The Start of Winter, the first solar term of winter, began this year on Nov 7, heralding the onset of the season.

As Shanghai transitions from autumn to early winter, the city's classical gardens display their beauty with falling leaves and colorful foliage. Here is a collection of great destinations to relax and unwind during this season of change.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is an extensive traditional Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple in downtown Shanghai. The garden highlights meticulous craftsmanship and a serene ambiance with its pavilions, rock formations, and ponds.

Ticket price: 40 yuan ($5.52) per person

Location: No 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu district

Shanghai Garden

Situated within the Shanghai Expo Culture Park, Shanghai Garden boasts a vibrant seasonal display around Danfeng Lake. The fiery red maples and striking Sapium sebiferum trees create a spectacle not to be missed.

Ticket price: 20 yuan per person

Location: No 2200 Expo Avenue, Pudong New Area

Guyi Garden

During this season, Guyi Garden feels cozy and welcoming, showing off a mix of colors from golden hues to crimson reds and deep greens.

Ticket price: 12 yuan per person

Location: No 218 Huyi Highway, Jiading district

Zuibaichi Park

As frost delicately blankets the pavilions and foliage of Zuibaichi Park, visitors are transported to a scene reminiscent of an ancient painting. The interplay of flowers, quaint halls, and classical Jiangnan (the southern region of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) architecture creates a serene tableau.

Ticket price: 6 yuan per person

Location: No 64 South Renmin Road, Songjiang district

Hanxiang Water Garden

Hanxiang Water Garden offers a unique landscape with ancient structures, bridges, and trees that come alive with vibrant colors. Beyond the visual feast, visitors can indulge in camping, water activities, and traditional delicacies.

Ticket price: 36 yuan per person

Location: No 3805 West Jiangchuan Road, Minhang district

Shanghai Grand View Garden (Daguanyuan)

Embracing the hues of late autumn, Shanghai Grand View Garden enchants visitors with its harmonious blend of colors, creating an endless visual delight.

Ticket price: 40 yuan per person

Location: No 701 Jinshang Highway, Qingpu district

Qushui Garden

With a history spanning over 200 years, Qushui Garden is one of Shanghai's five classical gardens, the other four being Yuyuan Garden, Guyi Garden, Qiuxia Garden and Zuibaichi Park. The garden now bursts with a kaleidoscope of seasonal colors.

Admission: Free

Location: No 612 Gongyuan Road, Qingpu district

Qiuxia Garden

Qiuxia Garden boasts over 500 years of history. This park features 17 ancient trees, including a 250-year-old boxwood tree, and 13 varieties of bamboo, all of which come together to create a picturesque landscape. The views of the garden are especially charming in late autumn.

Admission: 10 yuan

Location: No 314 Dongdajie Street, Jiading district

Sources: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism", WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport at "shtransport", Official WeChat account of Huangpu district at "shhuangpu", Qingpu District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and respective parks