The hottest destination of the trip: Suzhou
by Chengchichi
Sep 8, 2025
It is said that autumn in Suzhou is like a palette spilled by God. From late November to early December, the whole city is soaked in the red of maple leaves and the yellow of ginkgo. This seven-day autumn viewing route will take you into the most authentic late autumn in Jiangnan.
🍂 Autumn Color Viewing Guide
· Best time: Late November - Early December
· Important tip: The best time to see ginkgo is slightly earlier than maple leaves
· Dawn redwood season: Mid-December is perfect for visiting Dushu Lake and Tiger Hill Wetland Park to see the colorful forests
📷 Must-visit photo spots
· Humble Administrator’s Garden: Pavilions and red leaves complement each other, with a new scene at every step
· Beisi Pagoda: Ancient pagoda with ginkgo trees, perfect for composition
· Huanxiu Villa, Yipu Garden: Lesser-known gardens where autumn colors feel more tranquil
· Xiyuan Temple: Ancient temple with yellow walls and zen-like maple shadows
· Twin Pagodas and Wu Zuoren Art Museum: A blend of cultural atmosphere and autumn colors
🗺 Seven-day leisurely route
· Day 1 West City Zen Line
Tongjing North Road → Xiyuan Temple → Lingering Garden → Fengqiao Road (can also visit Hanshan Temple)
· Day 2 Ancient City Highlights Line
Beisi Pagoda → Humble Administrator’s Garden (nearby you can visit Suzhou Museum, Lion Grove Garden, Pingjiang Road)
· Day 3 Half-day at Tiger Hill
Recommended to spend half a day slowly savoring the autumn charm of Wu Zhong’s top mountain
· Day 4 Ginkgo Theme Day
Dinghui Temple → Twin Pagodas → Phoenix Street → Shizi Street → Daoqian Street (Golden Avenue)
· Day 5 Hidden Garden Exploration
Huanxiu Villa → Yipu Garden → Yiyuan Garden → Guanqian Street
· Day 6 Tianping Maple Viewing
Tianping Mountain → Shoutao Lake (nearby Lingyan Mountain and Tianchi Mountain are also optional)
· Day 7 Fusion of Modernity and Nature
Shili Xietang → Red Maple Forest Scenic Area (can be paired with modern landmarks around Jinji Lake)
✨ Thoughtful Tips
· It’s best to visit gardens early or late to avoid crowds and capture the morning or evening light
· Wear comfortable shoes; Suzhou’s autumn is perfect for slow walking and deep appreciation
· Remember to bring your camera; every frame is a memory worth keeping of Jiangnan
This autumn, you must take a trip to Jiangnan.
Among Suzhou’s pavilions and towers,
collect a cup full of autumn spirit.
Post by AEQ. Abby 2093 | Oct 26, 2025

















