Fall is beautiful time of year to visit southwestern China. The rainy season, which extends into September has ended, and temperatures in the Mountains begin to cool down. Wildlife migrates down to lower elevations making it easier for us to find, and the fall colors are spectacular! Here are a few scenes from “kingdom of heaven.” Ill let the images do the talking….
One highlight of visiting China in October and November is that the pandas born in the late summer are just barely old enough to be let out in their forest enclosures. They are possibly the cutest animals on earth at this age!
This little fella is around 2 months old and can’t walk yet…..
Wildlife, such as this bull golden takin, move from the inaccessible alpine meadows to the valley bottoms in October. We had many amazing takin sightings.
This young takin had no fear of our group as we encountered him near the road. I have noticed that wildlife in the reserve we visit has lost its fear of people, allowing it become a great place for viewing and photography.
Takin are related to mountain goats, and are amazing cliff climbers, despite their heavy, muscular build. This bull could easily weigh 800 pounds or more. It is such a thrill to see these massive beasts in the wild.
mom and baby Tibetan macaque.
Visiting Wolong Panda Base in the Fall was stunning, as there are many 1 year old cubs, and the fall colors on the mountainsides make for stunning backdrops.
Wild tufted deer. Strict protection from hunting has allowed for wildlife to be viewable.
So cute…. 4 month old cub.
Wolong panda cub with some fall colors in the background.
Yellow Larches, which are deciduous conifers, near wolong.
How could that possibly be a comfortable place to sleep?
Super happy group at Wolong Panda Base.
Panda cub and fall colors.
Our trips end at a magical National Park, where we were treated to a fresh snowfall. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life.
This region of China is prone to earthquakes and landslides. Landslides often block creeks and rivers, which form beautiful lakes with flooded forests.
Here is panoramic stitch of a Tibetan stupa mist stunning gal landscape.
I love the leading line that this boardwalk creates in the snowy forest.
Western China has some of the most spectacular scenery on earth!
prayer flags and mountains.
I am a huge fan of Gingko trees, which are very common throughout Sichuan Province. Seeing the yellow gingkos was one of my favorite parts of exploring this region in the Fall.
Panda lovers always get a thrill out of seeing the famous Tai Shan, who was born in Washington DC and became extremely famous. He seems to love being in China.
More to come soon…. What a magical place.
1 Comment
Wow! Those photos are gorgeous. I will check out the itinerary.