Falling into the Southern Dynasties' dream: The maples of Qixia Mountain are autumn’s poem to Jinling

“Who says Nanjing’s autumn is only about the phoenix trees? This hidden red leaf paradise in Qixia Mountain makes me willing to climb until my legs give out!” 📸 Qixia Mountain’s ultimate persona: the imperial-level autumn color ceiling “One Qixia Mountain, half the history of Jinling” — Qianlong stayed here five times on his six southern tours, even Qin Shi Huang checked in. Do you think it deserves it? · Peak season: mid to late November! 20,000 maple trees with 60% fully red, red and yellow intertwined like a tunnel of flames, misty on rainy days making it even more magical (photos come with built-in filters!) · Lazy traveler must-see: Early risers’ perk! Free entry before 6:30 AM, saving 40 yuan on tickets, and you can have the secret spots all to yourself. 🚶‍♀️ Walking route: from “Little Dunhuang” to the top of the Yangtze River ✅ Essential one-day tour 1. Ximenchong! → Head straight to Peach Blossom Lake → Pianyun Pavilion (maple leaf carpet + morning light piercing through the trees = photo jackpot) 2. Qixia Temple (7:00-8:30): Ancient temple with red walls and golden ginkgo, enjoy a bowl of 15-ingredient vegetarian noodles while monks chant, warming to the heart 3. Thousand Buddha Rock → Relic Pagoda: Touch the Southern Dynasties’ Buddha statues, find the “Eastern Flying Apsara” mural, instantly time travel a thousand years 4. Red Leaf Valley → Qin Shi Huang’s riverside spot: Climb to the top to overlook the Yangtze’s bend, the red waves and pine sounds are breathtaking (Bronze Ding viewing platform is a must-shoot!) ⚠️ Pitfall warnings · Don’t foolishly take the mountain trail! Steep stone steps + little scenery, choose the sightseeing vehicle route to circle up the mountain · After 5 PM, exit only, no entry. Plan your sunset shots accordingly! Wear non-slip shoes on rainy days, the steps are very slippery 🍂 Hidden experiences: unlock your social media spotlight · Night maples exclusive: During the Red Maple Festival, lights illuminate the leaves, dreamlike and surreal (check official website for opening times) · Qixia Ancient Town: Snap photos at the cat wall, collect lucky stamps, sip retro coffee at J Café, a paradise for artsy youth · Outfit TIP: Hanfu or plain long skirts + hiking shoes, every snap among red maples and green tiles is a masterpiece 🍜 Zen on the palate: both sweet and savory lovers fall for it · Temple vegetarian hall: Thousand Buddha vegetarian noodles, vegetarian roast goose, 15 yuan fills you up · Snacks at the foot of the mountain: Osmanthus sugar taro shoots! Freshly stewed taro + Jinling osmanthus fragrance, sweet and glutinous fans will scream 💡 Honest truth “Rush to Red Leaf Valley on weekday mornings, so few people you can hear the heartbeat of falling leaves! Weekends? Traffic jams make you question life… don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Travel tips: Metro Line 2 → Nanjing University Xianlin Campus Station → transfer to bus 328/138 direct; drivers, arrive before 7 AM or parking spots vanish instantly 🗣 Final ramble: The beauty of Qixia Mountain is the ultimate collision of Six Dynasties’ fireworks and autumn’s passionate blaze! “If you miss this place, Jinling’s autumn will be missing its most vibrant page.” ✨