First Snow in Chengdu
Due to a sudden temperature drop last week, many places around Chengdu welcomed their first snow. But weren't we just talking about autumn leaf viewing being in full swing? Don't worry, this issue of 'Happy Travel Times' has scouted out some breathtaking scenery in advance—white snowscapes combined with stunning colorful forests. After reading, you can plan a weekend trip to these places to enjoy red leaves amidst the snow!
The Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area in Sichuan welcomed its first snow of the second half of the year. Unfortunately, the park had not yet reopened at that time, so we missed the enchanting scenery of mountains and trees draped in silver, and waterfalls and lakes as pure as ice and jade. Jiuzhaigou experienced its first heavy snow after the 'First Frost' solar term. At Long Lake (Changhai) in the scenic area, the first snow wrapped the forests, sunlight spilled onto the 'Jiuzhai blue,' reflecting a sparkling lake surface. After a night of snowfall at Five-Color Pond, the distant layered peaks, pine trees, maple leaves, and pristine white snow perfectly blended and mirrored in the water, forming a beautiful picture.
It is understood that since its reopening, Jiuzhaigou has been extremely popular! Recently, the scenic area has adjusted the maximum daily visitor capacity from 5,000 to 8,000 visitors. However, visitors are reminded to pay attention to relevant matters such as the open area, visiting hours and methods, eligible visitors, ticket prices (including shuttle bus tickets), and ticket purchasing methods, and strictly follow the content of the 'Announcement on the Partial Reopening (Trial Operation) of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area' published by the Jiuzhaigou Management Bureau on its official website on September 23.
A few days ago, the Red Leaf Festival opened at Guangwu Mountain. The largest red leaf viewing area in Asia—Guangwu Mountain—thus officially entered its golden autumn mode. Red leaves covered the mountains, dyeing the forests in layers, indescribably beautiful! In such a colorful season, just after First Frost, the red leaf season 'encountered' the first snow. Bazhong welcomed its first snow of autumn 2019, and Xianglu Mountain in the Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area was the 'origin' of Bazhong's first snow this autumn. Heading from Guangwu Mountain Scenic Area toward Xianglu Mountain, from the foot to the top, from full views of red leaves to vast white snow and icicles hanging from branches, the season shifted from autumn's warmth to winter's elegance and tranquility, as if turning a season's palette. Standing atop Xianglu Mountain, looking into the distance, the snow-covered Guangwu Mountain appeared vast and hazy amidst swirling clouds and mist. The beauty of Guangwu Mountain at this moment was unique, crystal clear and sparkling.
On the day of First Frost, many places experienced a significant drop in temperature, and Dagu also welcomed a heavy snowfall! After the snow, Dagu Glacier activated its unique 'ice and snow + colorful forest' mode. On one side, a rich overflow of colors filled the eyes; on the other, a pristine, snow-clad isolation—stunning to the eyes. The summit of Dagu Glacier is covered with snow all year round. In November of autumn, one can see the magnificent colorful forest scenery, while winter is suitable for extreme sports like ice climbing. The most spectacular three-section glaciers are Glaciers No. 1, 2, and 3, formed over hundreds of millions of years. From near Yingbin Lake, you can take a sightseeing cable car to reach the high-altitude Glacier No. 1.
