Nanjing Autumn Roaming Guide | Encounter the Most Beautiful Autumn in Jinling

When the first tallow tree leaf turns caramel, Nanjing quietly dons its autumn finery. This city, known as "Jinling," hides the romance of autumn in the shadow of its city walls, beside ancient temples, and amidst its lakes and mountains. Every spot is as beautiful as a painting stepped out of a poem. No need to chase the crowds; follow this autumn roaming guide to unlock 18 hidden autumn spots in Nanjing, etching Jinling's autumn, frame by frame, into your memory. 🍂 Early November · Autumn's First Bloom, Encountering the Earliest Autumn 1. Botanical Garden South Park · Crescent Dyke: The morning mist drifts over the lake, and the reflections of tallow trees gently sway in the water. This is where Nanjing's earliest autumn is hidden. Navigate to "Qianhu Pavilion," and every shot is an atmospheric masterpiece. 2. Mochou Lake Park · Mochou Calligraphy and Painting Academy: The vermilion pavilions and golden tallow trees complement each other, as if traveling through a thousand years to encounter the poetic imagery of "the east wind sets off a thousand trees of flowers" from ancient writings. The autumn charm in early November is the gentlest. 🍂 Mid-November · Forests Ablaze, Autumn Scenery Reaches Its Peak 3. Laomendong · Yin Xing Film City: In the ancient alleyways with white walls and black tiles, a tallow tree grows freely. Red and yellow leaves fall on the bluestone slabs, and the moment the shutter clicks, it's a Jiangnan ink painting. 4. Xuanwu Lake · Xuanwu Gate: The 600-year-old Ming City Wall stands silently, while the tallow trees beside it put on their grand attire. The weight of history collides with the vibrancy of autumn, and every frame is the romance of time. 5. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Gate 5 · Stone Elephant Road: Known as the "most beautiful 600-meter sacred way," Stone Elephant Road is now a riot of colors: ginkgo yellow, maple red, tallow orange. Strolling along it feels like stepping into an oil painting. 6. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Gate 5 · Internet-famous bridge: The 7:30 AM sun shines through the gaps in the plane tree leaves, casting Tyndall effect light on the bridge. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, encounter the most healing moment of autumn. 7. Linggu Temple: Ascend Linggu Pagoda to overlook the entire city of Jinling. The autumn forests on the mountains are layered, with red, yellow, and green interwoven, painting Nanjing in autumn like a palette. 8. Liuhui Pavilion: The lake water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the colorful autumn forests on the shore. A gentle breeze ripples the surface, as if God spilled paint, splashing the romance of autumn here. 🍂 Late November · Golden Paths, Autumn Charm at Its Zenith 9. Bo'ai Garden Lawn: Standing on the lawn, looking into the distance, Plane Tree Avenue is like a golden necklace, gently encircling Meiling Palace. The "Plane Tree Necklace" in late November is Nanjing's most stunning autumn landmark. 10. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum · Music Stage: White doves circle above the richly colored autumn forests. The crisp cooing of the doves intertwines with the sound of the autumn wind, romantic and healing—a limited-edition autumn romance unique to Nanjing. 11. Six Dynasties Museum: A window frames the entire autumn. Golden ginkgo leaves reflect indoors through the window. History and autumn scenery merge here, becoming Nanjing's most artistic autumn photo spot. 12. Paleontology Museum · Science Cafe: Sitting in the cafe, you can gaze at the autumn scenery of Jiming Temple through the window. The red walls and black tiles complement the golden leaves. Avoid the crowds and quietly feel the autumn charm of the ancient temple. 🍂 End of November · Ginkgo Gilded, The City Adorned in Golden Armor 13. Pilu Temple: Red walls reflecting ginkgo is Nanjing's most classic autumn scene. Sunlight filters through the golden ginkgo leaves, spilling onto the vermilion palace walls, creating an immersive ancient atmosphere. 14. Xuanwu Lake · Liangzhou Island: Liangzhou's Ginkgo Avenue is already a sea of gold. Fallen leaves form a golden carpet, rustling underfoot—the most healing sound of autumn. 15. Chaotian Palace: Red walls, glazed tiles, and golden ginkgo trees complement each other, giving it the charm of a "mini Forbidden City." Strolling through it feels like being in a royal garden, experiencing the solemnity and elegance of autumn. 🍂 Early December · Maple Red Like Fire, Overture to Autumn's End 16. Qixia Mountain: As one of China's four great maple viewing spots, Qixia Mountain in early December is covered in red maples. The fiery red maple leaves burn like flames, bringing the intensity of autumn to a climax. 17. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Gate 3 · Yanque Lake: The bald cypress forest gradually changes from orange-yellow to fiery red, reflecting in the clear lake water, resembling a "red forest on water." Every photo taken here looks like a blockbuster. 18. Botanical Garden North Park · Red Maple Ridge: If you don't want to travel far, come to Red Maple Ridge in Botanical Garden North Park. Large swathes of red maples grow freely, creating the most intense autumn colors without any filters. From early November to mid-to-late December, Nanjing's autumn tells the romance of Jinling with a grand feast of colors. While autumn is in full swing, take this list and go encounter Nanjing's limited-edition autumn beauty.