Many people say that Autumn is very short and unnoticeable in Guangzhou. Whilst brief, we want to assure you that you can witness the beauty of Fall in the following places in Guangzhou. Don’t miss out, or you’ll have to wait another year.
1. Xiakeng in Baiyun Mountain: oldest maple grove in Guangzhou
You wouldn't believe that there could be such stunning maples in Guangzhou. Located at Xiakeng on Baiyun Mountain (白云山下坑), right across Guangzhou Gymnasium and near Yunxi Eco-park at Baiyun Avenue South in Baiyun District. It is the largest and oldest maple grove in the heart of Guangzhou. Every November, the color of maple leaves gradually becomes redder, presenting a charming, dare we say romantic, scene.
The best time to go is from 8:00 til 10:00 am in the morning and 2:00 to 5:00 pm in the afternoon. In the morning and late afternoon sun the maple leaves are bright red and translucent. Walk down the hillside, and you’ll get some great angles to get some good shots of the maples.
Optimum viewing time: Nov. - Dec.
Admission: RMB 5 per ticket
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 17:00
Transportation: Take metro line 2 and get off at Baiyun Park (白云公园), go out of Exit C, then walk about 1.5 kilometers to get to Guangzhou Gymnasium at No. 783 Baiyun Avenue South. Walk to the other side of the avenue, look for sign boards of Baoyun Hotel (宝云楼) or Songlin Mountain Villa (松林山庄), then walk along the road uphill for about 200 meters, and you will get to Xiakeng.
2. Huangpodong Reservoir: lakeside splendor on Baiyun Mountain
Built in 1956, Huangpodong Reservoir (黄婆洞水库) is the second largest artificial reservoir on Baiyun Mountain. It is embraced on three sides by green hills, and all around the reservoir is lush greenery.
The highlight of the reservoir in Autumn are the metasequoia without doubt. Their leaves begin to turn yellow, offering a magnificent golden backdrop to the reservoir. No matter what angle you approach from? Picture postcard views are waiting to be snapped.
Optimum viewing time: Nov. - Dec.
Admission: RMB 5 per ticket
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 17:00
Transportation: First, you need to get to the West Gate of Baiyun Mountain (白云山西门); take one of the following buses and get off at Foreign Languages College/Baiyun Mountain West Gate station, Bus No.36, 38, 66, 76A, 76, 127, 223, 245, 265, 529, 805, 864, 891, University Town Line 1, Peak Express Line 16, Tourism Bus No. 3, Bus No.9 (Night). Then walk up the mountain along Yunshan North Road for about 2.2 kilometers, and you will come across the reservoir on your left.
3. South China Botanical Garden: Bald cypress forest, one of the Eight Sights of Guangzhou
As one of China’s largest botanical gardens, South China Botanical Garden (华南植物园) has a record number of 5,000 tropical and sub tropical plants consisting of both the local varieties and some imported ones such as bald cypress. The bald cypress was introduced into the Garden from the States in 1959. From December to January, bald cypress needles all turn yellow and red, and reflected in the water, they provide one of the garden’s most beautiful views of the year.
This bald cypress forest (named Longdong Qilin, literally ‘Beautiful Scene of Forests in Longdong’) was once one of the Eight Sights of Guangzhou. It is one of the most iconic scenic spots in the garden.
Optimum viewing time: Nov. - Jan.
Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:30
Admission: RMB 20 per ticket
Transportation: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 6 and get off at Botanical Garden Station (植物园站), then take Exit A to get to the front gate of South China Botanical Garden.
4. Dafu Mountain Forest Park: Look, red leaves all over the mountain
Due to the unique climate, red leaves can be seen for about 60 days in Guangdong. From November to January of the next year, Dafu Mountain Forest Park (大夫山森林公园) is covered with fiery-red needles and sequoia leaves. With red forests, turquoise waters, pavilions, winding corridors and open halls, the Park is a perfect place for an autumnal outing.
Located in the outer reaches of Panyu, Dafu Mountain Forest Park is the largest green area within Guangzhou. The road leading to the not so high mountain top, is newly constructed, making it the perfect place to go mountain-biking.
Optimum viewing time: Nov. - Jan.
Admission: Free
Services: BBQ, bike riding, sightseeing
Transportation: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 and get off at Shiqiao Station (市桥), Exit C. Walk five minutes to Baiyue Square Bus Stop and take Panyu Bus No. 9 or 16. Get off at Dafu Mountain Forest Park bus terminal.
5. Shimen National Forest Park: “Fragrant Mountain” in Guangdong
Shimen National Forest Park in Conghua (从化石门森林公园) is known as the “Fragrant Mountain” in Guangdong for its 500 acres of red leaves. In November every year, red autumnal leaves are everywhere to be seen. With bamboo forests, creeks, and the sea of flowers, the Park is remiscent of Hunan’s famous Jiuzhaigou. Among the gorgeous scenery there is a vividly coloured pool and an ancient forest of about 2,635 acres.
Optimum viewing time: Nov. - late Jan.
Type of red leaves: Acer tutcheri, Elaeocarpus
Self-driving route: From Guangzhou → Airport Expressway → Jiebei Expressway → National Highway 105 → Conghua → Jiekou Town → Shimen National Forest Park.
(Author: Monica Liu; Editor: Simon Haywood)
