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As autumn approaches, Nanjing suddenly transforms into Jinling.
In autumn, Nanjing is best visited for a stroll. Walk along the fallen leaves, their crunching sound like a child's. Visit Purple Mountain to witness the trees transform from green to yellow and then from yellow to crimson. As autumn deepens, visit Qixia Mountain to admire the maple leaves. The ancient temples are ablaze with vibrant crimson. This scene perfectly captures the sentiment of Du Mu's poem "Mountain Travel": "Up the cold mountain, the stone path slants, deep in the white clouds, dwellings are found. I stop my car to enjoy the maple forest in the evening, the frosted leaves redder than February flowers."
The beauty of Nanjing's autumn is a beauty steeped in time. The tranquility of the Republican-era mansions and sycamore trees along Yihe Road, the cultural atmosphere of Shanghai Road, Qingdao Road, and Ninghai Road, and the ancient architecture of Nanjing Normal University's Suiyuan Campus, paired with the golden ginkgo trees, all evoke a sense of rapture in this autumnal atmosphere. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful time of year, when maples turn red and ginkgo trees turn yellow, the sunlight is warm, and the scenery is vibrant. What autumn experience would be complete without a visit to Nanjing?
Speaking of Qixia Mountain, as the leader among the hills in the south of the Yangtze River, it has an unshakable position in the hearts of Nanjing people.
Qixia Red Maple Scenery is one of the Ten Scenic Spots of Jinling. Every year, the red maples of Qixia Mountain go viral on social media, making it a top-tier online sensation in Nanjing. Every snap is a breathtaking sight. One of the most blissful things to do in autumn is strolling along Qixia Mountain's sycamore paths, encountering century-old ginkgo trees and taking in the autumnal colors of the ancient temples. The trees on the mountain are instantly dyed a vibrant crimson, a vibrant scene as beautiful as the autumn colors of Jiuzhaigou.
The saying "Spring is Niu Shou, Autumn is Qixia" is really true.
Go deep into the beautiful scenery of the back mountain and capture the charming autumn scenery with just one shot
Qixia Mountain boasts over twenty varieties of red maple trees. Deep in the mountains, from a high vantage point, one can gaze out across the vast expanse of red-leaved trees, including sweetgum, red maple, and Japanese maple. Their colors range from pale yellow to yellow-red, orange-red, light red, bright red, and purple-red. Inside the temple, you can enjoy vegetarian noodles with mushrooms, vegetarian chicken, and other vegetarian toppings, creating a unique flavor. In autumn, visit Qixia Temple to burn incense, pray, and savor the vegetarian meal. The temple, the landscape, the red maple leaves, and the autumn scenery of Qixia Mountain are all breathtaking, like a Zen landscape painting, a scene that will leave you spellbound.
The stone stupa of relics quietly tells the thousand-year history of the ancient temple
Burn incense and pray at Qixia Mountain, listening to the morning bells and evening drums
Tips:
Address: No. 88 Qixia Street, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province (near Qixia Avenue)
Opening hours: 7:00-17:30
Tickets: 25 yuan on weekdays, 40 yuan during the Red Maple Festival. Children between 1.3 and 1.5 meters tall, students, and seniors aged 60 to 69 can enjoy half-price tickets with valid ID. Children under 1.3 meters tall and seniors aged 70 and above can enjoy free tickets with valid ID.
Transportation: Take the Nanqi Line, Nanshang Line, Longqi Line, Sheyao Line, or Metro Line 2 to Xueze Road Station, transfer to Bus No. 138 to Qixia Temple Station, or take Line 3 to Xinzhuang Station, then transfer to Bus No. 206 to Qixia Mountain Station.
The autumn wind rustles the ginkgo leaves from the branches, revealing a panorama of lemon yellow, stone yellow, goose yellow, and golden yellow. The autumn scenery of Chaotian Palace is breathtakingly beautiful. The setting sun shines on the pavilions and towers, and the fallen ginkgo leaves carpet the grass, creating a striking contrast against the crimson backdrop of Chaotian Palace. It's a wonderful place for both photography and scenic viewing.
Beneath the red walls and glazed tiles, towering ancient ginkgo trees stand tall and majestic. The largest tree here is 500 years old and is said to have been planted by Zhu Yuanzhang himself. The yellow leaves against the red palace walls create a striking image of ancient charm in every post. You can also pose for photos here in stylish Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing).
The classic combination of red walls and yellow leaves
Tips:
Address: No. 4 Chaotian Palace, Wangfu Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00 all year round; closed on Mondays for maintenance, except statutory holidays; free admission on the 10th of each month.
