunch underfoot, creating an immersive experience. Total playtime about 1.5 hours. 🌃 Evening: Stay at a Caohuazi guesthouse. There are many guesthouses in the scenic area; it is recommended to book 3 days in advance as weekend availability is tight. 🍁 DAY 2: Deep appreciation of colorful forest and stone forest exploration 🌅 Early morning: Depart early from the guesthouse, navigate to "Jiuding Mountain Viewing Platform," about 25 minutes by car. Arriving before 8 AM allows you to enjoy the dreamy scene of morning mist swirling around the colorful forest, with sunlight streaming through the leaves, making the entire hillside shimmer. Playtime about 1.5 hours. 🌄 Morning: Head to the Ink Stone Forest. This stone forest, with a history of billions of years, looks even more mysterious under the autumn colors. The gray rocks contrast sharply with the red maples and golden apricots, and small wild chrysanthemums occasionally dot the crevices, making every shot a masterpiece. The hiking route is gentle, and 1 hour is enough to explore. 🍱 Noon: There are few supplies around the stone forest, so bring your own snacks or return to the guesthouse for a light meal. 🚗 Afternoon: Relaxed return to Guangyuan, about 2 hours by car. 💰 Tickets Caohuazi Scenic Area: Admission 80 RMB per person, sightseeing bus 30 RMB per person. 💡 Travel Tips 1. 🧥 Clothing Guide: Large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, bring a light jacket + hat; it can be hot at noon, so dress lighter. If cloudy, it is recommended to bring a disposable raincoat. 2. ⛽ Fuel and Charging: The nearest gas station to the scenic area is 37 km away in Bashan Town, and the nearest charging pile is 13 km away in Maobaha Town. Ensure sufficient fuel and battery before departure. 3. 🍂 Best Season: October to November is the golden period for viewing colorful forests and also when the scenic area is less crowded and more beautiful. 4. ⚠️ Safety Tips: Climbing or shaking railings is prohibited in the stone forest and plank roads; anti-slip shoes are required on some sections to ensure safety.