Live Your Best Lives
Although winter has arrived, the lingering warmth of autumn still surprises me. The fiery red leaves seem to be infectious, bringing a final wave of warmth to late autumn. This time, it really is "If you are red leaves, it will be sunny"—this weather operation is really amazing. However, I always feel that something is wrong. Autumn is like an overturned palette, but if that touch of yellow is missing, it will only be half of the autumn colors.
Compared to the high profile of red leaves, I prefer the low-key ginkgo. Maybe it does not have a passionate coat, but even so, it has an aristocratic atmosphere when standing on the roadside, and has a presence that cannot be ignored. So, I can't wait to "present" you with treasures. These 4 niche ginkgo viewing spots are enough to outline the most beautiful ginkgo map
"Gently tapping the bamboo in your hand, the ground beneath the ginkgo tree spreads like gold." This scene is easily imagined the moment you step into Suizhou's Millennium Ginkgo Valley. This is the densest and best-preserved ancient ginkgo community in China, and perhaps even the world. Designated a National Nature Reserve in 2003, it's known as "a ten-mile gallery of millennia-old ginkgo trees, the purest place in the world."
The first time I heard the name "Millennium Ginkgo Valley", I always felt that it had a bit of a Jianghu atmosphere, just like the "Unfeeling Valley", "Hundred Flowers Valley" and "Butterfly Valley" written by Mr. Jin Yong. Later I thought that perhaps it was because this place has a rich heritage that it has such a complementary name.
The ancient ginkgo trees here are all connected in groups and gathered into a unique valley. One can't help but sigh that it is worthy of its reputation as one of the four largest densely packed ancient ginkgo communities in the world.
It's said the valley contains 308 ginkgo trees over a thousand years old, over 17,000 over a century old, and over 5.1 million planted ginkgo trees. I began to imagine how much more captivating it would be to take photos beneath the trees, with the breeze caressing my face and the fallen leaves drifting by.
"There are mountains, water, and people's houses." Naturally, there are people in Ginkgo Valley, and farmhouses next to ancient trees are a standard feature.
The fallen leaves scattered by the wind all "go their separate ways". They can be found on roofs, in courtyards, and in piles of firewood. This, in turn, implies the harmonious coexistence of humans and trees.
Of course, if you want to change your luck, the Millennium Ginkgo Valley is definitely the best choice. There are more than 1,300 stone mills from all over the country, paved into a walking trail, which means "time (stone) comes to turn". Although I don't know if it works, it's a good start to the year.
Tips:
Best viewing period
The best time to view Ginkgo Valley is at the end of October, and the week before and after the beginning of winter is the best time to view it.
China Stone Mill Museum
The China Stone Mill Museum was established by a renowned local collector who spent years collecting over 1,300 stone mills of varying sizes and materials from across the country. These millstones are paved into paths and placed along the sides of the roads, creating a landscape featuring millstone buildings, a millstone plaza, millstone benches, and millstone sculptures. The scenic area's walking trails are paved with millstones donated voluntarily by millions of households in more than a dozen provinces, symbolizing the movement of time.
"Five Old Trees" Square
The Five Old Trees Square is formed by the intertwined roots of five thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, which have withstood the vicissitudes of time. According to legend, Confucius once asked Laozi about etiquette here.
One mother and nine sons
Experts have determined that this ancient ginkgo tree is over 500 years old. It stands approximately 30 meters tall and has a girth of 8 meters. After centuries of wind and rain, nine saplings have sprouted from the outer growth layer of the mother tree, forming a towering tree, creating a unique scene of "nine sons hugging their mother."
Qianyuan Mountain Taiyi Ancient Temple
The Taiyi Ancient Temple on Qianyuan Mountain is located on Qianyuan Mountain in Luoyang Town. It is said to be one of the 36 Taoist blessed places. According to historical records, a Taiyi Temple was built in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, but was destroyed in war before liberation.
Ming Yuzhen's hometown
Ming Yuzhen's Hometown is the actual residence of Emperor Ming Yuzhen of the Great Xia Dynasty. Due to its age, it has long been lost to the wind and rain. With a total construction area of 1,400 square meters, its scale and style were integrated based on historical records and folk memories. Its layout of three courtyards, two side rooms, and corridors is typical of Suizhou's ancient architecture.
ginkgo
Ginkgo, also known as white walnut, is one of the world's oldest relict plants and is known as a "living fossil." Luoyang Town boasts the highest yield, reaching 300,000 kilograms. The town boasts the largest area, with 15,600 trees and over 2.95 million young trees. The ginkgo trees in Zengdu District, Suizhou, are renowned for their white cores and firm, firm kernels. Because they contain a small amount of hydrocyanic acid, excessive consumption is advised, as it can cause poisoning. The kernels are also effective in treating alcohol acne.
Suizhou Bubble Green
Pao Pao Qing, also known as curly-leaved black cabbage, is a non-heading cabbage from the Brassicaceae family. It is an ancient local vegetable cultivated in Suizhou. It has a very unique flavor. Because of the dense bubbles on the leaves of Pao Pao Qing, people call it Pao Pao Qing. In the Suizhou Chronicles of the 13th year of the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, there was a large section about it in the product section. The local people in Suizhou called it "Pao Pao Qing Cai".
Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Suizhou Station and take a taxi to China Millennium Ginkgo Valley Scenic Area.
Self-driving: Navigate to "China Millennium Ginkgo Valley Scenic Area"
Tips:
Ticket price: 78 yuan
① Free policy: Children under 1.2 meters (not including 1.2 meters) are free of charge; active military personnel, disabled persons, and those aged 70 and above (including 70) are free of charge with their officer ID, soldier ID, or ID card.
② Preferential policy: Children with a height of 1.2 meters to 1.5 meters (not including 1.5 meters) can purchase discounted tickets. They must be purchased at the scenic spot. The specific information is subject to the announcement of the scenic spot on the day
Qianchong Ginkgo Valley in Anlu, nestled in the heart of central Hubei province, nestled against the Dahong Mountains and facing the Jianghan Plain, has naturally fostered a rare, millennia-old community of ginkgo trees, making it one of the "natural ancient ginkgo communities" and earning it the national reputation as the "Hometown of Ginkgo."
It is reported that there are more than 5,000 ancient ginkgo trees and 3.8 million artificially planted trees in Qianchong Ginkgo Valley. Because this area belongs to the subtropical evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest zone, every autumn it is as amazing as an oil painting.
In late autumn, light and artistic conception are the perfect golden pair. The farmhouses in the early morning and the ancient ginkgo trees cannot stop its intoxicating feeling from any angle.
If I could, I'd stay in this sea of ginkgo trees, enjoying the gentle warmth of the autumn sun, watching the joyful play among the trees, and ignoring the worries of the world. Because, if I leave this quiet time, it may be difficult to regain it...
Tips:
Best viewing period
October to November, especially from late October to mid-to-late November is the best time to visit.
Welcome Tree
It is a ginkgo tree that is over a hundred years old. Because it grows closest to the entrance of Qianchong, it is called the "welcoming tree" of Qianchong.
Lashu Bay
This quiet and beautiful mountain village was where Comrade Li Xiannian lived for over a year during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Anti-Japanese Democratic Government of Jingshan and Anlu was also based in Lashuwan. This Qing Dynasty-style residence served as the headquarters for the anti-Japanese forces and civilians in Hubei and Henan Provinces during their bloody battles against the enemy.
sisters
There's a place called Zhaiwa, named after the adjacent mountain peak, Bee Village. This ancient ginkgo forest is one of the most concentrated areas in Qianchong. Two ginkgo trees, nearly identical in stature and laden with fruit, are known as "sisters." They produce abundant fruit every year, like a pair of hardworking, simple sisters.
Dedicated
The bent body of a ginkgo tree has crawled on the ground, forming a natural arch. The bark and stem here have been broken because they could not bear the weight of the crown, but it is still lush and blooms and bears fruit every year. It not only reflects the spirit of the tree, but also reflects the character of the people of Ginkgo Township.
Ginkgo King
This ancient ginkgo tree has gone through more than 3,000 years of wind and rain, and it is still so lush and green. It produces nearly 1,000 kilograms of fruit every year, worth more than 10,000 yuan. It is the well-deserved treasure of Qianchong and a jewel in the crown of Qianchong Ancient Ginkgo Ecological Tourism Area.
Car: Take a bus from Wuhan to Anlu, then transfer to another bus from Anlu to the Ancient Ginkgo National Forest Park/Qianchong Ginkgo Valley Scenic Area
Self-driving: Navigate to "Ancient Ginkgo National Forest Park" or "Qianchong Ginkgo Valley Scenic Area"
Tips: Tickets:
January 1st - September 30th: 50 yuan
October 1st - December 31st: 70 yuan
Scenic area loop bus: 20 yuan
If the Millennium Ginkgo Valley and Qianchong Ginkgo Valley are considered elegant ladies, then Shuimoping Village is a more intimate and charming place. Located in Zhongxiang, Shuimoping Village is so understated it almost seems to be invisible. Even CCTV produced a documentary capturing its beauty. Have you heard of it? The village is small, maintaining a stable population of around 80 people, a truly enigmatic atmosphere that begs exploration.
It is not easy to explore an ancient village that is isolated from the world. After going through layers of "hardships", the "Peach Blossom Spring" that comes into view makes people feel like a dream. I suddenly sighed that the ginkgo trees in Shuimoping are indeed "hidden in the boudoir and unknown to anyone".
The earthen-walled and black-tiled houses built against the mountain are similar to those in other villages but have their own unique features. The ginkgo trees planted in front of and behind the houses add a unique beauty to the ancient houses.
Walk across the stone bridge, step on the stone steps, and hike in the sparsely populated and isolated ginkgo trees. Just enjoying this moment of peace is enough.
It is reported that there are only more than 500 ginkgo trees in Shuimaoping, and only four of them are over a thousand years old. If you want to see wild ginkgo trees, this is the best gathering place.
