Shanghai has unveiled its official autumn travel list, highlighting 12 premier spots across six signature seasonal landscapes — from golden rice paddies and flooded redwoods to ancient ginkgos — for an unforgettable getaway.

 

Golden paddy fields

Experience the rustle of golden waves and tranquil pastoral views on the city's outskirts.

Huahong village: Ocean of grain

Unending golden paddy waves ripple in the crisp autumn breeze. Meandering trails slice through the grain fields, framing rustic homesteads in the background — an idyllic retreat for rustic relaxation.

Address: Luojing town, Baoshan district

Admission & Hours: Free; Open 24/7

Peak viewing: Through early November

Liyao village: Jiangnan countryside charm

Spanning more than 67 hectares, Liyao's vast rice paddies glow under the autumn sun, dotted with white-walled homes. Wooden boardwalks and elevated viewing platforms invite visitors to stroll through the fields.

Address: Qingcun town, Fengxian district

Admission & Hours: Free; Open 24/7

Peak viewing: Through early November

 

Fluffy crimson kochia

Fluffy, pom-pom-like kochia plants transition from lush green to vibrant crimson.

Shanghai Blooming Garden: Rolling pom-poms

Rolling fields of fluffy kochia plants transform into a sweeping sea of deep orange and reddish-pink. The expansive horizons make it a premier backdrop for autumn photography.

Address: No 6060 Xiujing, Daijing village, Zhujing town, Jinshan district

Open: 8 am–5 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm)

Peak viewing: Late October to mid-to-late November

TOP Central Park: Urban color escape

Address: No 9 Dunhuang Road, Putuo district

Open: 24/7

Peak viewing: Late October to mid-to-late November

 

Water Redwoods

Ethereal "flooded forests" where fiery orange-red foliage meets tranquil, mirror-like waters.

Qingxi Country Park: The iconic flooded redwood forest

Address: No 500 Zilian Road., Jinze town, Qingpu district

Open: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Peak viewing: Mid-to-late November to late December

Haiwan National Forest Park: Waterside cypress voyages

Lush groves of bald cypress line the expansive waterways. Visitors can take a peaceful boat ride along the channels, taking in the trees’ changing colors and layered canopy up close.

Address: No 1677 Suitanghe Road, Haiwan town, Fengxian district

Open: 8:30 am–4:30 pm (Last entry 3:30 pm)

Peak viewing: Mid-to-late November to late December

 

Fiery Maples: Crimson canopies & romantic avenues

Bright crimson and amber leaves painted against serene forest lawns and lakeside views.

Dongping National Forest Park: Deep island autumn canopy in Chongming

Address: No 2188 Beiyan Highway, Chongming district

Open: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Peak viewing: Mid-November to mid-December

Maple Leaf Island: A 300-mu crimson paradise

Twenty hectares of natural North American red maples lining waterfront walkways and avenues.

Address: Shantang village, Langxia Town, Jinshan district

Admission & Hours: Free; open 24/7

Peak viewing: Mid-to-late November to early December

 

Chrysanthemum shows: Woodland exhibits & classical gardens

Intricate floral arrangements and classic Chinese garden aesthetics are in full bloom.

Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park: Shanghai's main chrysanthemum showcase

Serving as the main venue for the Shanghai Chrysanthemum Exhibition, the park showcases a variety of wild and sculpted chrysanthemum arrangements interwoven with woodland paths.

Address: No 2000 Jungong Road, Yangpu district

Open: 6 am–5 pm

Peak viewing: Through Nov 29

Qushui Garden: Classical aesthetics & pavilion blooms

Address: No 612 Gongyuan Road, Qingpu district

Open: 6 am–4:30 pm

Peak viewing: Through Nov 22

 

Golden ginkgos: Millennium heritage & gothic romance

Centuries-old trees turning vibrant gold, blanketing ancient sites and urban streets.

Jiading's Millennium Ginkgo Park: Shanghai's 1,200-year-old living legend

Home to Shanghai's "No 0001" ancient ginkgo tree — a 1,200-year-old giant. By late autumn, its vast golden canopy drops a carpet of leaves, transforming the park into a shimmering golden sanctuary.

Address: No 230 Taihai Road, Anting town, Jiading district

Admission & Hours: Free; open 24/7

Peak viewing: Late November to mid-December

Shikong Garden: Downtown Gothic heritage met by gold

Address: Intersection of Middle Jiangxi Road and Hankou Road, Huangpu district

Open: Exterior viewing available 24/7

Peak viewing: Late November to mid-December

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism