The black swans at Yanque Lake are stunningly beautiful, like an oil painting

The black swans at Yanque Lake in Nanjing are the exclusive romantic sight of Zhongshan in autumn and winter! Stroll along the west side trail of Plum Blossom Valley, where the red bald cypresses color the lake surface, the clear lake water reflects the shadows of trees and the sky, and the black swans swim leisurely— their ink-black feathers softly shining, necks stretched like arcs, ripples breaking the tree reflections; every frame looks like stepping into an oil painting. Pause to watch them preen their feathers and weave through the bald cypresses, occasionally swimming to the shore to observe visitors without any fear. The wind gently sways the reeds, and the freshness of the plants and lake water fills the air, leaving only bird songs and the sound of paddling; time seems to slow down. Every snapshot is a no-filter wallpaper, and this healing feeling of embracing nature is exactly what makes Nanjing’s autumn and winter so captivating~ Best Viewing Times - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Soft lighting, strong gloss on the swans’ feathers, vibrant colors of the red bald cypresses, photos are less likely to be overexposed. - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Sunset casts a warm golden glow over the lake, shadows lengthen creating a full atmosphere, perfect for capturing the spectacular “sunset swan” scene. - Tips: On rainy or overcast days, swan activity is low; prioritize sunny or partly cloudy days for your visit. Photo Spots 1. Bald Cypress Forest Boardwalk: Use the red bald cypresses as a backdrop to capture side profiles of the swans, incorporating the boardwalk railing for added depth. 2. Shallow Beach on the West Shore: Shoot from a low angle to frame the swans with their reflections on the water, highlighting the “oil painting” effect. 3. Plum Blossom Valley Viewing Platform: Look down from above to see the red bald cypress forest and lake forming geometric lines, with swans dotting like ink spots, ideal for panoramic shots. 4. Reed Bed Edge: Use the reeds as the foreground to capture the swans in motion, blending sharp and soft focus for a cinematic filter effect.