Planning a trip for National Day, but worried about popular scenic spots being overcrowded and your photos filled with strangers? Don't fret! I've unearthed a 'treasure' deep in the mountains of Jilin – Cheshan Scenic Area! No need to queue for photo spots, endless colorful forests for you to photograph, plus clear streams and mountain meadows. Take a few steps and you'll feel like you've "got the whole mountain to yourself." Coming here for National Day is absolutely exhilarating! 🍂
**I. Cheshan Scenic Area: An "Autumn Happy House" Hidden Deep in the Mountains**
Only after entering Cheshan do you realize that autumn's romance can be so "un-crowded"! Walking up the wooden boardwalks of the scenic area, the oak and maple trees on both sides are dyed in vibrant colors, passionately red and brightly yellow. A breeze sends down a "rain of colorful leaves," landing on your shoulders and the path. Even the air is filled with the fresh scent of plants. Take a deep breath, it's 10 times more refreshing than any city oxygen bar!
Halfway up the mountain, there's a natural stream so clear you can see the pebbles at the bottom. The National Day weather is neither too cold nor too hot, so squatting by the stream, splashing water, and picking up a beautiful leaf instantly brings back childhood joy. Moreover, the scenic area isn't heavily commercialized; there are no street vendors, just the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the mountains. It's incredibly therapeutic to explore, perfect for those who want to quietly enjoy autumn! 💦
**II. Super Smooth 1-Day National Day Itinerary: No Rushing, Just Enjoyment**
1. **08:30 Depart from Jilin City:** It's a 1.5-2 hour drive. You'll pass through mountain roads, and in the early morning, you might encounter mist, making every casual shot look like a "fairyland" blockbuster, no need to deliberately find angles~
2. **10:30 Enter the scenic area and explore the "Colorful Forest Trail":** Change into comfortable sports shoes (the mountain path isn't steep, but sports shoes are more stable). Walk down the trail from the entrance, taking photos as you go. No one will be vying for photo spots, so take as many photos as you like;
3. **12:00 Enjoy authentic farmhouse cuisine:** You can eat at restaurants within the scenic area or at small shops at the entrance. After your meal, rest for half an hour to recharge before visiting the core attractions;
4. **13:30 Head to the core attractions:** First, play at the "Stream Secret Realm," then climb to the "Strange Rock Observation Deck." If you have good stamina, hike to the summit for a panoramic view of the entire colorful forest – the view is incredibly expansive;
5. **16:30 Wait for a mountain sunset:** Descend to the "Sunset Lawn." The setting sun casts golden to orange-red hues over the colorful forest. Every casual shot looks "cinematic";
6. **17:30 Return + Buy souvenirs:** Farmers at the scenic area entrance sell fresh and inexpensive wild vegetables and mushrooms. Take some home for your family to enjoy~
**III. Transportation + Dining + Accommodation: All Pitfalls Covered for You**
1. **Transportation: Self-driving is the best choice!**
Public transport to Cheshan Scenic Area is limited, so self-driving 🚗 is highly recommended. A regular family car is fine, the road conditions are good, no off-road vehicle needed. There's free parking at the scenic area entrance, and even during National Day, there are enough spaces, so no worries about not finding a spot. If you don't want to drive, carpool with friends; it's about 50-80 yuan per person, and you can chat along the way~
2. **Dining: 3 local dishes you must try!**
Whether it's the farmhouse restaurants within the scenic area or the small shops at the entrance, the food is authentic. Expect to pay around 60-80 yuan per person, and the portions are generous:
* **Stir-fried wild vegetables with eggs:** The wild vegetables are freshly picked, crisp and refreshing. The aroma of eggs mixed with the scent of herbs is perfect with rice;
* **Iron pot stewed chicken:** The chicken is stewed until tender and falls off the bone, with a rich broth. Dip corn pancakes into it for an incredibly satisfying bite;
* **Cold mixed mountain fungus:** The fungus is crisp and tender, sour and spicy, appetizing and delicious. For 3-4 people, 3 dishes and 1 soup are usually enough~ 🍗
