Kuandian

A Manchu autonomous county in the mountains of eastern Liaoning, ringed by the red maples of Tianqiaogou, the waterfalls of Qingshangou and the craggy peaks of Tianhua Mountain — an autumn base for foliage road trips in Northeast China.

Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County lies in northern Dandong, Liaoning, facing North Korea across the Yalu River to the east. Set among the outlying ranges of the Changbai Mountains and heavily forested, it is one of the most important mountain tourism counties in eastern Liaoning. The county seat, Kuandian Town, is about 80 km from downtown Dandong and connected by expressway and a branch of the Shenyang–Dandong railway; getting between scenic areas mostly means driving.

The area breaks down roughly into three parts. In the north, Tianqiaogou National Forest Park in Shuangshanzi Town and Tianhua Mountain in Guanshui Town make up Northeast China's classic fall-foliage pairing. In the northeast, the Qingshangou National Scenic Area in Qingshangou Town (Feipu Gorge, Hutanggou, Qingshan Lake) is known for its waterfalls, stream valleys and Manchu culture, and is at its best as a summer escape from the heat. Huangyi Mountain on the western outskirts of the county seat is a dormant volcano, with rafting through its volcanic canyon in summer. In the east, the area around Lüjiang Village along the Yalu River offers pastoral border scenery. Hekou's Peach Blossom Island and the Hushan Great Wall in the south are usually visited from downtown Dandong.

The best season is the foliage season from late September to mid-October. Crowds peak and mountain roads jam around the National Day holiday (early October), so try to avoid those dates. July–August is ideal for cooling off and rafting at Qingshangou, and peach blossoms bloom along the river from late April to early May. In winter, Tianqiaogou has a ski area. Allow 2–3 days: one day at Tianqiaogou and one at Qingshangou (staying at a farmhouse guesthouse in town), adding Tianhua Mountain or a drive along the river if time allows. Mornings and evenings in the mountains are much cooler than daytime, so bring a jacket. In the border area, take care not to cross the border, do not photograph military facilities, and carry your ID or passport at all times.

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