Xuyi Autumn Deity-Sealing Guide! November Exclusive "Warm-colored Fairy Tale," Mountain and Water Secret Realm + Healing Activities
Who understands! Xuyi after the temperature drops is stunningly beautiful🌬️! The whole city is wrapped layer by layer in warm orange, golden yellow, and crimson, like a soft light filter added, the tranquility of the thousand-year-old ancient tomb, the colorful deep mountain forests, and the autumn atmosphere of the streets and alleys come together to form the most healing autumn picture. November is the peak of beauty, perfect for a weekend short trip without hesitation~
This tested guide integrates core autumn scenic spots, hidden activities, photo tips, and local delicacies. Whether traveling with family, dating, or hanging out with friends, you can unlock Xuyi’s autumn charm. Beginners can copy this itinerary directly, no pitfalls or detours!
🍂 Core Autumn Scenic Spots: Three Secret Realms Covering All Autumn Romance
1. Mingzuling Mausoleum: The Autumn Ritual of a Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Tomb
As the tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang’s grandfather, Mingzuling’s autumn comes with a “historical filter” — vigorous pines and cypresses, golden fallen phoenix trees, red walls and black tiles reflecting the fallen leaves on the ground. Walking on the spirit path feels like traveling through a thousand years.
- Must-try experiences:
- Stone Statue Group: 36 pairs of stone statues neatly line the spirit path, with stone men, stone horses, and stone sheep vividly lifelike, still majestic after years. Autumn sunlight shines on the statues, creating mottled light and shadow, making photos look cinematic; wear Hanfu here for check-in, posing with thousand-year-old statues, the ancient atmosphere is instantly enhanced.
- Blessing “Deer” Garden: A healing corner hidden deep in the tomb, lively little deer are not afraid of people and can be fed with carrots brought along (also sold in the scenic area, 10 yuan/portion). Watching the deer lower their heads to eat instantly heals all fatigue, and every photo taken is a warm scene.
- Niche activities: Take a bamboo raft drifting on the surrounding river, with golden reeds swaying in the wind on both sides, the ancient tomb outline in the distance, only the sound of water and birdsong in your ears, peaceful and pleasant; for thrill-seekers, ride a white horse for a lap (30 yuan/lap), galloping through the autumn forest, experiencing the carefree spirit of a “martial hero.”
- Pitfall reminder: Weekend peak hours are 10 am-2 pm; arrive early or late to enjoy tranquility; wear non-slip shoes for bamboo rafting; the scenic area has many mosquitoes, bring mosquito repellent.
2. Tieshan Temple: The “Colorful Palette” in the Mountain Forest
Tieshan Temple’s autumn is like a palette spilled by God, with red maple leaves, yellow ginkgo, and green pines interwoven. The mountain colors are as colorful as a hand-painted scroll, truly “walking in a painting” here~
- Must-try experiences:
- Hiking to enjoy autumn: Walk up the mountain trail, soft fallen leaves underfoot, colorful trees beside you, breathing fresh mountain air, fatigue instantly disappears; at the summit, overlook the panoramic view, the colorful autumn scenery fills your eyes, with an extremely broad view.
- Suitable for both quiet and lively: Those who like quiet can sit on benches in the forest and listen to the rustling leaves; families with kids or friends who love excitement shouldn’t miss outdoor activities like magic carpet, zipline, bumper cars, and go-karts, having fun in the autumn colors, relieving stress and enjoying happiness.
- Hidden spots: Red maples around the reservoir reflect on the water, perfect for photos with red water reflections; at dusk, the sunset bathes the forest in warm light, creating an amazing atmosphere for portraits.
- Pitfall reminder: Some mountain trail sections are steep, wear comfortable sports shoes; few dining options in the scenic area, bring snacks and water.
3. First Mountain: The “Autumn Letter” for Climbing and Viewing
“Maples turn red, the wind is gentle,” First Mountain’s autumn hides the gentlest poetry. Maple leaves gradually turn crimson, climbing high to look far, the whole city of Xuyi’s autumn scenery is in full view. That touch of red is the romantic letter autumn writes to visitors💌.
