A Must-Collect Fallen Leaves Guide for Autumn in Changsha

When autumn arrives in Changsha, the leaves seem to have agreed to fall "rustling" down together. At this time, "collecting autumn" becomes the most atmospheric activity! The red maples of Yuelu Mountain, the fallen leaf carpet in Shawan Park, the autumn scenery by the river at Mopanzhou... Today, we've clearly uncovered the best spots in Changsha for collecting autumn leaves, packed with useful tips. Just follow along!

🌲 Yuelu Mountain: The "Autumn-Only Romance" Among Red Maple Leaves

When it comes to autumn scenery in Changsha, Yuelu Mountain’s red maples and fallen leaves must take center stage!

- Collecting spots: Around Aiwan Pavilion, the red maples are "madly red," with layers of red maple leaves piled on the ground. Pick a few to press in your book; next year when you open it, it will still smell like autumn. From Aiwan Pavilion heading to Yunlu Palace, the ginkgo leaves by the roadside are golden yellow, along with various other colorful fallen leaves—each one you pick is a "natural artwork."

- Extended activities: After hiking, head straight to Hunan University Snack Street for a bowl of stinky tofu and a bite of sugar oil rice cake. Carbs paired with autumn scenery will instantly boost your happiness!

- Practical info: Free admission! Take Metro Line 4 to "Hunan University Station," entering from the east gate is easier; the best time to collect autumn leaves is from late October to mid-November. If you go too early, the leaves aren’t fully red; if too late, you might only find bare branches.

🌿 Shawan Park: The "Fallen Leaf Secret Realm" in the City

Want to easily collect autumn leaves in the city? Shawan Park is a must-visit!

- Collecting spots: The fallen leaves on the central lawn are "soft," and stepping on them makes a "rustling" sound, like walking on a carpet. Walking along the paths, thick layers of leaves cover both sides, making every photo a "perfect autumn atmosphere shot."

- Extended activities: Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks, eat while collecting leaves on the lawn. If you have kids, you can teach them to identify leaves and have a "nature science class" at the same time.

- Practical info: Free entry! Directly accessible via Metro Line 2 "Shawan Park Station"; the park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes. There are benches to rest if you get tired.

🍂 Mopanzhou: The "Poetic Collision" of River Breeze and Autumn Leaves

Autumn at Mopanzhou has an added sense of openness from the Xiang River!

- Collecting spots: The fallen leaves in the island’s woods drift slowly down with the river breeze. Pick a leaf and stand by the Xiang River—river breeze plus autumn leaves equals "full autumn romance." There are also reed clusters paired with fallen leaves, giving a wild charm.

- Extended activities: Ride a shared bike along the Xiang River trail, enjoy the river breeze and autumn scenery on both banks. Watch the sunset in the evening; the orange-red sunset shining on the leaves is absolutely stunning!

- Practical info: Free admission! Get off at Metro Line 6 "Mopanzhou Station"; it’s recommended to go in the evening to combine leaf collecting with sunset watching for double the joy.

🍁 Orange Isle: The "Autumn Fairy Tale" in a Golden Tunnel

The ginkgo avenue on Orange Isle is a "golden paradise" in autumn!

- Collecting spots: When the ginkgo leaves on the avenue turn fully yellow, walking underneath feels like entering a "golden tunnel." Fallen leaves cover the ground, making every photo look like a "blockbuster scene."

- Extended activities: After visiting Orange Isle, head straight to Wuyi Square, a gathering place for Changsha’s food scene. Try tea shops like Chayan Yuese and the classic black stinky tofu... eat until you can barely stand!

- Practical info: Free admission! Get off at Metro Line 2 "Orange Isle Station"; if you’re tired, you can spend 20 yuan to ride the small train and easily tour the whole isle.

📌 Autumn Leaf Collecting Tips (Important!)

- Wear comfortable shoes! Collecting leaves means walking around a lot; uncomfortable shoes equal "asking for trouble."

- Bring a small bag to carry fallen leaves. Use them as bookmarks or decorations at home—your exclusive "autumn memory."

- Protect the environment! Only pick leaves from the ground, don’t pluck leaves from trees, and don’t damage the plants.

- Changsha’s autumn weather is changeable. Check the weather forecast before going out and bring a light jacket just in case.

Autumn in Changsha is hidden in every fallen leaf. Take advantage of the cool weather and come to these places to "collect autumn," packing Changsha’s autumn back home with you! Book a hotel in Changsha on Trip.com now and embark on an impromptu autumn leaf collecting trip~