Cycling offers the most romantic way to read the autumn landscape of Western Sichuan, a region celebrated as “God’s own palette.” Each fall, this area transforms into a cycling enthusiast’s paradise.
Poplar trees in Xinduqiao turn golden, the grasslands of Tagong bask in the warm sun, the canyons along the Lixiao Road are blanketed in colorful forests, and even the peak of Mount Yala seems to be dusted with a clearer, brighter frost.
This autumn, we invite you to embark on a 6-day, 5-night journey along the Western Sichuan Loop. Use your wheels to measure the grandeur of the Tibetan region in autumn, collecting vistas of colorful forests, snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and ancient villages along the way.
Lixiao Road: A 360° Feast of Colorful Forests and Snowy Peaks
Opened in 2024 and dubbed the “Duku Highway of Sichuan,” the Lixiao Road is even more stunning in autumn than in spring. As the altitude climbs from 2,000 meters to 3,600 meters, the route is flanked by golden poplars and orange-red birch trees. The fallen leaves create a “golden cycling path.” Look up to see a ring of snow-capped mountains; look down into deep canyons. Every turn feels like entering a secret autumn world.
In autumn, the Lixiao Road sheds its green spring and summer attire for a vibrant coat of red, yellow, and orange. Cycling here is like traversing a “colorful canyon,” with snowy peaks framing the scene, making every photo a masterpiece of “colorful forests against snow-capped mountains.”
Tagong Grassland: Golden Pastures and the Sunset’s Golden Glow
Autumn turns the Tagong Grassland into a “golden paradise.” The vast meadows trade their emerald green for a dazzling gold, dotted with grazing yaks and sheep like scattered pearls. In the distance, the majestic Mount Yala stands tall. At dusk, the “sunset golden glow” bathes the grassland and the Moya Golden Pagoda in a radiant light. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and even time itself seems to soften.
Xinduqiao: The Pinnacle of Autumn Light and Shadow
Xinduqiao’s reputation as the “Photographer’s Corridor” reaches its peak in autumn. Golden poplar trees line the winding streams, and Tibetan villages nestle amongst the colorful forests. In the early morning, when the thin mist hasn’t yet dissipated, sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dappled pattern. At dusk, the afterglow paints the snow-capped mountains a soft pink. Every snapshot here is a stunning autumn photograph.
Kangding: Autumn’s Gentle Embrace in the ‘Love Song’ Town
As the gateway to the Sichuan-Tibet route, Kangding in autumn exchanges spring’s blossoms for a more serene and peaceful atmosphere. The waters of Mugecuo Lake are as clear as a mirror, reflecting the deep blue of the autumn sky. At night, the lights along the Zheduo River sparkle. Enjoying a Tibetan hotpot meal to the melody of the “Kangding Love Song” lets you feel the gentle charm of an autumn evening in this “Pearl of Western Sichuan.”
Chengdu Greenway: An Urban Autumn Finale
On the final day of the journey, take on the acclaimed 100-kilometer Chengdu Ring Greenway. A ride around Chengdu provides the perfect conclusion to your Western Sichuan autumn cycling adventure. Crossing 78 distinctive bridges, you’ll cycle past pink muhly grass, metasequoia trees, and red maples, savoring the autumn hues of this “Park City under the Snowy Mountains.”