- Must-try experiences:
- Climb high to enjoy maples: Walk up the stone steps, maple trees gradually turn red along the way, with varying shades of red interwoven, full of layers; the summit viewing platform overlooks both sides of the Huai River, golden rice fields, crimson maple forests, and green river water form a stunning autumn picture.
- Cultural check-in: Cliff inscriptions and ancient temples in the mountains blend beautifully with autumn scenery. When tired, sit in the teahouse beside the temple, drink a cup of hot tea, and feel the slow-paced autumn time.
- Pitfall reminder: The mountain path requires 1-2 hours of walking, go at your own pace; large temperature difference between morning and evening, bring a light jacket.
📸 Photo Tips: 100% success rate, even beginners can shoot great photos
- Outfit suggestions: Wear white, beige, or other light-colored clothes to create a strong contrast with colorful autumn, making you look fair and photogenic; Hanfu, trench coats, and knitwear naturally add atmosphere.
- Shooting angles: ① Low-angle upward shots to highlight maple leaves and sky; ② Backlighting to capture leaf translucency, light spots on the face are very gentle; ③ Use fallen leaves or branches as foreground to create a dreamy effect combining sharp and blurred; ④ Close-ups of leaf veins and fallen leaves for rich texture.
- Best shooting times: 9-11 am (soft light for portraits), 3-5 pm (slanting sunset light for shadows and panoramas).
🚗 Transportation Guide (Self-driving + Public Transport, choose as needed)
Self-driving
- From Nanjing: Take Changshen Expressway → exit at Xuyi, about 2.5 hours; from Huai’an: take Huaixu Expressway → exit at Xuyi, about 1.5 hours, suitable for weekend short drives.
- Parking reminder: All three major scenic spots have free parking lots; weekends are crowded, arrive early to secure a spot.
Public Transport
- Xuyi Bus Station: Take scenic area shuttle buses (Mingzuling line, Tieshan Temple line), fare 5-10 yuan, about 30-40 minutes; or take a taxi, fare 20-50 yuan, flexible and convenient.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations (Cost-effective + Convenient)
- First choice: Hotels in Xuyi city (such as All Season Hotel, Hanting Hotel), convenient transportation, many dining options nearby, about 150-250 yuan per person per night, 20-30 minutes drive to each scenic spot.
- Alternative: Homestays near scenic spots (such as around Tieshan Temple), quiet environment, serve farmhouse dishes, about 200-300 yuan per person per night, suitable for slow-paced vacations.
🍜 Food Recommendations: Unlock Xuyi’s Autumn Exclusive Flavors
- Xuyi Crayfish (Autumn Edition): Autumn crayfish meat is firmer, classic garlic and thirteen-spice flavors, paired with beer is super satisfying, about 80 yuan per person for a feast.
- Xutai Hand-grabbed Mutton: As the weather cools, hand-grabbed mutton is perfect for warming up! The mutton is stewed tender without gamey taste, dipped in pepper salt or chili sauce, irresistibly delicious, about 60 yuan per person for a full meal.
- Farmhouse Dishes: Yam vermicelli with braised pork, stir-fried wild vegetables, clay pot stewed native chicken, fresh ingredients with authentic flavors, great value.
- Recommended shops: City’s “Old Xuyi Crayfish Restaurant” and “Zhang’s Hand-grabbed Mutton,” old local favorites with reliable taste.
💡 Travel Tips (Key to Avoid Pitfalls, Save It)
- Best autumn viewing period: Early to late November, mid-November is peak beauty, maples are most vibrant.
- Climate reminder: November temperatures 5-15℃, large temperature difference between morning and evening, wear thick coats + sweaters, bring scarf and gloves.
- Ticket info: Mingzuling 50 yuan/person, Tieshan Temple 40 yuan/person, First Mountain 30 yuan/person; bamboo rafting, horseback riding, and other activities charge separately, choose as needed.
- Other reminders: Protect the environment, don’t litter or break branches; feed animals responsibly, civilized tourism is everyone’s responsibility.
This autumn, come to Xuyi and immerse yourself in this richly colored autumn painting🎨! Feel the collision of history and autumn at the thousand-year-old ancient tomb, enjoy the joy of both quiet and lively in the colorful mountain forest, and let this autumn romance be deeply hidden in your memories~