Admission: 25 yuan. Free for minors under 18, seniors 70 and older, active military personnel, and retirees. Half-price admission for senior citizens 60-69 with a senior citizen card or ID card.
Transportation: Take bus No. 4, 48, or 83 to Mochou Road Chaotian Palace Station and walk there, or take bus No. 43, 302, or 306 to Wangfu Street Chaotian Palace Station and walk there. Take Metro Line 1 to Zhangfuyuan Station and walk 1.1 kilometers, or take Metro Line 2 to Shanghai Road Station and walk 1.4 kilometers.
"There is no Bodhi tree, nor is there a mirror stand. Originally, there is nothing, so where can dust gather?" The Bodhi tree is a famous Indian tree. Legend has it that the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath it, making it a symbol of wisdom. In China, the long-lived ginkgo tree is often used to symbolize the Bodhi tree in Buddhism. Huiji Temple, located north of Tangquan Street, Pukou District, Nanjing, was built during the Southern Dynasties and was known as Tangquan Zen Temple. It was destroyed by war during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, and only a portion was rebuilt during the Guangxu period. Remaining relics within the temple include foundation stones, stele inscriptions, an ancient well, and three ancient ginkgo trees, reflecting its rich history.
The thousand-year-old ginkgo trees of the ancient Huiji Temple
The three ancient ginkgo trees at Huiji Temple, standing over 30 meters tall, are said to have been planted by Prince Zhaoming of the Southern Dynasties while he was bathing and reading in Tangquan. At over 1,500 years old, they even surpass the internet-famous ginkgo trees at the Ancient Guanyin Temple in Xi'an. Calligrapher Lin Sanzhi named them "Millennial Weeping Breasts," "Supporting the Sky and Covering the Earth," and "Thunderstruck Resurrection." In late autumn, when visiting Tangquan Town, besides soaking in the hot springs, hanging red ribbons at Huiji Temple is a must-do for tourists. These thousand-year-old ginkgo trees are incredibly beautiful, still flourishing, pollinating, and bearing fruit, earning them the nickname "Buddha's Sacred Fruit."
The red ribbon on the ancient ginkgo tree is picturesque
Tips:
Admission: Free
Address: About 400 meters north of Tangquan Town, Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu.
Transportation: Take bus No. 607, No. 608, No. 93 Yongtang Line to Tangquan Town, then walk 522 meters after getting off.
History: Huiji Temple boasts three thousand-year-old ginkgo trees. One, called "Millennium Weeping Breast," stands over 20 meters tall, with a chest circumference exceeding 7 meters. It requires seven people to surround it. It has seven aerial roots, the largest of which reaches over 2 meters in length, with a maximum diameter of 30 centimeters and a circumference of 90 centimeters, resembling giant breasts suspended in the air. The second tree, called "Supporting the Sky and Covering the Earth," stands at a staggering 24 meters tall, boasting a canopy so vast it can accommodate a thousand people in the summer. The third tree, called "Thunderstruck Resurrection," derives its name from the fact that during the Xianfeng reign of Emperor Xianfeng, a lightning strike destroyed half of the tree, miraculously recovering years later.
Qingliang Mountain, formerly known as Stone Mountain, Shishou Mountain, and Stone City, is located west of Nanjing. Zhuge Liang once described Nanjing's terrain as "a place where tigers crouch and dragons coil," with the "tiger crouching" referring to today's Qingliang Mountain. Known as "a scenic spot from seven dynasties," Qingliang Mountain is a small, graceful mountain ideal for leisurely strolls and a must-see destination in Nanjing in autumn.
Qingliang Temple is bustling with worshippers, and vegetarian meals are provided at noon. Inside Ginkgo Valley, a vast expanse of golden color fills the view, perfectly embodying the meaning of "golden autumn." Three hundred ginkgo trees, bathed in the sunlight, display their stunning beauty in late autumn. Besides the ginkgo trees, the maple leaves of Qingliang Mountain are also breathtaking. The quaint architecture blends seamlessly with the scenery, while the mountainside is covered in maple leaves that transform from green to yellow, then red, creating a vibrant autumn scene.
A simple and cute big orange cat in the autumn sunshine
Over 300 ginkgo trees on Qingliang Mountain form the largest and most densely planted ginkgo forest in Nanjing. Ginkgo Valley, a flat area within Qingliang Mountain, is awash in golden fallen leaves in late autumn, blanketing the valley and even the stone benches and pavilions with a thick blanket of foliage, creating a vibrant and ancient atmosphere. Walking through the small gates of Chongzheng Academy, one is greeted by a blanket of golden leaves, filling every corner of the courtyard with autumn colors.
