When the cool autumn breeze dyes the mountains and lakeshores of Jiangsu, Qixia Mountain in Nanjing becomes a sea of fiery red maples, Tianping Mountain in Suzhou glows with crimson leaves along its stone paths, and chrysanthemums bloom like poems by the waters of Slender West Lake in Yangzhou. From climbing mountains to hear temple bells amid red maples, to strolling through maple-lined paths in search of literati charm, to admiring chrysanthemums by the lake and Savoring Jiangnan elegance — every step is steeped in the Splendor and gentleness of autumn. Between the crimson maples and golden chrysanthemums, one can read the romantic poetry of Jiangsu's autumn.
Nanjing: Crimson Maples Beside the Ancient Temple of Qixia
In the early morning, Qixia Mountain in Nanjing is still wrapped in a faint veil of autumn mist, yet the maples have already donned their brilliant attire. The leaves of the Chinese red maple glow translucent orange-red, while the trident maple edges shimmer with gold; the crowns of the Manchurian maple blaze like clusters of fire. Along the mountain trail, fallen leaves form a soft red carpet that rustles beneath the feet. Occasionally, a maple leaf spirals down from the branches, landing gently on one's shoulder — a whisper of autumn's vitality. Halfway up the mountain lies Qixia Temple, where vermilion walls and dark roofs contrast beautifully with the scarlet maples beyond. Inside, ginkgo trees have turned golden, and sunlight filtering through maple and ginkgo leaves scatters a dappled glow upon the grey-brick paths. From the viewing platform in front of the temple, one can see the sea of red maples merging with the distant Yangtze River — a breathtaking autumn panorama. When the breeze stirs, the temple bell tolls softly, resonating with a deep and tranquil echo.
Suzhou: Seeking Refined Pleasures among the Red Maples of Tianping Mountain
By late morning, Tianping Mountain in Suzhou is ablaze with "maple passion." The mountain's red maples are famed for their antiquity, rarity and abundance. Centuries-old trees spread their twisted, dragon-like branches — some coiling like a resting dragon reaching toward the sea, others unfurling like a phoenix spreading its wings. Under the autumn sun, the leaves shift in hues from amber to deep crimson, layer upon layer, glowing like living flames. Walking along the "Red Maple Ravine," the murmuring stream mirrors the scarlet canopies above, creating a vivid scene of "maples reflecting in the emerald pool." Children gather fallen leaves by the water's edge, their laughter adding youthful joy to the serenity of autumn. Tianping Mountain is not only about natural beauty but also rich with cultural grace. At its foot stands the Fan Zhongyan Hall, built in honor of Northern Song statesman Fan Zhongyan. Nearby, the Tianping Villa features elegant pavilions and winding corridors; in its courtyard, red maples blend harmoniously with green bamboo, epitomizing the refined aesthetics of Jiangnan gardens.
Yangzhou: Chrysanthemums Reflecting on the Rippling Waters of Slender West Lake
As dusk descends upon Yangzhou's Slender West Lake, the shimmering water mirrors the splendid chrysanthemums blooming along its banks. "Ink Chrysanthemums" unfold in deep violet tones, exuding quiet elegance like a wash of Chinese ink; "Green Peonies" display layers of delicate, fresh-green petals; while "Golden-backed Crimson" varieties dazzle with scarlet fronts and golden reverses, glowing vividly under the setting sun. Following the Chrysanthemum Fragrance Path along the lakeside, each floral cluster is accompanied by graceful calligraphic inscriptions — "Autumn Blossoms by the Cottage," "Legacy of Tao Yuanming" — evoking his poetic imagery of "picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence." Aboard a painted boat drifting across the lake, one can admire the chrysanthemums from the water, where their reflections mingle with ornate eaves and the distant Wuting Bridge to form a living autumn scroll. The boatwoman often recounts stories of the flower's history, noting that "Yangzhou Yellow" is a traditional local cultivar with over a century of cultivation heritage.
