A look at the nine most popular Metasequoia forests in East China, including gameplay combinations and distribution maps.
Preface
As the cold winds blow, autumn draws to a close and winter begins. With the rise and fall of chlorophyll and anthocyanin, breathtaking "water forests"—metasequoia forests—have appeared in East China. Autumn is a season of vibrant colors, and these fiery red metasequoia forests are undoubtedly its most beautiful sights! Today, we've compiled East China's "Nine Most Internet-Celebrated Metasequoia Forests of the Year." As the autumn breezes pick up and the colors turn orange, red, and green, let's explore them!
Yuhang Dayu Valley
▲Autumn colors of pond cypress in Xiaotianmu + hiking▲
Dayu Valley is located in Yuhang District, Hangzhou, and is known as "Little Tianmu". Although it is not far from the center of Hangzhou, it still retains its original natural scenery.
Dayu Valley is at its best in autumn, with its fiery red metasequoia trees and golden rice paddies, creating a romantic rural scene. With rolling hills in the distance and shimmering waters up close, it's a perfect spot for weekend relaxation.
The valley is dotted with reservoirs, high mountains and low lakes, creating a tranquil and leisurely scene. Major attractions include the Niangniang Temple, the Sun Viewing Platform on the mountaintop, Baizhang Rock, the Immortal Cave, and the Changle Forest Farm.
▲Photographer: An Ru
Address: Dayu Valley, Yuhang Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou (next to Ganling Reservoir)
Admission: Free
Recommended activities: Climb to the top of Niangniang Mountain, hike in Changle Forest Farm, and enjoy the autumn scenery by strolling around Ganling Lake.
Lin'an Qingshan Lake
▲Nearly one million square meters of water forest▲
Qingshan Lake, located in Qingshan Town, Lin'an District, Hangzhou, is known as Lin'an's premier scenic spot. Along with West Lake and Qiandao Lake, it is one of Hangzhou's three major lakes. Qingshan Lake National Forest Park, one of Lin'an's new ten scenic spots, covers 10 square kilometers. Qingshan Lake boasts a rich history and well-developed landscapes. In late autumn, the lake's most notable attraction is the "Water Forest," a unique cedar tree that grows lushly in the water. In late autumn, the lake is shrouded in mist, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene reminiscent of a fairyland.
To the north of Qingshan Lake lies a rare water forest, nestled like a jewel amidst the emerald waters. A newly constructed green trail offers a relaxing stroll or bike ride by the lake, surpassing the hustle and bustle of West Lake.
▲Photo source: Lin'an Tourism
Address: Qingshanhu Street, Lin'an City, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province
Tickets: Qingshan Lake combined ticket (adult ticket) 250 yuan/ticket; including 140 yuan for the pleasure boat cruise and 150 yuan for the yacht cruise (including the cruise, water forest, and water forest adventure)
Recommended activities: Stroll along the green trail, enjoy the autumn scenery on a boat in Qingshan Lake, and admire the maple leaves in Zhinan Village.
Shangyu Shijing Reservoir
▲The most pristine water forest▲
While the Metasequoia forests of Siming Lake are renowned, this particular Metasequoia forest in Shangyu, Shaoxing, is relatively unknown. Spring-fed lakes are home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, and the swaying shadows of the Metasequoia trees in autumn make for a relaxing autumn hike, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Shijing Reservoir in Shangpu Town, Shangyu County, is a small reservoir surrounded by mountains and boasts minimal vegetation, creating a pristine and ecological experience. Coupled with the sparsely populated area, the lake, formed by mountain springs and streams, is crystal clear and azure, creating a unique landscape.
Tall, straight Metasequoia trees stand like a guard of honor, lining the path in rows, inviting you into a breathtaking autumn landscape. In autumn, the vast expanses of Metasequoia trees at Shijing Reservoir are ablaze with color, their attire ablaze with color. Egrets, accompanied by the setting sun, cast their rays through the Metasequoia trees, creating a breathtaking sunset. Grassland, Metasequoia, reservoir, and sunset combine to create a wondrous paradise on earth.
▲Photographer: Wen Xiaowen
Address: Shijing Village, Shangpu Town, Shangyu City, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province
Admission: Free
Recommended activities: hiking on the ancient trail + enjoying autumn scenery at the reservoir + taking drone photos
Yuyao Siming Lake
▲Zhejiang's most famous redwood forest▲
Siming Lake is known for its "ten miles of misty waters and nine heavenly caves, mountains hidden with spiritual beauty and waters shrouded in immortality." Its area is twice that of West Lake, and its reservoir capacity is 13 times that of West Lake. A monument on the lake reads "Pearl of Eastern Zhejiang."
