Visited Micangshan National Forest Park three times and finally figured it out.

📍 Core Information at a Glance ▫️ Location: Northern Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, bordering Shaanxi, part of the core area of the Guangwushan Tourist Area ▫️ Highlights: Enjoy tens of thousands of azaleas in spring (April-May), view Asia’s longest red leaf carpet in autumn (late October to November), a pristine forest oxygen bar with scenic views all year round 🚗 Transportation Guide ▫️ Self-driving: From Chengdu → Chengdu-Bazhong Expressway → Bazhong-Shaanxi Expressway → Qiaoting Exit → Scenic Area (about 4.5 hours); From Xi’an → Xi’an-Hanzhong Expressway → Bazhong-Shaanxi Expressway → Xishenba Exit → Scenic Area (about 5 hours) ▫️ Public Transport: From Chengdu North Gate Bus Station/Chongqing Caiyuanba Bus Station → Nanjiang Guangyun Bus Station → Scenic Area Shuttle Bus (about 5 hours); High-speed train to Hanzhong Station → transfer to direct scenic area shuttle ⚠️ Note: From March 28 to April 30, 2025, G8513 Expressway Micangshan Tunnel construction will cause partial lane sharing; please check real-time road conditions before departure 🎫 Tickets and Tours ▫️ Tickets: 90 RMB, sightseeing bus 60 RMB (mandatory), Xianglu Mountain cable car round trip 150 RMB ▫️ Opening Hours: Spring and summer 08:30-18:00 (last entry at 16:00), autumn and winter 08:30-17:00 (last entry at 14:00) ▫️ Recommended Routes: 1. One-day tour: Visitor Center → Natural Gallery (Colorful Forest Trail) → Dam Transfer Station → Black Bear Valley (Red Leaf and Clear Water Gorge) → Langou Bridge (Pristine Forest) → Return 2. In-depth tour: Add Xianglu Mountain (cable car up for sunrise and sea of clouds, 3-hour hike) 3. Spring Special: Yanjing River Gorge Azalea Corridor (10 km hike to Azalea Peak, best from mid-April to early May) 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions ▫️ Inside the scenic area: Near Tieluba Visitor Center, there are Red Leaf Hotel and farmhouses (Red Leaf season prices 400+ RMB, advance booking required) ▫️ Nanjiang County Town: Choose four-star hotels (e.g., Nanjiang Jinjiang Hotel), prices 200-400 RMB, more dining options 🍜 Food Highlights ▫️ Must-try: Nanjiang Yellow Goat Soup Hotpot, Wild Mushroom Hotpot, Salted Vegetable Braised Pork ▫️ Quick meals: Dam Ski Resort restaurant offers braised pork rice, Yibin spicy noodles, and other fast food ▫️ Tip: Few dining spots inside the scenic area, bringing snacks is recommended ❗ Key Reminders 1. Mountain roads are winding; drive carefully; self-driving is allowed inside the park, but core scenic spots require switching to sightseeing buses 2. Large temperature differences in spring and autumn; bring windproof jackets and rain gear; mosquito protection in summer; anti-slip shoes in winter 3. Xianglu Mountain cable car queues exceed 2 hours in peak season; off-peak visits or hiking (only some sections open) are recommended 4. April is peak azalea season in the high mountains; hiking trail in Yanjing River Gorge requires hiking shoes, about 4 hours total 📸 Photo Tips ▫️ Natural Gallery: Bashan water oak forest in morning mist, backlit shots show clear layers ▫️ Black Bear Valley: Afternoon sunlight filtering through red leaves onto the stream, use slow shutter for silky water effect ▫️ Xianglu Mountain: Arrive at cable car 1 hour before sunrise, shoot silhouettes when sea of clouds surges 💡 Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities ▫️ Overnight at Dam Scenic Area to capture starry sky and Milky Way ▫️ Hike Big and Small Langou to explore ancient yew forests ▫️ Participate in tea picking experience and enjoy Micangshan tea feast (spring only) 👉 Useful Tools ▫️ Navigation: Search directly for “Micangshan National Forest Park Tieluba Mountain Gate” ▫️ Booking: Tickets available on Trip.com/official scenic area WeChat account, scan QR code for entry without queuing ▫️ Weather: Follow “Guangwushan Tourist Area” WeChat account for real-time alerts (Note: Some information compiled from various sources; please check the latest announcements before your trip)