As autumn gradually reaches its peak in late September, the leaves in Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area in Harbin begin to turn a magical red or yellow, adding vibrant autumnal colors to the area.

Staged deliberately by organizers to take advantage of the best time to catch a breathtaking glimpse of Jinlong Mountain's transition, the 20th Jinlong Mountain Red Leaves Festival kicked off on Sept 21 to welcome tourists across the country.

The festival runs 18 days to Oct 8.

Around 48 kilometers southeast from Harbin, Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area comprises Jinlong Mountain, Songfeng Mountai, Diaoshuihu and Hukai Mountain.

Of these locations, the red leaf valley of Jinlong Mountain is the most popular for appreciating the autumn leaves.

It has the well-deserved reputation of being one of China’s top 10 landscapes, a colorful fairyland and an ideal destination for a seasonal excursion. It is also known to be the preferred area Chinese TV programs and films to shoot the red leaf landscape.

Trees planted in the valley are mainly maple trees. The whole valley turns red with the coming of autumn. There are also other trees which add the colors of yellow, purple, green and brown to the landscape.

Climbing up to the Xianglong Pavilion and Yufeng Pavilion, tourists can get a panoramic view of the breathtaking red leaf landscape in the valley.

Self-driving route:
Downtown area of Harbin—Harbin-Acheng Expressway—Acheng district—Daling town—the tourism road—Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area

Leaves in Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area are turning red, yellow or brown. [Photo/people.cn]

A combination of historical architecture and natural landscape is the attraction for visitors to Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area. [Photo/people.cn]

Leaves in Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area are now offering a visual delight to visitors. [Photo/people.cn]