Tibet is too far, but there is also a Sichuan-Tibet Highway in southern Anhui, stunning for a late autumn self-drive trip

No plateau, but also no altitude sickness; no snow-capped mountains, but also no severe cold. Compared with the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, besides the necessary steepness, it has more of the tenderness and colors of the Jiangnan region. Importantly, the entire route can be completed in just two days, making it a trip that is both desirable and attainable for office workers.

The Wannan Sichuan-Tibet Highway, also known as the "Jiangnan Sky Road," starts at Qinglong Township in Ningguo City in the east and ends at Caicun Township in Jing County in the west. Along the way, it passes through the photography base at Chujiatai Scenic Area, the wellness retreat at Qinglong Lake, the stunning beauty of the Bald Cypress Wetland Park, the primitive landscapes of Banqiao Nature Reserve, the cloud-kissing "Sky Road" at Taoling Highway, the Shuimo Tingxi Scenic Area, and the Moon Bay Scenic Area. The most mysterious and essential section is 120 kilometers long, crossing the largest reservoir in southeastern Anhui, Port Bay Reservoir, and the largest primitive forest in southeastern Anhui, Banqiao Nature Reserve. It combines the beauty of Guilin's landscapes, the wonder of Yunnan's Stone Forest, the appearance of Kanas in northern Xinjiang, and the danger of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway. It uniquely captures the essence of Wannan's landscapes—winding and thrilling, with stunning scenery, continuous green mountains or bamboo forests, and vast reservoirs—making it an ideal place for self-driving and cycling.

Departing from Hangzhou, it takes just over three hours to drive to Ningguo City. Then, following the Wannan Sichuan-Tibet Highway southward on the brand-new asphalt road, with mountains embracing the right side and Qinglong Bay Reservoir on the left, one passes by pristine villages and scattered Huizhou-style houses. In Jiangnan's autumn, one can always see lush green.

Chujiatai is a fork in the road and a great place for tourism and leisure. The lake along it is wide and open. It is said that in misty rain or morning fog, a thin mist drifts over the lake, with egrets gliding low from time to time and a fisherman's light boat passing by. The shimmering mountain lake, with peaks rising on all sides, creates a beautiful scene where water and sky merge, as if entering a fairyland. But it's easy to be misled by the beauty and take the wrong road; the right turn leads to the direction of the "Sichuan-Tibet Highway."

When rounding one mountain bend after another and a lake appears on the left, you arrive at the most colorful spot on this route—the "Wannan Kanas." Fangtang Township is located in the western part of Ningguo City, on the upper shore of the beautiful Qinglong Bay Reservoir. It borders Jingde County to the south, Jing County to the west, and Xuancheng to the north. It is a typical agricultural ecological township, known as the back garden of Ningguo. Thousands of acres of bald cypress forest in the reservoir area spread out before the countryside. No one knows who planted them or when they formed the forest. Every year from mid to late November, the leaves gradually change from yellow to red, marking the most beautiful time for this village.

The bald cypress forest in Fangtang Township can grow directly in water and has breathing roots. However, in years when the reservoir water level is low, the roots of the bald cypress are exposed above the water, losing the ethereal, floating effect. In autumn, the bald cypress forest sheds its flamboyance and becomes gentle, presenting a scene like an ink painting. The usually low-key Fangtang Township suddenly becomes a social media hit. If the weather remains normal, it is estimated that this week will still be good for viewing. Parking is free, and no ticket is required, which is quite generous.

Walking through the forest is also poetic, surrounded by fresh air, with red leaves and green water complementing each other, as if one has stepped into a painting. Up close, you can lightly smell the fragrant scent of plants. It is recommended to stay overnight here. There are many farmhouse guesthouses, and in the morning, you can likely see the wonderful mist over the red forest. A vision of a patchwork of colors floating on a sea of green water unfolds before your eyes, evoking a feeling of "As if an old friend has passed through my heart, looking back at the mountains and rivers, it's already autumn."

Leaving Fangtang Township and making a brief stop in Banqiao Village to adjust, you then enter Jing County. This section is the essence of the Wannan Sichuan-Tibet Highway—Taoling Highway, known as the most thrilling part of the "Jiangnan Sky Road." There is a monument at the entrance; be mindful of passing vehicles when taking photos.

Taoling Village is located in southeastern Jing County, with high mountains such as Taolingtou, Niaoque Ridge, and Laohuping, all over 1,000 meters above sea level. The Taoling River runs through the entire village, and most villagers live along the river, surrounded by mountains and crisscrossed by streams.

The Taoling Highway is separated by several large mountains, all over 800 meters above sea level. The uphill section is about 10 kilometers, and the downhill section is also about 10 kilometers, with dangerous terrain. From a distance, the winding mountain road with eighteen bends is just as thrilling as the 72 bends of the Nujiang River. In the 1970s, the hardworking people of Taoling, relying on their hands and shoulders and the spirit of the Foolish Old Man who moved mountains, built this sky road, ending the isolation of generations.

These winding curves attract self-driving and cycling enthusiasts from Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai to experience the thrill and excitement of "a high road entering the clouds." Always remember to maintain a safe distance, watch the curves, and drive carefully, because the mountain road is really narrow!

It is said that a strong rain and snow from the north is about to move south. The colorful forests in the mountains may wither, and the colors and light may be gone. If you don't have time, then save this for next year!

Along this route, you can also visit:

- "Huiyun Zen Temple," built on Xiuyun Island in Qinglong Lake, accessible by ferry.

- "Shuimo Tingxi Scenic Area," a primitive forest integrating green mountains and clear waters, sea of forests and tea gardens, exotic flowers and trees, and strange rocks and deep pools. The scenic area offers activities such as mountain climbing, rafting, paragliding, and stream tracing, suitable for team-building activities.

- "Moon Bay Scenic Area," known as the "First Town of Huaxia Bamboo," with fresh bamboo fragrance and bamboo raft rides.

These attractions are somewhat out of the way; self-driving enthusiasts with limited time may choose to skip them.