Gaoyou Must-Visit in Autumn and Winter! Beautiful Scenery Heals and Fewer Crowds

Who knew! Gaoyou in autumn and winter is so charming 🍂 Without the crowds of peak season, there are only golden reeds, ancient architecture with hidden charm, and even the wind carries a warm, cozy vibe. It’s perfect to escape the hustle and bustle here on weekends~ We've compiled a comprehensive list of autumn and winter attractions, follow it and you won’t go wrong!

🌾 Natural Scenery (Stunning in Autumn and Winter)
Gaoyou Lake Reed Wetland Park
The "Reed Wonderland" from October to December! Golden reeds ripple like waves 🌊 in the wind. Riding a wooden boat through them, with reed flowers brushing your shoulders, is super romantic. In the morning, you can watch the spectacular flight of wild geese, and at dusk, catch the sunset over the canal, with the afterglow scattering like gold on the lake surface ✨. You can also enjoy freshly caught lake delicacies, and the autumn and winter hairy crabs are full of rich yellow roe 🦀 (ticket + boat combo is more cost-effective).

Zhuhu Town
A must-try in autumn and winter: kayaking in the water forest 🚣‍♀️! Paddle through golden reeds, every snap looks like a cinematic masterpiece. At Deer Island, you can feed sika deer 🦌, just like the experience in Nara~ At sunset, visit the windmill tower, where the shimmering lake and Dutch-style windmill create a perfect atmosphere.

Qingshuitan
In autumn, the dawn redwoods turn red against the clear water, and paddling a canoe through the forest is incredibly healing 🍁. In winter, you can soak in the silicate hot springs, wrapped in a blanket stargazing at night—so cozy! You might also spot egrets in the wetlands, adding to the ecological vibe.

🏮 Cultural and Historical Sites (More Comfortable to Visit Exhibits in Autumn and Winter)
Yucheng Post Station
A living fossil of a Ming Dynasty post station! The blue brick road is covered with ginkgo leaves 🍂. Climb the drum tower to overlook the canal, and in the autumn breeze, you can almost hear the hoofbeats of ancient post riders. You can send slow mail with special postmarks, and visit the nearby Philatelic Museum to learn more. It’s quiet and great for photos.

Zhenguo Temple Pagoda
A Tang Dynasty ancient pagoda on the canal’s heart island, with red walls and withered lotus in autumn and winter, full of Zen vibes. It’s perfect for watching the sunset 🌇, with the pagoda’s shadow slanting on the water—no filter needed for ancient-style photos. The temple’s free-roaming rabbits aren’t afraid of people, so you get double joy from petting rabbits and enjoying the scenery.

Wang Zengqi Memorial Hall
Escape the warm winter inside the "Seven Stacks of Manuscripts"! See original manuscripts, tour the restored study, and read "The Dragon Boat Festival Duck Eggs" with a cup of hot tea ☕. Outside, the old houses in Zhujia Alley emit the aroma of cured meats, full of autumn and winter life vibes—an essential spot for artsy youth.

Gaoyou in autumn and winter offers both poetic nature and warm culture. You can spend two or three days here without repeating experiences~ We recommend wearing light-colored clothes for photos and bringing a thick coat for warmth in the morning and evening. Quickly invite your friends for this healing journey!