Tips:
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Address: No. 83 Qingliangshan Road, Gulou District, Nanjing
Transportation: Take Bus No. 3, 8, 42, 74, 78, or 114 and get off at Jiangsu Road Station.
History: Qingliang Mountain, located within Qingliang Gate in Nanjing's Gulou District, is a hilly area west of the city. Its oval shape stretches from Hanzhong Gate to Dinghuai Gate. Over 100 meters high and approximately 4 kilometers in radius, it is home to Qingliang Mountain Park. Across Huju Road, the Stone City echoes it from afar, creating a striking contrast between the majestic grandeur of the former and the tranquility of the latter.
The main sections of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Sacred Way are the "Stone Statue Road" and the "Weng Zhong Road," stretching approximately 600 meters. In late autumn, this 600-meter path is one of the most breathtaking in Nanjing. Six stone beasts, lions, xiezhi, camels, elephants, qilins, and horses, line the path in order. In just 10 minutes, you can traverse 600 years of history. I love visiting this area in autumn, as the scenery along the sacred way is truly unique in Jinling. Yellow ginkgo leaves frame the mottled ivory statues, allowing you to touch the traces of history. The fallen leaves crunch beneath your feet, and the soothing autumn sun rises above you. The sunlight filters through the leaves, adding a touch of autumnal crimson to the path, bringing a profound sense of tranquility. Every autumn, the area is adorned with a vibrant, almost rainbow-colored display of red, yellow, and green leaves, drawing countless visitors for photo opportunities.
The autumn sun shines on the Stone Elephant Road, adding a touch of vicissitudes.
The Shixiang Road in autumn is incredibly beautiful
Tips:
Address: Lingyuan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Opening hours: March to November (6:30-18:30), December to February (7:00-17:30)
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station (Exit 1), get off and walk 1,400 meters to Nanjing Shixiang Road
Ticket price: 70 yuan/person, included in the combined ticket. During the Plum Blossom Festival, the discounted ticket price for the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area is 60 yuan/person
Where swallows and sparrows leave their mark, the Qianhu Lake in autumn is breathtakingly beautiful. Qianhu Lake, also known as Yanque Lake, is located north of Zhongshan Gate. Along with Xuanwu Lake, it's considered one of Nanjing's two ancient lakes. Xuanwu Lake, west of Zhongshan, is known as Houhu Lake, while Yanque Lake, south of Zhongshan, is known as Qianhu Lake. In late autumn, the scenery here shimmers in vibrant reds and yellows, complemented by reflections in the water. This creates a truly natural oil painting. The reflections of Qianhu Lake reveal a rich tapestry of history. Today, the lake is modest but tranquil, nestled next to the Zhongshan Botanical Garden. In late autumn, the scenery is vibrant and picturesque. The exotic flowers and plants of the Zhongshan Botanical Garden, along with the rare birds and waterfowl of Zijin Mountain, captivate visitors by the lake. A stroll here offers a glimpse into the legends of the Southern Liang Dynasty. The vibrant green and yellow of the fir forests create a vibrant, vibrant urban wetland landscape.
The autumn scenery of Qianhu Lake is like an oil painting
The autumn color palette is overturned here
Beneath the Ming City Wall and beside the Three Lakes, there are beautiful views.
Tips:
Tickets: Free, some entrances must be made from the South Garden of the Sun Yat-sen Botanical Garden (45 yuan)
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00
Address: Qianhu outside Zhongshanmen, Xuanwu District
Bus: Route 20, 203, 315 / Zhongshan Botanical Garden Stop or Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Stop
I particularly admire the architecture of the Meiling Palace. Autumn brings a unique charm to the palace. From above, the plane trees surrounding the palace resemble a noblewoman wearing a necklace. The autumn colors permeate the sky, the forests ablaze with color. The plane trees lining Cemetery Road are uniformly stained in a brilliant golden hue. The jewel in this necklace is the Meiling Palace, with its glazed roof. The Meiling Palace has long been known as "Chiang Kai-shek's romance." Chiang Kai-shek gifted Soong Mei-ling the premier villa in the Far East, it was a "Phoenix Palace." The more than 1,000 eaves surrounding the roof are each carved with a phoenix with outstretched wings. The 34 lampposts surrounding the small building also coincide with Soong Mei-ling's birthday, March 4th. The Meiling Palace served as Chiang Kai-shek's and Soong Mei-ling's residence for rest and also as a place where he received guests. Time passes, yet the place remains timelessly beautiful.
