Live Your Best Lives
The sound of autumn insects is always the prelude to autumn.
After the little creatures had eaten the dew,
Let out a faint cry,
Hiding in the wet grass.
Youth begins to fade and the earth begins to lose its vegetation.
Rains come one after another, leaves fall night after night.
Suddenly one day you realize...
The whole field is golden.
Eh? It's already autumn.
From September to November, Europe has entered the heart of autumn, and the colors are in full bloom. Across Europe, this vast expanse of land feels like a battleground for autumn colors, with each region vying to showcase its last flourishes before the depths of winter.
The most romantic autumn in the world must be in Europe. The European continent's autumn scenery of lakes and mountains is a breathtakingly beautiful canvas, a captivating landscape like a palette of vibrant colors. Every ancient building, adorned with autumn colors, exudes a vibrant and romantic allure. From Zermatt to the summit of the Jungfrau, from Prague to the Austrian mountains, from Copenhagen to the Norwegian fjords, from the outskirts of Moscow to the shores of Lake Baikal... the spectacle is dazzling and overwhelming. I only regret that I can't replicate myself.
After traveling through 39 European countries, I couldn't help but tell you that autumn is the most beautiful season in Europe. I would be remiss to the world if I didn't share these hidden gems with the world.
A glimpse of the leopard through the tube can reveal a lot.
For each country we selected a most representative location.
Today let’s talk about what we have in mind.
(Ranking in no particular order! Arranged in order of autumn viewing time)
There's a saying, "Never compare yourself to Russia's autumn, for it's not even worth comparing." The truth is, Russia has the most beautiful autumn scenery I've ever visited, bar none. Before I went, I'd read other people's travelogues and thought it was beautiful, but I didn't expect it to be so stunning. Especially in early autumn, when the leaves turn golden, I feel like no camera can capture the beauty I felt in person. Photos can only convey 10% of this beauty; the real experience is breathtaking, so breathtaking that after returning home, you'll feel a sense of emptiness inside, and even in your dreams, you'll still feel like you're in Russia.
Whether it's the crisp autumn breeze in the city, the small towns of the Golden Ring, or the mountainous landscapes of Lake Baikal, everything exemplifies the peak beauty of this country. Russia's vast territory, rich vegetation, and diverse geographical features—these unique resources make its natural beauty even more magnificent. And autumn in Russia is a work of art gifted by nature, a vibrant display of color that paints a breathtaking picture.
What's the best season to visit Iceland? Many friends say winter, of course, because you can admire the snow-covered continent. Others say July and August are the most beautiful months in Iceland. Because of the midnight sun, with no sunsets, Iceland is lushly green during this time, and the scenery is at its best. While all of these are true, the only time I've ever been to Iceland, I chose autumn, and I'm still glad I did.
The golden hues of fresh snow and leaves, the evergreen moss, and the vibrant crimson of lava—they interweave to create a unique color combination. This spectacle begins in early September and lasts until mid-to-late October. While autumn weather in Iceland begins to cool, it's not as snowy as in winter, and the temperatures aren't too low. During this time, the auroras also begin to appear, often with impressive displays. We were fortunate enough to witness two spectacular autumn auroral outbursts.
In short, Iceland easily won five stars with its rich landscape, colorful autumn colors and northern lights. There is nothing wrong with that.
September and October bring the arrival of autumn, a season of beauty in the UK. The bright, balmy sunshine, vibrantly colored mountains, and elegant, ancient architecture create a dreamlike scene, reminiscent of a vibrant oil painting. British autumn, far from its typical chill, offers a summer-like warmth. The warm northern sunshine and maple leaves complement each other beautifully, creating a cinematic experience in every shot!
While England's gentlemanly elegance is unforgettable, Scotland's dreamlike charm is unmissable! The Scottish Highlands are considered Europe's most picturesque region, with every inch of land carrying a story and every cloud a dreamlike shape. Skye, with its enchanting name, is a pristine and mysterious paradise nestled in the Scottish Highlands.
So why did I only give the UK three and a half stars? It's not that its autumn scenery isn't as beautiful as others, but rather that the UK is such a rich and rich country, steeped in culture and history, that wandering the streets can easily lead one to forget the beauty of its autumn scenery. Ah! Success and failure are both due to the same person.
