The upcoming autumn in Nanjing is bursting with beauty!

📍 Top must-visit spots for maple viewing

1. Qixia Mountain (Undoubtedly the star of the show!)
🎯 Why go: One of China’s four top maple viewing destinations, with a dazzling variety of red leaves!
🕒 Best time: Late November to early December (perfect right now!)
🎯 Must-see spots: Maple Forest Lake, Red Leaf Valley, Qixia Temple, Lu Yu Tea House (the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking!)
🎫 Tickets: Around 40 RMB for adults (cheaper if bought in advance!)

2. Niushou Mountain (The Buddhist-style autumn viewing favorite)
🎯 Why go: The architecture of the Buddha Summit Palace on the peak is stunning, with autumn colors and Buddhist cultural vibes at their peak✨
🕒 Best time: Colors start changing from mid to late November
🎯 Highlights: Transparent glass walkway + colorful autumn forest, perfect for amazing photos!

3. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (History + autumn scenery double bonus)
🎯 Why go: The golden plane tree avenue is a cinematic masterpiece with every shot🎬
🕒 Best time: Mid to late November when the ginkgo trees turn their most stunning yellow
🎯 Note: Weekends are crowded, weekdays are more comfortable~

4. Xuanwu Lake Park (Great shots right in the city)
🎯 Why go: Liangzhou Ginkgo Avenue is gorgeous, and city transport is convenient
🕒 Best time: Mid to late November
🎯 Tip: Rent a small electric bike to circle the lake, easy and relaxing🚲

🎯 Handy tips for you!

👕 Outfit advice: Wear light or earth tones for better photos! Red or khaki against the maple background looks amazing~
📸 Photography tips:
- After 3 PM, the light is soft; backlighting makes leaves glow beautifully
- Use foreground blur to create depth (like branches + distant mountains)
- Bring small props (hat, scarf) to add atmosphere🧣
🚗 Transport tips:
- Qixia Mountain is easily accessible via Metro Line 7 + Bus 197
- If driving, go early as parking is tight on weekends⚠️
🍱 Food & drink recommendations:
- Confucius Temple Qinhuai Snack Street: Duck blood vermicelli soup, salted duck, osmanthus sugar taro shoots… perfect for snacking while strolling😋
- Many farmhouses near Qixia Mountain entrance offer local rustic dishes~

🧭 Summary: How to make the most of your trip?

🌟 Lazy route (1 day):
Morning at Qixia Mountain ➕ Afternoon at Xuanwu Lake or Niushou Mountain
🌟 In-depth route (2 days):
Day 1: Maple viewing at Qixia Mountain ➕ Night view at Confucius Temple
Day 2: Plane Tree Avenue at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum ➕ Stone Elephant Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
🌟 Family-friendly route:
Morning at Xuanwu Lake Ginkgo Avenue ➕ Afternoon shopping and snacking at Laomendong (kids won’t get tired)