Cemetery Road bathed in morning light
Cycling on Cemetery Road on an Autumn Afternoon
The cemetery road lined with sycamore trees is like a necklace surrounding the Meiling Palace.
Autumn Meiling Palace
Tips:
Address: No. 9, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xiaohongshan, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Opening hours: 7:30-18:00
Ticket price: 30 yuan. Minors aged 6-18 and full-time undergraduate students and below can enjoy half-price discount with valid ID; seniors aged 60-69 can enjoy half-price discount with valid ID.
Transportation: If you drive to Nanjing East Suburbs, take Bus No. 1, 2, 3, or 20 to Meiling Palace Station. There is a free train that travels through the scenic area.
History: The Meiling Palace is located on Xiaohongshan Mountain, 200 meters east of Sifangcheng in the eastern suburbs of Nanjing. Officially known as the "Official Residence of the Chairman of the National Government," it is also known as the "Xiaohongshan Official Residence" due to its location on Xiaohongshan Mountain. Built in 1931, it was originally intended as the residence of the Chairman of the National Government, but later became a lounge for senior officials visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
Nanjing Normal University's Suiyuan Campus is known as "the most beautiful campus in the East." Its golden autumn colors, the setting sun against the backdrop of ancient buildings, evoke the beauty of a classical Chinese garden. Walking through the campus, you'll often wonder whether you're on a familiar campus or amidst a unique garden. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the campus boasts buildings that have survived for nearly a century, featuring dragon-headed eaves and square, symmetrical architectural layouts, centered on a vast lawn and oriented east-west. Formerly the site of Jinling Women's University, strolling through the campus in early autumn is permeated by the lingering fragrance of osmanthus, a delightful aroma that soothes the eyes, nose, and ears. Red columns, yellow walls, and black tiles are its classic colors.
Aerial view of Nanjing Normal University
The scent of books is everywhere
It was once Yuan Mei's retreat
Ginkgo leaves are integrated into the building
Tips:
Address: No. 122 Ninghai Road, Gulou District, Nanjing
Transportation: Take bus No. 3, 6, 20, 78, 91, 132, 152, 303, 318, or 806 to Guangzhou Road Station, or take Metro Line 4 to Yunnan Road Station (Exit 2) and walk 840 meters to Nanjing Normal University Suiyuan Campus
History: This is the former site of Jinling Women's University. Its elegant beauty, with its classical architecture cascading overhanging eaves and steep cliffs, flowing bridges, and winding paths, has earned it the title of "the most beautiful campus in the East." Suiyuan, located in the Xiaocang Mountain region of Nanjing's Wutai Mountain range, was originally the ancestral garden of Cao Xueqin. It was a renowned private garden in Jiangnan, and one of the three most famous gardens in Jiangnan during the Qing Dynasty. Today, the main buildings no longer exist, leaving only ruins.
Nanjing residents have a deep fondness for plane trees. The first was planted here in 1872. In 1928, to celebrate the enshrinement of Sun Yat-sen, the city planted another 20,000 plane trees. Since then, the plane tree has become a symbol of Nanjing. It's said that Yihe Road embodies half the history of the Republic of China. In autumn, the trees lining Yihe Road transform into a vibrant array of colors, complementing and embellishing the Republican-era villas. The Yihe Mansions, comprised of 26 distinct Republican-era villas, are a veritable museum of international architecture. Walking along Yihe Road in autumn feels like traveling back in time to the Republic of China to enjoy the autumn. Here, the passage of time has settled.
The villa and the trees complement each other
The tree trunks are thick and show the traces of time.
Tips:
Admission: Free
Address: No. 1 Yihe Road, Gulou District, Nanjing
Transportation: Take bus No. 318 to Yihe Road Station or take Metro Line 4 to Yunnan Road Station.
History: In the 1930s, according to the Capital Plan, this area was developed into a high-end residential area. The tree-lined boulevard of Yihe Road is mostly lined with two-story buildings that blend Chinese and Western styles. With a low building density and abundant green space, it has been designated a Republican-era architectural conservation area. The abundant greenery surrounding Yihe Road maintains a tranquil residential atmosphere. Notably, the lush plane trees lining Yihe Road were purchased from the outskirts of Paris by Chang Jiahui, then a professor at Southeast University.