Some say autumn is the most beautiful time of year in Germany, with vibrant scenery and mild temperatures creating a truly pleasurable experience. Others say autumn in Germany is like a fleeting feast, a feast where, before you know it, the breathtaking colors of autumn permeate the entire town. In short, Germany at this time seems designed to dazzle.
Germany evokes a sense of rigorous craftsmanship. German cars and appliances embody this German essence. Autumn in Germany is truly poetic, sentimental, and romantic. The sight of fallen branches on the streets evokes a sense of freedom, a wash of luxuriant flowers. The countryside and mountains are awash in yellowing maple leaves, a breathtaking beauty perhaps unmatched by even the slightest filter. Stepping on the soft leaves, immersed in them, feels like returning to the countryside, a place of pure contentment.
From the Danube to the Rhine, from the Alps to the Black Forest, from vineyards to castles, from Lake Titter to Lake Constance, after the scorching summer heat, everything here begins to reveal its most vibrant autumn colors. The mountains and lakes of southern Germany are particularly vibrant, their beauty beyond words. If you're unconvinced by this four-and-a-half-star rating, search online for Neuschwanstein Castle in autumn and you'll be convinced.
Last October, I planned a trip to Switzerland. Before leaving, I typed these words:
"It's said that autumn in Switzerland is breathtaking at first sight."
Believe it or not, I do. Switzerland in autumn is no longer the vibrant green of spring and summer. As the lingering heat of summer gradually dissipates, subtle changes are quietly taking place in the valleys and woods of Switzerland. The green hillsides lose their emerald green, becoming tinged with a faint yellow. The blue sky rises higher, the white clouds take on a gentler, more lingering air, and even the sun's glare fades, casting a captivating, lingering light across the valley. With the first cool autumn breeze, the leaves suddenly transform into a new look, some bright yellow, others vibrant red. The leaves on the branches change from green to red, from red to yellow, before drifting down in the wind, slowly witnessing the transformations of autumn. The colorful fallen leaves flutter and scatter along the forest lakes, along the roadsides and fields, in the streets and alleys, and into every corner.
The true beauty of Switzerland lies in its mountains and rivers, so there's no need to dwell too much on its cityscapes. Fortunately, Switzerland's famous tourist cities are often nestled near mountains and rivers, making Switzerland's natural beauty easily accessible.
France is a country blessed with unique natural conditions. The distinct four seasons give this country a distinct personality.
Spring is sunny, the air filled with the languid fragrance of flowers, and the sky is as blue as every delightful Sunday afternoon. Summer is the season for seaside spectacles, the southern coast always vibrant and bustling. Winter in Nancy is filled with the heaviest snowfall of my life: flakes thicker than goose feathers fell silently for 48 hours, refusing to melt even on my hands until the world was completely shorn of its color. Autumn, however, is unlike any other season; its colors and charm defy all words. In these fleeting days, France unfolds as a profoundly beautiful Impressionist canvas, its beauty etched in your memory, a scene you'll never forget.
Just a month after summer, the October drizzles arrived. In Paris, a single rain can feel like late autumn, followed by long, cold days. The drizzle, intermittent, lasted until the first snow of winter. This long, wet season, despite its humidity, offered a glimpse into the truest Europe. Summer flowers were still blooming, while autumn leaves were already crimson. Autumn is Europe's most vibrant season, and the slippery gravel roads after the rain and the warm, dim lights of bistros embody every romantic Chinese person's vision of Europe.
Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to visit Paris in your youth, it will follow you wherever you go, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
I think everyone has their own version of Paris. Arriving in Paris is autumn. Walking along the quiet streets, the riverfront offers a particularly expansive view. Old European-style buildings line both banks. The vibrant red, yellow, and green foliage creates a vibrant, layered atmosphere, while the clouds in the sky evoke a soft, artistic beauty. Autumn in Paris, bathed in the sunlight, is a dazzling spectacle. Golden leaves, crimson flowers, azure skies, and the lingering aroma of coffee... everything you could want for autumn can be found in this city.
