The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival is set to take place from October 1 to November 18 at the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China. This annual event celebrates the spectacular autumn colors that transform the region into a vibrant red-and-gold landscape, drawing visitors from around the world. With its focus on immersive cultural and nature experiences, the festival underscores the growing importance of sustainable tourism and regional economic development in southwest China.
Guangwu Mountain, located in southwest China, boasts a forest coverage rate of 97%, earning its reputation as a "natural oxygen bar." Each autumn, 680 square kilometers of mountain forests burst into a dazzling palette. Over 40 tree species, including Fagus pashanica, maples, and lindens, weave the mountains into a stunning autumn landscape. Known as "Asia's longest natural red carpet," the mountain has become a top autumn destination for backpackers, photographers, and travelers seeking immersive cultural and nature experiences, and is widely recognized as one of western China's signature autumn attractions.
The tourism area caters to 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, with a sea of clouds rolling beneath visitors' feet and brilliant foliage unfolding alongside the trail, creating the feeling of "stepping into a painting." This infrastructure enhancement is part of a broader effort to improve accessibility and visitor experiences, which is crucial for attracting global tourists and supporting local businesses.
Guangwu Mountain offers a wealth of outdoor attractions. Highlights include the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster and a glass water slide certified by Guinness World Record, combining thrilling experiences with stunning 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. These attractions not only diversify the tourism offerings but also create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
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 improved connectivity is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers and extend stays, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other service industries in Bazhong.
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 promote cross-cultural understanding and position Guangwu Mountain as a premier global destination for autumn tourism.
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 highlights the natural beauty of the region but also demonstrates how strategic infrastructure and cultural programming can drive sustainable tourism and economic growth, offering a model for other destinations in China and beyond.
