By Xinyi Li, EDITOR

There is a picturesque land in the east of Chongqing, the southern bank of the Yangtze River and the center of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region. Hidden around 30° north latitude.  This wonderland boasts falling leaves, blue waters, swaying reeds, as well as tranquil villages. It is Shizhu County, where Li Bai (a famous Chinese poet) wrote a poem for its tranquility and beauty.

In October, there are yellowish leaves everywhere on winding mountains in Huangshui National Forest Park. In addition, red leaves begin to fall slowly here. With widely scattered Pyracantha fortuneana, Qianye Meadow looks like a sky with rosy clouds. Otherwise, it also presents the brightest color in Shuzhu County during the autumn travel season. Camping under the starry sky of Cloud Capital of Flowers is an amazing way to enjoy the local Tujia customs.

There is a small town named Huangshui Town, among numerous beautiful sceneries of Shizhu County. It is at an elevation of more than 1,500 meters. Moreover, the small town looks extremely serene amidst the mist of the autumn morning. It is a great pleasure to experience the peaceful life and local customs in the plateau town here. Besides, Tujia-Style Preserved Meat is a well-known cuisine of Tujia people in China. The host will serve guests with a bowl of Yinmi Tea (made of sticky rice) or fermented glutinous rice at first. The host also receives guests with other delicious foods like Tofu Pudding Made of River Water, the home-brewed Za Wine, and Dubafen (made of natural fern powder), etc.

The route for the autumn outing in Shizhu County:

Take the high-speed railway (Shizhu County Station), or take the bus, or drive a car can all arrive at Shizhu County. The following routes are recommendations to visit Wanshou Ancient Village. It is good to enjoy the local Tujia customs.

Shizhu County—Water Shield Garden—Cloud Capital of Flowers—China’s No.1 Mother Tree of Metasequoia—Taiyang Lake—Dafengbao—Huangshui Town (accommodate here)—Qianye Meadow—Xituo Ancient Town—Wanshou Mountain—return

Srouce: CQCB