Tips:
Best viewing period
mid-November
Mochou Village
Hubei Folk Customs and Folk Arts Village is located in Zhongxiang, Jingmen City, Hubei Province, the "World Longevity Town". It is adjacent to the Ming Dynasty Mausoleum, a world cultural heritage site, in the north and Mochou Lake National Wetland Park in the south. It is the first tourist destination in Hubei where you can deeply experience "authentic local customs, romantic Jingchu folk arts, and diverse cultural customs".
Huangxian Cave
Huangxian Cave, a core attraction within the Dahongshan National Scenic Area, boasts four world-class landscapes: the Stone Pool Hall, the Calcium Membrane Dam, the Stone General's eroded stone teeth, and the Three Arches. The 20,000-square-meter Stone Pool within the cave hall is particularly impressive and majestic, earning it a reputation as one of the world's most unique karst caves.
Airplane: Land at Xiangyang Liuji Airport and take a taxi to Shuimoping
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Zhongxiang Station and take a taxi to Shuimoping
Self-driving: Navigate to "Shuimoping"
Tips:
Tickets
Full ticket: 78 yuan/person
Half-price ticket: 39 yuan/person
Exemptions: Active military personnel, persons with disabilities, children under 1.2 meters tall, and senior citizens aged 70 and above are exempt from admission fees; senior citizens aged 60 and under, and primary and secondary school students are exempt from admission fees. (Relevant certificates are required for discounted tickets)
Parking fee
Small cars (including small sleeper cars, jeeps, vans with less than 19 seats, and small trucks weighing 2 tons or less): 5 yuan
Medium and large vehicles (referring to passenger cars with more than 20 seats and trucks with more than 2 tons): 15 yuan; motorcycles: 2 yuan; nighttime charges (19:00-7:00 the next day) are based on the daytime charges and the increase shall not exceed 20%; exemption scope: temporary entry and exit of various vehicles within 10 minutes is free of charge
When you think of Guilin, what comes to mind? If your answer is, "Guilin's landscapes are the best in the world," well, that's to be expected. My only regret is that you'll miss out on exploring the hidden gems of the surrounding villages.
（Tourists leader）
There is a small village called Si'antou Village in Haiyang Township, Lingchuan County, south of Guilin. It has the reputation of "China's No. 1 Ginkgo Village" and is also the best place to appreciate ginkgo in late autumn that only locals will tell you about.
Here, the houses are well-built, and the roadsides in front of the houses are surrounded by ginkgo trees. Although it looks quiet and beautiful, it still can't hide the strong rural village atmosphere. Walking on the path, feeling the chemical reaction between the two is a mysterious fun.
I once thought that the night view of the Li River was very charming, but I didn’t know that you can best see its essence by climbing up high and looking down. If you want to truly unlock the beauty of Guilin, you must miss the late autumn and it will be difficult to see it again.
Tips:
Best viewing period
mid-November
Elephant Trunk Hill
Located at the confluence of the Li and Taohua Rivers in downtown Guilin, it resembles a giant elephant. Between its trunk and legs is a circular hole measuring approximately 150 square meters, through which the river flows, resembling a bright moon floating on the water. The Elephant Mountain Water Moon on the west bank faces the Moon-Piercing Rock on the east bank, one suspended in the sky, the other floating on the water, creating the unique spectacle of the "Li River Double Moon."
Guilin Museum
The Guilin Museum is a Chinese history and art museum located in Xishan Park, Guilin, Guangxi. Planning began in 1964 and it opened in 1986. Its collection of over 21,500 artifacts is particularly renowned for its blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as artifacts from Guangxi's 11 ethnic minorities. Among the most valuable are the Ming Dynasty Three Friends of Winter Blue-and-White Covered Vase and the Sui Dynasty Four Gods Mirror. The latter, 21.4 cm in diameter, features four mythical beasts adorning its inner rim, the twelve zodiac animals, and four-petal flowers on its outer rim, along with a 40-character inscription.
Seven Star Park
Covering approximately 134.7 hectares and boasting 84% greenery, Qixing is Guilin's largest, most historic, and most diverse scenic area. Qixing embodies the profound history and culture of Guilin, showcasing a perfect fusion of nature and humanity. It epitomizes Guilin's landscape and culture, serving as the city's green lung. The culmination of Guilin's mountains, waters, caves, rocks, courtyards, architecture, and cultural relics, it epitomizes the essence of Guilin's landscape.
Daxu Ancient Town
Daxu Ancient Town is one of the "Four Major Towns" in ancient Guangxi. The ancient Daxu Old Street stretches for 2 kilometers along the Li River. The narrow street is paved with bluestone slabs, and there are well-preserved old houses on both sides of the stone road.
Airplane: Land at Guilin Liangjiang Airport and take a taxi to Siantou Village
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Guilin North Station and take a taxi to Siantou Village.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Si'antou Village"
{/tips}
This autumn, I have seen red leaves and ginkgo trees, but I have always been alone. Flowers bloom and leaves fall. Where is the person who accompanied you to see the autumn scenery last year?