In autumn, the forests of Zhimaling gradually transform into vibrant colors, as if God had overturned Nanjing's palette, yet it's even more beautiful. The dense Metasequoia trees stand tall and straight, and the lake, reflected in the blue sky and white clouds, is as dazzling as a celestial realm. Zhimaling feels like a fairyland, ethereal and mysterious. The Metasequoia trees in the sunlight resemble a watercolor painting, and the occasional migratory birds fly through the wetlands, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene. Every step brings a new scene. Spending a while here, one feels completely relaxed, enchanted by the beauty of nature!
The reflection of the Metasequoia trees in the morning is like a dream
Zhimaling, also known as Zhimaling, is a nature reserve in both Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. The Metasequoia trees, known as the "water forest," are a classic feature of Zhimaling. The most beautiful scenery here is the morning view, where the Metasequoia trees blend with the morning mist, creating a perfect interplay of light and shadow, and the occasional ducks swimming through, creating a paradise-like atmosphere.
Zhimaling also boasts a majestic red maple avenue, which begins to turn yellow in mid-October each year. If you're lucky, you'll be stunned by its beauty. Wandering through the Red Leaf Valley and the red leaf forest, the dense red leaves act like a natural tent, with sunlight filtering through the gaps between the leaves. The occasional duck swimming through adds to the scenery.
Different colors in the forest
You can pose for photos as much as you want
Tips:
Admission: Free
Address: Zhuzhen Town, Liuhe District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province
Transportation: Take Bus No. 520, 502 or 503 to Liuhe South Station, then transfer to Bus No. 632 to Zhuzhen Station.
If you're looking for a grassland in Nanjing or even in the surrounding area, you absolutely have to visit Lianshan Mountain in Liuhe. Climbing to the summit, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the grassland, a breathtaking experience. In the afternoon, the sky is a deep blue, and the golden grasslands are dazzling. In the evening, the setting sun casts its last rays across the mountain's reddish-brown grasslands, creating a fairytale experience. Because of the vibrant golden hue that blankets the mountain in late autumn, Lianshan is also known as Jinlianshan. Later, it acquired the romantic name Lianshan, which many interpret as "falling in love with a person, falling in love with a mountain," attracting countless couples to check in. Even if you haven't been to Inner Mongolia, you can still enjoy the sight of wind-blown grass and the sight of cattle and sheep.
You can also fly kites on the dam.
In late autumn, the grasslands are vast, reeds sway, and the view is expansive, making it feel like I've been transported to the Bashang Grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Lying on the grass, daydreaming, feeling the breeze, and watching the windmills spin is incredibly relaxing. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I experience a freedom I've never experienced before, reminiscing about my wild childhood.
Accompanied by the shepherds' yohos and the afterglow of the setting sun, it is so beautiful!
Have fun on the grassland, occasionally picking a few red and yellow flowers, full of wild fun
Tips:
Admission: Free
Address: About 15 kilometers northwest of Xiongzhou Town, Liuhe District, Nanjing
Transportation: Take the Yuliu Line to Liuhe North Station (1 hour), then take Bus No. 631 to Huangzhuang (15 minutes)
Quietly basking in the autumn sun and cool breeze, one feels a sense of peace and tranquility. The sycamore leaves drift in the breeze, like a romantic autumn fairytale. Golden ginkgo trees cling to the branches, offering a glimpse into a century of beauty. Red maple leaves paint the hilltops, embracing the forests. Nanjing's autumn, like the fragrance of osmanthus, is captivating. The dreamlike autumn colors make this city, steeped in artistic romance and rich in ancient charm, even more captivating. Nanjing possesses a distinct beauty in each of its four distinct seasons.
Tips:
Best viewing period:
Maple leaves: They gradually turn red in late October. (If you go there in October, you can see yellow, red, and green leaves in a dazzling array of colors.) From mid-November to early December, the maple leaves are almost completely red, and the scenery of Qixia Mountain is extremely beautiful.
Recommended viewing spot: Qixia Mountain, Nanjing
Ginkgo trees are vibrant green in summer and golden in autumn. When the autumn wind blows, the leaves turn from green to yellow, creating a vibrant autumn scene. Mid-to-late November is the best time to see ginkgo trees.
Recommended places to visit: Huiji Temple, Qingliang Mountain, Nanjing Normal University Suiyuan Campus, Chaotian Palace
Wutong: When the Wutong tree enters autumn, its color changes from green to yellow with different shades, just like a colorful Wutong tree.
Recommended viewing spots: Yihe Road, Beijing West Road, Lingyuan Road
