Nanjing's Stunning Autumn in December｜Xuanwu Sunset and Zhongshan's Secret Realm

🍂 Autumn in Jinling is like a palette spilled by the gods, half in the golden secret realm of Zhongshan, half in the gilded sunset of Xuanwu Lake. ⛰️ Autumn Concerto in Zhongshan This route feels like stepping into a layered autumn film. 🌲 Overture at Yanque Lake · Redwood Secret Realm The bald cypress forest by the water is at its peak, with rust red, orange-yellow, and the cool blue of the water intertwining. The reflections are like a painting, as tranquil as Monet’s brushstrokes. 🍂 Meiling Palace and the Phoenix Tree Avenue · Gilded Years If you come specifically for autumn colors, I recommend Meiling Palace. A 30 yuan ticket grants you a view overlooking the famous “Golden Necklace” — the circular phoenix tree avenue surrounding Meiling Palace. The historic feel of the building combined with the golden leaves outside the window is especially moving. 🌅 The Sunset Finale at Xuanwu Lake When the afternoon sun softens, be sure to head to Xuanwu Lake. Autumn here is grand and immersive. 🚶 Stroll Around the Lake, Collecting Colors Sweetgum and Chinese tallow trees dot the greenery by the lake, while dawn redwoods and bald cypresses by the water don their orange-red new coats. Every step is a scenic view. ☁️ Attend a Fire Cloud Feast Wait for a sunset at the “Ten-Mile Long Embankment” or “Waterfront Listening to the Wind.” As the sun sets, the entire sky and lake turn golden red, with the city skyline, Purple Mountain, and the Ming City Wall reflected in the water — a truly breathtaking sight. 📝 Route Suggestions Day 1 (Autumn Color Special): Early morning at Yanque Lake → Ming Xiaoling Stone Elephant Road (early visit) → Zhongshan Botanical Garden Red Maple Hill → Meiling Palace → Phoenix Tree Avenue on Lingyuan Road. Day 2 (Lake Light Sunset): Autumn viewing around Xuanwu Lake → Evening sunset watch. 🔽 Photography and Outfit Tips 📷 Photography: Yanque Lake is best in the early morning, with backlit redwoods glowing transparently; the half hour before sunset is the “golden hour” at Xuanwu Lake. 👕 Outfit: Recommend low-saturation colors like off-white, camel, oatmeal, paired with a scarf for warmth and style. Autumn’s charm is fleeting, but romance is priceless. Seize this last burst of brilliance and come to Nanjing to write your late autumn story. P1-4 Ginkgo at Liangzhou, Xuanwu Lake P5-6 Red Maples at Yingzhou, Xuanwu Lake P8 Redwoods at Yanque Lake P10-11 Sunset at Xuanwu Lake P12-13 Phoenix Tree Avenue in Nanjing