Yichun Multi-Colored Forest & Jiayin Border River 6-Day Autumn Road Trip

An autumn self-driving route through the Korean pine forests and stone forests of the Lesser Khingan Mountains, reaching north to the dinosaur homeland on the Heilongjiang River.

A loop starting from Harbin that follows the main trunk of the official Yichun Autumn Route: Riyue Gorge, Wuying Korean Pine Forest, and Tangwanghe Stone Forest, then crossing Maolangou to see the border river in Jiayin, and returning along the G222. The autumn foliage window lasts only about half a month, so booking accommodation in advance is essential. This route can also be done in summer for a forest escape. Ideal for self-driving couples and photography enthusiasts; there are many mountain roads, but the daily driving distances are manageable.

The multi-colored forest peak occurs from mid-to-late September to early October, varying from year to year. Check local foliage reports before setting off.

Day by day

Day 1 · North to Riyue Gorge & Yichun

Yichun Forests (Lesser Khingan)（Riyuexia National Forest Park）

Drive from Harbin along the expressway to Tieli (about 3 hours). After visiting Riyue Gorge, drive to Yichun's urban area (about 1.5 hours).

Stay: Yichun City Center

Day 2 · Xishui Korean Pine Forest to Wuying

Yichun Forests (Lesser Khingan)（Shanganling Xishui National Forest Park、Wuying National Forest Park）

Drive from Yichun's urban area to Shangganling Xishui (about 1 hour), then continue to Wuying (about 1 hour). Use electric shuttle cars inside the park.

During the autumn peak season, scenic areas may require time-slot reservations. Check their official WeChat accounts in advance.

Stay: Wuying

Day 3 · Tangwanghe Forest & Granite Peaks

Yichun Forests (Lesser Khingan)（Tangwanghe Forest & Strange Rocks）

Drive from Wuying to Tangwanghe (about 1 hour). Walk along the scenic boardwalks for about 3 hours; shuttle buses are available for transfers.

Wear non-slip shoes. Temperatures in the forest are low in the morning and evening; a thick jacket is already needed by late September.

Stay: Tangwanghe

Day 4 · Maolangou Gorge to the Border River

Jiayin（Maolangou National Forest Park、Heilongjiang Border River Cruise）

Drive from Tangwanghe to Maolangou (about 1 hour and 40 minutes), then continue to Jiayin County (about 1 hour).

Maolangou has many steps and takes about 2.5 hours to explore. Inquire locally about boat departure times beforehand.

Stay: Jiayin County Town

Day 5 · Dinosaur National Geopark & Return to Yichun

Jiayin（Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark） → Yichun Forests (Lesser Khingan)（Lindu Wood Carving Park）

Drive from the county town to the Geopark (about 20 minutes). In the afternoon, head south along the G222 to Yichun (about 3 hours).

The G222 offers beautiful autumn scenery, but has many curves and speed cameras; watch your speed.

Stay: Yichun City Center

Day 6 · Forest Museum & Return to Harbin

Yichun Forests (Lesser Khingan)（Yichun Forest Museum） → Harbin

Visit the Forest Museum in the morning. In the afternoon, drive back to Harbin via the expressway (about 4.5 hours), or fly out from Yichun.