1. Jiuzhaigou (Ngawa, Sichuan)

• Recommendation: A World Natural Heritage site famous for its saying "After returning from Jiuzhaigou, no need to see other waters." Its travertine pools, waterfalls, and colorful forests create a fairy-tale atmosphere.
• Best Season:
• Autumn (mid-late October): Colorful forests reflected in clear waters, layers of forest dyed in colors.
• Winter (December-March): Crystal-clear ice waterfalls, fewer tourists, but some boardwalks are closed.
• Pitfall Avoidance: Avoid National Day holidays (October 1-7), as it gets crowded.

2. Huangshan Mountain (Anhui)

• Recommendation: "After returning from the Five Sacred Mountains, no need to see other mountains; after returning from Huangshan, no need to see other peaks," renowned for its unique pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs.
• Best Season:
• Spring (April-May): Rhododendrons in bloom, high probability of cloud seas.
• Autumn (September-November): Clear autumn weather, red leaves accentuating the mountain ridges.
• Hidden Experience: Winter (December-February) transforms Huangshan into an ink painting after snow, but be prepared for cold weather.

3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Hunan)

• Recommendation: The filming location for the movie Avatar, featuring 3,000 towering quartz sandstone pillars.
• Best Season:
• Spring/Autumn (April-May, September-October): Comfortable temperature, misty clouds creating a fairyland-like atmosphere.
• Avoid Rainy Season (June-August): Slippery paths due to rain, low visibility.
• Must-Experience: Glass-bottom bridge at Tianmen Mountain, scenic viewpoint at Yuanjiajie's "Heavenly Pillar."

4. Guilin Li River (Guangxi)

• Recommendation: "The best landscape under heaven is found in Guilin," combining karst topography with poetic fishing lights on the river.
• Best Season:
• Spring/Autumn (March-May, September-November): Temperature around 20°C, crystal-clear river water.
• Avoid Flood Season (June-August): Murky water but offers a chance to experience misty Li River views.
• Classic Route: Bamboo rafting from Yangdi to Xingping (famous background for the 20-yuan RMB note).

5. Daocheng Yading (Garze, Sichuan)

• Recommendation: "The last pure land on the blue planet," with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, alpine lakes, and Tibetan villages intertwined.
• Best Season:
• Autumn (mid-late October): Vibrant red grasslands, golden birch trees contrasted against snow-capped peaks.
• Summer (July-August): Alpine flowers in full bloom, though rainy season affects road conditions.
• Altitude Sickness Reminder: Average altitude of 4,000 meters, oxygen bottles recommended.

6. Changbaishan Mountain (Jilin)

• Recommendation: The boundary mountain between China and North Korea, with the mysterious Tianchi Lake offering distinct seasonal views.
• Best Season:
• Summer (June-August): Tianchi Lake unfreezes, alpine flowers bloom.
• Winter (December-March): Skiing paradise, coexistence of hot springs and snow scenery.
• Tips: Western slope offers panoramic views, Northern slope has complete facilities, Southern slope remains pristine and quiet.

7. Kanas Lake (Altay, Xinjiang)

• Recommendation: Secret realm of Northern Xinjiang, with legends of lake monsters, Tuwa wooden houses, and golden birch forests in autumn.
• Best Season:
• Autumn (mid-late September): Turquoise lake water, vibrant autumn foliage, photography golden period.
• Winter (December-February): Silent snowy plains, experience horse-drawn sleigh rides.
• In-depth Exploration: Hike through the "Three Bays" (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wulong Bay).

8. Hukou Falls (Shanxi/Shaanxi Border)

• Recommendation: The world's largest yellow waterfall, showcasing the roaring power of the Yellow River.
• Best Season:
• Spring (April-May): Peach blossom flood period, ample water flow.
• Autumn (September-October): Red leaves contrasting with water mists forming rainbows.
• Viewing Suggestion: Better views from Shanxi side, closer observation possible from Shaanxi side inside the Dragon Cave.

9. Yuanyang Rice Terraces (Honghe, Yunnan)

• Recommendation: A thousand-year-old masterpiece by the Hani people, sculpted like "Earth Art" under light and shadow.
• Best Season:
• Winter (December-March): Water-filled terraces during irrigation season, mirror-like reflections during sunrise/sunset.
• Avoid Rainy Season (June-August): Foggy conditions may obstruct views.
• Photography Spots: Duoyishu (sunrise), Bada (sunset), Laomizui (cloud sea).

10. Mount Siguniang (Ngawa, Sichuan)

• Recommendation: "Oriental Alps," featuring snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, lakes, and primeval forests.
• Best Season:
• Summer (June-August): Blooming alpine flowers, ideal for hiking.
• Autumn (October): Colorful forests blending with snow-capped peaks, perfect for photography.
• Trail Levels: Shuangqiaogou (easy sightseeing), Changpinggou (beginner hiking), Bipenggou (advanced trekking).

Ultimate Season Selection Advice

• For Extreme Colors: Autumn (Jiuzhaigou, Kanas, Daocheng Yading).
• For Cool Summer Retreats: Summer (Changbaishan, Mount Siguniang).
• For Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Views: Winter (Snow-covered Huangshan, Yuanyang Rice Terraces).
• For Photography Enthusiasts: Pay attention to weather and lighting (e.g., misty Li River requires sunny days after rain).

Important Notes: 1. Avoid Holidays: Overcrowded during National Day and Spring Festival, accommodation prices double. 2. High Altitude Adaptation: Prepare for altitude sickness in places like Daocheng Yading and Mount Siguniang. 3. Environmental Awareness: Do not feed wild animals in protected areas like Jiuzhaigou, and take your trash with you.