Stumbling into a Fairytale World, Qingshan Park's Three-Color Healing Journey:
by Cook-~Aria-73
Oct 15, 2025
I. Three Must-See Autumn Wonders: Capturing Autumn Scenery in Different Hues
1. Ginkgo Avenue · Golden Feast: The park's core area for enjoying autumn, with the best viewing period from mid-November to early December. Nearly a hundred ginkgo trees line the pathway, their golden leaves covering the ground, complemented by red brick walls and lake views on both sides. When the midday sun shines through the branches and leaves, speckles of light intertwine with the golden hues, creating an 'Autumn Golden Tunnel,' making it the top choice for portrait and landscape photography.
2. Sweetgum Forest Area · Crimson Burning Autumn: Located next to a small hill in the central part of the park, mainly featuring sweetgum trees and palmate maples. It starts to turn red in late October and reaches its peak in November. The leaves gradually change from light red to deep crimson, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding evergreen vegetation. Climbing the small hill for a panoramic view, you can see the full 'forest ablaze with color' scenery. In the evening, illuminated by the sunset, the leaves appear even more vibrant.
3. Lakeside Metasequoia · Brown Charm Secret Realm: Distributed along the west bank of the artificial lake, from mid-to-late November to December, the metasequoia leaves gradually turn ancient bronze-brown. Wooden boardwalks are set up within the forest, allowing you to walk deep inside and see the dappled light and shadows formed by the sun shining through the metasequoia branches and leaves on the ground. The lake reflects the graceful silhouettes of the metasequoias, making every casual shot a 'forest-themed autumn blockbuster,' quiet and healing.
II. One-Day In-Depth Tour Route: Efficiently Connecting Three Beautiful Sights
Morning: Unlocking the Three-Color Autumn Scenery (9:00-12:00)
1. Enter from the park's South Gate and head straight to 'Ginkgo Avenue.' The light is soft at this time, perfect for close-up shots of ginkgo trees and group photos;
2. Walk north along Ginkgo Avenue, passing through the 'Sweetgum Forest Area.' First, enjoy and photograph the sweetgum trees along the forest path, then climb the small hill for a panoramic view of the entire park's autumn scenery, capturing the 'red, yellow, and green interwoven' autumn tableau;
3. After descending the hill, proceed along the lakeside path to check out the 'Lakeside Metasequoia.' Photograph the reflections of the metasequoias on the boardwalk and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the forest.
Noon: Local Food Refuel (12:00-13:30)
From the park's West Gate, walk 10 minutes to 'Jianshe 2nd Road Snack Street.' Two types of food are recommended:
- Wuhan specialty snacks: Hot dry noodles (paired with egg wine), and paste soup noodles with fried dough sticks. You can get a full meal for about 15 RMB per person;
- Main meal option: The nearby 'Hubei Cuisine Restaurant.' Order a pork rib and lotus root soup (seasonal in autumn) + steamed Wuchang fish. Around 50 RMB per person to experience authentic Hubei flavors.
Afternoon: Leisure Extension and Riverside Sunset (14:00-17:30)
1. Return to the park after your meal. You can rest at 'Osmanthus Garden' (osmanthus fragrance lingers from late October to early November), enjoying the scent of osmanthus and lake views to relieve the morning's walking fatigue;
2. At 15:30, depart from the park's East Gate and walk 5 minutes to Qingshan Riverside Park. There are also metasequoia forests distributed along the riverside, allowing for an extended autumn viewing experience while waiting for the sunset;
3. After 16:30, near the 'San Gong Square' at the riverside, watch the sunset over the Yangtze River, capturing the metasequoias and the Erqi Yangtze River Bridge in the same frame, preserving the stunning moment of an 'autumn riverside sunset.' The trip concludes around 17:30.
III. Practical Tips: Making Your Autumn Viewing Smoother
- Best Time: Mid-November to early December. At this time, ginkgo, sweetgum, and metasequoia are all at their best viewing period; miss it and you'll have to wait a year;
- Transportation Advice: Prioritize the subway. Take Line 5 to 'Jianshe 2nd Road Station,' exit C, and walk 8 minutes to the South Gate. Avoid driving (parking spaces are tight on holidays);
- Equipment Reminder: Wear comfortable sports shoes (requires walking + climbing hills), pair with light-colored clothing (contrasts with the rich autumn colors for better photos), bring a camera, power bank. The riverside can be windy in the evening, so bring a light jacket;
- Notes: The park is free to enter (8:30-18:00). Please do not pick flowers or litter. Weekends can be crowded, so it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours, from 9-11 AM.
Post by Cook-~Aria-73 | Oct 15, 2025













