SHENZHEN in the fall is an unexpected floral fiesta, proving that this city is always full of wonderful surprises. Why wait? Grab your camera, pick a spot, and dive into the city’s most stunning floral spectacles!

Xili Lake Greenway (Ecological Corridor)

First stop is the Xili Lake Greenway (Ecological Corridor), where a sea of purple and pink has officially taken over. Vast swaths of swaying salvia flowers create a dreamlike, romantic landscape that feels straight out of a fairy tale. This autumnal fantasy is on display until mid-November, giving you plenty of time to witness its magic.

To capture that perfect, jaw-dropping shot for your social media, opt for light-colored clothing that will pop against the purple backdrop. And don’t forget the sunscreen! A word of caution: The stone paths by the stream can be slippery, so sensible footwear is a must. Most importantly, let’s all be good stewards of this beauty — admire with your eyes and lens, but please don’t pick the flowers or pitch a tent.

Transport: Metro Line 7 to Xili Lake Station (西丽湖站), Exit B, then an 800-meter walk to the Hubin Park entrance. Follow the greenway towards Xieyi Sanhe for about 3 kilometers.

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: Free! No reservation needed, though visiting on a weekday is a smart move for a more tranquil experience.

Heads up: Shared bikes are a no-go in the park on weekends.

Liuhuashan Park

Ready for a sweet treat for the eyes? Tucked away in Liuhuashan Park is a sprawling 10,000-square-meter “pink dream”! Here, nearly 8,000 Mussaenda philippica (or Pink Paper Fan flowers) are in full, glorious bloom. Their soft petals cluster together, resembling fluffy cotton candy from a distance and delicate little fans up close.

The best part? This pink paradise has an exceptionally long blooming season, lasting all the way through November. So there’s no need to rush! You can pick a perfectly clear day and bask in the rosy glow. The park’s designers have artfully mixed in white and orange varieties.

Transport: Metro Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit M, and walk 1.6 km, or take bus M519/M347 to the Nanshan District Administrative Service Hall stop and walk 743 meters.

Cost: Completely free, with no reservation required

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Who knew a parking lot could be this gorgeous? The multi-story parking garage at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden has been completely taken over by a cascade of Bougainvillea. The vibrant flowers spill over the railings for six floors, transforming a mundane structure into a magnificent, flowing “pink waterfall.” From afar, it’s a spectacular wall of color; up close, you’re enveloped in a tunnel of blossoms.

Bougainvillea is a generous bloomer in Shenzhen, gracing the city with waves of color 2-3 times a year. Your current chance to catch this spectacle is during the October-December season.

Photo spot: The parking garage at the South Gate of Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Luohu District

Transport: Metro Line 8 to Xianhu Road Station (仙湖路站), Exit C3, and walk about 900 meters, take a bus to the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden Terminal, or drive directly to the garage at 160 Xianhu Road.

Cost: Free to view the parking garage’s floral display

Lianhua Hill Park

For a different kind of autumn magic, head to Lianhua Hill Park. Here, the Chinese Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) puts on a two-act show. In early summer, it’s covered in delicate golden flowers. But come October and November, it sprouts the most charming pink, lantern-like fruits.

Now is the perfect time to see them at their peak, creating a stunning contrast of pink and gold against the autumn sky.

The 2025 Shenzhen Bougainvillea Show is being held at Lianhua Hill Park through Nov. 21, featuring nearly 320 bougainvillea varieties and 20 unique scenic spots. The show is being held alongside the 15th National Games to welcome visitors and infuse the season with vibrant energy.

Photo spots: You can find these beauties all over the park!

Transport: Metro Line 3/4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit E (closest to the park’s south gate); Metro Line 2 to Lianhua West Station (莲花西站), Exit A; Metro Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜岭站), Exit E, and enter the park through the corridor that connects to the UpperHills shopping mall.

Cost: Free entry(Zhang Yu)