The Natural Wonderland of Hongye Shiyan
Located in Chishang Town, Boshan District of Zibo City, Shandong Province, Hongye Shiyan Scenic Area is a place famous for its autumn foliage and unique rock formations. The landscape here changes beautifully with the seasons—flowers in spring, shade in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. Among them, autumn is undoubtedly the most magnificent. From late October, the entire mountain is covered with flaming red and golden hues from persimmon trees, smoke trees, and maples, turning the valleys into a blazing sea of color.
The name “Hongye Shiyan,” meaning “Red Leaves and Persimmon Rocks,” comes from the abundance of wild persimmon trees growing among the cliffs. When autumn arrives, the red leaves spread across the mountains, and the bright red persimmons hang like lanterns on the rocks, creating a vivid and layered natural painting. Under the sunlight, the crimson fruits and fiery leaves shimmer together, presenting a breathtaking sight.
The Geological Charm of Strange Rocks
Beyond its red leaves, the “Shiyan” (rock) part of Hongye Shiyan is equally fascinating. The mountain is mainly composed of limestone and sandstone, sculpted by millions of years of tectonic movement, weathering, and water erosion. This process has created a rich variety of rock formations—cliffs, pillars, caves, and ridges—that make the area both a geological wonder and a photographer’s paradise.
Following the hiking trails, visitors can observe the patterns and textures on the rock faces, telling the story of time. When the evening sun casts its glow, the rocks display a palette of gold, orange, and gray, blending perfectly with the surrounding red leaves. From the mountaintop, the winding streams and layered forests stretch into the distance, offering a panoramic view of natural grandeur.
The Poetic Feast of Autumn Leaves
Autumn in Hongye Shiyan is a feast for the senses. When the cool breeze arrives, the forests transform into a sea of red and gold, and the persimmons glow like tiny flames among the trees. Walking along the mountain paths, visitors tread on golden leaves under a canopy of crimson, as if entering a fairytale corridor of color.
The most enchanting moments come at dawn and dusk. In the morning mist, red leaves emerge faintly through the clouds, soft and dreamlike; by sunset, the entire valley is bathed in golden light, the leaves glowing as if aflame. Photographers from across the country come here just to capture this fleeting brilliance.
Cultural Heritage and Rural Charm
Hongye Shiyan is not only a natural wonder but also a place rich in cultural heritage. Ancient paths, stone carvings, and temple ruins scattered across the area tell stories of faith and history. At the foot of the mountain, villages nestle along the slopes, featuring traditional Shandong-style stone houses and gray-tiled roofs, exuding rustic beauty.
During the persimmon harvest season, villagers dry persimmon cakes in courtyards, and the sweet aroma fills the air. Tourists can experience fruit picking, taste local delicacies, and feel the simplicity and warmth of rural life in central Shandong.
Ecological Protection and Tourism Development
In recent years, Zibo has emphasized ecological conservation and sustainable tourism in Hongye Shiyan. The scenic area has built eco-friendly trails, viewing platforms, and service zones to make sightseeing convenient while preserving the original environment.
Each autumn, the “Red Leaf Festival” attracts thousands of visitors. The event features photography exhibitions, folk performances, and local product fairs, combining cultural expression with natural beauty. As a result, Hongye Shiyan has become a model for integrating ecological preservation, tourism, and rural revitalization.
Hongye Shiyan is a landscape that captures both the majesty of nature and the warmth of humanity. It offers not only a visual spectacle but also a serene retreat for the soul. Whether climbing to the summit or quietly admiring the forest below, visitors can feel the purity and vitality of nature.
When the autumn wind rises and the leaves blaze like fire, stepping into Hongye Shiyan feels like entering a living painting. Amid the red leaves and golden light, one finds not only the beauty of nature but also a rekindled love for life itself.
