Jiangnan is an area south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including the Yangtze Delta. Its rivers, bridges, ancient townships, folk customs and beautiful natural scenery have always served as inspiration for traditional Chinese painters. Late autumn and early winter scenes in Jiangnan are as romantic as they are in the other seasons. Here are more recommended places for you.Hongfeng Ancient Road,

    Zhejiang Province

    Located near Wenzhou City, Hongfeng Ancient Road in Wencheng County is known as “the most beautiful autumn scene in Zhejiang Province.”

    At present, there are more than 60 mountain ridges in the county, all with well-preserved ancient maple trees. It is said that there are more than 3,000 ancient maple trees in total. The ridges surround the county, and different ridges have different styles and scenes. The major ridges include Dahui Ridge, Tailing Ridge, Yan’an Ridge, Longchuan Ridge, Songlong Ridge and Limaolei Ridge. Among these, Dahui Ridge is the most popular.

    Dahui Ridge, located in Lingjiao Village, used to be the most important road connecting Wencheng to the outside world. The ancient roads and other facilities were first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Compared to the other ridges, it has the best-preserved ancient stone roads and the largest number of ancient buildings. The road is about 5 kilometers long, with many ancient trees and bamboo woods along the way. There are also many pavilions and temples that date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

    Late autumn is the best time to see the trees in red flames.

    Other recommended places in the neighboring area include Feiyun Lake, Tongling Mountain National Forest Park, Huxue Lake, and Liuji Temple.

    Transport: Fly to Hangzhou or Wenzhou from Shenzhen airport, and take a coach to the county.Zhexi Tianchi,

    Zhejiang Province

    Located in Daxiagu Township (Grand Canyon Township) in Lin’an City, Zhexi Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, is a major attraction in Qingliang Peak Nature Reserve Area and Zhexi Grand Canyon.

    The lake is situated on the top of Qingliang Peak, which is about 1,140 meters above sea level and covers an area of 567 square kilometers.

    The mountain lake scene is magnificent, with a large number of colorful trees in autumn, strange rocks and the Grand Canyon. In ancient times, it was one of the “10 best scenes in Tangchang.”

    Tianchi is not just about beautiful natural resources, it is also a reserve for wild spotted deer. Places such as Wushi Beach and Leliqi Peak are great places to see these protected creatures.

    Zhaojun Rock is another recommended spot in the neighboring area. It is located at about 1,430 meters above sea level, ideal for watching the sunrise. When weather permits, you can see Hangzhou from the top of the peak.

    Transport: Fly to Hangzhou and take a coach to Lin’an.Maohuo Village,

    Zhejiang Province

    Maohuo Village in Yinzhou, Zhejiang Province, is known as the “No.1 village for ancient trees in eastern Zhejiang Province.”

    The small village gains its name from the shape of the thatches that grow around the village.

    There are more than 90 ancient trees that are at least 400 years old in the village, including gingkoes, golden larches, Chinese torreys and maple trees. The most famous tree is a 500-year-old golden larch, which is known as the “crown of the trees.” In the fall, the small village becomes a sea of colorful leaves.

    The village is also an ideal place to experience a quiet and traditional lifestyle since most of the villagers still live like their great-great-grandparents. All of their daily routines revolve around the trees. In the evening, the elderly like to play cards under the trees while their grandchildren run around them.

    Recommended places in the neighboring area include Zhougongzhai Water Reservoir, Tengtuo Village and Xiao Putuo Scenic Spot.

    Transport: Fly to Ningbo from Shenzhen airport, and take a taxi to the village.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)