AS northern China enters late autumn, people in the north begin to wear their winter clothes in order to escape the cold. However, weather conditions in Guangdong Province flip-flop from summer to autumn back and forth. It seems that autumn is still a ways off.

    Guangdong is known for only having summer and winter, rather than having the traditional four seasons a year. However, to tell you a secret, a beautiful autumn can really be found in one place in Guangdong and that place is Shaoguan.

    Known as the hometown of the ginkgo tree, Nanxiong in Shaoguan lies at the lowest latitude of ginkgo’s natural growth region.

    From every mid-November to early December, ginkgoes in Nanxiong begin to change color.

    There are 18 towns covering the yellow ginkgo trail, including Pingtian, Youshan, Maozifeng and Zhutian.

    Maozifeng Forest Park

    Maozifeng forest is known as “the small Jiuzhaigou in Guangdong” not only for its colorful tree leaves in the forest and clear waters, but also for its warm golden color in autumn from the gingko trees.

    Golden leaves slowly drop down from the trees. Some of the leaves cluster, some scatter. The beauty of the ginkgo is so dazzling that strolling in the forest is just like walking in an oil painting. Winds blow and leaves fly like golden butterflies coming from the heaven.

    Entry is free.

    Add: Fangkeng Village, Maozifeng Town, Nanxiong, Shaoguan

    Transportation: Shenzhen — Beijing, Hong Kong and Macao Espressway — Guangle Expressway — Shaoguan Expressway (S10) — Provincial Road 342

    Junyingzhai

    Junyingzhai occupies the highest elevations of Pingtian Village. There are several ginkgo trees, a small pond and a few old cabins still well-preserved in the village.

    Add: Junyingzhai, Pingtian Village, Nanxiong

    Transportation: Take the train from Shenzhen to Shaoguan or Nanxiong. And then take a motorbike to the bus station. Finally, take the bus to Pingtian

    Fengwu Village

    In Fengwu Village, you can see a peaceful picture of white clouds, countryside paths, golden ginkgo forests, old-fashioned alleys and rustic houses.

    Hidden in the mountains, there are only a few families still living in Fengwu Village. Every morning, as the sun rises over the golden ginkgo trees and old cabins, the view is so quiet and beautiful that you’ll find yourself losing yourself in the moment.

    Add: Fengwu Village, Pingtian Town, Nanxiong

    Transportation: Leguang Expressway — Ganshao Expressway — Zhuji Overpass — Ruilin Road — X342 — S342 — X343 (A Ding)