Recommended one-day trips around Zhejiang in autumn: take your kids to famous autumn viewing spots
Preface
With the arrival of autumn, the long summer vacation and National Day holiday are gone, and the long-awaited winter break hasn't arrived yet. Autumn travel is limited to precious weekends, but with children's academic workloads and parents' daily schedules, dedicating two full days to a trip isn't a luxury. To address this issue, this guide has compiled a list of popular autumn viewing spots near Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces that offer both hiking and leisure activities. Take a day off and bring your children and family to enjoy the transformations of nature and instantly immerse yourself in the fairytale of autumn.
Hangzhou-Yuhang
Dayu Valley
There is a piece of pure land in Yuhang, Hangzhou, that is Dayu Valley. The numerous reservoirs and lakes with shimmering blue waves in the valley add to the beauty of the autumn in Dayu Valley. There are only green mountains and green waters in the valley. Apart from the birdsong, insects chirping, and chickens crowing, there is no other noise. The most important thing is that it is 216 kilometers away from Shanghai, less than 3 hours' drive away.
(Photography Hunting)
(Photography by Chen Guang)
Entering the core area of Dayu Valley in autumn, you will see intoxicating red camphor leaves swaying in the wind, golden ginkgo trees standing by the pond, and straight germanium-red metasequoia trees marking out long forest paths, which are breathtakingly beautiful.
There is a mountain called Niangniang Mountain in Dayu Valley. It is the highest mountain in Yuhang. The mountain is high and densely forested, and when set against the lake, it looks like Japan's Mount Fuji.
(Photo by ssdwolf)
Dayu Valley Changle Forest Farm
Changle Forest Farm, located near Dayu Valley, boasts numerous towering camphor, torreya, maple, and fir trees. In autumn, they transform into vibrant shades of red, yellow, and green. Because it's a forest farm, with few people around, a gust of autumn wind blankets the tree-lined paths with a thick blanket of fallen leaves. Walking through them creates a trance-like experience, reminiscent of a European town in a movie.
Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the wide firebreaks and soft dirt paths through the pine forests. The captivating autumn colors of golden ginkgo trees, fiery redwoods, vibrant sweetgum trees, and the blanket of autumn leaves paint the area like a fairytale.
Dayu Valley boasts a wide variety of foliage, so take home some of the most unique and unusual leaves to create beautiful paintings or specimens! Walking along the country road to the Ganling Lake Dam, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the shimmering autumn scenery. The reflections of crimson leaves on the lakeside, and the towering Niangniang Mountain in the distance, create a breathtaking view!
(Photo by Shuten)
Tips: The best viewing period for Metasequoia: mid-November to early December
Sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Ways to have fun: Picnic, camping, hiking, collecting pine cones
Predicted number of likes in Moments: 30-40 likes
Shaoxing-Keqiao
Xuedouling Ancient Trail
Xuedouling, located in Jidong Town in the southern mountainous area of Keqiao District, was once the only way to reach Longfeng Peak from Jidong. Ancient people built a mountain road along the stream, approximately three kilometers long, which remains well-preserved to this day. Nestled in the valley, this area is not only tranquil and fresh, but also boasts a unique blend of peaks, ridges, rock formations, waterfalls, and canals, all condensed into a tapestry of natural beauty. This makes Xuedouling a natural wonder, characterized by elegance, seclusion, unique beauty, and a sense of adventure. The ancient Torreya grandis trees dotting the mountainside add to its ancient charm and profound meaning. Xuedouling's authentic mountains and waters, along with its refreshing air, can instantly revitalize even the most listless.
Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, a man named An, a consort of the imperial family, was born in An Village on the mountain. While returning home in glory, the consort reached Xuedou Ridge and lost his way, leading to its nickname, "Zhibukeng." However, Xuedou Ridge's appealing name stems from a simple coincidence and misunderstanding. As the saying goes, the meaning of "name" is truly important. Although the two characters "Xue" and "Dou" have nothing to do with each other, it sounds appealing. Furthermore, the combination of "Xue" and "Ling" holds immense potential for imagination, allowing one to overlook the "Dou" and ignite a desire to visit.
The Metasequoia glyptostroboides in Xuedouling is located in a very quiet small reservoir, and its beauty can only be seen by crossing the ancient trail.
It takes only 3 hours to get there from Shanghai. Friends with good legs can enjoy lunch in the fir forest while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
(Pictures from the Internet)
At the end of the reservoir, there is a Metasequoia tree. In early winter, the needles have already turned red and most of them have fallen on the water surface. The various colors shine against each other under the penetration of sunlight, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tips:
The best viewing period for Metasequoia: mid-November to early December
Sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Fun methods: Hiking, making plant specimens
Predicted number of likes in Moments: 25-30 likes
Shaoxing-Wangtan Town
Taoyanling Ancient Trail
In late autumn in Shaoxing, the maple forest on an ancient road in the mountains near the city is as red as fire, and the whole mountain is covered with red, like a beautiful painting. You must come and see it if you have time on the weekend.
