Arxan National Forest Park Golden Autumn Photography Guide: Volcanic Tianchi + Unfrozen River Wonders

Arxan's autumn is a celebration of volcanoes and forests! From mid-September to early October, this place looks like a palette spilled by the gods—golden birch trees, fiery red shrubs, azure Tianchi, combined with morning sea of clouds and the mist over the unfrozen river at dusk. Every shot is a National Geographic-level masterpiece. This guide focuses on shooting spots, lighting, and equipment to help you avoid crowds and capture your exclusive autumn memories.
⏰Golden Time and Lighting Guide
Mid-September to early October: Peak foliage period with the richest color layers.
Early morning (6:00-8:00): Rhododendron Lake morning mist is like a fairyland, Tianchi reflections are clearest, perfect for tranquil shots.
Evening (16:00-18:00): Unfrozen River at sunset, water vapor cools to form steam mist, use long exposure to capture silky flowing water.
📸Must-Shoot Scenes and Locations
Arxan Tianchi: Climb the viewing platform and use a wide-angle lens to capture the heart-shaped lake surface; drone aerial shots for panoramic views (height limit 120 meters).
Tuofengling Tianchi: Ascend 400 meters to the mountain top to shoot the volcanic crater surrounded by Tianchi and colorful forests; afternoon light enhances color saturation.
Shitanglin: Black volcanic rocks + golden larch leaves create strong contrast, ideal for geological close-ups.
Unfrozen River: Combine sunset and river mist in the evening, use a tripod for long exposure to capture dreamy water surfaces.
🚗2-Day Photography Itinerary
Day 1: Morning shoot Rhododendron Lake mist → Morning Tuofengling Tianchi → Afternoon Shitanglin → Evening Unfrozen River sunset.
Day 2: Early morning Arxan Tianchi reflections → Morning Santan Gorge stream long exposure → Afternoon free shooting or explore lesser-known spots like Wusu Langzi Lake.
🎒Photography Equipment List
Lenses: Wide-angle (for Tianchi panoramas), telephoto (to compress forest layers).
Filters: CPL to eliminate water surface reflections, ND filter for daytime long exposures.
Protection: Rain cover (frequent autumn showers), warm gloves (temperatures can drop below 0°C at dawn).
💡Exclusive Tips
Cloud seas often appear after rain and clear skies; monitor weather forecasts and adjust your itinerary flexibly.
Wear bright-colored clothes (like a red jacket) to stand out in the forest; bring high-energy snacks as shooting spots are far apart.