3. **Accommodation: 4 high-value options**
If you want to stay an extra day or avoid rushing back early, these places are great choices – clean and convenient:
* **Cheshan Homestay (within the scenic area):** Open your window to colorful forests, wake up to bird song. Farmhouse-style rooms, clean and tidy. 200-300 yuan/night during National Day;
* **Jilin Suburban Hot Spring Hotel (1 hour from scenic area):** Soaking in a hot spring after hiking is super relaxing. Offers buffet dinner and complete facilities. 400-600 yuan/night during National Day;
* **Jiaohe City Hotel (1.2 hours from scenic area):** High value for money, many snacks nearby, spacious rooms. 180-280 yuan/night during National Day;
* **Huadian Folk Inn (1.5 hours from scenic area):** Northeastern folk style, enthusiastic owner who can help book farmhouse meals. 220-320 yuan/night during National Day~
**IV. 6 Photo Spots + Photography Tips: Even Beginners Can Fill Their Social Media Feeds**
1. **Colorful Forest Trail:** Stand in the middle of the trail and have a friend capture you "walking naturally" from behind. The wind will lift your hair and the colorful leaves. Use a large aperture to blur the background, highlighting the person, as if you've "got the whole mountain to yourself";
2. **Stream Secret Realm:** Squat by the stream, gently touch the water, or place a fallen leaf on the surface. Use slow-motion mode to make the stream appear "silky," creating a super gentle image;
3. **Strange Rock Observation Deck:** Stand at the edge of the observation deck, turn sideways, spread your arms, and gaze at the colorful forest. Use wide-angle mode to capture the person, the observation deck, and the entire mountain, making it look incredibly expansive;
4. **Sunset Lawn:** Sit on the lawn with your back to the setting sun, letting your shadow stretch long. Have a friend shoot from the side. Use night mode to avoid dark faces. The warm tones of the sunset will make your skin look great;
5. **Mountain Wooden Bridge:** Lean on the bridge railing and admire the scenery, or turn around and smile. Shoot slightly upwards to avoid cluttered backgrounds, with the colorful forest as the backdrop, creating a full atmospheric shot;
6. **Scenic Area Sign:** Take a "check-in photo" when you arrive. Gently place your hand on the sign, with a bright smile. Perfect for starting your social media post~ 📸
**V. 6 Nearby Hidden Gems: More Value if You Visit Along the Way!**
Don't rush off after exploring Cheshan; these nearby scenic areas are also fantastic, all within a 2.5-hour drive. Visiting them along the way will enrich your National Day itinerary:
1. **Lafashan National Forest Park (1 hour drive):** Famous for its unique mountains, strange rocks, and sea of clouds. Climb to the summit for cloud views, and the colorful forests in autumn are also stunning;
2. **Hongyegu Scenic Area (1.2 hours drive):** National Day is when the red leaves are at their reddest. The mountains of red maples look like a "sea of red," with a 100% photo success rate;
3. **Qingling Waterfall Scenic Area (1.5 hours drive):** Known as the "Northeast's small waterfall cluster," with abundant water flow and dense surrounding vegetation, making the air exceptionally fresh;
4. **Hongshi National Forest Park (2 hours drive):** Features forests, lakes, and wetlands, and you can also see the Hongshi Hydropower Station, suitable for family picnics;
5. **Guanma Karst Cave Scenic Area (2.2 hours drive):** The stalactites in the natural karst cave are very unique, illuminated in various colors, like an "underground fairyland";
6. **Songhua Lake Scenic Area (2.5 hours drive):** Take a boat tour to enjoy the lake views, and in the evening, savor a Songhua Lake fish feast – the fish is incredibly fresh~
If you want to avoid crowds and immerse yourself in autumn scenery during National Day, Cheshan Scenic Area is truly perfect! I've compiled all the check-in spots, food, and accommodation in this guide, so you can just follow it~
I'll continue to share more hidden gems in Jilin and tips for avoiding travel pitfalls during National Day. Travel enthusiasts, follow me quickly! The next time I discover a "beautiful place with few people," I'll tell you immediately, so you'll never have to worry about where to go for your holidays again~ ❤️
View original text
