Suzhou and Hangzhou 4-Day Autumn Viewing Guide: Red Maples, Osmanthus, and Reed Flowers All in One Go, Every Day Like a Classical Painting

November in Suzhou and Hangzhou is like a spilled autumn palette—Suzhou’s red maples dye the gardens, the sweet scent of osmanthus fills the streets; Hangzhou’s reed flowers lightly cover Xixi Wetland, and autumn sunlight bathes West Lake. This 4-day dual-city itinerary immerses you in the passionate and gentle autumn of Jiangnan.

Day 1: Suzhou · Red Maples Reflecting Taihu Lake, Osmanthus Fragrance Fills Tiger Hill

- Morning: Tianping Mountain Maple Viewing (Suzhou’s Autumn Highlight)
Climb the 29 steep steps of the “One Line Sky” trail to the top “Maple Viewing Terrace” to overlook the mountains covered in red maples—80% of the leaves have turned golden red, paired with the shimmering Taihu Lake in the distance, creating a scene as vibrant as a palette. Don’t forget to find the “Qianlong Imperial Inscription,” where the inscription’s shadow blends with the red leaves, full of cultural atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Tiger Hill Golden Autumn Osmanthus Market
Stroll through the osmanthus-themed stalls under the pagoda, sip on a freshly picked osmanthus “Osmanthus Latte” (cup features Tiger Hill Pagoda pattern), and enjoy warm osmanthus sugar taro. You can also watch artisans carve osmanthus seed pendants, taking the autumn charm home with you.

Day 2: Suzhou · Gardens Hide Autumn’s Charm, Evening Tour to Savor Elegance

- Morning: Canglang Pavilion for Lesser-Known Autumn Scenery
The “Hall of Five Hundred Worthies” in the east courtyard is a must-visit spot, with stone carvings reflecting the red maples outside the window, showcasing the beauty of seal, clerical, regular, and running scripts. Walk along the “Covered Corridor” to enjoy double-sided autumn views: outside, Feng Creek reflects autumn willows; inside, rockeries surround red maples. Walking with an umbrella on rainy days adds poetic charm.
- Afternoon: Master of Nets Garden for Leisurely Autumn Enjoyment
The “Moon and Wind Pavilion” offers a brilliant borrowed view, with red maples swaying beside Taihu stones and blue sky overhead—perfect for taking classical-style photos. Spend 10 yuan on a cup of Biluochun tea, sit in the pavilion listening to the autumn wind sweep fallen leaves, feeling utterly relaxed.

Day 3: Hangzhou · West Lake Autumn Ride, Lingyin Temple Zen Autumn

- Morning: Yang Gong Causeway for West Lake Autumn Scenery
Stroll along Yang Gong Causeway, see autumn willows turning yellow and phoenix trees casting shadows, pass “Yuhu Bay” to photograph autumn reflections on the lake. Take a boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, check in at the “1 RMB banknote” autumn scene, where the water and sky blend into a gentle, healing picture.
- Afternoon: Lingyin Temple to Savor Zen Autumn Flavor
Reservation required! Lingyin Temple’s red walls reflect red leaves, incense lingers, and you can still smell the faint osmanthus fragrance. Climb Feilai Peak to see millennium-old stone carvings, with scattered red maples hidden in the crevices. Enjoy a cup of “Lingyin Zen Tea” to fully embrace the autumn mountain forest atmosphere.

Day 4: Hangzhou · Xixi Reed Flowers, Longjing Autumn Tea

- Morning: Xixi Wetland to Explore Autumn Secrets
Ride a punt boat through the “Reed Flower Marsh,” where vast white reed flowers sway in the wind, resembling “flying reed flower snow.” At “Yanshui Fisherman’s Village,” photograph the water forest with red maples, reeds, and clear water in one frame, easily filling your phone’s memory.
- Afternoon: Longjing Village to Experience Autumn Tea Fun
Head to Longjing Village at the foot of Shifeng Mountain, pick autumn tea leaves by hand, drink freshly brewed new tea at a farmhouse, and buy authentic West Lake Longjing tea to bring the taste of Hangzhou’s autumn home.

Autumn Viewing Tips

- Best Time: Mid to late November (Suzhou’s red maples are most vibrant, Hangzhou’s reed flowers are at their peak; miss it and you’ll have to wait a year).
- Outfit Suggestions: Light white, beige, or pale blue tops paired with red or khaki scarves for non-clashing, bright photos with autumn scenery.
- Reservation Reminder: Lingyin Temple and Master of Nets Garden night tours require booking 3 days in advance to avoid disrupting your schedule.

Exploring Suzhou and Hangzhou’s autumn scenery in 4 days makes you truly understand the saying “Jiangnan’s autumn is a must-remember”—the passion of red maples, the sweet freshness of osmanthus, and the gentleness of reed flowers are the unique romance of Jiangnan’s autumn.