As summer's warmth gently yields to crisp breezes and golden hues, Shanghai transforms into a living canvas of autumn magic. From ginkgo-lined avenues to classical gardens draped in fiery foliage, the city offers some of China's most enchanting fall landscapes. Here are eight picture-perfect locations where you can immerse yourself in Shanghai’s seasonal splendor.
Century Park – The Urban “Autumn Palette”
Known as Pudong’s “lungs,” this vast park becomes a symphony of colors each November. Ginkgos, red maples, and metasequoia trees create a dazzling reflection on the park’s serene lakes—a true feast for the eyes and soul.
🚇 Metro: Lines 2/7, Century Park Station, Exit 1 (South Gate)
📅 Best Time: Early to mid-November
💡 Pro Tip: Extend your day with a visit to the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum nearby, and keep an eye out for seasonal autumn-themed markets!
Wukang Road – The “Wutong Gold Rush”
No autumn visit to Shanghai is complete without a stroll down iconic Wukang Road. Its plane trees form a golden canopy, with fallen leaves carpeting the lane in gold. Historic art deco residences stand framed in warm tones, creating scenes straight out of a classic film.
🚇 Metro: Line 10, Shanghai Library Station, Exit 3 (5-min walk)
📅 Best Time: Mid to late November
💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy the view with a hot latte at Old Mill Café’s outdoor seating—it’s the perfect autumn pairing.
Guhua Garden – A Glimpse of Millennial Grandeur
Home to a stunning 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree, this classical Jiangnan-style garden offers a poetic escape. The ancient tree, in full golden glory, stands proudly among pavilions and arched bridges—ideal for traditional-style photography.
🚇 Metro: Line 5, Huancheng East Road Station, Exit 2 + Fengxian Bus 2
📅 Best Time: Mid-November to early December
💡 Pro Tip: Visit between 7–9 AM to capture the garden veiled in morning mist for an ethereal photoshoot.
Chenshan Botanical Garden – The “Flaming” Quarry Garden
Famous for its dramatic quarry landscape, the garden ignites in autumn with layers of scarlet and orange maple trees cascading toward turquoise waters—a breathtaking, almost surreal, natural masterpiece.
🚇 Metro: Line 9, Dongjing Station, Exit 4 + Songjiang Bus 19
📅 Best Time: Late November to early December
💡 Pro Tip: Admission is CNY 60. Visit after 3 PM to capture the quarry garden bathed in golden sunset light.
Yuyuan Road – A Cozy, Literary Vibe
Quaint, quiet, and effortlessly chic, Yuyuan Road exudes a subtle autumn charm. Plane trees shed leaves along red-brick walls, while creative boutiques and bookstores decorate their windows with seasonal accents.
🚇 Metro: Lines 2/7, Jing’an Temple Station, Exit 7 (walk east)
📅 Best Time: Mid-November to early December
Jing’an Sculpture Park – An Urban Ginkgo Sanctuary
Tucked beside the bustling Nanjing Road, this park offers a stunning hundred-meter ginkgo avenue where golden leaves shimmer against modern art installations—a perfect blend of nature and contemporary culture.
🚇 Metro: Lines 1/2/8, People’s Square Station, Exit 15 (3-min walk)
📅 Best Time: Early to mid-November
Gongqing Forest Park – A Woodland Dreamscape
Vast, wild, and wonderfully photogenic, this park is a top choice for nature lovers. Metasequoia trees glow amber, while oak and plane leaves blanket the grounds—a dreamy setting for portraits or a relaxed picnic.
🚇 Metro: Line 8, Shiguang Road Station, Exit 3 (10-min walk to South Gate)
📅 Best Time: Mid to late December
💡 Pro Tip: Entry is CNY 15. Weekdays are quieter—bring a picnic mat and stay awhile.
Yuyuan Garden – Classical Elegance in Autumn Dress
This Ming-dynasty garden becomes especially poetic in late autumn. Crimson maples contrast with dark-tiled roofs, and the iconic Zigzag Bridge mirrors the fiery scenery—especially enchanting when lit at dusk.
🚇 Metro: Line 10, Yuyuan Garden Station, Exit 1 (3-min walk)
📅 Best Time: Late November to early December
Final Leaf Drop: Your Autumn Story Awaits
From golden ginkgo avenues to misty classical gardens, Shanghai in autumn is nothing short of magical. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the city’s seasonal soul—a beautiful reminder to slow down and savor nature’s transitions. Feel free to contact Hills!
So grab your camera, wear your coziest scarf, and step into Shanghai’s most picturesque season. The golden moments won’t last forever, but the memories surely will. 🍂