The 3rd Red Maple Culture Festival officially opened on Oct 19 in Qingdao West Coast New Area, with activities scheduled to run for over 20 days.

The event's launch included the official debut of a local cultural IP and the release of several "Red Maple+" themed travel routes, seamlessly blending ecological sightseeing, agricultural experiences, and cultural appreciation.

The forest's peak viewing period is expected around Oct 25. Every autumn, this 1,000-mu (66.66-hectare) maple forest becomes a vibrant tapestry of color, with over 6,000 acer rubrum trees shining under the sun. These trees intermingle with cherries, Malus spectabilis, and crape myrtles, forming an intoxicating autumn panorama.

The festival features a rich calendar of events, including woodland reading sessions, sketching activities, a maple forest music festival, and children's study tours — all designed to integrate maple viewing, entertainment, education, and community benefits.

Complementing the cultural program are the concurrent farmers' and gourmet markets. A trendy amusement zone offers attractions like a carousel and a colorful slide.

This year's event also introduced limited-edition stamp-collecting incentives, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in diverse experiences such as "viewing maples, visiting markets, staying in B&Bs, harvesting sweet potatoes, feeding pets, and exploring flower seas", ensuring a memorable rural autumn experience.

A stunning view of the maple forest in previous year. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

Two girls pose for a group photo dressed in traditional Chinese clothes. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]