How red are China’s maple leaves? Anna, a Russian international student, found her answer in Dongyingfang Township, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Liaoning Province.

Here, the “China’s Maple Avenue” cuts right through the township. The two national 4A-level scenic areas — Laobiangou and Dashihu — are ablaze with autumn colors and packed with visitors.

Anna said what struck her most wasn’t the scenery, but the smiles of local villagers. They once made a modest living from these green mountains. Now, a maple avenue has energized the whole township: sightseeing, art retreats and ecological experiences string together a rural tourism chain, while specialty farming fattens villagers’ wallets.

This autumn, Dongyingfang’s maple leaves have turned red. Rural life here is also getting more prosperous. As foreign visitors are on the rise, multilingual signs have been set up at the scenic areas: this Liaoning township is gaining a touch of international flair.