Yanjinghe gorge in Wangcang county is covered in lush vegetation. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Half of Bashu's history is carved into its ancient roads. As a key branch of the Ancient Shu Roads, the Micang Road holds centuries of historical changes and cultural memories. It is one of the Four Great Ancient Shu Roads, along with the Jinniu, Yinping, and Lizhi Roads.

Dating back around 3,500 years, Micang Road is China's earliest national highway, predating both Roman Roads and the Silk Road by centuries. This time-honored path stands as a living witness to the long history of cultural and economic exchanges in ancient China.

Walking along this ancient route uncovers a charm that goes beyond its historical significance to captivate the eye. It is more than just a key hub on the Ancient Shu Roads; it has observed the development of breathtaking natural scenery, with peaks building over time in successive layers. The perfect harmony of history and nature turns each step into a conversation between past and present.

When autumn frost turns the leaves crimson overnight, the mountains become a stunning landscape of fall colors, heralding the most beautiful season of the year along Micang Road.

The Yanjinghe gorge is its highlight, featuring more than 2,000 hectares of red leaf viewing sites. The Micang Mountains cover nearly 1,000 square kilometers, home to hundreds of tree species such as beech, ginkgo, maple, larch, smoke tree, and Chinese tallow. These autumn leaves represent a unique blend of historical significance and ecological richness.

This fall, prepare your bags and walk along this ancient route, entering the lively red scenery. Allow your soul to find genuine freedom and cleansing among the mountains and rivers, and enjoy the special allure of the Micang Road, where history and autumn views merge beautifully.