Into the latter half of November, the autumnal charm of Hangzhou is getting stronger. The most beautiful scenery in the city is undoubtedly the West Lake scenic area. Want to know whether the ginkgo trees have turned yellow, the maple leaves turned red, and the dawn redwood changed color? Just come to Meiling South Road and revel in the palettes of red, orange, yellow, green, and all other colors.

Following the Start of Winter (the 19th solar term), the maple trees on Meiling South Road are like a spilled palette of colors, with reds that are so vibrant and passionate, yellows that are bold and striking, and greens that are infused with energy. A dynamic interplay of red, orange, yellow, and green hues unfolds in the seemingly straightforward canvas of nature.

In late November and early December, a “caramel colored version” of Meiling South Road will come into being, featuring the spectacular bright red color of the red maple, golden yellow of falling ginkgo leaves, and copper red of the dawn redwood. These vivid shades stand in contrast with the expansive green cover of tea plantations, creating a unique and stunning landscape.

For photography enthusiasts, the best time of day to shoot photos is in the early morning and the golden hour before 4 p.m., when the sunlight creates the perfect ambiance. Currently, the dawn redwood and red maples have not fully changed to red colors. Visitors who prefer vibrant color contrasts are advised to visit at the end of November or the beginning of December.

Xianghu Lake, a “sister” of the West Lake, is also well-known for its exceptional beauty. While the peak of her allure is yet to come, her charm is already palpable.

Every autumn and winter, the ginkgo trees will shed their green hue and turn golden yellow, which stand in contrast with the dark trunks, generating a mood of calm and serenity.

Many ginkgo trees in Phase II of the Xianghu Lake scenic area have turned yellow, while those on Nanliu Road are beginning to change color, from green to yellow. You may come to visit later for the best views.

If you are fond of bright and vibrant red, the Chinese tallow trees in the Xianghu scenic area will not disappoint. Into November, the emerald green, golden yellow, or orange-red leaves all shimmer in the sunlight, creating a multilayered, colorful tapestry. On clear days, you are recommended to take a stroll around Hushan Square in proximity to the Xianghu Lake. As you pause to admire the beautiful scenery, don’t forget to look up – the red leaves overhead will definitely immerse you in the enchanting spectacle of the changing seasons.