Qingliangshan Park is truly the ultimate spot for autumn in Jinling!

Stop crowding Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum! The locals’ hidden treasure of autumn colors is right here 👇 📍 Location: Qingliangshan Park (Qingliangshan Road, Gulou District) 🚇 Transportation: Metro Line 2 Hanzhongmen Station, 10-minute walk 🎫 Admission: Free! Free! Free! ⏰ Best time: Mid to late November - early December 📸 Photo time: Early morning 8-10 AM / Afternoon 3-4 PM for stunning light and shadows ✨ Must-visit spots: 1⃣️ Ginkgo Valley "Jinling’s Number One Ginkgo" ▪️ Over 300-year-old ancient ginkgo tree with golden leaves covering the ground ▪️ Recommended to visit on weekday mornings to enjoy the entire golden sea ▪️ Stone paths + ginkgo leaf rain create an immersive atmosphere 2⃣️ Ruins of Chongzheng Academy ▪️ Ming Dynasty ancient architecture paired with red maples is breathtaking ▪️ Vermilion doors and windows contrast beautifully with golden ginkgo ▪️ The second-floor window frame is the best photo frame! 3⃣️ Maple Forest west of Saoye Tower ▪️ A hidden gem! The layers of maple leaves are incredibly rich ▪️ Orange, red, and yellow gradient looks like a spilled palette ▪️ Backlit maple leaves in the afternoon glow beautifully 4⃣️ Qingliang Temple gray walls and bamboo shadows ▪️ Simple gray walls highlight the vivid autumn leaves ▪️ The flickering bamboo shadows are so soothing ▪️ Perfect for shooting New Chinese style or Hanfu 📌 Secret photo spots: ▪️ Stone lantern at the southeast corner of Ginkgo Valley (great for overhead portraits) ▪️ Stone steps from the academy to Saoye Tower (amazing depth) ▪️ The crooked tree beside the tea garden (full of story) 🍂 Nearby extras: ▪️ Turn left out the gate to "Nanjing Normal University Suiyuan Campus" with classical architecture and plane tree avenue ▪️ Osmanthus cakes sold by a small cart at the park entrance are soft and not too sweet ▪️ 15-minute walk to "Xianfeng Bookstore" (Wutaishan branch) with must-see autumn-themed window displays 💡 Tips: ▫️ Early morning mist is the most Zen ▫️ Bring a kraft paper bag to collect fallen leaves (great for specimens) ▫️ Use a thick mat for picnics under the trees to avoid dampness “Every tree is autumn color, every mountain bathed in sunset glow” This is the autumn that even Li Bai once strolled through~