Nietzsche once said, "When I want to express music in a word, I find Vienna; when I want to express mystery in a word, I think of Prague." What initially captivated me about the Czech Republic wasn't its autumn colors, but its enchanting red-roofed architecture. This destination had languished on my wish list for two years. When I finally arrived with my plane ticket, it was already decked out in autumn attire, leaving me speechless with astonishment—the Eastern European autumn colors paired with the old-fashioned architecture were a truly stunning juxtaposition.
Prague is a beautiful, ancient hill town boasting numerous buildings spanning various historical periods and styles, with Baroque and Gothic architecture predominating. The overall impression of Prague's architecture is characterized by its rich and vibrant rooftops, resulting in its reputation as "one of Europe's most beautiful cities." Its towering spires, forming a towering forest, have earned it the nickname "the City of a Thousand Towers." In the sunlight, these towers appear resplendent, earning Prague the nickname "Golden Prague." Autumn intensifies the golden hue.
My childhood friend asked me, "Don't they say fairy tales are all lies?"
I glanced at the Austrian road signs. Everything along the way seemed like a fairytale. "Flanked by emerald green lakes, pastel-colored houses, swans, and towering mountains, Hallstatt looks like the remote, tranquil scenery of a New Year's card." Lonely Planet's description of Hallstatt is captivating, even without accompanying images.
Hallstatt, Austria's oldest town, boasts over 4,500 years of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Driving through a dark tunnel, the view suddenly opens up: the town nestled between steep slopes and a jewel-like lake. Everywhere you look, you'll find beautiful, fairytale-like homes, creating a sense of paradise. Yet, Hallstatt is both dreamlike and real.
Compared to summer, Hallstatt in autumn is truly captivating. The distant mountains, whipped by the autumn wind, transform into a vibrant hue of red, yellow, and green. I've seen this postcard angle countless times online, and I never tire of it. From dusk to dawn, I spent over four hours in the freezing cold, feeling incredibly energized, yet I still couldn't get enough. I quietly watched Hallstatt awaken from her slumber. Such beauty is irresistible; I couldn't miss even a second.
Enough about cities, let’s talk about something different, like Italy. Italy’s autumn colors are no less stunning, and my favorite place as a photographer is Tuscany.
Tuscany is Italy's most beautiful treasure, a land blessed by God. In summer, fields burst with green, golden sunflowers chasing the sun. Autumn, on the other hand, offers a completely different scene: golden fields dotted with pine trees, evoking the famous painting "Harvest Fields." Furthermore, this region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
The Val d'Orcia, a gently rolling, well-cultivated hilly region, boasts not only a rich cultural heritage but also a unique landscape dotted with towns and villages. The valley, fields, towns, and villages create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. In autumn, the mountains are ablaze with vibrant foliage, with towering bell towers occasionally peeked through the withered branches on the mountaintops. Villages lined with red roofs can be seen beneath the mountain smoke, creating a scene that is truly captivating.
"When God distributed the land, he found that the Croats were left out, so he gave the land reserved for himself to Croatia." - This is how the humorous Croatians commented on their country.
Compared to the previous countries, Croatia is perhaps the least known. Many people might not even know its exact location in Europe. Yet, it easily surpasses even giants like Spain and Portugal, earning a spot on this list! While Croatia wouldn't earn five stars for autumn scenery alone, its narrow, mostly coastal territory, combined with its sea breeze and relatively low profile (it's one of the few European countries yet to be conquered by the Chinese), earns it a solid five stars! Honestly, this place is a must-visit!
Due to its latitude and Mediterranean climate, autumn in Croatia ends later than in other Eastern European countries. While its autumn scenery isn't particularly spectacular, the blue of the Adriatic Sea makes it stand out. Perhaps you're as greedy as I am, seeking a place that combines the romance and relaxation of an island with the richness and depth of history. In short, it needs something rich and special. Then Croatia will definitely not disappoint. After all, it's my favorite country in Europe! (Confession from a European Product Manager)
Any distant place
There is a temptation for us all
Not seduced by beauty
It is the temptation of legend
Even the distant scenery
Not satisfactory
We don't need to care
Because this is really a
Charming Mistake
Go far away
Go far away
There is no scenery in familiar places
