Xinduqiao Autumn Photography Heaven

1. Basic Information Xinduqiao is located in Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan, at an altitude of about 3,300 meters. It is known as the "Photography Corridor" for its autumn colorful forests and snow mountain reflections. - Best time: September to November (golden colorful forests and snow mountains in the same frame); early morning is ideal for capturing the golden sunlight on the mountains, evening for colorful forest sunsets, with a day-night temperature difference of about 15°C. 2. Must-Experience (Core Attractions) 1. Yuzixi Golden Mountain Sunrise: Station at the viewing platform early in the morning to watch the snow-capped mountains dyed golden-red by the sunrise, combined with sea of clouds and starry sky, a 100% chance of great shots; 2. Ten-Mile Colorful Forest Road Shots: Along the route, poplar trees turn golden in clusters, every casual shot is a "road blockbuster," recommended to shoot during soft light at dawn or dusk; 3. Tagong Grassland Cute Animal Interaction: On the slopes, you can feed marmots (bring bread crumbs), but keep a safe distance; 4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Pond Mirror Reflection: On windless mornings, capture symmetrical scenes of snow mountains, colorful forests, and sky, with a high chance of unexpected surprises. 3. 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao - Morning: Take the Ya-Ye Expressway from Chengdu to Kangding (about 3 hours), check out Kangding Old Town, try Tibetan butter tea and guokui (flatbread) to fill up; - Afternoon: Cross Duoshan Mountain (altitude 4,298 meters, go slowly to prevent altitude sickness), arrive at Xinduqiao and stroll along the Ten-Mile Colorful Forest Road, wait for the warm light at sunset for photos; - Accommodation: Choose a guesthouse with a viewing platform to enjoy the plateau starry sky at night, prepare oxygen tanks in advance. Day 2: Xinduqiao → Yuzixi → Tagong Grassland → Xinduqiao - Early morning: Depart at 5 AM to Yuzixi viewing platform, secure the best spot to shoot the golden mountain sunrise on the snow peaks, after sunrise capture sea of clouds and distant colorful forests; - Morning: Head to Tagong Grassland, feed the adorable marmots on the slopes (super cute for photos), visit Tagong Monastery to shoot Tibetan architecture with snow mountains in the background; - Evening: Return to Xinduqiao, photograph the village, colorful forests, and warm tones of dusk, enjoy yak meat hotpot for dinner to replenish energy. Day 3: Xinduqiao → Zheduotang → Chengdu - Morning: Navigate to a lesser-known pond (local herders can guide), the originally overcast sky suddenly clears, snow mountain peaks glow with golden light, the water surface is calm like a mirror perfect for reflections. Just as the camera is set up, a chubby marmot suddenly emerges from a grass hole by the shore, carrying a blade of grass to drink water by the pond—its shadow perfectly overlaps with the distant snow mountains and colorful forests on the water surface, creating a triple reflection of "cute animal + stunning scenery." Holding breath to press the shutter, it suddenly looks up at me, paws splashing the water, scattering light spots on the mirror-like reflection, followed by two curious cubs peeking out. The originally planned "solo photography" unexpectedly turned into a delightful group shot with the marmot family, and this photo later became the most popular material of the entire trip; - Noon: Head to Zheduotang for a natural hot spring soak to relieve plateau fatigue, have yak meat hotpot near the hot spring for lunch; - Afternoon: Return to Chengdu via Ya-Ye Expressway, ending the autumn photography trip. 4. Food & Accommodation - Food: Tibetan cuisine recommendations include yak meat hotpot, Tibetan steamed buns, butter tea (may take some getting used to, can be paired with sugar); Sichuan restaurants are widespread to satisfy different tastes; - Accommodation: Autumn is peak season, it is recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance, prioritize guesthouses with viewing platforms and oxygen supply equipment, some guesthouses offer photography guide services. 5. Travel Tips - Altitude Sickness Prevention: Take Rhodiola one week in advance, avoid strenuous exercise after arrival, drink plenty of warm water, prepare oxygen tanks; - Clothing Suggestions: Wear windproof and warm thick jackets plus a shell jacket, with hat, scarf, gloves, and choose non-slip hiking shoes; - Customs and Taboos: Do not casually touch prayer wheels or step on prayer flags in Tibetan areas, ask locals for permission before taking photos; - Photography Equipment: Bring wide-angle lenses for panoramas, telephoto lenses for snow mountain details, and a tripod for reflections and starry sky shots.