Chengdu Hengshan Red Maple Ridge: Your FREE 2025 Autumn Foliage Guide & Local Food Tips
Discover the stunning beauty of Chengdu Hengshan Red Maple Ridge, the largest and most spectacular free autumn foliage destination near Chengdu. This often-overlooked gem is bursting with vibrant colors and offers an authentic taste of local Sichuan life and cuisine, making it one of the top things to do in Chengdu during the autumn season. Ready to explore? This complete guide has everything you need to plan your perfect autumn day trip.
Why Visit Chengdu Hengshan Red Maple Ridge?
“The leaves, dyed red by autumn frost, are more vibrant than spring flowers.” This ancient line by Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu perfectly captures the magic of Chengdu Hengshan Red Maple Ridge. As the largest autumn leaf viewing spot in the Chengdu area, it transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and gold each year. Best of all, admission is completely free! A visit here can easily be included in a longer chengdu itinerary 3 days, offering a perfect nature escape from the city.
Location and Landscape: The “Mountain” of a Thousand Lakes
Chengdu Hengshan Red Maple Ridge is situated in Hengshan Village, Tangchang Town. You can find its exact location here: [Google Maps Link to Hengshanzi, Tangchang Town].
It’s known as the only “mountain” in Pidu District, though it’s more accurately a low-lying terrace. Locals affectionately call it “Hengshan.” Despite its modest altitude of about 600 meters, it’s famous for its numerous lakes. In late autumn, the Hengshan Red Maple Ridge area becomes incredibly enchanting.
Experiencing the Maple Forest: A Walk Through a Red Archway
Upon arrival, you can park at a nearby farmhouse (typically around ¥20-30 or $3-4 USD). A clearly marked cement path leads you directly into the heart of the scenery.
The view from a distance is spectacular—a vibrant splash of red covering the hillside. The color isn’t uniform; it’s a layered masterpiece of red, orange, yellow, and green. The forest features diverse maple species, like trident maple and North American red maple, creating a dazzling display.
Many trees are over ten meters tall, their branches forming giant, red “umbrellas.” Sunlight filtering through the leaves creates a perfect, filter-free photo opportunity. Walking through the forest feels like entering a fairytale, with a thick carpet of fallen leaves underfoot and the sound of birdsong all around.
Best Viewing Spot & What to Expect
The maple forest covers approximately 180 acres, making it one of the largest in the Chengdu plain. For the best view, make sure to climb up to the viewing platform. From here, you get a panoramic vista of the entire Hengshan Red Maple Ridge that is absolutely unforgettable.
Weekends can get busy, but the atmosphere is lively. The area isn’t just about nature; it’s filled with local culture. After a day surrounded by nature, you might be wondering what to do in chengdu back in the city. The contrast between the serene Maple Ridge and urban Chengdu is part of the experience! At the mountain’s base, villagers set up food stalls offering local snacks like fried potatoes (¥5-8 / ~$1 USD) and grilled sausages (¥6-10 / ~$1-1.5 USD).
Local Food and Nearby Attractions
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy tea or a meal at a local farmhouse. A simple meal might cost between ¥50-100 per person ($7-14 USD). For the ultimate culinary adventure back in the city, don’t miss trying the city’s famous chengdu hot pot.
A major bonus is the proximity to the thousand-year history of Tangchang Ancient Town. This town retains a rich historical feel and is home to incredible, authentic delicacies. It offers a genuine, non-commercialized taste of local life. If you have more time for day trips, popular options like the journey from chengdu to jiuzhaigou are also available for breathtaking mountain scenery.
Practical Travel Information
Address: Hengshanzi, Tangchang Town, Pidu District, Chengdu (near Hengshan Huahu Lake). [Google Maps Link]
Admission: FREE
Driving: Navigate to “Tangchang National Agricultural Park Hengshan Huahu Lake” or “Tangchang Hengshan Red Maple Ridge.”
Public Transport: From Chengdu, take bus 715A from Jiulidi Bus Station to Tangchang Nanjiekou. Transfer to bus P41 and get off at Hengshan Village Group 3 or 4 Station. It’s about an 800-meter walk from there. After your visit, if you’re looking for things to do in chengdu at night, the city offers a vibrant array of options from night markets to theatrical shows.
Pro Tip: Visit on a sunny day! The sunlight makes the red leaves glow, ensuring you get the best possible photos of your trip to Chengdu Hengshan Red Maple Ridge.
