On Oct. 21, the colorful forests of Majiagou in Xiaojin County, Aba Prefecture, entered their prime viewing season. The mountain forests along both banks of the river valley are awash with autumn hues, as shades of tangerine and warm yellow stretch through the valley to the foot of snow-capped mountains. A pet-friendly tour group of more than 30 people hiked along a wooden boardwalk in the mountains, adding vitality to the autumn wilderness.

Along the boardwalk, pet dogs including Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and Corgis moved forward in an orderly manner on leashes held by their owners. Pet owners carried waste bags, pet pulse oximeters and anti-stress medication, while their pets strolled over fallen leaves, occasionally pausing to explore the forest scenery.

On Oct. 21, the colorful forests in Majiagou, Xiaojin County, reached their peak beauty. Trees along both banks of the river valley displayed layered hues of orange-red and warm yellow, with the vibrant colors stretching along the valley toward the distant snow-capped mountains, attracting many visitors to the area

On Oct. 21, a pet-friendly tour group strolled along a wooden boardwalk in the mountains of Majiagou, Xiaojin County

A puppy accompanies its owner to check in at a scenic colorful forest

Tourists stroll through the woods with their pets

On Oct. 21, residents visited Majiagou in Xiaojin County with their pets

"Most autumn sightseeing spots do not admit pets or only allow them to be left at designated holding areas. Even when entry is permitted, large crowds and noise can easily cause stress for dogs," said Ms. Chen, a pet owner who made a special trip to Majiagou with her Border Collie to enjoy the colorful forests. She noted that this route has a relaxed pace, allowing both people and pets to enjoy the visit comfortably.

Fellow traveler Mr. Li brought his 7-year-old senior dog on the trip after carefully reviewing itinerary details beforehand. "Pets cannot express discomfort, and altitude sickness can develop rapidly in plateau regions. I only felt confident bringing my dog into the mountains after confirming that the route's elevation was suitable, the terrain was gentle, and rest stops and emergency support were adequate," he said.

According to the "2026 China Pet Industry White Paper (Consumption Report)", the total number of pet dogs and cats in urban areas nationwide reached 126 million in 2025, and more than 70% of pet owners expressed willingness to travel with their pets, making pet-friendly cultural tourism an emerging business model. According to the tour organizer, since July this year, short-distance pet-friendly tours in western Sichuan have been operating steadily two to three times per week, with each group exceeding 20 participants.

A puppy accompanies its owner to visit the scenic colorful forests and snow-capped mountains of western Sichuan

On Oct. 21, citizens visited the Majiagou Scenic Area with their pets

A Golden Retriever accompanied its owner to visit the scenic colorful forests and snow-capped mountains in western Sichuan

On Oct. 21, a golden retriever ran joyfully along a wooden boardwalk in Majiagou

Current pet-friendly tours in western Sichuan are mostly short trips lasting one to three days, prioritizing pet-friendly destinations with moderate visitor flow. Per capita spending ranges from several hundred to 2,000 yuan, with options for self-driving or coach tours. Licensed tour operators verify pet vaccination records, provide dedicated guides and pet supplies, and some campsites set up designated pet activity zones to minimize impact on the natural environment.

Amid sustained popularity of autumn foliage tours in western Sichuan, pet management standards vary across scenic spots in the province. Attractions such as Jiuzhaigou and Bipenggou prohibit pets to prevent risks including disease transmission, ecological damage and disturbance to wildlife. Majiagou, which focuses on light hiking experiences, allows pets within regulated areas and encourages owners to keep pets leashed, clean up waste and practice responsible tourism. Many pet owners said they would consciously follow rules, act responsibly and honor the scenic area's inclusive policies.

Industry insiders remind travelers that livestock and wild animals are frequently encountered in plateau forests, and pets must be kept on leashes throughout the journey. Visitors should carry sufficient water and emergency medications, and avoid venturing deep into primitive forests during adverse weather. While enjoying autumn scenery with pets, travelers should balance safety and ecological protection, practicing responsible tourism amid the autumn wilderness.

【本篇文字部分内容由 AI 辅助写作，特此声明。Please note: the text in this article was created with the help of AI.】