With the arrival of autumn, the metasequoia trees begin to turn yellow and red, and the fallen leaves float on the shimmering water, shimmering in the sunlight, creating a beautiful scene. In early winter, the trees turn red, which is even more beautiful.
The Yanwo Ancient Trail has both emerald green bamboos and weathered and mottled bluestone slabs; it has both lakes and mountains reflecting each other, and a redwood forest standing quietly by the lake.
The entire route has mountains, water and ancient roads. It is a wonderful route with an excellent experience discovered by the outdoor community in Ningbo. The whole route is 6-7 kilometers long; so the two are a perfect combination of sightseeing methods.
Address: Liangnong Town, Yuyao City, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province
Admission: Free
Recommended activities: Hiking along the Bird's Nest Ancient Trail and enjoying the autumn scenery in the Metasequoia forest of Siming Lake.
Shaoxing Qiaoying Lake
▲Fiery red flowers blooming in the blue lake▲
Just how stunning is Xinchang's late autumn? Visit Qiaoying Lake to witness it. The Metasequoia forests surrounding the lake are shedding their green for a fiery crimson. As if by magic, the winding green corridors have transformed overnight into streaks of crimson, mirroring the vibrant beauty of today.
From the courtyard of Jugen Village, I strolled to the Yanwang Pavilion, then slowly down the steps to the reservoir. The afternoon sun danced like seven-colored swords through the Metasequoia trees of Qiaoying, creating a captivating spectacle of beauty and grandeur. The vast Metasequoia forests rose from the water to the sky, their vibrant hues of pale green, light red, deep crimson, and golden red interwoven, reflecting the rippling water. If you find Kanas in Xinjiang too far, this is a great alternative.
Address: Qiaoying Lake, Xinchang County, Shaoxing City (arriving in Xinchang, head towards Xiaojiang Qiaoying, take Provincial Highway 311, pass Dashiju and Xiaojiang Town to Qiaoying Lake)
Admission: Free
Recommended activities: Enjoy the 100-acre flower sea at Qincun Reservoir, admire the blue waters of Qiaoying Lake, and stroll through the Metasequoia forest to enjoy the autumn scenery and camp.
Nanjing Zhimaling
▲Nanjing's "Little Jiuzhaigou"▲
Zhimaling, also known as Zhimaling, is located in Zhuzhen, Liuhe District, Nanjing, adjacent to Changshan, Lai'an County, Anhui Province. It is the only forest in Nanjing that has not undergone any development. Its pond cypress forest is a popular online attraction, and the phrase "white egrets fly across vast paddy fields, and the clear waters of the lake are reflected across the landscape" perfectly describes the pond cypress forest.
The Metasequoia trees in Daquan Reservoir stand in the water, dotted with egrets. The sky is clear and quiet, outlining a Zen picture of "empty mountains and no one is seen".
This mysterious pond cypress forest offers stunning scenery year-round. From early spring to midwinter, the pond cypress trees are reflected in the clear lake, creating a picturesque scene amidst the mountains and forests. This pristine atmosphere invites you to slow down and savor the beauty of the wilderness.
Address: Zhu Town, Liuhe, Nanjing
Admission: Free
Recommended gameplay: A series of small autumn scenic spots: Qixia Mountain Back Mountain + Zhimaling Light Hike + Lianshan Grassland Game
Taizhou Lizhong Water Forest
▲There is water in the forest, there are fish in the water, there are birds in the forest▲
Lizhong Water Forest Park, located near Shunsheng Bridge on the Xingsha Highway, covers 1,050 mu (approximately 1,050 mu) of forest land. The current stock volume is 15,000 cubic meters, with an annual growth rate of 12%. Birds such as owls, wild ducks, egrets, black cuckoos, grass parakeets, and mountain sparrows can be seen everywhere, creating a unique waterside landscape characterized by "water within the forest, fish in the water, and birds within the forest."
Over 100,000 metasequoia, pond cypress, and other species have grown into this tall, dense, and vibrant water garden. In autumn, when the more than 100,000 fir trees in Lizhong Water Forest Park bloom in full bloom, the towering redwoods blend seamlessly with the Dutian landscape, creating a breathtaking beauty.
