Strolling through Hunan University, encountering the beauty of Osmanthus fragrans

In the golden autumn season, Hunan University seems to have been doused with a bottle of natural perfume overnight, as the entire campus is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of osmanthus flowers. Among them, the two osmanthus trees in front of the Yushu Building at Yuelu Academy have become the focal point, attracting countless tourists and photography enthusiasts.

The golden poetic charm in front of the Yushu Building
- **Ancient architectural backdrop**: As a millennium-old academy, Yuelu Academy features blue tiles, white walls, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters, full of historical weight. The Yushu Building stands solemnly in the courtyard, witnessing the passage of time. The two osmanthus trees are like guardians of the Yushu Building, their golden flowers complementing the rustic architecture, creating a picturesque and poetic scene.
- **Fragrance filling the air**: When the osmanthus blooms, the flowers are small and exquisite but emit a strong fragrance. A gentle breeze carries the scent, intoxicating visitors. Tourists stop to close their eyes and enjoy this rare aroma, repeatedly exclaiming "So fragrant," as if all worries vanish in that moment.
- **Interplay of light and shadow**: Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled light and shadows on the osmanthus and the ground. The golden flowers sparkle in the light like twinkling stars, adding a lively beauty to the scene. Whether taking close-ups of the osmanthus or using the flowers as a foreground to photograph the Yushu Building, the photos will be exceptionally beautiful.

Travel photography tips
- **Best time to shoot**: It is recommended to choose early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and colors are warm, adding a romantic atmosphere to photos. Also, avoid peak holiday crowds to better capture your desired shots.
- **Outfit suggestions**: You can choose plain-colored Hanfu or qipao to blend with the antique surroundings, creating a feeling of traveling through a thousand years; or opt for simple modern casual wear to show youthful vitality.
- **Shooting angles**: Stand in front of the Yushu Building with the osmanthus as the background to take full-body or half-body portraits, showcasing the harmony between people and scenery; crouch down and shoot the osmanthus from a low angle to highlight the lush flowers; you can also use light and shadow to capture the osmanthus shadows cast on the ground or walls, adding interest to your photos.

Post by Molly~Hayes | Oct 14, 2025