Shaoxing Autumn Exclusive: 20min High-Speed Train Direct, Ginkgo Ancient Temples Drunken in Jiangnan
Jiangnan’s autumn is hidden in Shaoxing’s blue bricks and black tiles—20 minutes by high-speed train from Hangzhou, 1 hour from Shanghai. This ancient city, steeped in 2,500 years of Wu-Yue culture, takes the autumn “poetry and distant places” to the extreme: millennium-old ginkgo trees turn golden, water towns wrapped in morning mist and book fragrance, ancient temples with red walls reflecting autumn sunlight, off-the-beaten-path spots with few people and stunning views, classic sites rich in heritage, offering both autumn scenery and cultural satisfaction!
🍁 Top 4 Lesser-Known Autumn Spots: Avoid the crowds and enjoy the private whispers of autumn
1. Donglangang Village · Healing Time Under the Millennium Ginkgo
An hour’s drive from the city, hiding a “living fossil” millennium-old ginkgo tree—over 1,200 years old, said to be planted in the Tang Dynasty. In autumn, its branches and leaves flourish like a golden carpet, sunlight filtering through the leaves, covering the ground with golden fragments. No filter needed for photos, naturally soft light. The nearby green coffee shop is a perfect photo spot; order a coffee and sit by the window, watching ginkgo leaves fall with the wind, extremely cozy. The village’s hot spring guesthouses add extra charm—after admiring autumn, soak in a warm bath to dispel the fatigue from the mountain drive and fall asleep to the sounds of autumn.
2. Renjia Village, Xinchang · Ginkgo Secret Realm in a Deep Mountain Ancient Village
Hidden in the deep mountains of Xinchang, this ancient village has a “secluded” feel. Two ancient ginkgo trees, 800 years old, stand at the village entrance, with thick, sturdy trunks and sprawling branches, complementing the ancient houses with blue tiles and white walls. Nearby, the Changshouling Trail is a hiking paradise; in autumn, the mountains are dyed with layers of color—red maples, yellow sumacs, and ginkgo intertwine, with streams babbling and birds singing in the quiet mountains. Completing the trail heals both body and mind. There is no commercial noise here, only the peaceful blend of the ancient village and autumn scenery.
3. Shijing Reservoir · Oil Painting-Like Redwood Secret Realm
One hour’s drive from Shangyu District, the autumn Shijing Reservoir is as beautiful as an oil painting! The large water cypress forest sheds its green for intense rust red, with straight trunks reflected in the clear lake water. The clash of red and blue creates an ultimate aesthetic. This is a local hidden leisure spot, perfect for camping, cycling, and boating. Sitting by the shore watching the sunset dye the water red, every snap is a photo full of atmosphere.
4. Wuxie Scenic Area · Zen Autumn Scenery of Ancient Temple Ginkgo
Wuxie Scenic Area in Zhuji maximizes the zen vibe of autumn! The millennium-old ginkgo forest in front of Wuxie Zen Temple is a must-visit in autumn—from late November to December, dozens of ancient ginkgo trees turn golden in clusters, fallen leaves cover the ground, contrasting with the simple red walls and flying eaves of the temple, as if traveling through a thousand years. After visiting the ancient temple, you can stroll along the trail to admire the five-tier waterfall. The autumn water flow is moderate, and the waterfall and autumn forest complement each other, lively and magnificent.
🗺️ Must-Visit Classics: Touch the cultural pulse of Shaoxing
Lu Xun’s Hometown · Nostalgic Journey from Textbooks
As Shaoxing’s cultural landmark, this is the best place for an “immersive Lu Xun reading.” Well-preserved late Qing and early Republic of China buildings, winding bluestone paths, soapberry trees in Baicao Garden, and ancient desks in Sanwei Study all restore scenes from textbooks. The chubby Q-version Lu Xun statue on the street is adorable—take a photo with the “master.” At the roadside Xianheng Hotel, order a bowl of yellow wine jelly and a plate of fennel beans to experience the bustling life depicted in Lu Xun’s writings.
Anchang Ancient Town · A Long Scroll of Northern Song Water Town Life
Founded in the Northern Song Dynasty, Anchang Ancient Town is a “living fossil” of Jiangnan water towns. The Xiaoshao Canal runs through the town, with continuous eaves on both banks. The bluestone paths are polished shiny by time, and the blue bricks and black tiles houses are built by the water. Under the eaves hang shiny sausages, marinated ducks, and smoked fish, the unique “autumn flavor” of the ancient town, fragrant and appetizing. Take a black-awning boat slowly across the water, watching the boatman row and the bridge shadows sway, time slows down.
Angsang Lake · Sunset Spectacle on the Long Water Bridge
Pronounced “āng sāng,” Angsang Lake hides Shaoxing’s most romantic autumn scenery! The long bridge stretches north to south across the lake, nearly a thousand meters long, seemingly floating on the blue waves. Walking on the bridge feels like strolling on water, with expansive lake views and autumn shoreline forests on both sides. At dusk, the sunset shines on the lake, sparkling waves, the long bridge, tree shadows, and evening glow form a stunning picture—every shot is wallpaper-worthy.
📝 Travel Tips
1. Transportation: Hangzhou East → Shaoxing East/Shaoxing North, high-speed train 20-30min; Shanghai Hongqiao → Shaoxing, high-speed train about 1 hour. City attractions accessible by bus/taxi; for lesser-known autumn spots, self-driving or carpooling is recommended.
2. Best Time: Mid-November to early December, when ginkgo and water cypress are at their best viewing period. Avoid weekends for fewer crowds.
3. Food Recommendations: Shaoxing yellow wine, fennel beans, braised pork with preserved vegetables, Anchang sausages, marinated chicken—don’t miss these while exploring!
4. Outfit Suggestions: Wear light colors (off-white, apricot, light blue) to stand out against golden ginkgo, redwoods, and ancient villages in photos.
Shaoxing’s autumn is a mutual embrace of nature and culture—featuring the grandeur of ancient trees and the gentleness of water towns, the depth of literati heritage and the warmth of everyday life. With direct high-speed trains and easy itineraries, this autumn, don’t just focus on popular autumn spots—come to Shaoxing for an autumn date!