▲Photographer: Bard
Address: Lizhong Town, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province
Tickets: Adult ticket + raft: 80 yuan, free for children under 1.2 meters
Recommended activities: Visit and eat in Qintong Ancient Town, enjoy the autumn scenery on a boat in Lizhong Water Forest, and enjoy an autumn tour of Gaoyou Lake's reed marshes and crabbing on a boat.
Shaoxing-Xuedouling
▲The most popular Metasequoia forest in 2019▲
Xuedou Ridge, located in the Zhibukeng natural village of Zhutiantou Village, has become a viral hit on social media thanks to its stunning Metasequoia forest in autumn. Its unique peaks and rocks resemble a wild rock kingdom, while its flowing waterfalls and springs evoke the ancient Wuyue Trail.
▲Photographer: Kehang
Xuedouling, what a poetic and dreamy name; in autumn, the forest is full of colors, and the Metasequoia is red, which will definitely make your trip worthwhile!
Metasequoia Trail - Stroll along the Metasequoia Trail, where you can see the setting sun, the mini reservoir, and the mountains and stone kingdom. Every step you take brings you a different view, and the colors of autumn are vibrant.
▲Photographer: Xicheng
Address: Zhibukeng Village, Jidong District, Shaoxing
Admission: Free
Recommended activities: Hike the Xuedouling Ancient Trail (7km), cruise the Huiji Scenic Area, and admire the autumn redwoods at the Pingshuijiang Reservoir.
Xuancheng-Fangtang Metasequoia Forest
▲The well-deserved name "Kanas in Southern Anhui"▲
Fangtang, located in western Ningguo City, upstream of the beautiful Qinglongwan Reservoir, is surrounded by mountains and boasts beautiful scenery, making it a prime example of an agricultural and ecologically sound town. In autumn, the Bald Cypress Wetland Park is Fangtang's most striking sea of red. Just a bamboo leaf canopy, and you can wander in a red dreamscape, creating a fairytale-like world in every photo.
Hidden in the beautiful mountains and waters of "Kanas in Southern Anhui", more than 2,000 acres of redwood forest grows densely in the water, contrasting with the broad green water surface. The best way to visit is to travel through the redwood forest on a bamboo raft, allowing you to wander around the redwood forest and experience its most primitive appearance up close.
▲Photographer: Zhang Li
Above the bamboo raft, lush redwoods float on the lake; below, the rippling water stirs the redwoods' roots. Their shadows are reflected on the emerald green lake, creating a breathtaking spectacle of reflection.
Address: Qinglongwan Original Ecological Tourism Resort, Ningguo, Xuancheng, Anhui
Admission: Free
Recommended activities: Visit Shanshui Old Street, visit Shanshui Cave Rock Carvings, visit the "318 Sky Road" in Southern Anhui, and enjoy the autumn scenery on a boat trip to Fangtang Water Forest.
Metasequoia Forest Encyclopedia
Why does Metasequoia turn red?
The chlorophyll in leaves typically breaks down with the arrival of autumn, and nutrients are redistributed to the trunk and roots to help the tree survive the winter months of scarce sunlight. As the leaves lose their chlorophyll, the yellow carotenoids they already contain become visible, which is why some trees' leaves turn yellow in autumn. The red color of leaves is primarily caused by anthocyanins, pigments that are typically produced in leaves only in autumn.
Types of Metasequoia
In East China, ornamental metasequoia trees are broadly divided into three categories: metasequoia, pond cypress, and baldcypress. The easiest way to distinguish them is by color: pond cypress turns orange-red before shedding its leaves; baldcypress turns reddish-brown before shedding its leaves; and metasequoia is a pure red before shedding its leaves.
Metasequoia's preferences
Metasequoia has strong adaptability, prefers humidity and grows fast. It is commonly found in mountainous areas and beside lakes. Yuhang in Zhejiang, Xinchang and Shangyu in Shaoxing, Linhai in Taizhou, Anji in Huzhou, and Ningguo in southern Anhui all have secret Metasequoia forests, and more places are waiting for us to discover.
When Metasequoia is most beautiful
Maple, cotinus, Chinese tallow tree, birch, Pistacia chinensis, Metasequoia, lacquer tree, maple, and elm will all turn yellow and red in autumn; early November to mid-to-early December is the best time to view Metasequoia forests. The viewing period of Metasequoia varies in different regions and altitudes.
Photographer: Mr. Gan
Conclusion
The beauty of a Metasequoia forest lies in its layers and colors; the allure of travel lies in the journey, in the unknown. We often let the future stretch on, exhausting our remaining lives, never realizing that real life is right before our eyes. Let's set out together, seize the tail end of autumn, and witness the romance of early winter!