Many people are familiar with the Shangqing Ancient Trail, but near this ancient trail there is a very hidden Taoyinling Ancient Trail, located between Miaoyantou, Xinlian Village, Wangtan Town, Keqiao District and Jinyuao, Pingshui Town. It is also known as the Taoyanling Ancient Trail and Taoyuanling Ancient Trail locally.
(Pictures from the Internet)
Shaoxing is more than 200 kilometers away from Shanghai, and this ancient road is just right for a round trip on the same day.
Early autumn is the most beautiful season in Taoyanling. Ancient trees tower, rocks rise, and clusters of golden, bright red, and light brown leaves bloom in the forest, giving the entire area a gentle and mellow beauty.
(Photography by Zihuang)
(Photography ancient style)
The trail runs from Jinyu Village to Xinlian Village, a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometers as the crow flies. Due to the need to cross mountains and ridges, the total length is approximately 4 kilometers, and it takes about an hour and a half to complete the trail. The path up the mountain is relatively flat, making the return journey relatively easy, making it suitable for family hikes.
Tips:
Best viewing period for red maples: mid-November to December
Sightseeing time: 2 hours
Fun method: Hiking
Predicted number of likes in Moments: 20-30 likes
Shangyu Shijing Reservoir
Shijing Reservoir is a small, tranquil reservoir surrounded by mountains. Its unique feature is the Metasequoia forest at the end of the reservoir. Driving up to the reservoir, you'll find an unpaved dirt road. Don't stop there; continue along the winding path for another kilometer or two and you'll find this hidden gem.
(Photography by Hai Kuo Tian Kong)
Surrounded by mountains and rich vegetation, it has a strong original ecological flavor. There are few people living nearby. The lake is formed by mountain springs and streams, and the water is clear and blue, forming a unique place for enjoying autumn.
(Photography 3C Killer)
Due to the good local ecological environment and flocks of egrets, it is a very good place for bird watching, especially in autumn, when egrets are accompanied by the sunset. It is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a good place for outdoor camping.
(Photography 3C Killer)
The Metasequoia trees in Shijing Reservoir are neatly arranged, surrounded by open space and soft grass. The rays of light shining through the Metasequoia trees and the beauty of the sunset are all breathtaking.
Tips:
The best viewing period for Metasequoia: mid-November to early December
Tour duration: 1-2 hours
Ways to have fun: Picnics, herbarium making, camping
Predicted number of likes in Moments: 30-35 likes
Huzhou-Changxing
Ancient Ginkgo Corridor
Unlike the subtle signs of autumn, like the sycamore leaves that signal the arrival of autumn, or the vibrant colors of the maple trees, the ginkgo trees pay tribute to autumn with their golden hues. The autumn breeze imbues the ginkgo trees with a new lease of life, and the autumn light allows those seeking beauty to capture the vibrant colors of autumn. The ancient ginkgo corridor in Badujie (pronounced the same as "jie"), Changxing County, Huzhou, is perhaps one of the oldest and largest ginkgo groves in East China. Badujie is China's oldest ginkgo village, with a ten-mile-long ancient ginkgo forest nestled among the overlapping mountains, standing proudly for over a thousand years. Various residential buildings nestle among the ginkgo trees, and the sounds of chickens and dogs can be heard everywhere.
(Photo by Sarah on the road)
It is also a ginkgo forest group that is relatively close to Shanghai. You can check in, take photos and show off your children in a day.
The 12-kilometer Ginkgo Corridor offers a breathtaking view at every step, with ginkgo trees of various ages and shapes lining your path. You can choose to take a scenic bus or stroll along the promenade to experience the gentle breezes of autumn. It's said that ginkgo trees are at their most beautiful when their fallen leaves blanket the ground. Children can relax on the leaves, spread out their placemats, and enjoy afternoon tea.
(Photo by Freedom Follows the Heart)
Walking towards the ancient village, there are new ginkgo trees planted in the vegetable gardens along the way, but they also form a forest of three or five. This year's ginkgo leaves are relatively perfect, without any signs of burnt.
(Pictures from the Internet)
Tips:
Best time to view ginkgo: mid-November to early December
Sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Ways to have fun: Picnic, leaf painting, light hiking
Predicted number of likes in Moments: 40-45 likes
Conclusion
Having said so much, I believe that parents who are eager to try it should also arrange their travel time reasonably, otherwise the leaves will fall and the flowers will fall, and they will have to wait until next year~
